In this blog, we discuss the several benefits of switching from legacy phones to a cloud-based phone system. At HWC Consultants, we help our clients with this transition. As a result, they experience better communication and substantial savings.

This blog is dedicated to sharing what we know about the highly anticipated Wi-Fi hotspot loan program proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC recently released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") supporting loaning Wi-Fi hotspots and services for off-premises use to students and library patrons without internet access at home. With the ending of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), the hope is that this funding will continue the access provided by the ECF.

Here’s what we know so far about the newly approved cybersecurity pilot program for schools and libraries proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

As we shared with you in an earlier blog post, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to adopt a Declaratory Ruling making school bus Wi-Fi equipment and services eligible for E-Rate funding in FY 2024. This post covers the details of eligibility as outlined in the newly released FY24 Eligible Services List.

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to harmful content over the Internet. Schools or libraries that receive discounts through the E-Rate program must meet certain CIPA requirements within the first year of applying.

The FCC just announced that school bus Wi-Fi is now eligible for FY2024. Click here to find out what we know as of now.

Here we go into detail about the purpose of the E-Rate Form 498, and how applicants can complete and file the form.

The Eligible Services List (ESL) provides guidance on the eligibility of products and services under the E-Rate Program. The ESL is reviewed each year by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a revised list is released. In this post, we will outline the categories of supported services and eligibility lists in the draft ESL for 2024.

Whether you’re a school, small organization, nonprofit, large company, or anything in between, HWC Consultants can help lower your voice expenses. With our telecom optimization audits, we act as an extension of your technology staff by auditing your organization’s expenses for cellular, landline, Voice Over IP services, Internet access, and Wide Area Networks. By analyzing each line and circuit to eliminate unnecessary services, examining invoices for billing errors, and identifying better service plans to reduce costs, a telecom audit can help you reduce telecom expenses and renegotiate telecom contracts.

The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program is a government program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission. In this blog post we will give you the details on what information and documentation you need to submit your application depending on what type of organization you are.

In our last blog post, we reviewed the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program and how California-based organizations can utilize this program to save on broadband and advanced communication services. On Monday, January 30, 2023, the CTF program launched a new website to manage this program called eCAP (electronic Claim and Application Portal).

The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program is a government program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission that works in conjunction with E-Rate. The program aims to bring every Californian direct access to advanced communications services in their local communities, particularly those with lower rates of internet adoption and greater financial need.

As E-Rate consultants, HWC Consultants helps E-Rate program recipients reduce telecom expenses through E-Rate reimbursements. Our blog today provides an outline for invoicing and tracking USAC reimbursements.

E-Rate has strict document retention requirements, and it is vital to keep documentation for a potential records request. E-Rate program rules require that participants retain all documentation demonstrating compliance with the rules for a minimum of ten years. What does this entail?

The E-Rate application process involves multiple steps and timelines, and specific compliance requirements. What happens if you need to appeal something in your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL)? Our topic today is FCDL appeals.

HWC Consultants assists schools and libraries with comprehensive E-Rate consulting services. This blog discusses what happens once your application has been approved via the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) and the Form 486.

HWC Consultants assists school and library applicants with E-Rate program applications. Our previous blogs have discussed the steps needed to prepare for the Funding Year 2023 E-Rate program including forms, timing, bidding, and requirements. Today we would like to discuss the application review period.

At HWC Consultants, we assist clients with E-Rate and California Teleconnect Fund consulting, telecom optimization audits and project management, and contract negotiation with service providers. As part of the process for applying for the E-Rate program, applicants must submit the Form 471, which is different for Category 1 and Category 2.

If you’ve been following our blogs, you are aware of the process of applying for the E-Rate program, which reduces telecom expenses for schools and libraries through reimbursement. So far, we’ve walked you through the process to the point where a contract with service providers will need to be signed. What does this entail? Find out here.

As outlined in previous HWC Consultants blog posts, once a Form 470 is filed, service providers can review the posted information and submit bids. In order to properly select a service provider, it is important to keep the following considerations in mind.