VIDEOCONFERENCING COSTS FOR CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARIES

• Prices for equipment and telecommunications services shown below reflect California State Contract pricing available through SBC (formerly Pacific Bell). Prices available through other local carriers may differ; for more information on State Contract pricing, please refer to: https://ebiznet.sbc.com/calnetinfo/
• Public libraries can lower their telecommunications costs by taking advantage of federal E-Rate and California State Teleconnect Fund discounts for telecommunications services. These discounts can be combined. Prices quoted below DO reflect the 50 percent Teleconnect Fund discount for public libraries, but DO NOT factor in E-rate, which will vary by jurisdiction. Please note that one-time installation charges are not covered by the Teleconnect Fund discount, and are covered only under certain circumstances under E-Rate. For more info:
  • E-Rate: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/
  • Teleconnect Fund: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/products/das.html
• Telecom service prices shown below do not include any taxes, surcharges, or access line fees. Also not quoted are costs of building wiring, which will vary by individual library’s circumstance.
• Equipment prices shown below are representative of a commonly purchased model by a major manufacturer, and do not include sales tax or shipping. Other brands/models of videoconferencing are available which may be more appropriate for a particular library’s situation.
• The scenario below assumes the public library operates videoconferencing equipment at 384 kbs, utilizing three lines of ISDN. Please be aware that there are other technology platforms available for videoconferencing, but at this point in time, ISDN-based videoconferencing is the most common among the state’s public libraries.
• In addition to the three ISDN lines recommended for videoconferencing, it’s strongly recommended that a regular voice line be installed and available wherever the video unit will be used. This was be used for troubleshooting.
• All prices approximate and subject to change

Equipment (Includes Installation and One-Year Maintenance Contract)

ISDN Lines (combined price for all 3 lines)

Basic Business Access Line (regular voice line to be used for troubleshooting)

Usage Charges (3 lines) 
Sprint contract rate with CSAC (California State Association of Counties)
To obtain, contact:  Bill Long, 916-853-3173 or bill.long@mail.sprint.com

Dan Theobald, i2i Communications, 415-431-0329 or dtheobald@i2icom.com

Document prepared 1/27/03

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