Section 161.01. Purpose and special consideration.

 

(1)   Purpose. As required under s. 16.997 (1) , Stats., this chapter establishes an educational telecommunications access program to provide access to data lines and video links for eligible school districts, private schools, cooperative educational service agencies, technical college districts, private colleges and public library boards. Under this chapter, the technology for educational achievement in Wisconsin board determines eligibility to participate in the program. The department of administration contracts with telecommunications providers under s. 16.974 (1) , Stats., for the requested access. The applicant makes monthly payments to the department for each data line or video link. The board pays from the universal service fund the difference between costs under the contract and the applicant's payments. The board may consider, as alternative access, service architecture or technology not available through the department at the time of the application.

(2)   Special consideration. The board may apply to the commission for a waiver of any requirement in this chapter for exceptional or unusual situations. Upon due investigation of the facts and circumstances involved, the commission may waive in exceptional or unusual situations any requirement in this chapter, so that the provision of access is in a manner which is lesser, greater, other or different than otherwise required in this chapter.