Possible changes ahead in DSL charges

The word came this week from the E-Rate person at Mid-Rivers that they would no longer unbundle charges for internet access lines from internet service charges. Apparently, this is in response to an FCC decision from 2005 DSL lines are no longer regulated. Many libraries have taken advantage of the fact that DSL/T1 lines were considered regulated telecomm services to apply for these under Telecommunications Services in E-Rate.

I wouldn't be surprised if other telecomms take this stance. So, be prepared to face CIPA yet again.

Libraries faced with this unbundled internet access have a couple of options:

1. Drop internet from your e-rate requests and apply for just basic telephone service - local, long distance, cellular. The added advantage of this approach is that you don't have to worry about technology plans. As SLD seems to be cracking down on tech plans, I find this an attractive option.
   
2. Apply for discounts for internet under Internet Access. You may need to file a new Form 470. Luckily you still have time to do so for this funding year.
   

• Libraries with Mid-Rivers as a telecomm/internet service provider will have to have a request under Internet Access to receive discounts for their DSL lines in this upcoming funding year. You'll apply for local and long distance under Telecomm and High speed internet access under Internet Access. The quote from Mid-Rivers will include both DSL and monthly internet.
  
• Other libraries would be well-advised to list "high speed internet access" in their Form 470 under both Telecomm and Internet Access just in case their providers decide to go this route. This is, of course, in direct contradiction to what I've told some of you already. But if you want to keep internet discounts (or at least keep this option open), you may need to be prepared to go along with whatever your provider decides. It's not like there's a lot of competition out there in most of our communities.

But, keep in mind, that accepting discounts in the Internet Access category requires you to comply with CIPA, including installing CIPA-compliant filters on all computers with internet access. And having a public meeting over a CIPA/NCIPA-compliant Internet Use Policy.

There is another plus to having to file a new Form 470 for those of you who are keeping internet access as an option, it gives you a chance to take a look at your tech plan and assign it a creation date prior to your Form 470.