• We received a Connectivity update letter from the SCI. What do I need to do at this point? Why do we need to sign a MOU?
  • The School Connectivity Initiative team is executing directives from the General Assembly Special Provisions which include the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Letter of Agency (LOA) for the backbone connections in order to receive Connectivity Funding. Please return the forms promptly so that we can proceed with the LEA backbone connections and distribute the allocated annual funding.
• What is the need for a NC Education Backbone? Why do I need to be on it?
  • The backbone is being established to provide an efficient path for local traffic ("Keeping Local Traffic Local"). Currently, this will not be the path for Internet service. The backbone connection will signficantly reduce your Internet traffic and significantly improve your connectivity to statewide content and administrative resources.
• How will we benefit from being connected to the NC EdNet backbone?
  • The network will provide value technically, economically, and improve application and services delivery.
    • Technical Value-Added Services:
      • Reduced latency to key required state applications and instructional resources, including end-to-end Layer 3 QoS.
      • Independent third-party problem mitigation.
      • Backup Internet carrier over NCREN.
    • Application & Service Delivery Enhancements:
      • Connection to Internet2 and National Lambda Rail.
      • Direct access to DPI and University resources.
      • Centralized delivery of tools.
    • Economic Benefits:
      • E-Rate optimized LEA connections.
      • Reduced Internet costs with local traffic going directly to NCREN.
      • Leveraged Internet capacity purchases.
      • Reduced operating costs of conent delivery and security services.
• If we are committing to the NC Education backbone, what will it cost us?
  • There is no cost to the LEAs. This is part of the planned connectivity expenditures included in the GA appropriation. In order to optimize the cost, we are filing as a consortium to recover e-Rate funds wherever possible. In some cases, we'll be asking LEAs to file individually, but with the complete assistance from the e-Rate support team.
• What can I access via this NCREN backbone connection?
  • This backbone is being established to provide an efficient path for local traffic. The additional route will allow content such as Learn and Earn Online, NC Virtual School, NC WISE, and university-based content to be accessed much more effeciently and reliably.
• Why do I need to sign the LOA for consortium filing of the backbone?
  • A large number of LEAs are in the footprint of the three large network providers. They already have contracts with the State of North Carolina. Thus, if we file as a consortium, we can recover e-Rate for the backbone cost. The consortium will file, receive, and disperse funds on behalf of the member LEAs.
• Will this filing affect what I am doing with our 2008-2009 e-Rate applications?
  • No. The work that will be completed for this year with the School Connectivity Initiative will have no impact on LEA applications that are currently being processed for the 2008-09 school year.
• Will we file for e-Rate as we have in the past? Priority 1? Priority 2?
  • The DPI e-Rate Coordinator, Ed Chase, and e-Rate Central (our statewide consultant) will provide all training and support; including routine follow-up/reminders, but each LEA will continue to be responsible for all e-Rate filings.
• How do we gain access to the e-Rate assistance provided by the School Connectivity Initiative?
  • Contact Ed Chase, e-Rate Coordinator
• How much funding will be allocated to us? How was the amount determinted?
  • The allocation is based on actual LEA wide area network and Internet costs after e-Rate discounts.
• What do we need to fo to receive my LEA's allocation?
  • Return the signed MOU, and LOA to DPI by 2/1/2008 along with the requested WAN and ISP contract information.
• My contract for Internet Connectivity is expiring June 30, 2008. What do you recommend I do?
  • We are advising LEAs to sign one year contracts for Internet access as the Connectivity project will continue to mature over the next few months. It is possible that new options for Internet access will become available for 2009-10 applications.
• My LEA has not had a detailed Connectivity Initiative Team site survey. When will we be visited?
  • We have indentified and prioritized LEAs through a set of criteria that includes those: not on fiber, with low bandwidth, other priorities (Manning, Learn and Earn), and those not with a long-term provider agreement. Many of these LEAs have been visited with others scheduled. We will post information here as it becomes available.
• How can I get instructions to fill out the MOU and LOA?
  • Contact Ed Chase for both the MOU and LOA, or refer your question to Connectivity Help.

For more information the back bone click here.

Have more questions? You can post additional questions or comments two ways listed below. Your questions will be directed to the appropriate team member, and you should receive a response in one business day.

• Connectivity Website: Contact Us
• Email: Connectivity Help