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What is Educational Broadband Service (EBS)?

Educational Broadband Servicee

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 CITF airs programming only in the Chicago area, we work closely with ITF, PRETC, TCSTG and DAETC which air programming in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Portland, Minneapolis and the Denver areas. (Click here for a listing of local coordinators in each city)

Costs/Funding
There is no charge for this service for at least the first two years after installation, and CITF will try to offer its services without charge to as many schools as possible for as long as possible. 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 for at least two school years 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 CITF Serves
During the current phase of the project, CITF is serving elementary, intermediate and secondary schools in the Chicago area. Our members include private, parochial, alternative and charter schools - accredited and non-accredited. As of April 2001, 46 schools are installed to receive CITF's broadcast. For further information on the schools currently installed contact the Director at 773-248-3575.

Where CITF is Broadcast
Our programming currently airs for member schools on weekdays over EBS in Chicago. Click here for a copy of our latest schedule.

CHANNELS AND SCHEDULES

CITF:
Chicago, IL
Channels: 71
Schedule: 8 AM-10 PM
Covers: Chicago and surrounding area
Contact: Adam Miller, 773.384.2288

Can we tape the broadcasts?
CITF 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 CITF 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, CITF 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)