2012 E-rate and State Contract For Wireless (Cell) Voice And Data Services

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January 25, 2012

The current Department of Administration (DOA) statewide contract for wireless (cell) voice and data services expires on June 30, 2012. DOA is rebidding the contract and is projecting a target date of May to get a new contract signed. Obviously, this is well after the E-rate Form 471 deadline of March 20. Therefore, to ensure that schools and libraries continue to get E-rate discounts on their cell services past June 30, DPI recommends you undertake one of the two options below, with option 1 being preferable.

Option 1: Recommended Action

Because there will be no new DOA cell contract by March 20, this option is based on the need for schools and libraries to work directly with cell providers and to file both the Form 470 and 471.

1. Form 470. Following the SLD's guidance on conducting an open bid process, file the 470 seeking wireless voice and data services. Note: In addition to voice, if you want to receive data services (e.g., web access, email, etc.), be certain to check on Block 2 both #8, Telecommunication Services and #9, Internet Access. (The SLD considers web access, email, texting, etc., to be Internet access.)
2. Form 471. Wait at least the required 28 days and then following the SLD's guidance on selecting the most cost-effective provider, file the Form 471.

Additional information

If you are now getting cell services under the current DOA contract, one of the following companies provides these services.

• AT&T Mobility (had been Cellular One) (contact information).
• U.S. Cellular (contact information), including companies doing business as (dba) U.S. Cellular.
• Verizon Wireless (contact information).

While it is necessary to have an open bid process, you can contact your current provider's account representative and let that person know you have filed a Form 470. (If you do not have an account representative, see the contact information link above for each provider.) Some of the providers may require at least a one year contract. Reference in the contract that if the carrier is selected as a provider under the new DOA contract, and it offers services at a lower cost than your contract, that you will be able to get the lower costs.

Option 2: Alternative Action

The SLD does have an alternative process for state contracts that do not follow the timing of the E-rate application process. This alternative is explained on the SLD's State Replacement Contracts website and is the "Scenario A - State master contracts expiring before the funding year" option. DPI had schools follow this process for the previous DOA cell contract bid in 2007. Frankly, it was complex and took over 6 months for the SLD to process all the required SPIN changes. (Thus, DPI recommends Option 1.) Anyone wanting to use this alternative process should contact Bob Bocher by February 10.

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DPI E-rate Website

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For questions about this information, contact Stephen N. Sanders (608) 266-3856

Last updated on 5/23/2012 10:35:16 AM