Responses to JISC circular (6/01) to consult the HE community on future arrangements for network charging were considered by the JISC Committee for Networking on 12th February 2002.
82% of the institutions that responded indicated that they were not content with the model proposed by JANET(UK) as a result of the workshop which took place in July 2001. The majority of sites indicated that they would now prefer a formula model, which reflects the institutional size, rather than a usage based model.
87% of respondents indicated that they would wish to see the current model (whereby network charges are based on usage of the transatlantic lines) continue for a further year. Some sites also asked that, if possible these charges should be re-calculated using the most recent data on the use of the transatlantic line.
In light of this, JCN recommended to the JISC and the HE funding council assessors that the proposed usage based model should not be taken forward and that a formula based model reflecting institutional size should be developed. JCN members agreed that the current arrangements should continue for the 2002-3 academic year. JANET(UK) has concluded that it is not feasible to base the charges on the most recent figures. Therefore charges for the 2002-3 academic year have been calculated from the data already published for May 2000 to April 2001. (This data can be found on http://www.webarchive.ja.net/services/publications/policy/charging-table-notes.html). In broad terms, the charge to an individual institution will rise by an average of 35% compared to the charge for this academic year. This is a reflection of the requirement to raise a revenue of £4.25 million rather than the £3.15 million which will be raised for this year.
These recommendations were endorsed by the JISC on 28th March and the JISC Executive and JANET(UK) are in the process of working with HEFCE's Analytical Services team to develop a model for 2003-4 based on HESA statistics. They will consult with representatives from UCISA to determine a model which best meets the requirements and any concerns of the HE community, prior to formal submission of a recommendation to the JCN.
