Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund
Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes for June 12, 2003

 

Members Present:             Phil Lindley, Joanne Steneck, Bill Black, Linda Lord for Gary Nichols, Dick Hinkley for Greg Scott, Barry Crommett, Gerry Dube, Scott Thibeau, Lisa Simonds for Melinda Poore, Reginald Palmer

 

Members Absent:           

 

1. Approval of Minutes from April 17, 2003, meeting.

 

2. Status of Connections.  Barry Crommett reported that there are 400 installed standard 56 kbps connections, 461 installed T-1 connections, and 83 installed ATM circuits that serve 140 sites (1001 total sites).  Two more ATM connections are to be installed (Vinalhaven and Winthrop), totaling 85.  We discussed the Grand Isle Library request for MSLN connection.  It is not an “official” library and is open very few hours a week and is not eligible for a connection.
    
3. Status of Internet Service and Filtering.  Gerry Dube said that the Internet service is “running quite well.”  MSLN peaks at 100Mbps.  Regarding filtering, more control is exercised by local sites and the period for changes to take effect has been shortened with new software versions.  Most issues with the filtering vendor have been solved and UNET will continue with this vendor, same fee.  He also commented on SPAM control, UNET “tags” suspect mail for disposal by the receiver.

 

4. Federal E-Rate Status.  Edna Comstock said that the CIPA court case is yet to be decided and that schools have to “certify” compliance every year.  Regarding the appeals, we are waiting for the commitment letter for the earlier, smaller appeal, Edna will follow up; nothing new on the Year 2002 appeal, she with check the status and contact congressional delegation members.  Year 2004 470s will be out shortly.  Edna will attend E-Rate training in September.  The technology plan will be revised.  In addition, 3 year LOAs will be proposed.  Linda Lord added that the Rockland Vocational School will return to MSLN; they need to apply for E-Rate first and will be eligible July 2004.

 

5. Discussion of AEV Connections.  The request by SAD 23 for an ATM/T-3 connection to replace the T-1 was generally approved with the need for more details and information about its E-Rate application.  The request by SAD 71 for funding another T-1 connection was not approved.  We need to know the status of their E-Rate application and need for more bandwidth.  The existing T-1 may be enough for now.  [An inquiry after the meeting confirmed that they had not applied for E-Rate.]

 

6. Discussion of New RFPs.  Verizon and UNET left the room while we discussed a draft RFP to begin July 2004.  Copies were distributed (also electronically after the meeting).  Comments and suggestions are to be returned to Linda Lord.
    
    
7. Other   
• Financial Statements from MTEAF Administrator.  We need to have reconciled statements for the end of the school year and a projection of cash flows, given the concerns with late or potentially non-existent E-Rate funds.

 

• Bandwidth Need Alternatives – Sites with near loaded 56s may not need a full T-1.  We discussed other alternatives such as DSL, cable, and fixed wireless.  Barry will look at the list of 56 kbps sites and compare to where Verizon DSL is available.  Edna will look into E-Rate implications of using DSL for the current E-Rate year; new applications could list DSL as an alternative.  DSL could be used for upgrading 56 sites and possibly as a less expensive to lightly used T-1 sites.

 

• Next MSLN Advisory Board Meeting – July 24, 2003, at 1:30PM, PUC Conf. Room C.