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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 03/05/2002TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES ****March 5, 2002 **** *** 6:00 PM *** Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh Chairperson: Greg Smith Phone: 686-4755 (W) Members Present: Greg Smith, Larry Bontempo, Curt Cramer, Tim Tillson, Rob Koellner Members Absent: Bruan Mincher City Staff Present: Eric Dahlgren, Gary Gordier, Liz Stroh Guests: Edie Ortega, Dan Washburn, Qwest Chair Greg Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM Approval of Minutes: Larry Bontempo moved to approve minutes, seconded by Curt Cramer. Motion passed unanimously. Vote unanimous Qwest:: Erie Ortega — Public Affairs Manager and Dan Washburn, National Account Manager for Government of Qwest presented information to the Board related tc various projects and activities DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) . Edie reported that the original plan was to deploy 31 DSL remote terminals, 35 have been installed and are loop qualified. A total of 400 have been deployed statewide. Information regarding certification of loops for DSL is available on the Qwest web site. Qwest leads the RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating Companies) in the deployment of DSL. In the future, some wireless technology will be used with DSL, however that technology is not being used in conjunction with DSL at the present time. Internet Services: MSN (Microsoft Network) is now the Internet Service provider for former Qwest Network customers. Qwest recently announced an extension of time to allow customers to shift to another ISP if they would rather not have their account with MSN. There have been some concerns about downtime related to the switch and Edie announced Qwest has established a DSL support center in Boise, Idaho to help with problems related to DSL. Greg asked about customer of record for the DSL line, was it the ISP or the end customer. Edie explained that MSN places the DSL service request when customers subscribe to their DSL service, other ISP may want the customer to place the order. When ordering a DSL line, the customer should let Qwest know which ISP is being used. Of the 35 terminals, 7000 lines are loop qualified. Some are not. Cost begins at $29.95, depending on the speed requested. Servers can be connected, and available bandwidth may depend on vicinity of the home to the central office Curt asked about LATA and long distance efforts. Edie explained the checklist that Qwest is required to complete in order to get approval to provide long distance services. Qwest went to a regional commission to request approval. Most of the requirements are geared toward technical ability to provide the service. Depending on the response from the PLIC, Qwest may file with the FCC for permission as soon as April. Qwest has concentrated on upgrading and repairing its network in order to offer these services. Larry mentioned problems with after-hours conversions. Edie explained that their procedures are designed to avoid problems, and that sometimes things don't work as well as they would like. Curt asked about wireless coverage. Edie responded that there are areas of Fort Collins that still have reception problems. A budget is in place to work toward a resolution of the wireless coverage problem. Rob explained that he had problems with the phone jumping to roaming mode. Edie encouraged him to call and report the problem, and explained that as the tower is accessed by more cell users the ability to provide the same level of service diminishes. The phone will take the stronger of the two signals, and will switch to analog if that is the stronger. Curt asked about expanding service territory for wireless. Edie responded that Qwest continues to have that as a goal. Gary asked if Qwest was limiting Plain Old Telephone (POT) service speeds (dial up lines). Edie said this was not being done intentionally, although speeds on dial up lines can vary. Larry asked about plans to replace the aging outside plant. Edie responded that there is a program underway to rehab the major feeder cables, with plans to continue on an as needed basis. Edie encouraged the board to talk to the PUC regarding the definition of service. If there is enough interest and demand, there is a process to change the standard, similar to the change of standard related to touch tone dialing rather than pulse. The PUC goes through a review of the basic service definition of phone service, and issues related to provider of last resort. An analysis is made to determine the cost, how much subscriber's bills would increase and whether or not customers see the benefits related to the higher costs. The PUC determined the definition of basic service would remain the same for now. Curt mentioned recent discussions related to extending the local calling area to include Greeley. Edie explained that the PUC has a model that uses call volume to determine if it would be helpful, and how costs would increase. Community of interest test is the one that may cause that to happen. The process would be to file an application with the PUC, and explain the community of interest between Weld and Larimer Counties. Edie encouraged letters of support for Qwest's application to become a long distance provider. Other Business Curt mentioned he had received information about Earthlink satellite service. The cost is quoted at $350 for equipment, 199 to install and 60 per month. Planning Calendar. The Board reviewed the planning calendar and asked to schedule a wireless provider and Echostar to visit with the Board in the coming months. The next meeting will be with the PUC chair, and the Board members are looking forward to discussing regulation of digital service, the definition of POTS, and what the commission's role should be in the telecommunications arena. Rob moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Curt. The vote in favor was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.