Electronic Classroom Could Be Plugged In Computer Network’s Cost Is Uncertain

At a time when state lawmakers hesitate to spend a dime of taxpayer money, a $54 million bid to put state schools on the information superhighway could be headed for approval.

The plan is billed as a means of replacing brick and mortar, giving rural residents entrance to classrooms and all students access to the Internet.

But the Washington Higher Education Network is also plagued by unanswered questions.

The plan was cobbled together from requests by each college and university so it could be brought to the Legislature as a more acceptable package.

Lawmakers from both houses now are tackling the issue in a conference committee, insisting the system will be built. They’re just not sure how fast.

But students question the need for the system. And telephone companies think the state may be trying to compete with them, because much of the system is to be state owned. They also claim leasing is a better, more cost-effective option.

The system would link all state colleges, universities and public schools, providing connections for the Internet, electronic mail and long-distance learning.

It was originally planned only for four-year schools. Community and technical colleges were then added to gain the support of more lawmakers. On Friday, lawmakers added public schools to the system.

While praising the unity shown by colleges and universities, House Republicans are fearful that the system is a money pit similar to past technology purchases. They want to take their time in buying the system, and had only allocated $25 million to it as of Friday - up $20 million from the previous day.

By originally providing only $5 million, House leaders were trying to get a more detailed plan for the system, and a more cost-effective design. Even at the new $25 million budget, the House is far from meeting Senate demands.

Senate Democrats feel fears about the system are unfounded. Lawmakers like Higher Education Committee Chairman Al Bauer, D-Vancouver, have consistently fought to provide money for the plan in the face of bleak revenue forecasts and tax cuts.

“WHEN is the best answer for resolving the enrollment dilemma,” Bauer said.

The Senate proposes $54 million for the network. According to the Senate budget, the network will have to accommodate other state institutions including K-12 schools.

Rep. Tom Huff, R-Gig Harbor, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said talks with the telephone industry have shown that the system could be leased for $3 million a year.

“I’ve seen no blueprint of what we are building here,” Huff said. “I’ve seen no market survey and that’s why I’m taking a go-slow attitude.”

Another sticking point for Huff is that more than half of the money for the network, $34 million, would come from state bonds. Bonds normally are used for things like buildings, not technology, which can become obsolete.

The state of Iowa made a similar investment five years ago and it has been, according to one of the system’s users, “a hole they keep throwing money in.”

Iowa connected all state facilities to the Iowa Communications Network made up of high capacity fiber optic lines. The system carries data, television and voice signals. At $200 million, it has cost several times more than planned, and is not performing up to expectations.

“We have just four of the classrooms hooked up,” said Bob Pink, director of telecommunications at Iowa State University. “It has all cost way more than they thought it would.”

Bruce Shaull, a lobbyist for U.S. Sprint, is concerned that Washington is setting itself up for a similar headache.

The way the system is being put together, Shaull said, millions more will have to be added to make it work.

Shaull joined representatives of six Washington telecommunication providers in supporting the original $5 million proposal in the House. The group included AT&T, US West, and GTE.

“We would be happy to take the taxpayers money, but we need a system that will be functional,” Shaull said.

The phone companies are calling for a plan similar to one in place in Oregon. There, the state asked the companies to build an expandable system that it could lease.

Oregon phone companies have invested $23 million in more phone lines to meet the demand. In return, the state has leased what it needs for five years. Repair and maintenance of the system is the responsibility of the phone companies and if the system doesn’t work, they pay penalties to the state.

Rick Hulett, a system designer for US Sprint, said the biggest advantage to the Oregon plan is that the network can be used by the general public.

“It has stimulated a lot of business in rural areas where high-capacity service was too expensive before,” Hulett said.

Recent Washington State University graduate Bart Needham described plans for the network in Washington with one word - “boondoggle.”

Needham, who has worked in the telecommunications industry, said the approach the state is taking will lead to disaster.

“What you are going to get is a bunch of hardware we don’t need, they must have more money than they know how to spend.”

Western Washington University senior Neely Stratton agreed. “Just think how many instructors you could hire with that money. That would be an answer to the access question.”

The long-distance learning aspect of the network was pioneered by WSU.

The Pullman university now runs the Washington Higher Education Telecommunication System, WHETS, allowing professors at WSU and its branch campuses in Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Spokane to teach classes through interactive television. Homework is turned in by courier. Professors keep office hours by telephone to assist students who need extra help.

The prime advocate for the new system, WSU President Sam Smith, says the system works well for the university, but has to expand to meet future needs.

“The extended degree program is growing rapidly and WHETS is maxed,” Smith said. “We have to build more capacity.”

Smith says the system can be built quickly, as fast as 18 months, and it will fit within the budget.

Legislators failed to reach a deal on the network in a conference committee Friday, but will try again Monday.

, DataTimes