Sunesys | Education

Education and E-rate FAQ's

Q) What (and Who) is E-Rate?

FCC - Federal Communications Commission – sets policies and oversees program
USAC - Universal Service Administrative Company
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation designated as the administrator of the federal Universal Service Fund by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). USAC administers Universal Service Fund (USF) programs for high cost companies serving rural areas, low-income consumers, rural health care providers, and schools and libraries (E-Rate). The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps provide communities across the country with affordable telecommunications services.
SLD - Schools and Libraries Division (E-RATE)
a division of USAC responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the E-rate Program
State E-rate Coordinators
Serve as advocates for applicants
Provide information to SLD reviewers
Universal Service Fund
Currently, all telecommunications companies that provide service between states, including long distance companies, local telephone companies, wireless telephone companies, paging companies, and payphone providers, are required to contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund. Carriers providing international services also must contribute to the Universal Service Fund.

Q) What is the Sunesys E-Rate WAN Solution?

Our E-Rate WAN solution provides affordable, high-speed, dedicated fiber optic network connectivity. Sunesys engineers, manages and maintains the end-to-end fiber based solution.

Q) What is included in the Sunesys solution?

Sunesys’ Priority 1 E-Rate WAN Solution includes:
Managed GigE, 10 Gig or Fast Ethernet connection over a dedicated fiber infrastructure
WAN Edge devices (Sunesys owned)
Installation, staging and testing
Proactive network management and maintenance

Q) What is the Sunesys SPIN #? How long has Sunesys been involved with the E-Rate Program?

SPIN: 143019764
Service Provider Name: Sunesys, LLC.
Contact Name: Walt Tustin
Contact Address: 202 Titus Avenue, Warrington, PA 18976
Contact Email: erate@sunesys.com
Contact Phone: 267-927-2020
Eligible Telecomm Provider: Y
SPAC Filed: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Q) Is my District or Facility eligible for E-Rate?

Typically, most K-12 educational facilities, consortia and libraries are eligible, but there are some requirements. A facility’s or district’s eligibility can be determined by verifying information on the E-Rate website.

Q) Are my requested Services eligible for E-Rate?

Telecommunication Services and Internet Access are categorized as Priority One Services. Typically, Priority One Services are services that need a service provider of some sort. Portions of a school’s or library’s telecommunications system that do not “require” a service provider are categorized as Priority Two Services (Internal Connections). Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) distributes and updates an Eligible Services List for entities to determine a service’s eligibility and whether it is Priority One or Priority Two. Institutions with specific eligibility questions regarding services should refer to this list and adhere to application guidelines to ensure proper compliance.

Q) What if I have specific questions regarding the E-Rate Program?

For the most current E-Rate information, visit the SLD Website.

Q) What is the process for applying for E-Rate?

Funding Year 2007 Example-(Please refer to the SLD website for up to date information.)
Phase
Approx. Dates
Major Elements
Selecting Services July 2007 to Jan 2008
Tech Plan, Form 470,
RFPs, Signed Contract
Requesting Discounts Nov 2007 to Feb 2008 Form 471, NSLP data,
Application review (PIA)
Delivering Services July 1, 2008 to
June 30, 2009 Form 486, Service
Substitutions, Form 500
Getting Paid July 2008 to Oct 2009 BEARs, SPIs, Form 500,
Service Certifications