Rural Health Care Outreach
Conference Call Minutes
April 8, 2004

RHCD staff started the call by going over the initial results to date of the FY2004 window opening. At this time RHCD has received nearly 30% more applications than at the same point for FY2003. RHCD staff stated that many applicants were applying for Internet discounts. Staff re-stated that the Internet discount applied to the monthly cost for Internet service which included the cost for email addresses, web hosting and domain name registration.

All Internet service providers are eligible under the program. It was further stated that HCP’s with current contracts for Internet service could apply, but the 28-day posting period to allow competitive bidding is still a requirement and bids must be considered and the most cost-effective bid selected. An example of an urban HCP providing Internet for rural HCP’s as part of a network or consortium was discussed. While the urban HCP would not be eligible, the rural components of the network are eligible, but the support percentage would need to be adjusted for ineligible urban use. RHCD staff said that an applicant in this situation could contact RHCD to discuss how to allocate the support request.

During the question and answer period of the conference call, several callers inquired about Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) and its relevance to the program. RHCD staff said that currently VOIP is not eligible but the FCC is considering it for future funding years. Finally, RHCD staff said that the current year Packet Status report is now being updated on a weekly basis.