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Find frequently asked questions and answers about UC Berkeley's Communications Network Model Project. The project is currently in progress with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010.
What is the pricing structure of the model and how will I be charged?
The recharge rate will be calculated annually by dividing the full
cost of the communications network by the total number of users (FTE).
Each department will receive a monthly bill that will total the rate for
the service they receive multiplied by the department's total FTE.
Who is considered a user of the communications network?
All faculty, staff, students, and affiliates are considered users of the network.
How will computing labs be accounted for?
There is no special charge for labs. All departments are charges
based on total FTE.
Will GSIs and GSRs be charged?
Yes. GSIs and GSRs will be accounted for by FTE.
Why are we implementing a new model?
The existing model, implemented in 2000, is outdated. Among the
deficiencies, it lacks a stable funding model, it is not scalable, it
has not provided for the changing technology landscape, and the node
bank disproportionately benefits departments that had a large number of
data connections in 2000. The network is a critical resource for the
campus and therefore, it is imperative that the campus have a
sustainable funding model to maintain and grow the network.
Who do we contact for more information?
Email can be sent to the project team at
Project Manager: Peggy Huston, 643-1316
Project Sponsor: Michael Mundrane, 642-6365
Project Sponsor: Shel Waggener, 642-4096
When will the model be implemented?
The model is scheduled to be implemented July 1, 2010. The project
timeline can be monitored on the Communications
Network Model website.
What services are included in the model?
The Communications Network Model includes all costs associated
with the maintenance and refresh of the network infrastructure, from the
cabling in the ground to the jack on the wall in an office or classroom,
and the security of that infrastructure. Costs for the completion of
the ICCS and Riser projects and expansion of Airbears are included.
How does this model benefit the campus?
Does the model include phone costs?
No. Only costs of communications services that benefit the common
good of the campus are included in the model. Reports show that
telephone use is steadily declining as cellular use is increasing.
Departments will pay for voice on a pay-for-service basis.
Does this model take into account inflation?
The costs must be reviewed on an annual basis. If there is a
significant increase or decrease in costs, the rate will be adjusted accordingly
for the following year.
Does this model take into account life-cycle planning?
Life-cycle planning is included to refresh equipment on a standard schedule.
Are administrative units charged differently from academic units?
All units will be charged the same rate for the same level of service per FTE.
What about my staff who do not use the network?
All departments on campus benefit from the communications network; all FTE will be charged.
Why isn't this centrally funded by the Chancellor?
The recent, unprecedented cuts to 19900 funds are the best
example to demonstrate the unreliability of funding a critical campus
resource with central campus funds. It is imperative that the campus identify a
sustainable funding model that meets the needs of the campus today, and
into the future.
Will the old cabling in my building be replaced with this new model?
Completion of the Riser project is included in the model. A Riser
upgrade does not include the replacement of cables between distribution
points and locations where the service will be used such as an office or
lab in a building. The occupants of buildings should work with IST if
end-user cabling needs to be upgraded.
How are private networks treated in the new model?
IST will provide five levels of service to accommodate the needs
of departments that must provide some of their own network
services. The default level of service is "full service" unless the
department has made arrangements with IST to provide a different level
of service.
Does this cover expansion of AirBears?
The model does include the expansion of AirBears. The details of
this expansion will be decided by the steering committee during the
implementation phase of the project.
If I have Internet access at home, will I be billed on the network model?
Yes. All faculty, staff, student, and affiliates are included in
the allocation of the full costs of the communications network.
What happens if I install another data connection in my office or classroom?
You will be responsible for the one-time installation charge for
the connection, however, there will be no recurring charge. The
addition of a data connection does not impact your monthly charge based on
your total FTE.
What are other campuses doing to cover their communications network costs?
The project team looked at many campuses, both within and external to the UC
system. While there are variations in the
models, all campuses reviewed by the team have either implemented or are
in the process of implementing an FTE based model.