Who May Apply: (specifically) Eligible applicants include either one of the following that is organized on a statewide or multistate basis:

1. A public agency or corporation established for the purpose of developing and operating telecommunications networks to enhance education opportunities provided by education institutions, teacher training centers, and other entities, except that any such agency or corporation shall represent the interests of elementary schools and secondary schools that are eligible to participate in the program under Title I, Part A, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); or


2. A partnership that will provide telecommunications services and that includes three or more of the following entities (a–g), at least one of which must be an agency as described in (a) or (b):


• A local education agency (LEA) that serves a significant number of elementary and secondary schools that are eligible for assistance under Title I, Part A, of the ESEA, or elementaryand secondary schools operated or funded for Indian children by the Department of the Interior eligible under Sec. 1121(d)(1)(A) of the ESEA;


• A state education agency (SEA);


• An adult and family education program;


• An institution of higher education (IHE) or a state higher education agency, as that term is defined at 20 U.S.C. 1003;


• A teacher-training center or academy that provides teacher preservice and in-service training, and receives federal financial assistance or has been approved by a state agency;


• A public or private entity with experience and expertise in the planning and operation of a telecommunications network, including entities involved in telecommunications through satellite, cable, telephone, or computer; or a public broadcasting entity with such experience; and


• A public or private elementary or secondary school.