CTI Communications Technologies

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CTI Communications Technologies eRate Processing
Services
UNDERSTANDING ERATE
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Endorsement
Our applications were submitted very efficiently
and effectively. CTI is VERY knowledgeable
regarding the refund eligibility process on the
application and it was made very evident on
applications filed for SCPS. The eligible refund
amount that CTI prepared was more that DOUBLE of
what was filed last year. Kendra McCreedy,
Account Clerk Stafford County Public School,
Stafford, VA
I often visit with my peers around the state
hearing their struggles with the eRate process, I
grin and say, the only way it to have a
consultant. I basically put the entire
application process into his hands. Not only
does he prepare the forms, but he also takes the
calls from the SLD officials seeking further
explanation of the applications. Curt Fuchs,
PhD, Dir of IITS Columbia Public Schools,
Columbia, MO
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The Beginning
This program was put into place by an act of the
US Congress to advance technology used in
education, specifically PK-12 and public
libraries. The E-Rate program is controlled by
the FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
Communications Act of 1996 and the funding is
distributed by the Schools and Libraries Division
(SLD) of the USAC (Universal Services
Administrative Company). All non-profit schools
are qualified to apply for eRate funding incurred
by all eligible products.
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WHAT DOES IT APPLY TO?

• ERate Applies To Annual Technology Cost In Two
  Categories
• Priority One (Monthly Fees)
  P1 Funding
  applies to operation cost in the area of Local
  and Long Distance Telephone Services, Internet
  Access, Cellular Phones and Website Hosting
  charges.
• Priority Two (Internal Connections)
  P2 Funding
  applies to both voice and data networks. More
  specifically it applies to 1)telephone switches
  and cabling and 2) computer networks servers,
  routers, cabling, hubs, switches etc.
• ERate does not apply to end-user equipment such
  as PCs or telephone handsets. For a more
  exhaustive list of what is and is not eligible
  for funding visit http//corptele.com/ex_what-elig
  ible.htm

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How is the Funding Distributed?
Funding is distributed to all P1 (Priority One)
applications first, with the remaining funds, SLD
(USAC Schools Libraries Division) begins with
the schools qualifying for highest level of
discount (90) and continues to award funding
digressing to the schools qualifying for the
lower levels of eligible discount. In recent
years, the P2 Funding category depletes somewhere
in the mid 70s. We anticipate this will
gradually move to lower schools since a new
ruling has recently changed the P2 application
process. Schools can now only receive P2
funding twice out of a five (5) year period.
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How does eRate Pay?

• ERate funding is determined by two factors 1)
  How much you spend each fiscal year and 2) the
  schools funding discount eligibility level.
• Its best to break down funding amounts by P1
  (services) and P2 (projects) as explained
  earlier.
• Funding discount quantities are based on the
  economic depravation level of your student body.
  If your school participates in the free reduced
  lunch program, these numbers can be used to
  establish your percentage of funding. However,
  many schools prefer doing an annual survey which
  can be download at www.corptele.com/nspl_survey.pd
  f

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How does eRate Pay?
After identifying your schools percentage of
qualified students, use the matrix to determine
your funding ratio. For example if you are an
urban school (communities of 30K or more) with 1
or more of qualified students, your school is
eligible to receive 40 funding in technology
cost each year.
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How does eRate Pay?
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When do we get the Funding?
Obviously, thats the big question! The eRate
funding fiscal year is based on cost incurred
from July 1st June 30 or basically a
traditional school year. After a school has
received the Funding Commitment Letter from the
SLD, the school must determine if they would like
to receive a check for each service monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Up until
this point, every thing has been based on
estimations, however, the actual checks are base
upon the actual cost of the service. Monthly is
not recommended since this would mean bill copies
would have to be sent to CTI each month and is a
poor use of staff time. All other timelines
would be preferred by our staff.
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What is our Responsibility?
If you have never been involved with filing for
eRate, the first cycle might seem a little
overwhelming. But dont be concerned, youll
find that CTI does the vast majority of the work
and will come along side you to make sure the
process is completed with success.
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What is Your Responsibility?

• Mainly youll be responsible in just two areas
• Supplying documented information to meet the
  specification established by SLD. CTI will need
  items such as non-profit certification and
  documentation of eligible services we are
  requesting funds to be applied to.
• Technology Plan. SLD will need proof of a state
  approved Tech Plan for your school to received
  funding for internet access (P1) or any P2
  projects. If you dont have one presently, we
  will provide you with an easy to use template,
  make suggestions and identify a Tech Plan
  approver in your state.

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Technology Plan Approval
After your technology plan has been developed, it
will need to be submitted to a certified
technology plan approver. Our website can list
several different certified tech plan approvers
in your state and for Christian schools. Before
contacting one, let us help you to identify your
best option. 1) A first choice would be to use
a tech plan approver connected with any school
association that you are a member of. 2)
Secondly, in certain states, the Department of
Education approves tech plans at no charge or 3)
an independent approver can do this at a nominal
fee. Please remember that a tech plan can be
approved for a time frame of one to five years,
and the normal length is a 3-year window.
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Thank You!
I hope this has been helpful in understanding the
eRate process and how we assist schools in
receiving funding for which they are eligible to
receive every year. Feel free to visit our
website and gather additional information about
eRate or other services our company can assist
you with. www.corptele.com/erate.htm Or call our
toll fee number and Ill be glad to answer your
questions 866-858-1100 Dan Burns

eRate Technology
Consultant