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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 03/21/2005TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 21, 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: Tim Tillson, Curt Cramer, David Heiberg, Robert Reichenberger, Herb Saperstone, Chip Cushman, Larry Bontempo Staff: Gary Gordier, Eric Dahlgren, Gary Gordier Guests: Bruce Smith, PUC Director, Retired Chair Curt Cramer called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM. Public Input: None Minutes: Robert Reichenberger moved to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Larry Bontempo. Motion was passed unanimously Public Utilities Commission Retired Director Bruce Smith spoke to the Board about various topics of interest to the Board. He commented on the progress of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) over the past two years. This became an FCC issue when Minnesota decided to regulate VoIP. The incentive seemed to be around 911 response issues, as well as concerns about the universal service fund. The Colorado PUC held off on any action on this issue, because there was a strong feeling that it was an issue of national rather than state's interest, and the FCC should determine to extent of any regulations. At the time, the FCC was undergoing some changes in leadership when Kevin Martin was appointed as FCC Director. Mr. Martin's stance differs from the previous chair in that he believes the states need to have a role in regulatory issues. The FCC believes VoIP is facility based competition and may not see the need for regulation. In the meantime, there is interest in Congress to revise the Telecommunications Act, focusing more on broadcast decency standards and media/station ownership. Mr. Smith also commented on the need to clearly define VoIP. He cited an example of Comcast promoting "digital voice", at the same time explaining that it is not VoIP because they only offer it over their own and other networks with which they have contractual obligations. Robert Reichenberger asked about the ability to block voice calls. Mr. Smith explained that Interstate carrier compensation is part of the VolP issue. A VoIP provider might require payment if any voice traffic was carried over their network. The Industry wants to force a ruling from the FCC. On the local scene, Mr. Smith commented that Qwest has an application in front of the PUC to deregulate all service. Since the state has a law that caps residential rates, it would be easier to go that direction. Mr. Smith believes if things are kept in place that deal with consumer rights and customer service, with an appeal process in place that allowing the deregulation may be feasible. The Interstate compensation issue continues to be at the top of the FCC's list, as it is not possible for states to resolve the overlying issues. Social programs will need to be continued, and the 911 emergency response service is also expensive to maintain, and fees need to be collected for those services. Phone number portability is another issue of continuing debate. Mr. Smith feels technology is in place to implement that in many urban areas, but this is not as viable an option for rural areas, as there is less cell phone capability in those less populated areas. The underlying social and political question is whether citizens should have the right to comparable services no matter where they live. Mr. Smith commented that the role of state PUC's is to watch out for the public interest, and that the PUC should not be managing companies. In response to a question from Robert Reichenberger, Mr. Smith explained that the PUC administers the cost fund so that everyone in the state pays the same rate. This has been used primarily for land lines. Mr. Smith reported that 37% of the money collected for that fund comes from wireless. As wireless services continue to grow, there may need to be different ways to pay for the universal service fund. Chip Cushman mentioned that land line services are being expanded to include broadband and video in an effort to compete with cable companies that are offering those services. He speculated that there may come a time that Cable TV systems will need to be open to other service providers, similar to the local phone company's lines being available to competitors. Board input on Budget Liz distributed memos from the City Manager, asking for Boards and Commissions to submit any funding requests, as the City is beginning its budget process for 2006/2007. Other Business: Curt announced that the University of Wyoming is putting on a conference on telecommunications. The purpose is to have the Wyoming Legislature in attendance to learn more about the state of the telecommunications industry, in preparation for introducing new legislation. The last time a telecommunications bill was passed in Wyoming was about 10 years ago. He explained the conference will be held April 26t" on the Laramie campus. There will be presentations by industry players to help educate the public on telecommunications issues, and will not be taking a position on the issues. A second session will address customer and consumer concerns. AARP will be present, as well as other interest groups. Representatives from Iowa will be in attendance. Iowa has recently deregulated telecommunications providers, but maintain a close watch on customer service. National, regional and state issues will be represented. Adjournment: Larry Bontempo made a motion to adjourn, Robert seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:25 PM C UAJ':a C/te.� 7-19'-Ds Chair Date