[SWANcom] Important information for libraries with T1 circuits

SWAN Member Library and Information Technology Staff: We recently received the following message (in italics) from Robin Woodsome at ICN, and thought it would be of great interest to libraries that rely on T1 connections for internet service. Even if you are currently running a Comcast Business line, this option may be beneficial to create some redundancy in your connections to prevent extended outages. If you're interested in exploring this, you can contact Robin directly: Robin Woodsome Illinois Century Network State of Illinois 312.814.9698 Cell 312.497.7472 HelpDesk (CMC) 800.366.8768 Option 2 robin.woodsome@illinos.gov<mailto:robin.woodsome@illinos.gov> "I have some news which I would like to share with your libraries. AT&T is providing very aggressive pricing on MetroEthernet service for E-Rate eligible sites which includes K12 schools and libraries. Sites do not need to participate in the E-Rate program to receive the new pricing. One library's quote was $277 per month for a 10Mbps ASE Ethernet circuit which is the same price of an AT&T T1 circuit of 1.5Mbps. Given this recent pricing change, I recommend that any libraries with a T1 circuit request pricing on AT&T ASE Ethernet service if they are interested in upgrading. There are not early termination penalties when a site upgrades from T1 to ME service. I can also provide quotes on ICN bandwidth levels available through the State allocation. I invite people to contact me for additional information and help in securing quotes from AT&T. Additional information on AT&T T1 service: * AT&T is sun setting T1 and DS3 service over the next 6 years * Timeline is not finalized but we can expect that T1 and DS3 service will not be available by 2020, and perhaps as early as 2018 * A more specific timeline is being developed by AT&T and will be publicized as soon as available * ICN constituents may continue to order T1 service on the state contract but only for 36 month terms * T1 customers will receive a "withdrawal of service" notice at least 12 months prior to the cancellation of the T1/DS3 service * Current T1 contracts may be renewed under the 36 month term option" Please feel free to forward this to any interested parties. If you follow up on this, I'd love to hear how it goes. Thank you, Steven Schlewitt SWAN IT Manager 125 Tower Drive Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Phone: 630.734.5130 Fax: 630.734.5056 steven.schlewitt@railslibraries.info<mailto:steven.schlewitt@railslibraries.info> http://support.swanlibraries.net