Agenda Item
h. E-RATE Category 1 Offsite Student Internet Connectivity Options (Not to exceed $240,660)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the purchase of internet connectivity options and associated infrastructure components from T-Mobile for an amount not to exceed $240,660. The district cost should not exceed $46,746, after the 90% E-rate discount.
Why: The purpose of this agenda item is to support the district’s ongoing efforts to provide students equitable access to the technology tools necessary in a hybrid/remote learning environment.
Details: The district is committed to providing necessary support for students participating in remote learning experiences. This request specifically addresses the need to purchase internet connectivity options to assist students in households without connectivity to the internet.
The United States Congress passed a law authorizing the FCC to fund Internet connectivity technologies for K-12 schools, based on a school’s free and reduced lunch percentage.
The program covers or has covered:
● E-rate Category 1 (formerly Priority 1): Provides equipment and services to attach DCSD buildings to the DCSD Wide Area Network as well as Internet connectivity and Wireless hotspots. Current purchases, if approved, are reimbursed by up to 90%.
T-Mobile hotspots are eligible for E-rate funding. The E-rate program helps schools and libraries receive funding for eligible equipment and connectivity services, including mobile wireless Internet services that can be supported by and delivered with Wi-Fi hotspots.
Financial impact: If E-rate is awarded, the pre-discounted amount shall not exceed $240,660. The district cost should not exceed $46,746 after the 90% E-rate discount.
General Fund 100.2800.553000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: July 2025
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Chronology of Internet Connectivity
The district is committed to supporting students who participate in remote
learning. To help ensure students have equitable access to the internet
beyond the classroom, 1,500 hotspots and service plans are available for
students who meet eligibility requirements.
Hotspots offer reliable internet access for students in households without
existing connectivity. However, availability will be limited, and the number of
devices being distributed has been scaled back compared to the levels
provided during the global pandemic.
Approved purchases are reimbursed through the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) for up to 90% of the cost. The district will
cover the remaining 10% of all associated expenses.
Financial Impact:
Year Amount Requested Amount Spent
2022 $1,500,000 $720,000
2023 $1,500,000 $450,000.23
2024 $500,000 $500,000
2025 $360,000 $345,502.61
2026 $46,746 requested -