43.105.820 - K-20 telecommunication system -- Technical plan. - Washington Statutes

K-20 telecommunication system — Technical plan.

The information services board shall prepare a technical plan for the design and construction of the K-20 telecommunication system. The board shall ensure that the technical plan adheres to the goals and objectives established under RCW 43.105.041. The board shall provide formal project approval and oversight during the development and implementation of the K-20 telecommunications network. In approving the plan, the board shall conduct a request for proposal process. The technical plan shall be developed in phases as follows:

     (1) Phase one shall provide a telecommunication backbone connecting educational service districts, the main campuses of public baccalaureate institutions, the branch campuses of public research institutions, and the main campuses of community colleges and technical colleges.

     (2) Phase two shall provide for (a) connection to the network by entities that include, but need not be limited to: School districts, public higher education off-campus and extension centers, and branch campuses of community colleges and technical colleges, as prioritized by the K-20 telecommunications oversight and policy committee, or as modified by the board; (b) distance education facilities and components for entities listed in subsections (1) and (2) of this section; and (c) connection for independent nonprofit institutions of higher education, provided that:

     (i) The board and each independent nonprofit institution of higher education to be connected agree in writing to terms and conditions of connectivity. The terms and conditions shall ensure, among other things, that the provision of K-20 services does not violate Article VIII, section 5 of the state Constitution and that the institution shall adhere to network policies; and

     (ii) The board determines that inclusion of the independent nonprofit institutions of higher education will not significantly affect the network's eligibility for federal universal service fund discounts or subsidies.

     (3) Subsequent phases may include, but need not be limited to, connections to public libraries, state and local governments, community resource centers, and the private sector.

[2010 1st sp.s. c 7 § 67; 1999 c 285 § 11; 1996 c 137 § 8. Formerly RCW 28D.02.070.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Effective date -- Application -- 1996 c 137: See notes following RCW 43.105.032.