HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 10/01/2002TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
****October 1, 2002 ****
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison:
Kurt Kastein
Staff Liaison:
Liz Stroh
Chairperson:
Lawrence Bontempo
Phone: 484-3980
(W)
Members Present: Larry Bontempo, Curt Cramer, Braun Mincher, Greg Smith, Herb
Saperstone
Members Absent: Tim Tillson, Rob Koellner
City Staff Present: Liz Stroh
Guests: Stan Reifschneider, AT&T Broadband Area Manager
Chair Larry Bontempo called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Approval of Minutes:
Curt Cramer moved to accept the minutes as corrected; seconded by Herb Saperstone.
Minutes were approved unanimously.
AT&T Update
Stan Reifschneider reported that AT&T/Comcast is currently working on 2003 budget, a
challenging process in light of the merger of the two companies.
Stan provided some background on Comcast. The company was started in 1963 as a
local cable company and has grown to 21 million customers in 41 states, owning 18 of
the top 20 markets.
The company is also involved in the programming side with golf, sports networks, sports
teams, productions. These are seen primarily on the East cost, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
the Delaware Valley, Detroit, and Tennessee.
The merger between AT&T and Comcast is making progress. Department of Justice
and Federal Communications Commission approval of the merger is complete. The
final waiting period was the last week in September, and approval is almost automatic
unless negative comments were made.
AT&T sold stocks in AOL/Time Warner this summer in order to meet federal regulations
so the merger could move ahead. Stan reported that, barring unforeseen problems, the
merger will be completed by end of 2002.
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Larry asked about the telephone service currently offered in some AT&T locations.
Stan explained that Comcast will focus on Voice over IP, rather than the traditional
switched telephony. Cable television is Comcast's core business, and their priority.
Stan also updated the Board on new products and services being offered. A faster tier
for the internet access/cable modem customers is now available. The cost is $45 per
month. AT&T Broadband is also offering remote access for customers for an additional
$10 per month. This service lets travelers access their e-mail and home page while
away form home. There are 7400 dial up numbers across the country for use by these
customers.
Stan handed out copies of the brochures made available to customers. AT&T is trying
to expand the digital service by offering different packages. The digital starter package
includes the basic digital plus music channels for $49 per month. Other packages that
include premium channels are also available at various levels.
Herb Saperstone reported that AT&T Broadband has supplied the school district with
the DMX music service.
Braun asked about over -utilization of nodes. Stan will bring information to next meeting
regard nodes that are at capacity and the plans to alleviate the problem.
Greg mentioned that there were some problems with some of the cable modems
installed by AT&T because of some changes in the way the service was delivered.
Stan indicated that some of the hardware needed to be replaced and that customers
should contact the AT&T customer service center to arrange to swap modems.
Herb asked Stan about the number of viewers (analog and digital) that have access to
the PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) channels. Stan will provide
information at a future board meeting.
Other business:
The Board asked to meet with either ICG or a representative of McLeod at the next
meeting.
Curt asked that next year's planning calendar include information about the sale of the
Qwest yellow page service, and what the impacts might be of that change. He
suggested March or April of 2003.
Adjournment
Braun m ved to adjourn the meeting, with a second by Greg Smith. The motion was
unanimous and the�neetog wc* adjourned at 7:15.
// S , ,--
Date
11/05/02