Educational Technology Guidebook Administrative Summary
Topic: What is the Approximate Cost Associated
with Typical
Distance Education Networks Today?
Educational Technology Guidebook Administrative Summary
Topic: What is the Approximate Cost Associated
with Typical
Distance Education Networks Today?
Many schools are faced with the "chicken and the egg" problem when confronted with the need to build a business case to become a member of a network consortium. While a good cost estimate is required to make a firm commitment, network costs cannot be accurately determined until the number and locations of participants are defined.
In order to "boot strap" around this problem, we have assembled some typical costs, based upon our experience with video, data, and voice networks throughout Wisconsin. The costs are presented in terms of "ranges", within which at least 90% of Distance Education Networks should fall. While these numbers should not be used for detailed accounting purposes, they will nevertheless provide an order of magnitude first step in the budget process. This tabulation is also useful for decision-makers because it details the cost categories for Distance Education. The following tabulation is up to date as of November, 1995. (These figures assume at least 7 sites in the network.)
| Category | Cost Range for 90% of Networks per site per month for 7 years) |
| One-Time Cost Network Video, Transport Lease | $1,800-$2,600 |
| Network Management & Integration | $400-$600 |
| State Fee (if state is agent) | $50 |
| Local Site Facilitation(time for existing staff) | $200-$300 |
| Electronic Classroom Equipment | $30,000 |
| Room Conditioning | $5,000 |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Internet (unlimited license): $400-$500
Wiring for LANs (each building): $80,000-$200,000
ORIGINATION COSTS
Production: Variable
Program Fees Paid: Variable
OFFSETTING COSTS
Program fees received: Variable
Savings on telco lines for modems, telephone and FAX: ($300-$2,000)
For more information please contact:
Evans Associates
210 South Main Street
Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092
(262)242-6000
fax: (262)242-6045
http://www.evansassoc.com
These pages produced and copyrighted by Evans Associates ©, Consultants In Telecommunications Technology, Thiensville, Wisconsin.