HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 04/02/2002TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
****April 2, 2002 ****
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh
Chairperson: Lawrence Bontempo Phone: 484-3980 (W)
Members Present: Greg Smith, Tim Tillson., Herb Saperstone, Curt Cramer L3rry
Bontempo, Rob Koellner
Members Absent: Braun Mincher
City Staff Present: Eric Dahlgren, Gary Gordier, Liz Stroh
Guests: Bruce Smith, Colorado PUC
Margaret LeJuste, AT&T Broadband
Chair Greg Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Greg introduced the new board member, Herb Saperstone. Herb informed the Board
that he worked for Poudre School District in the Media Center, and has a background
as writer/producer, editor in various settings.
Approval of Minutes:
Larry Bontempo moved to approve the March minutes, seconded by Curt Cramer. Vote
was unanimous in favor.
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Bruce Smith talked to the Board about Qwest's application to the FCC to become a
long distance carrier. As a prerequisite to enter the regional long distance market, the
Telecommunications Act requires Qwest to provide local exchange competitors with
direct access to their system. Because of Qwest's presence in 14 states, the
coordination and the test process has been lengthy and complex, and is now complete.
Mr. Smith noted that the FCC will rely heavily on the Colorado PUC's recommendation,
as the FCC only has 45 days after the request is made to approve or deny. In addition
to the checklist of requirements to obtain approval, there is also a performance
assurance plan, to make sure Qwest continues to meet requirements. The Department
of Justice also has input in the approval process. The next big hurdle is determining
access charges for competitors to Qwest. Because Colorado has a price cap on
residential service, there are fewer competitors that want to come to serve that market.
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Larry Bontempo mentioned the SEC inquiry into Qwest's accounting practices and
wondered if that would impact whether or not FCC gave approval to the request.
In other areas of telecommunications, Mr. Smith noted that emerging competition in the
wireless and high speed services may limit the need for regulation in those areas.
Gary Gordier asked about potential changes to the definition of "plain old telephone set"
(POTS). His question stemmed from the situation in many neighborhoods where 56K
speeds for dial up to the internet can not be achieved because of Qwest's local phone
system architecture. Mr Smith explained that the POTS standard is coming up for
review soon. Because of the rural nature of Colorado, its often expensive to upgrade
services in some of the lesser populated areas. To adopt a standard to increase the
speed of a basic service line would be an additional $3 per month (approximately) and
everyone would be required to pay the increase. It's unlikely that the PUC would
approve this kind of upgrade at this time.
Curt Cramer asked about whether letting Qwest provide long distance services was in
the public interest. Mr. Smith responded that New York and Texas have results that
show public interest in served by increased competition for this service.
He also explained that the FCC is currently starting to categorize services between
telecommunications services and information services in order to respond to some
open access issues, including the slow pace of deployment.
Tim Tillson asked about the trend for subscribers to cancel long distance servcie and
rely solely on wireless phones. Mr. Smith felt that when some reception issues and the
911 issues are sorted out, that more people will take this approach.
Gary asked about 911 cell requirements. The Colorado 911 task force operates under
the PUC, help keep track of 911 system. Currently there is no regulation of cell service,
and wireless providers pay into the fund that helps Qwest serve as provider of last
resort to rural areas. Wireless providers are not eligible to benefit from this fund unless
they provide wireless service to rural areas as well as metro.
Election of officers
Nominations were opened for the office of Chair. Larry Bontempo volunteered to serve
as Board Chair. The vote to approve was unanimous. Curt Cramer volunteered to
serve as vice chair, approval was unanimous.
Broomfield forum.
Curt Cramer reported on a forum he attended in Broomfield related to franchise
negotiations between Broomfiled and AT&T. He noted that Public, Education, and
Govermental Access programming was a topic at the meeting, especially as it related to
availability of foreign language and international programming. The issue with the most
concern from those in attendance was broadband access.
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Planning Calendar:
The planning calendar was reviewed and finalized for next meeting. Tim suggested
adding a Star Band to the list of vendors/providers that will attend Board meetings.
The e ting wa a Zurd at 7:40 PM.
Lawrence Bontemoo/Chki Date
61a/ z
Liz S(ro�, Board Liaison/Secretary
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