HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 09/03/2002TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
***September 3, 2002***
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison:
Kurt Kastein
I
Staff Liaison:
Liz Stroh
Chairperson:
Lawrence Bontempo
Phone: 484-3980
(W)
Members Present: Curt Cramer, Rob Koellner, Braun Mincher, Greg Smith, Tim
Tillson, Herb Saperstone
Members Absent: Larry Bontempo
City Staff Present: Eric Dahlgren, Gary Gordier, Liz Stroh
Guests: Edie Ortega, Qwest
Vice Chair Curt Cramer called the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes were approved as submitted.
Qwest Wireless
Representatives from Qwest Wireless met with the Board to discuss issues and provide
information related to wireless phone communications in Northern Colorado.
The coverage in the community is generally good. The western part of campus has
some reception problems, as well as an area along West Elizabeth. A variance to
install a tower was denied by the City, and the University has a moratorium in place
regarding placing antennas on their facilities. The University is working on a Request
for Proposals from carriers, and that process seems to be on -hold. There are
discussions of a new facility at Hughes Stadium that would present a good location for
an antenna.
By November, 2002, E-911 will be available on cell phones. Qwest is using a hybrid
system of GPS with network to triangulate position of a 911 caller. Future cell phones
will be equipped with GPS chips to facilitate the 911 emergency system.
t 012 v02
There are 6 cell sites in Fort Collins; the addition of the site at Hughes Stadium will
bring the number to 8. Carriers frequently co -locate their facilities on the same poles
and/or antenna. If towers are located on private property, the amount of rent can range
from $200 to $1000 per month.
Companies have agreements with each other, and phones are programmed so that a
roaming provider is determined based on least expensive agreement with the primary
vendor.
Curt asked about any plans to expand wireless service. Edie responded that the first
area to be targeted for expansion will be Fort Morgan, and that Grand Junction is also a
high priority.
Rob asked about whether the wireless aspect of Qwest will be sold. Tim followed up
with a question regarding rumors that Qwest would break into smaller companies. Edie
responded that the CEO of Qwest wants to focus on core business, and that no plans
have been announced to sell any of the sections or subsidiaries. More subsidiaries will
not be added, however.
Rob asked about data on phones. The hope is that 150 kb per second data rate will be
available, but Qwest and others in the industry will not cater to high data rates at the
expense of voice capacity. 1200 is the current data rate on the voice system, so 150 kb
would impact the voice capacity significantly.
Curt asked about how much is being put into universal service fund from the wireless
providers. The PUC has reported that 30% is being provided by wireless for universal
service fund.
Number portability is a current topic for the Federal Communications Commission, and
the have postponed that deadline until next year.
Curt asked what types of customer complaints were prevalent on the wireless network.
Performance has been good, including a decrease in the number of dropped calls.
Many of the complaints have to do with billing issues or customer service. The Qwest
CEO has re -confirmed a commitment to providing good customer service to both land
and wireless customers.
Tim asked about putting two phones on the same number. While it may be possible in
the future, that service is not offered now. When number portability is a reality, one
number will facilitate using wireless phones as extensions to land line sets.
Qwest also explained how the company currently handles some of the public safety
issues during special events. A cellular tower on wheels can be located near an event
A t1 line and power are the only requirements.
In response to a question from Tim, Edie mentioned that competition will drive most
pricing packages.
Other Business
10/21/02
Gary gave a quick update on CDPD — that it will be supported until the end of 2004,
which will give the City time to determine what other options exist.
Adjournment
Braun moved for adjournment, seconded by Greg Smith. Motion passed unanimously.
*() k 10 / 209z
10/01/02