HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 11/05/2002TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
****November 5, 2002 ****
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh
Chairperson: Lawrence Bontempo Phone: 484-3980 (W)
Members Present: Herb Saperstone, Greg Smith, Curt Cramer, Braun Mincher
Members Absent: Tim Tillson, Rob Koellner
City Staff Present: Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh
Guests: Stan Reifschneider, AT&T
Bruce Reynolds, PRPA
Erick Dresher, ICG
Bob Larson, Board applicant
Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM
Minutes
Curt Cramer made a motion to accept minutes as submitted, seconded by Greg Smith.
Approval was unanimous.
AT&T Update:
Stan Reifschneider reported back on information provided by Braun Mincher at the last
meeting. Stan explained that over -utilization of nodes between Shields St. and Taft was
identified as part of the problem, and that mitigation filters were not in place to trap return
static. The situation has been corrected, and the problem solved. In response to Braun's
follow up question, Stan explained that the return path for the ISP service is at 22 MHz, and
that noise from the 25 MHz (such as from vcr's, or a large number of taps on one line) can
result in problems similar to the one experienced. Larry asked about number of units that
can be on one tap. Stan explained that typically the limit is 4, and if more are needed, an
amplifier is necessary — for which the charge is $25.
Stan also reported that three DS3 lines are being replaced with an OC12 line that will
connect Denver to the Fort Collins head end. Board applicant Bob Larson asked about the
expansion, Stan explained that AT&T had leased the DS3 lines, and that the OC 12
communication is on AT&T's network.
In response to a question last month, Stan mentioned that there are 38,000 Cable
customers with access to the local Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) channels.
He will have more information in December about the insertion charge to put additional
PEG information on the TV Guide channel.
] 2/03/02
PRPA/ICG
Erick Dresher from ICG gave some background information about ICG. The company was
established in 1986, and will be coming out of reorganization in November. The company
provides voice and data service in 30 markets nationwide, with 1100 employees. Previously
ICG was looking to the residential market, focusing on providing DSL. The company has
shifted focus back to competing with Qwest to provide dial tone services, primarily to the
business sector. The reliability of the service has improved due to some re -engineering by
Cisco Systems. Erick will get back to board on number of voice subscribers.
Larry talked about credibility problems with the company, explaining of promotional offers
not being honored, and suggested the "reorganized" company may want to contact previous
customers to determine if commitments have been met, and resolve any outstanding
issues. Braun mentioned that his company has been a client of ICG through the
bankruptcy, and that service is improving, and rates are dropping.
Larry commented that competition ends up serving the community, both in terms of service
levels and cost, and encouraged ICG to work with customers so all the benefits of
competition can continue. Curt asked Erick to provide some data about the number of
subscribers in Larimer County. This information would be helpful to let the Board know
what level of influence the company might have.
Bruce Reynolds of PRPA gave some background and an overview of the PRPA fiber loop.
Most public agencies in the area are on the network, including City of Fort Collins, Poudre
Valley Hospital, Larimer County, and Poudre School District. PRPA is also using the
system for video security of the sub -stations, using World Wide Packets. Bruce offered to
take the Board on a tour of the PRPA facilities in the coming months. The Board asked to
have that item placed on the planning calendar for 2003.
PRPA representatives are planning a trip to Provo Utah is get more information about a
plan to provide fiber to the homes in that area. The City government is working with World
Wide Packets on the feasibility study. Bruce will find out if Provo is a municipally owned
electric provider.
2003 Work Plan
The Board deferred discussion on the 2003 work plan until next meeting.
Adjournment:
Braun made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Greg Smith. Vote was unanimous. Meeting
was adi"owmed at 7:40, PM.
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12/03/02