IMPLEMENTATION OF THE e-RATE

e-Rate
Section 73 of the Electronic Communications Act (Act 36 of 2005) makes provision for public educational institutions to receive a
50% discount off charges levied for access to the Internet. After some discussion at various levels the e-rate is now being
implemented (official implementation date was 26 July 2006).

Discounted services
The discount currently applies to the following services:

Types of Connectivity Discounted Services (50%)

Schools with a dial-up/analog connection (incl. ISDN) to a
registered Internet Service Provider (e.g. MWeb, Lando, etc.):
Schools with a dedicated/digital data line (e.g. ADSL, diginet):
Schools with a wireless connection (e.g. iBurst by
WBS, MyWireless by Sentech):
Schools linking to the Internet via one of the cellphone operators:
Monthly Telkom Internet line rental plus the cost of calls made
from the school to a registered Internet Service Provider.
N.B: Ordinary telephone calls made on the line are NOT subject
to the 50% discount.
Monthly line rental (which in the case of ADSL includes the data
transferred across the line). Leased equipment from the supplier
(Telkom) is also subject to a 50% discount.
School receives a 50% discount on the ruling commercial rate for
the service. Leased equipment from the supplier (e.g. the wireless
modem) is also subject to a 50% discount.
School receives a 50% discount on the ruling commercial rate for
the service. Example: If a cellphone company charges a school
R399 for the 1G-package, school should pay R199, 50 for the
same package. Leased equipment from the supplier (e.g. the
cellphone card/router) is also subject to a 50% discount.

What to do:
1. Schools connected to the Internet via a Telkom landline should visit the following site
http://www.telkom.co.za/common/erate/index.html
2. Print out and complete the application form.
3. Fax completed application form to Telkom e-rate number: (012) 321 6463 or any Telkom regional fax number.
4. Telkom officials dealing with e-rate implementation will process your form.

• Schools connected to the Internet via other Internet service providers (ISP) e.g. iBurst, Sentech, MTN, Cell C, Vodacom etc.
should contact their ISP for the 50% discount.
• The Act is binding on all ISPs (there are no exclusions) and all should provide the 50% discount.
• For further information or queries contact your provincial education department ICT contact person on the list below or Telkom on
numbers (012) 311 6638 or (012) 311 7547.

PROVINCIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Province Name Telephone Number Fax Number
Eastern Cape Education Nygel Jones 040 6084200 040 6084305
Department
Free State Education Fred Wilkinson 051 4048414 051 404 8094
Department
Gauteng Education Tom Waspe 011 355 1507/1514 011 355 0734
Department Paddy Padayachee 011 355 0123 011 355 0481
Kwazulu-Natal Education Hintsa Mhlane 031 274 1267 031 205 7522
Department
Limpopo Education Bobby Raphahlelo 015 290 7671 015 297 8219
Department Susan Erasmus 015 290 7627 015 297 8219
Mpumalanga Education Queen Mashego 013 766 5063 013 766 5580/9
Department Jerry Masilela 013 766 5063 013 766 7231
Northern Cape Education Moss Mthembu 053 839 6625 053 839 6539
Department
North-West Education Philemon Kotsokoane 018 389 8029 018 384 3316
Department Emily Sebolai 018 389 8027 018 384 3316
Western Cape Education Mike Chiles 021 467 2025 021 425 7482/65
Department Kobus van Wyk 021 467 2224