HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 02/01/2005TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
February I , 2005
6:00 PM
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein
Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh, Communications and Technology Services; 221-6522
Board Chair: Curt Cramer
Vice Chair: Herb Saperstone,
Present: Curt Cramer, Herb Saperstone, Chip Cushman, Robert
Reichenberger
Absent: Tim Tillson, David Heiberg, Larry Bontempo
Staff Gary Gordier, Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh
Guest: Stan Reifschneider, General Manager, Comcast Cable, Inc
The February meeting of the Telecommunications Board was called to order at
6:10 PM
Minutes
A motion was made by Chip Cushman, seconded by Herb Saperstone, and
passed unanimously. Minutes were approved as corrected.
Comcast Update:
E-911. Board members had asked for information about how Comcast would
accommodate E-911 functionality into their Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
product. Stan reported that Comcast will not be prepared to deploy VoIP in
Colorado until 2006, although there are some test sites currently underway.
Telephone numbers for VoIP will be area code specific, which will help
dispatchers track the location of a 911 call. Comcast continues to acquire fiber
nationally to minimize the number of VoIP calls that would go out over the
Internet, which will provide more control. There is also an interface that will allow
for emergency notifications, court approved wire taps, etc. Comcast will also
contribute to the Universal Service Fund.
Chip asked if Comcast would end up being regulated. Stan would prefer minimal
regulation, because regulations may modify the ability to implement the service.
Chip asked if the 4t' qtr 2005 implementation of VoIP in Colorado would include
Fort Collins. The plan at this point in time is to include Fort Collins if feasible.
Gary mentioned that ICG was offering VolP, and the Board asked that a
presentation be scheduled at one of the meetings to learn more from ICG about
the service. Staff was also asked to follow up with Qwest to determine the status
of VolP in Fort Collins. Herb is interested in learning more about choices offered
to consumers in Fort Collins. Robert mentioned that he is using a service that
allows him free oversees calls.
Stan went on to announce that Comcast is launching a new product that allows
subscribers to record a program while watching another. The product is similar
to Tivo. The service is available to digital customers only, and uses a menu
driven guide to order the video or program that is wanted. Edited down sports
programs were given as an example of what kind of programs are available.
This is available in the Denver market at this time. Since satellite dish services
don't offer this capability, it is a good competitive tool for Comcast. Stan
explained that some programs are not available, with the target being sports
shows, movies, etc. Broadcast TV stations have concern that this type of service
would have potential impact on revenues if ads are edited out. Advertisers may
be more reluctant to purchase air time.
Comcast has also purchased a TV guide service to help customers get to the
programming they want. It's being packaged with the digital offerings.
Herb had questions about HDTV. Stan indicated that Video on Demand and
HDTV will come to Fort Collins at about the same time. Herb mentioned he was
very interested in getting this type of video on demand service for PEG channels.
Other Comcast announcements include the plans to increase download speeds
on their high speed internet service. There will be no increase in cost for the
increased speeds. The cable customers, however, can expect a 5 to 6.5%
increase, depending on the type of service to which they subscribe.
Eric asked about the bid Comcast has made for Adelphia, a telecommunications
company doing business mostly in the East. Stan didn't have any updates as to
the status of that buy out bid.
Election of officers
Chair Curt Cramer opened the floor to nominations. Chip nominated Curt, with a
second from Herb Saperstone. Curt was re-elected chair unanimously.
Nominations for vice -chair were invited. Chip nominated Herb Saperstone,
seconded by Curt Cramer. The vote was unanimous to re-elect Herb to the vice -
chair position.
Other Business.
Liz gave an update on legislative activity at state legislature that involved
telecommunications items.
Herb asked about the Public Access group, and if any progress had been made
in their attempt to form a non-profit organization. Liz reported that she had met
with Pete Seel of the Fort Collins Public Access Network (FCPAN). The group
was preparing to file papers to finalize their status as a non-profit.
Stan gave a brief account of some minor improvements made to the public
access studio at Comcast's Fort Collins office.
Adjourn
Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Chip. Motion was unanimous
and the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM
Chair Date
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