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FAQs

What is Educational Broadband Service (EBS)?
What does it cost me?
How is ITF funded?
Who does ITF serve?
Where is ITF broadcast?
Can we tape the broadcasts?
What kind of equipment do we need?

Educational Broadband Service

EBS is a microwave radio service which uses frequencies reserved by the FCC for broadcast of educational programming. EBS transmission is exactly like cable television's, except that it uses microwave frequencies that ordinary TVs are unable to receive. Therefor it is necessary to install a special EBS antenna at each receive point; the antenna picks up the EBS microwave signal and "down converts" it to VHF TV channels which can be picked up by an ordinary set with the help of a cable-type set-top converter. The converter is connected to the TV by a cable, but no modification of the TV itself is required.

EBS systems have been used successfully for years by countless educational organizations across the country. Although ITF airs programming only in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento and Salt Lake City, we work closely with PRETC, DAETC and TCSTG which air programming in Portland, Denver and the Twin Cities areas respectively. Click here for a listing of local coordinators in each city.

Costs/Funding

There is no charge for this service. We have obtained funding which is sufficient to acquire and install the EBS transmitters, acquire a modest library, outfit receiving points, and operate the system at no charge to schools for either equipment or programming.The service is not advertiser supported, and there is no requirement that a minimum number of students view programming. Most of our funding comes from lease income which we obtain through renting unused air time for pay TV purposes.

Who ITF Serves

During the current phase of the project, ITF is serving elementary, intermediate and secondary schools in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Our members include private, parochial, alternative and public schools- accredited and non-accredited. As of May 2000, 60 schools are installed to receive ITF's broadcast. For further information on the schools currently installed contact the Director of Instructional Video, toll free, at 877.442.4180.

Where ITF is Broadcast

Our programming currently airs for member schools on weekdays over EBS in 11 cities across the US. Please contact the Director of Instructional Video, toll free, at 877-483-5850 for a current schedule for the following areas:

Can we tape the broadcasts?

ITF encourages each member school to videotape the programs we broadcast to create their own video library. We feel this practice encourages teachers to be selective in what programming they share with their students, while giving teachers flexibility and confidence in knowing that the visual resource will be available when they need it to enhance their existing curriculum.

Duplication rights vary. In the case of most of the program series in our current library, schools are allowed to tape programming and use those tapes as long as ITF keeps renewing the rights on an annual basis. In other cases, we buy perpetual rights, including recording rights. Please refer to the program descriptions in our Program Guide for duplication rights on specific series.

What kind of equipment do we need?

There is a special receiving antenna, which is generally no more obtrusive than an ordinary rooftop antenna, or dish. The antenna has a small box attached to the back of it. The signal comes out of the box via a cable which is strung indoors and connected to a cable-type set-top converter. The converter is connected to the TV by a cable, but no modification of the TV itself is required.

In our current stage of the project, ITF supplies all of the receive equipment as well as the installation of that equipment, free of cost to member schools. Click here to apply to receive our broadcast.

Instructional Telecommunications Foundation