WIRELESS NETWORK DEPLOYMENT FUNDING VIA E-RATE/INTERNAL CONNECTIONS
Press Release
Secure Edge Networks' E-RATE ASSISTANCE Program provides wireless networking design and assistance with the E-Rate funding process for K-12 schools in North and South Carolina
Charlotte, NC, March 30, 2010- Secure Edge Networks has launched a program to help K-12 schools in North and South Carolina fund high speed Wireless Network Deployments by helping with the wireless design and process of navigating through the E-Rate program.
E-Rate is a program of the Universal Service Fund, administered under the direction of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) by the USAC (Universal Service Administration Company). The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for:
- Telecommunications Services
- Internet Access
- Internal Connections
The program is intended to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services. Discounts received depend on the level of poverty and the rural/urban status of the served population. Discounts can range from 20% to 90% of eligible services. Libraries, schools, and school districts that are eligible may apply as part of a consortium or individually.
E-Rate Funding Process
Funding may be requested under one of the four different categories of service:
- Telecommunications Services
- Internet Access
- Internal Connections
- Basic maintenance of internal connections
Secure Edge works with school systems to perform a Wireless LAN Site Survey, complete Wireless Network Deployment, and design Wireless LAN Management that can be funded under the Internal Connections category of the E-Rate program.
The Need for Wireless Networking in Schools
Schools today have a significant need for high speed internal connections to cover both indoor and outdoor areas on campuses. Programs such as the 1:1 initiative mean that each student will eventually be working on a laptop using internet intensive learning applications. The cost of deploying copper and traditional wired connections is significant, so many schools are opting for a high speed 802.11n wireless solution to provide the most flexibility and cost savings for their schools.
Secure Edge E-Rate Assistance Program
Wireless LAN Site Surveys and Wireless Site Survey Software is typically a very expensive proposition ($2,500-$15,000 per school for a traditional Wireless LAN Site Survey), but also very necessary to ensure a successful Wireless Network Deployment. The challenge with the E-Rate funding process is that Schools may be tentative to spend capital on a wireless site survey before being guaranteed the funding is in place for the project. Under the Secure Edge E-Rate Assistance Program schools can benefit from the wireless and security planning from Secure Edge at no cost to the school. The program will provide the following services and documentation free of charge:
- Role Based Security Design (students, faculty & staff, guests)
- Predictive RF Coverage Maps
- Bill of Materials
- Project Timeline
- Total Project Cost
For information on the SecurEdge E-Rate assistance program visit http://www.securedgenetworks.com/e-rate-offer/
For complete information on the E-Rate program and process, visit the E-Rate Website at http://www.usac.org/sl/
About Secure Edge Networks, LLC
Secure Edge Networks, LLC, a specialty IT Solutions Provider focused on areas of Mobility, Security and Network Convergence for Schools and Hospitals in the South East. To learn more, visit http://www.securedgenetworks.com/e-rate-offer/
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Philip Wegner
Secure Edge Networks, LLC
+1-704-688-9355
pwegner@securedgenetworks.com
© 2010 Secure Edge Networks, LLC. All rights reserved. Offers are subject to change without notice.