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2005 Annual Report
The emphasis for the Telecommunications Board in 2005 was the reuncil Study
sessions. The emphasis for the Telecommunications Board in 2004 was the re-
negotiation of the Franchise agreement between the City and Comcast.
anua No meeting
Februa
The Board began gathering information about how E911 functionality would be
provided on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) product. Comcast reported that
the company is targeting 2005 to deploy VoIP in Colorado. 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.
March:
The Board invited PUC Director Bruce Smith (retired) to speak bout VoIP Mr.
Smith 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. Interstate carrier compensation is another aspect of the VoIP
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.
ril: No meeting
Telecommunications Board
2005 Annual Report
Page 1
The Board received an update on the status of the franchise renewal
negotiations with Comcast. Negotiations had been suspended since March in
anticipation of the Municipal elections held in April. The negotiating team has
been working to address the top priorities of the Board (and City Council) that
include a low cost basic tier, state of the art technology, and Public, Educational
and Governmental Access programming. Staff also reported on discussions with
the Fort Collins Public Access Network (FC-PAN).
Representatives from ICG visited the Board to provide information on alternative
telephone service to Qwest. ICG had filed Chapter 11, and has recently
emerged with a stronger core business strategy.
ul :
Members of the Fort Collins Public Access Network (FCPAN) were invited to
provide the Board with an update of activities. FCPAN members provided the
Board with a copy of their brochure, which includes their Mission Statement,
programs and services. FCPAN has submitted application to the IRS for
501(3)(c) status, but has not yet been approved. They have some opportunities
to apply for grants, but need to wait until the non-profit status is approved. The
group has produced one studio show, using the Comcast studio, featuring one of
the City Council members. They've conducted some training classes on editing
equipment in the Comcast studio. They are currently seeking a facility to house
their office and studio, and have met with Aims Community College
representatives to investigate the possibility of a partnership, using some unused
classrooms at the Aims Community College site.
u ust:
No meeting.
Se tember:
The Board reviewed City Council's Legislative Policy Agenda regarding
Telecommunications. Board members agreed the most pressing issues today
include privacy and identity theft. The Board suggested modifications to the
Agenda to address these issues, and unanimously approved the revised policyt
agenda.
Telecommunications Board
2005 Annual Report
Page 2
ctober:
Pat Burns, Associate Vice President for Information and Instructional
Technology — CSU presented information to the board about higher education's
efforts in the telecommunications area. Topics included the National Lambda
Rail that is a high speed network that connects other educational facilities across
the country, more work with the K-12 educational sector, continuing and distance
learning, and the need to supply more resources to rural schools.
November:
The Board met to develop the 2006 workplan. The Board's emphasis for 2006
will be completion of the Cable Franchise work, and researching various
telecommunications initiatives being implemented by area providers.
December:
No Meeting
Telecommunications Board
2005 Annual Report
Page 3