What do I need to do to get E-Rate?
I'm going to take some information off the slides I used for Fall Workshop to answer this question. You'll notice that I separate it into 4 different levels. The amount of effort required is directly...
View ArticleWhat do you need when you file Form 471?
This year's deadline to file Form 471 online is February 12, 2009 at 9:59pm MST.So what do you need to have with you when you go online?Form 470Your 471 is based on your 470 so you want to make sure...
View Articlecalculating discounts for libraries
Donna Caban and I put together a spreadsheet last fall for Montana public libraries to use to determine their E-Rate discounts. It's linked from here on the right under 2008 Discounts.Feel free to...
View ArticleLast minute E-Rate tips
Here are a few tips from Linda Schatz to maintain your sanity for these last few hours of the window today and tomorrow.After you submit your application online, I would recommend that you go to:“Apply...
View ArticleBroadband Stimulus and E-rate
You've probably heard about the federal stimulus package and the broadband plan within that. Bob Cooper and others have sent emails to wired-mt on it.I'll try to explain some of the basics of it here...
View ArticleOctober E-Rate deadlines
October 29, 2009 is the deadline for filing Form 486 for FY 2009-10 for many of you. This dealine applies if you received your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) on or before July 1, 2009....
View Articlee-rate form 471 window opened on 12/3/09
The window for the E-Rate Form 471 FY 2010-2011 opened on December 3, 2009 at 12 noon EST (10am MST). It closes at 11:59 pm EST (9:59pm MST) on Thursday, February 11, 2010.If you haven't yet filed Form...
View Article2011 Form 471 Tips
From our friends at SLD. Remember the 471 window closes on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 9:59 PM MDT.The discounts are available via the 2011 Discounts link on the right. You'll also find your FSCS code...
View ArticleE-Rate Deadlines
Every fall I try to check USAC's database to see which libraries may have E-Rate funds outstanding. Here's a list of Montana public libraries for whom more was committed than disbursed. If you receive...
View ArticleIt's 471 season
The window for E-Rate Form 471 opened on Monday, January 9, 2012 and will close at 11:59 pm EDT (9:59 pm MDT) on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. That makes Tuesday, February 21, 2012 is the last day to post...
View ArticleE-Rate Calendar
July 1 - start of funding year. Form 470 for upcoming year can be filed any time after July 1. Must be available online for 28 days prior to filing Form 471. See mid-January to March dates below. End...
View ArticleWave 1 FY2012
The following Montana public libraries were funded in the first wave of E-Rate. You should be getting your Funding Commitment Decision Letters this week BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY...
View ArticleE-rate 2013 - 1st funding wave
BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm 880.74 BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 130.9 BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 661.54 BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 1090.32 BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY...
View Article471 Window Announced
From USAC Schools and Libraries FY2014 Application Filing Window Dates Announced The FCC Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2014 will open at noon EST on Thursday, January 9, 2014 and...
View ArticleWhat do you need to have handy when your file Form 471?
I promised a quick list of items you should have nearby when you're ready to start Form 471 Copy of your 470 - check and make sure that the allowable contract date has passed before you sit down to...
View ArticleCurrent OPI school lunch figures for 2014 E-rate discount
Apparently, OPI is no longer updating the reporting database I've referred you to in the past. Instead I've been sent instructions on how to access a PDF file with all the school lunch data....
View Article471 correction tips
This information came out in Friday's News Brief. If you filed a Form 471 this year, you should be receiving a RAL in the mail soon. This is your first and best opportunity to make corrections to the...
View Article2014 1st Wave
Funding commitments are coming out for the following Montana libraries: BUTTE SILVER BOW PUB LIBRARY - Internet Access - $7098 CONRAD PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $429.41 DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Internet...
View ArticleE-Rate Changes
I trust many of you have been following the FCC's E-Rate modernization quest. I apologize for not posting anything sooner. I've been waiting for some of the proposed changes to be clarified. But it...
View ArticleArchived Training Videos for 2015 E-Rate After Modernization Order
We did create a few videos to try to help you understand the changes and the E-Rate application process as it stands today in 2015: E-Rate 471 - https://vimeo.com/117403089 Working Our Way through...
View ArticleGetting ready for 471
While the 471 window has yet to be announced by USAC, there are some things you can and should do to get ready. File your Form 470. Don't wait. Just do it. If you've already filed and have second...
View ArticleYes, you've been funded. Now what?
Ran a report today and found the following FRNs have been funded for the following libraries: 1699000318 BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY 1699061543 BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY 1699025056 BRIDGER PUBLIC...
View ArticleAre you ready for E-rate FY 2018?
USAC recently announced the dates for the 471 window for 2018 in a special news brief: http://usac.org/sl/tools/news-briefs/preview.aspx?id=808 : Some of the key points: Funding Year (FY) 2018 FCC...
View ArticleSample Internet Use Policies from ALA
It's a good idea to review and possibly revise your Internet Use Policy (and other library policies) every few years to make sure it reflects the views of your board and community. As Internet Use...
View ArticleCategory 1 Internet Access Options
As we're coming down to the wire for Form 470 for E-rate FY 2018, there appears to be some confusion about what to select for Internet Access. I found this handy chart on E-rate Central: A couple of...
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