104 STAT. 4018 PUBLIC LAW 101-624—NOV. 28, 1990 (3) COMPREHENSIVE RURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN.— The term "comprehensive rural telecommunications plan" means a plan submitted by an applicant for a grant under this chapter. Each such plan shall include— (A) a detailed explanation of the proposed rural telecommunications system, how such system is to be funded, and a description of the intended uses for grants received from the Administrator under this chapter; (B) an explanation of the manner in which such plan complies with any requirements imposed by the Administrator under this chapter or otherwise imposed under section 2334; (C) a listing of the proposed purchases or leases of telecommunications terminal equipment, telecommunications transmission facilities, data terminal equipment, interactive video equipment, computer hardware and software systems, and components that process data for transmission via telecommunications, computer network components, communication satellite ground station equipment, or any other elements of the telecommunications system designed to further the purposes of this chapter, that the applicant intends to build or fund using the grant funds; (D) an explanation of the special financial or other needs of the affected rural communities and of the applicants for such grant assistance; (E) an analysis of the relative costs and benefits of proposals for leasing or purchasing of facilities, equipment, components, hardware and software, or other items; and (F) a description of the consultations with the appropriate local telephone exchange carrier or carriers and with a wide variety of additional telecommunications service providers (including other interexchange carriers, cable television operators, enhanced service providers, providers of satellite services and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and distributors), and the anticipated role of such providers in the proposed telecommunications system. (4) COMPUTER NETWORKS.— The term "computer networks" refers to computer hardware and software, terminals, signal conversion equipment including both modulators and demodulators, or related devices, used to communicate with other computers to process and exchange data through a telecommunication network in which signals are generated, modified, or prepared for transmission, or received, via telecommunications terminal equipment and telecommunications transmission facilities. (5) DATA TERMINAL EQUIPMENT.—The term "data terminal equipment" refers to equipment that converts user information into data signals for transmission, or reconverts the received data signals into user information, and is normally found on the terminal of a circuit and on the premises of the end user. (6) END USER. — The term "end user" means rural community facilities or persons associated with those facilities who participate in the programs established under this chapter. (7) FIBER-OPTIC CABLE. —The term "fiber-optic cable" means a bundle of optical transmission elements or waveguides usually consisting of a fiber core and fiber cladding that can guide a
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