3Com Offers Resources to Schools and Libraries Applying for 1999-2000
E-rate Funding - BW, 01:33 p.m Feb 25, 1999 Eastern
Leader in Education Networking Provides Step-by-Step Workbook and
Expanded Web Resource Center for Funding Assistance
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 1999--
3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS), the nation's largest vendor of networking
equipment to the education market, today announced a newly expanded Web site to
assist K-12 schools and libraries applying for a share of the $2.25 billion in E-rate
funding available for 1999-2000. 3Com's E-rate Web site,
3com.com, is a central resource for E-rate funding information, and
includes an online workbook with all the necessary forms and step-by-step instructions
to assist in applying for E-rate funding. In addition, the site includes an email mailbox
for E-rate inquiries and links to many other educational resources, including state
departments of technology and education.
A long-standing networking provider to educational institutions worldwide, 3Com is
committed to bringing the most advanced networking technology to schools in
practical, affordable solutions.
"3Com's E-rate site is an excellent resource for first-time and experienced E-rate
applicants alike," said Steven Gag, school technology advisor to the mayor of the City
of Boston. "The site itself not only presents up-to-date information, it serves as a
convenient portal to other valuable resources on the Web."
"I am thoroughly impressed by the comprehensiveness of 3Com's site," said Jon
Campbell, director of technology for the Etowah County School District in Gasden,
Ala. "No matter what question you have about E-rate -- from completing application
paperwork to developing a technology plan -- you can find the answer on 3Com's
pages and relevant links."
"We continue our commitment to enable a technology infrastructure that opens up new
opportunities for students to learn and succeed," said David Katz, 3Com's director of
global education marketing. "By providing information and links to guide educators
through the application process at every step, we intend to make it easier for more
schools and libraries to submit applications promptly and increase their opportunity to
benefit from E-rate funds."
"Hard work and teamwork between the education, vendor and government
communities enabled a robust program in its first year, and this second year of E-rate
builds on that progress," said David Abramson, 3Com's director of public affairs.
Abramson is the networking industry's only representative on the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) Board and the schools and libraries committee,
chairing its programmatic subcommittee.
Eligible elementary and secondary schools and libraries have until April 6, 1999 at
11:59 PM ET to submit E-rate funding requests to the Schools and Libraries Division
(SLD) of the USAC. The SLD strongly recommends that applicants file Form 470,
which describes services that an institution intends to purchase, no later than March 5,
1999. To be considered as applying within the window, institutions must first file
Form 470 and then wait 28 days for vendor bids before submitting Form 471, which
details services for which a contract has been signed. After April 6, the SLD will
consider applications on a first-come, first-served basis. New E-rate Information for
1999 - 2000
Ranked as the number one supplier of networking hardware to the education market by
School Technology Market Report (published November, 1998), 3Com draws upon its
expertise in education applications, networking technology and the E-rate program to
offer a complete, up-to-date resource center for educators nationwide. Included on
3Com's Web site is a summary of changes since the last E-rate funding period and a
detailed guide to this year's process. In addition, the site includes an email link to
3Com for any inquires about the program or the application process. About E-rate and
the Universal Service Fund
The Universal Service Fund is a $2.25 billion annual fund established by the
Snowe-Rockefeller-Exon-Kerrey Amendment to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
The E-rate allows eligible schools and libraries to purchase networking equipment,
telecommunications services, internal connections and Internet access at substantial
discounts. Universal Service Funds are provided by assessments to interstate
telecommunications companies throughout the United States.
E-rate funding is provided to schools in the form of discounts based on their relative
wealth and location. For example, schools who qualify for the national school lunch
program or those located in rural areas may qualify for higher discounts on the
purchase of networking products and services. Discounts range from 20 to 90 percent.
Overall, the median E-rate discount is greater than 50 percent, with over 30 percent of
all public schools eligible for an 80 percent discount or higher. 3Com in Education
A long-standing networking provider to educational institutions worldwide, 3Com is
committed to bringing the most advanced networking technology to schools in
practical, affordable solutions. Through its leadership efforts such as the creation of the
Western Governors University, where 3Com(R) equipment enables distance learning,
pioneering efforts to wire school districts across the nation, or through its support for
E-rate, which significantly changes the role of technology in K-12 education, 3Com is
revolutionizing the way people teach and learn.
As an Internet2 Corporate Partner, 3Com delivers the engineering expertise and
next-generation network technology that enable university campuses to take advantage
of a new family of advanced applications. With its highly successful NetPrep program
for high schools and community colleges, 3Com provides a comprehensive
school-to-career curriculum to train network managers for the 21st century. In these
and in many other ways, 3Com is committed to enhance academic excellence. For more
information, visit 3Com's Education Solution Center at education.3com.com.
About 3Com
With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more
people in more ways to information than any other networking company. 3Com
delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to large,
medium and small enterprises; carriers and network service providers; PC OEMs; and
consumers. 3Com. More connected(TM). For further information, visit 3Com's World
Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.
3Com is a registered trademark and More connected is a trademark of 3Com
Corporation. All other company or product names trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
Copyright 1999, Business Wire
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