HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 06/19/2006TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
June 19, 2006
6:00 PM
Council Liaison: David Roy
Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh, Communications and Technology Services; 221-6522
Board Chair: Curt Cramer
Vice Chair: Herb Saperstone
Present: Curt Cramer, Herb Saperstone, Ted Funk, Robert Reichenberger
Absent: Larry Bontempo, Chip Cushman, David Heiberg
Guest: Abel Chavez, Dennis Pappas of Qwest Communications
Staff: Eric Dahlgren, Kraig Ecton, Liz Stroh
Chair Curt Cramer called the meeting to order at 6: 00 PM.
Public Input: None
Minutes:
Herb Saperstone moved to approve minutes, seconded by Ted Funk. Minutes
were unanimously approved as corrected.
Qwest
Abel Chavez of Quest Communications introduced topics for the discussion: A
recent video franchise with the Greater Metropolitan Telecommunications
Consortium (GMTC), and wireless communication.
Mr Chavez circulated a map showing homes and businesses with Broadband
access, indicating the widespread availability shows commitment to Fort Collins.,
He reported approximately 80% availability of these services.
Mr. Pappas discussed the consumer demand for more and more mobility, which
has resulted in the movement toward mesh networks, wifi and wimax. For wifi in
homes to be workable, the range is limited to 300 feet, and is very susceptible to
interference. Mesh networks have a range of 300 to 1000 feet. Although
wireless avoids some issues prevalent with cable plant, the wireless technology
faces other obstacles such as trees, height of buildings, location of antennas, etc.
Other considerations such as security and expense need to be factored into a
decision to deploy. Security remains a problem, as people can gain access
through neighbor's network connection. In addition to the capital expenses to
install wireless in various areas, operating expenses need to be considered, and
a market analysis to project revenues is included in the analysis.
Qwest is currently conducting a trial in Meade, Colorado. The trial began in
January and will end in July, 2006. Meade was chosen because it's geographic
location allows evaluation in several areas such as speed, distance, reliability,
etc. After the trial, the system will be evaluated for both technical performance
and customer experience. While similar trials are going on around the world,
Meade was chose because of its rural location, providing density and distance
data to be factored into the analysis.
Robert asked if it would replace DSL, and Mr. Chavez responded that it may, as
it allows a point to multipoint configuration. The distance for line of site of the
technology is 30 miles. FCC approval of the frequency used was required, and
erecting a 60 ft. monopole was also necessary, which required permission from
the Meade local government.
Qwest is also beginning to test 26 mg over copper, over which video access
could be provided.
Mr. Chavez reported that he had met with the City's Chief Information Officer,
Tom Vosburg and shared information on municipal entry into wireless. Mr
Chavez believes such activity puts taxpayer money at risk, and that Senate bill
152 requires municipalities to get approval via a citizen vote.
Kraig Ecton asked about the provision of video service. Mr Chavez referred to
the model agreement between Qwest and the GMTC. The agreement does not
require a community build out, which differs from the City's current cable
franchise agreement that requires service to all areas of the City. The company
has, however, offered bandwidth equivalent for PEG programming
Mr Pappas explained that it takes 8 pairs to provide the video service and that
fiber must be extended in order to manage the bandwidth needs. The company
is planning to build first to areas where there is an adequate demand to justify the
expenditures. Curt mentioned that citizens would like to see a la carte program
offerings, and that would be a selling point to potential customers
Herb asked about HDTV and Mr. Chaves replied that Qwest has just introduced
that to Highlands Ranch. He also mentioned that the company is not involved in
any content, but only to provide transport for the programming.
Curt urged Qwest to begin to make this service available, as there would be
many benefits to the community, making it more competitive as well as providing
more diverse programming.
Ted asked about IPTV and Mr. Pappas explained that Qwest has residential and
business Voice over Internet Protocol (VolP)
Robert encouraged Qwest to develop packages, with choices, to compete with
the cable company
Other business
None
Robert moved to adjourn, seconded by Herb and passed unanimously
Adjourned at 7:15 PM
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