Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD in Verizon Fiber Optics

said by DonLibes

:

No, that's not what I'm saying.
Please realize that whether the MC politicians look good or bad depends entirely upon your point of view. It is important to recognize that Comcast is in a position of great power both in MC and in MD. Comcast has access not just to the eyeballs of the citizens who watch cable but more significantly to the politicians through intensive lobbying and 'community service' programs. As a simple example, when I speak to teachers in MC, they gush over the wonderful things Comcast provides them with. Comcast is involved with lower ed, higher ed, voter ed campaigns, sports programs, safety campaigns, chamber of commerce campaigns, etc, etc. They are an amazingly effective political organization - from local levels to state to federal. You better believe that the politicians are not in a rush to do anything that will upset Comcast.

Bottom line: if the franchise gets signed before 2007, it will be despite the politicans, not because of them.

Well put. We have a similar scenario going on in The City of Alexandria, Virginia. The politicians are very happy with Comcast, as are the school board members, and other important constituencies. Also, if you ever see Comcast Local Edition, which runs twice hourly on CNN, that is a stroke of genius by Comcast for bringing in a lot of the local players, who guess what will be inclined to then politically support Comcast.

Don't worry all of this mess will be broken due to technology (wireless in particular). The sad part is the politicians are short changing their citizens and retarding technological progress by sticking with the one trick pony called Comcast.

Though different, the whole boondoggle somewhat reminds me of what the Chinese government is doing in respect to 'filtering' the Internet. Ultimately, just as information is meant to be free, the proliferation of broadband at a fair price cannot be stopped.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15522640 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:50:24 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15522469 JTRockville : Does anyone think it's worthwhile to write a letter to the MD State legislature asking about their plans for a statewide television franchise?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15522469 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:29:59 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15519868 BarneyBadAss :

said by JohnA

:

They would actually gain from getting us satellite people back, but I'm sure they're too short sighted to realize that.

John, I doubt if you stood em' up in front of a mirror and pointed to thier nose; they couldn't recognize it.

Is that "Short Sighted" enough for you?
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15519868 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 14:58:09 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518581 JTRockville : You're going to have to come out of the wilderness and start shouting, if you want your voice to be heard. ;)

Either that, or sign up to be webmaster and/or create survey forms.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518581 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:24:16 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518391 JohnA :

said by cbrain

:

Can we pencil you in for webmaster or to create survey forms?

Nope. I'm just a voice crying in the wilderness "It's the regulations, fix it"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518391 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:59:18 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518283 cbrain :

said by JohnA

:

It's not just a MoCo, Balt/Wash area problem. Rockville has just unwittingly shined a whole lot of light on how MoCo operates. Most of the problems exist nationwide in various forms and local flavors.

Wonderful!

Can we pencil you in for webmaster or to create survey forms? ;)

We will need people willing to take action. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518283 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:47:51 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518228 JohnA :

It's not just a MoCo, Balt/Wash area problem. Rockville has just unwittingly shined a whole lot of light on how MoCo operates. Most of the problems exist nationwide in various forms and local flavors.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518228 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:39:37 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518149 cbrain :

said by JTRockville

:

...
Maybe if we all storm the council building, they won't skip the one in April/May.

How about starting a “coach potato” coalition of voters interested in better video, telecom and internet. Put up a website and forum. Question and rate political leaders from Montgomery County and other jurisdictions in the Baltimore Washington area. Try to get some interest in the press. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15518149 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:29:42 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517930 JTRockville :

said by DonLibes

:

I'd like to see some analyses (or even guesses) about how much of the share of the market VZ will likely take from the satellite providers.

I made a totally unscientific poll, but it might give us some sense of where FiOS TV subscribers come from:
»[Poll] IF you have FiOS TV, who did you switch from?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517930 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:55:18 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517818 JTRockville : Yes, they probably are too short-sighted. But the longer they wait, the worse the situation will get. I'm very pleased with DirecTV, so I'm not very motivated to switch to FiOS TV. I suspect many who have already made the switch feel the same.

So time is of the essence.

I would definitely have picked VZ over DirecTV if I could have at the time I switched, because VZ will offer our PEGs. But now, I have to consider which I like better: PEGs, or privacy (DirecTV cannot monitor my habits because I do not plug a phone line into my receivers).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517818 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:39:35 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517792 DonLibes :

said by JTRockville

:

Wouldn't that be an incentive to sign a television franchise agreement with VZ? (more $$$ in the "cable fund" coffers)

That's a question I've wondered about myself because the county has a vested interest (I would say 'conflict of interest') in keeping residents as cable customers so that those franchise dollars keep coming in. But I think that the amount in the cable fund doesn't carry with it nearly as much leverage as the amount of publicity received from 'community service' and behind the scenes lobbying.

I'd like to see some analyses (or even guesses) about how much of the share of the market VZ will likely take from the satellite providers. My guess is that VZ will cannibalize Comcast's market share. So in that sense, the county isn't looking at any increase in franchise fees. Indeed, if competition leads to lower costs, they'll lose franchise fees.

Bottom line: The county is looking at a lose-lose proposition. Not only is the county going to lose franchise fees but they may lose 'community service dollars' as well.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517792 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:34:14 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517760 JohnA :
They would actually gain from getting us satellite people back, but I'm sure they're too short sighted to realize that. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517760 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:29:41 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517688 JTRockville : Right now, I contribute zero to the "cable fund" coffer. There are more and more people in the county who've stopped contributing. Surely, Duncan and the council must have noticed all the dishes popping up everywhere.

Of course, the loss of franchise revenue from customers who cancel is offset by Comcast's gigantic price increases. But I'd guess there must be some point where the franchise revenue will eventually take a hit.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517688 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:16:12 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517642 JohnA :

said by JTRockville

:

Wouldn't that be an incentive to sign a television franchise agreement with VZ? (more $$$ in the "cable fund" coffers)

Actually I don't see the link. Competition benefits consumers, not taxing bodies. True level playing field competition will ultimately lower their franchise fee income, as prices will go down. Where is the politicians incentive to lower their leverage on Comcast, to collect monies from you, and pass it back to their control, normally known as a tax.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517642 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:09:10 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517618 JTRockville : I was hoping for something more immediate, BarneyBadAss

. But it looks like we're going to need a long-term plan.

It should be fairly easy for the council to kick any talk of a franchise to the fall, since they typically skip the review of Comcast/RCN/VZ's first quarter (which would be scheduled for late April/early May, if it ever happened). So the next public meeting won't likely be until late October/early November.

Maybe if we all storm the council building, they won't skip the one in April/May.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517618 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:05:33 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517443 BarneyBadAss : JT,

Actually, it's a perfect incentive to get new political leaders in MC.

I still think we should out source the MC County Exec and all the others to India! :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517443 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 09:29:17 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517247 JTRockville : Wouldn't that be an incentive to sign a television franchise agreement with VZ? (more $$$ in the "cable fund" coffers)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15517247 Mon, 20 Feb 2006 08:43:06 EDT Re: Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514572 JohnA :

Well, if we're going to drop links, I found the comments in Don's Blog on 2/12/06, headed The PLan, rather interesting in regard to the county's no interest, temporary multi-million dollar loan, slush fund, AKA the Cable fund. Don's blog here: »libes.com/don/blog]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514572 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:42:46 EDT Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Leaders Criticized-Washington Post http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514427 cbrain :

said by DonLibes

:

...
Please realize that whether the MC politicians look good or bad depends entirely upon your point of view. It is important to recognize that Comcast is in a position of great power both in MC and in MD. Comcast has access not just to the eyeballs of the citizens who watch cable but more significantly to the politicians through intensive lobbying and 'community service' programs. As a simple example, when I speak to teachers in MC, they gush over the wonderful things Comcast provides them with. Comcast is involved with lower ed, higher ed, voter ed campaigns, sports programs, safety campaigns, chamber of commerce campaigns, etc, etc. They are an amazingly effective political organization - from local levels to state to federal. You better believe that the politicians are not in a rush to do anything that will upset Comcast.

Bottom line: if the franchise gets signed before 2007, it will be despite the politicans, not because of them.

Comcast's Perks to Montg Leaders Criticized

By Tim Craig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, October 11, 2004; Page B01

»Post - Comcast's Perks to Montg Leaders Criticized

»www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar···10.html?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514427 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:23:40 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514244 DonLibes :

said by Liz

said by DonLibes

:

What I've pieced together from unnamed sources and educated guesses is that the negotiations between the county and VZ are being strangled by the politicians themselves who have other agendas at stake - from the Council to the Executive to the Governor. Basically, all the current political leaders are desperately trying to move up (Silverman to CE, Duncan to Gov, ...) at the expense of everyone else and they see little interest in compromise (which would be spun by political opponents as weakness and by the lobbyists of the cables and telcos as disasters) with the catastrophe going on in Congress over the radically differing rewrites of the Telecomm Act.

As I said, that's educated guessing. But one thing I know for sure is that the citizens are completely shut out of the process.

No, that's not what I'm saying.

Please realize that whether the MC politicians look good or bad depends entirely upon your point of view. It is important to recognize that Comcast is in a position of great power both in MC and in MD. Comcast has access not just to the eyeballs of the citizens who watch cable but more significantly to the politicians through intensive lobbying and 'community service' programs. As a simple example, when I speak to teachers in MC, they gush over the wonderful things Comcast provides them with. Comcast is involved with lower ed, higher ed, voter ed campaigns, sports programs, safety campaigns, chamber of commerce campaigns, etc, etc. They are an amazingly effective political organization - from local levels to state to federal. You better believe that the politicians are not in a rush to do anything that will upset Comcast.

Bottom line: if the franchise gets signed before 2007, it will be despite the politicans, not because of them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15514244 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:57:03 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15513027 Liz :

said by DonLibes

Are you saying that as things stand, negotiations for a Verizon video franchise won't start until January 2007? Why would a franchise like Fairfax or Howard make anyone look bad? Doesn't it make Montgomery candidates look ineffective when they fail to get a franchise neighboring counties have?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15513027 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 16:30:33 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15512167 DonLibes :

said by cbrain

:

Do you have any information on what is happening with Montgomery County franchise negations? We voters can’t get any information, and if we are to believe our cable office, they are completely in the dark.

What I've pieced together from unnamed sources and educated guesses is that the negotiations between the county and VZ are being strangled by the politicians themselves who have other agendas at stake - from the Council to the Executive to the Governor. Basically, all the current political leaders are desperately trying to move up (Silverman to CE, Duncan to Gov, ...) at the expense of everyone else and they see little interest in compromise (which would be spun by political opponents as weakness and by the lobbyists of the cables and telcos as disasters) with the catastrophe going on in Congress over the radically differing rewrites of the Telecomm Act.

As I said, that's educated guessing. But one thing I know for sure is that the citizens are completely shut out of the process.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15512167 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 13:51:41 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511428 JTRockville : Did you write a letter to Duncan or the council, ScottF12345

?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511428 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 11:43:30 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511242 ScottF12345 : said by ohnothefeds :

Montgomery County is getting exactly what it deserves. Why would any company want to agree to a whole list of demands from Montgomery County that they dont have to anywhere else. And now when they're on the fence threaten them. Maybe a better option would be a formal apology to them signed by all the politicians and fanatics that ran them off with their absurd requests. No wonder comcast charges you people double down there.

Do you have any information on what is happening with Montgomery County franchise negations? We voters can’t get any information, and if we are to believe our cable office, they are completely in the dark. What are our politicians asking for that your area is not? Whatever concessions they are getting from Comcast, it’s not helping the paying customers. How much do you pay for CHSI and video? Could you provide a link to your local pricing? Is either Verizon FiOS internet or TV available to you?

MC Comcast price list

::clap clap::

How does someone actually post a reply like that. "That's exactly what Montgomery County gets" give me a break. Did montgomery county kill your dog? What could we possibly have done to you to hold a whole county in contempt. Hopefully Verizon is able to bring FIOS TV to MOCO soon. I've been waiting for it for a looooong time now. Comcast's service is HORRIBLE and their prices are waaaaay to high. HELP!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511242 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 11:14:32 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511192 cbrain :

said by ohnothefeds :

Montgomery County is getting exactly what it deserves. Why would any company want to agree to a whole list of demands from Montgomery County that they dont have to anywhere else. And now when they're on the fence threaten them. Maybe a better option would be a formal apology to them signed by all the politicians and fanatics that ran them off with their absurd requests. No wonder comcast charges you people double down there.

Do you have any information on what is happening with Montgomery County franchise negations? We voters can’t get any information, and if we are to believe our cable office, they are completely in the dark. What are our politicians asking for that your area is not? Whatever concessions they are getting from Comcast, it’s not helping the paying customers. How much do you pay for CHSI and video? Could you provide a link to your local pricing? Is either Verizon FiOS internet or TV available to you?

MC Comcast price list ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511192 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 11:06:41 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511028 JTRockville : Comcast's prices are too high everywhere, not just here.

(Except maybe in WOW and Knology territories)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15511028 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 10:27:21 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15510841 anon : Montgomery County is getting exactly what it deserves. Why would any company want to agree to a whole list of demands from Montgomery County that they dont have to anywhere else. And now when they're on the fence threaten them. Maybe a better option would be a formal apology to them signed by all the politicians and fanatics that ran them off with their absurd requests. No wonder comcast charges you people double down there.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15510841 Sun, 19 Feb 2006 09:38:38 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15508353 JTRockville : Nope. Not a peep from anyone except Doug Breisch.

I should have asked him if he required Comcast to sign a separate ROW agreement when they upgraded a few years ago. If not, I don't see how he can justify making Verizon do it now.

At this point, I think the best chance of getting anything done in a timely fashion is federal intervention. Given how slowly the feds move, that's a pretty sad commentary.

I hope VZ doesn't give up.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15508353 Sat, 18 Feb 2006 20:48:22 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15506115 cbrain :

said by JTRockville

:

This is the letter I'm working on to send to the Doug Breisch (City of Rockville DTS), County Executive Doug Duncan, the entire Montgomery County council, and the Verizon representative in charge of government affairs. ...

Did anyone from Montgomery County or Verizon respond?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15506115 Sat, 18 Feb 2006 14:09:03 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15505816 SaltiDawg :

said by nasadude

:

...
I will say it again slowly: customers paid for that last mile copper through GUARANTEED MONOPOLY PROFITS BLESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT. There was absolutely no risk whatsoever to the telcos - it was impossible for them to not make a profit.
...

Ya still don't get it. Or maybe you are simply being obtuse. :uhh:

I'll just move on - I tried.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15505816 Sat, 18 Feb 2006 13:10:30 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15504783 nasadude : well, it's apparent that saltidawg and great idea don't know their telecom history.

I don't really know if this is happening, but from reading what people have to say about what verizon is doing with regard to DSL and copper in fios area, it sure sounds like verizon intends to either let the copper "rot" or at least try to prevent other companies from using it.

Please note that I am talking about the "last mile" and that my previous post said that companies would need to provide their OWN equipment and provide upkeep. I would not expect verizon to do anything to upkeep the copper if they aren't going to use it.

I will say it again slowly: customers paid for that last mile copper through GUARANTEED MONOPOLY PROFITS BLESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT. There was absolutely no risk whatsoever to the telcos - it was impossible for them to not make a profit.

Furthermore, unless cable and telcos are required to allow others to use the last mile transport, WE WILL NEVER GET EFFECTIVE COMPETITION IN BROADBAND! Most attempts at overbuilding have been less than successful, as it is just too expensive to build a second, duplicative infrastructure. Every country that is ahead of the U.S. has done so because they have mandated line sharing, which creates competition.

Hey great idea, you can come over and drive my car, but you can only buy gas from me at $50/gallon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15504783 Sat, 18 Feb 2006 09:56:29 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15499128 cbrain : It's great to see the spirit of compromise and resolution. You have a working infrastructure in place. It will have a cost to dismantle it. It has a worth to sell or rent. It would benefit Verizon and the cable provider to take it out. It benefits the users and everyone else to find an economical way to make use of it. If possible. If both Verizon and the cable company did a great job, no competitor would really have a chance.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15499128 Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:03:55 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497901 anon : Dude,

This has to be the stupidist post I've ever seen here. Let any company use the copper for free?

How do you think the signal moves down the line? From electricity. Who pays for that?

Where do I place my network equipment? I just go down to the local phone company and say I want a couple of racks and here is my extension cord, can you plug it in over there?

Do you realize there are pole rental fees when you attach to a pole to the pole owner? Who pays for these?

What happens when a car takes out a pole? Who repairs the cable? How fast does the repair have to be done? Can I the phone company just repair the lines I use and tell the freeloader that the copper doesn't exist on that section anymore?

What happens when the copper wire goes bad because some water gets in it. Do I have to pay for one pair or all the pairs.

I tell you what, how about I come over and take your car for a spin, it's paid for isn't it? I'll just put gas in it.

Think before you write.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497901 Fri, 17 Feb 2006 11:10:30 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497757 SaltiDawg :

said by nasadude

:

...Customers paid for this copper thru government guaranteed rates and profits to the bells.
...

Well, that certainly is one spin on it. Another might say that the monopoly was prevented from making as much profit as it might have otherwise.

The last thing I would think we would like to see is for an infrastructure be based on decaying antiquated copper wire hanging from poles or buried underground.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497757 Fri, 17 Feb 2006 10:48:44 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497616 nasadude :

said by cbrain

:

How about "encouraging" Verizon to sell their copper network as they convert to 100% fiber? ..

How about passing legislation letting any company use the copper free? They would have to provide their own equipment and provide upkeep, but should not be charged anything to use the copper. Customers paid for this copper thru government guaranteed rates and profits to the bells.

Unless something like this is done, there is very little hope of having any meaningful wireline competition anytime soon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15497616 Fri, 17 Feb 2006 10:24:46 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15494648 JTRockville : Would you be an interested investor?

I think the "rule of 3s" will only be realized if we get a wireless provider.

DirecTV: Are you up there? Do you love me?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15494648 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:47:57 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15493008 cbrain :

said by nasadude

:

...I don't know how you figure getting service from anyone other than verizon or comcast. Cable legally has no obligation to share lines, copper line sharing dies in another year or so and fiber line sharing never existed.

at least you can get VOIP from any provider that offers, until net neutrality disappears.

How about "encouraging" Verizon to sell their copper network as they convert to 100% fiber? Wireless is improving. I love my dish. Digital broadcast is coming and a lot of spectrum coming available. There are a lot of options if regulators can keep up, help or get out of the way.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15493008 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 18:21:17 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492737 nasadude :

said by cbrain

:

...Do you think our current legislators are up to the task?

No.

I don't know how you figure getting service from anyone other than verizon or comcast. Cable legally has no obligation to share lines, copper line sharing dies in another year or so and fiber line sharing never existed.

at least you can get VOIP from any provider that offers, until net neutrality disappears.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492737 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:50:22 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492696 nasadude :

said by cmc0

:

They switched us over to Fiber once they rolled it out. They (as in Verizon) don't offer DSL to Fios customers/lines

That's interesting. I guess that's how verizon intends on keeping it's last mile monopoly for that technology. I guess if a clec comes sniffing around, verizon says "copper? what copper?"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492696 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:45:11 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492365 cbrain :

said by cmc0

:

I'm assuming you have comcast. Did you know, Comcast is offering the same speeds. Right after I cancelled, they sent me a latter saying that I can upgrade to either 6000 kbps with 768 kbps upload, on the silver package or 16mbps with 1mpbs upload on the gold package. Comcast's Gold package is even faster than Verizon 15mbps FiOS package

That is wonderful! Comcast has a great network and it looks like they are upgrading. Do you think the timing of this Comcast upgrade is coincidental?

I'm hoping for great offerings from Comcast, Verizon, DTV, Dish, Covad, Cavalier, Vonage, Sunrocket and many more.

Do you think our current legislators are up to the task?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15492365 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:01:05 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489722 JTRockville : Ho hum. I'm not impressed.

And no, I don't have Comcast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489722 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 11:04:44 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489707 cmc0 : I'm assuming you have comcast. Did you know, Comcast is offering the same speeds. Right after I cancelled, they sent me a latter saying that I can upgrade to either 6000 kbps with 768 kbps upload, on the silver package or 16mbps with 1mpbs upload on the gold package. Comcast's Gold package is even faster than Verizon 15mbps FiOS package
--
You never know what you have until you lose it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489707 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 11:03:20 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489694 cmc0 : They switched us over to Fiber once they rolled it out. They (as in Verizon) don't offer DSL to Fios customers/lines
--
You never know what you have until you lose it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15489694 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 11:01:32 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488943 JTRockville : Do you know if Comcast needed an additional ROW franchise to upgrade Rockville earlier this decade?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488943 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 08:59:37 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488865 JTRockville : Heh... DSL is great unless you're in a black hole!
;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488865 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 08:43:52 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488708 Brittany :

said by cmc0

:

Fiber's not so great. I have Verizon Fios at the 15mbps package, and sure the speed tests give me 15mbps,but I never download close to that on websites. I would rather have the $14.99 768k DSL though

So get the DSL. DSL is great. Fiber is better. You have a choice. This topic is about extending that choice to others. Most websites won't serve you at 15mbps. This has nothing to do with the connection you choose to pay for. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488708 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 08:08:05 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488520 JTRockville :

said by JohnA

:

Time for Verizon to light up the Maryland PUC, and have them declare martial law.

Is this really a possibility?
Could VZ go over Rockville's head?
Could the state intervene?

* hands VZ a match *]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488520 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 06:59:52 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488493 JTRockville : Rockville will not issue permits for construction until VZ signs a ROW agreement (which is NOT the same as a television franchise agreement).

Did other cities (like Bethesda, Potomac, or Gaithersburg) require this kind of agreement with VZ?

Who grants construction permits for unincorporated areas?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15488493 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 06:47:25 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15487713 DonLibes :

said by JTRockville

:

I just got a reply from Rockville. They will not even accept VZ's request for a permit until VZ is granted a franchise to upgrade the plant (it's similar to, but in addition to the television franchise).

Are you saying Rockville won't grant the ROW franchise until they grant the TV franchise?

Or are you saying Rockville won't give give a permit until Verizon gets a ROW franchise (which sounds circular)?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15487713 Thu, 16 Feb 2006 01:04:58 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15486611 cmc0 : Fiber's not so great. I have Verizon Fios at the 15mbps package, and sure the speed tests give me 15mbps,but I never download close to that on websites. I would rather have the $14.99 768k DSL though
--
You never know what you have until you lose it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15486611 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:01:37 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15485391 cbrain :

said by JohnA

:

That's JT's problem. She can't even vote for these clowns, but her CO serves part of Rockville. ...

This is one example of how a local jurisdiction can have a big impact on a larger area they don't even represent. Many in Montgomery County have benefited from Verizon's upgrade. Can anyone speculate as to any way Rockville's decision has benefited its citizens? It is easy to see why Verizon wants a statewide franchise.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15485391 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 19:20:58 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484999 JohnA :

That's JT's problem. She can't even vote for these clowns, but her CO serves part of Rockville. Time for Verizon to light up the Maryland PUC, and have them declare martial law.

They must have the same "revenue enhancement" consultant as Fountain Valley CA. Rumor was that they wanted Verizon to get a permit every time they opened a manhole lid (on their own manholes).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484999 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 18:26:11 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484878 nshulga : When is the next local election?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484878 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 18:10:37 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484873 JohnA :

Silly, isn't it. Now they need a second telephone franchise to upgrade their wires. Then a county franchise to deliver TV. No wonder Verizon isn't talking to anyone, especially the Kingdom Of Rockville.

Here's the testimony (.pdf) from the woman who runs the P-A station in Dallas, from the Keller meeting. »www.fcc.gov/realaudio/presentati···king.pdf I haven't found any info to say if TW stopped collecting the fees, or just stopped forwarding them to the city.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484873 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 18:10:01 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484450 JTRockville : Certainly not.

I may have been on the fence before, regarding state vs local control. But no more.

Verizon has to deal with this x 10,000?!?!?

We're NEVER going to get widespread fiber deployment.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484450 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 17:08:50 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484356 cbrain :

said by JTRockville

:

...
Isn't the state in charge of issuing permits for upgrades?

Does Rockville have authority to block VZ from upgrading?

It would appear.

What does Rockville know that Howard, Fairfax and all these other jurisdictions don't? Are the citizens of Rockville and Montgomery better served than these others? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15484356 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 16:58:26 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15483824 JTRockville : I just got a reply from Rockville. They will not even accept VZ's request for a permit until VZ is granted a franchise to upgrade the plant (it's similar to, but in addition to the television franchise).

Isn't the state in charge of issuing permits for upgrades?

Does Rockville have authority to block VZ from upgrading?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15483824 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 15:51:58 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15477722 JTRockville : Rockville refuses to issue construction permits, and someone at Verizon told me that negotiations with Rockville for permits are separate from television franchise negotiations. So I'd say it's the former.

No one seems to know much about the television franchise negotiations, other than they're not happening. But construction is proceeding in other parts of the county.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15477722 Tue, 14 Feb 2006 20:03:18 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15477239 tschmidt : JT is the issue just issuing permits to install FIOS or are they haggling over the TV franchise agreement?

If it is the former I'm surprised. I give Verizon credit being at the lead to undertake FTTP rollout. I have concerns over potential problem with vertical integration but I can't see why your town does not want to let Verizon upgrade.

As far as TV franchise agreement I wonder if it is not time to scrap that idea. With enough bandwidth TV program can originate anywhere not just the local aggregator - the MSO. I think it is time to rethink franchise agreements. Charge first-mile network providers fees based on rights-of-way and other business taxes but decouple the service carried by the network from the distribution network itself.

/Tom]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15477239 Tue, 14 Feb 2006 19:01:16 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15476591 cbrain : I re-submitted my questions to Duncan on 2-3-2006. No reply yet. I'm no longer hopeful.

I don't think we will see action until enough people show an interest. How many have sent messages to Duncan? Can we help anyone?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15476591 Tue, 14 Feb 2006 17:42:57 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15472941 JTRockville : I submitted my 2nd draft yesterday morning, but haven't received a reply yet.

Maybe it's because they're overwhelmed... flooded even... with emails from people demanding to know why there hasn't been any progress negotiating with Verizon.

(Well, I can hope!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15472941 Tue, 14 Feb 2006 09:38:25 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466185 JTRockville : Yes, I believe he has. However, he is unwilling to disclosed it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466185 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:28:36 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466164 cbrain : Has Doug Duncan taken a position on what level of responsiveness he will bring to the governors office if elected?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466164 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:25:48 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466137 cbrain :

said by Eat your cake :

You County is your own worst enemy. ...

You got us there.

I am coming to the conclusion that our county leaders, based on their own performance, simply don't understand how bad Comcast customer service is. There is one problem with your logic. Verizon has already installed FiOS in much of our county. Some say as much as 50%. »libes.com/don/blog/2006/01/fios-···ews.html

The messages I'm sending are questioning our leaders as to why our county is in this position and what they are doing to fix the situation. Had they done their job right, we wouldn't have needed this additional inet regulation. In any event, I don't see anything getting better unless we let these leaders know how important this is to us.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466137 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:20:31 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466044 JTRockville :

said by Eat your cake :

They are one of the only places in the country that has laws passed on how well the internet must work.

Montgomery County MD has done no such thing, though I wish they had.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15466044 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:04:25 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15465978 anon : You County is your own worst enemy. Verizon has looked at the problems that your government has given the cable company. They are one of the only places in the country that has laws passed on how well the internet must work. They can even levy fines if certain perameters aren't met.

Now you want Verizon to enter this hornets nest and be regulated like the cable company is.

You may say no we don't want that we just want fiber. Verizon knows better. As soon as they spend millions on building it you and your fellow citizens will want to change the rules just like you did with the cable company.

You complain if they bill you $2.57 too much.

There are many places Verizon that can spend there money without having to jump through all these hoops.

Good luck with your letter. But Montgomery County made there bed now they have to sleep in it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15465978 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 11:55:17 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464963 JTRockville : As long as you can read "What's up with Verizon's television franchise?" in the scribble, that will be fine. Thanks BarneyBadAss

. Remember, even if you don't get a response, your letter may influence their actions.
:)

The Montgomery County Council

The postal mailing address for the council is:
The Montgomery County Council
100 Maryland Avenue, 6th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850
240-777-7900 (voice)

Or, if you scribble on a tablet PC and want to drag it to an email, you can use this email address for the entire council:
county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov

The Montgomery County Executive

Be sure to also send a copy to Doug Duncan, the County Executive, either by email:
doug@dougduncan.com
douglas.duncan@montgomerycountymd.gov

or by postal mail:
Douglas M. Duncan
County Executive
Executive Office Building
101 Monroe Street
Rockville, MD 20850
240-777-2500 (voice)
240-777-2517 (fax)

edit: added phone numbers]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464963 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:39:49 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464854 BarneyBadAss : JT,

Done deal.. I'll scribble on a piece of paper... put it in an envelope; stick a stamp on it... and not expect any kind of response.
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464854 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:15:57 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464824 JTRockville : Do you want FiOS TV BarneyBadAss

? If so, why not write and ask what's up with the television franchise negotiations.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464824 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:06:50 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464707 BarneyBadAss : JT,

Start a petition in the town of Rockville.

Get Vz to install a CO for those outside of Rockville city limits (like that will happen but it might.. y'never know)

Initiate a law to offshore all of Montgomery County's Political process to India

Oh.. and if I lived in Rockville.. I'd write a letter.. but I'm not convinced anyone that matters can read and understand. :(
--

---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464707 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:15:08 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461982 JTRockville : Thanks for the help, JohnA

. I hope I'm not the only one who writes a letter. The issue will surely be easy to dismiss if I am.

Incidentally, Rockville could negotiate separately from the county (ugh!).There isn't any law saying that a township/city has to cede their authority to the county. The City of Gaithersburg has a separate agreement with Comcast than the rest of the county. I'd guess COG didn't see any benefit to this, because they ceded authority to the county to negotiate their agreement with RCN.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461982 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 19:46:45 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461809 JohnA :

said by Liz

:

Is that the whole story? How did this benefit Rockville in any way?

As I remember it, Liz, Rockville felt that their position would be weakened, and their leverage lessened if they allowed the fiber to go up before getting a franchise. They felt that they could get more from Verizon by taking this position. Unfortunately, they seem to have forgotten that they don't negotiate the franchise. They may have expected other communities to follow their lead. They haven't figured out yet, that it's them that is going to have to blink.

.

JT,
Looks good. Seems you've gotten all your pertinent information included. Hope it does some good, and that many others in the same position will join you in trying to push the issue forward.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461809 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 19:20:41 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461645 JTRockville : Ah, if only I looked like my avatar....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461645 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 18:54:54 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461628 JohnA :

said by JTRockville

:

That's absolutely correct, JohnA

. With one exception:

said by JohnA

:

That puts JT and all those like ~~him~~ her in the position of not being able to be upgraded, even though they don't live in Rockville.

;)

My apologies, JT. I've come to ignore avatars as clues, since they're often misleading. Sorry.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461628 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 18:53:33 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461196 JTRockville :

said by Liz

:

Is that the whole story? How did this benefit Rockville in any way?

You can read the "whole story" in Rockville's April 2005 newsletter. A link to the newsletter is in my draft. The article is on page 5. But yes, that's pretty much it.

I have no idea how Rockville (or anyone other than Comcast) benefits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15461196 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 17:50:05 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460713 JTRockville : Ok. Here's my 2nd draft. I added a sentence to the 1st and 2nd paragraph, and added the phrase "television franchise" to the 1st sentence of the 4th paragraph. Anything else I should include?

I think I'll include the FCC as a "cc".

said by JT's 2nd draft :
Subject: Verizon's Fiber to the Premise

To All Whom It May Concern:

In Rockville's April 2005 newsletter, the city indicated that they will not issue the permits necessary for Verizon to upgrade their facilities, because they feel an additional franchise is necessary. However in June, a New York State court ruled that Verizon does not need an additional franchise for this type of upgrade. I realize that Maryland is not bound by the New York decision, but the logic from that decision directly applies to the situation in Rockville. I suspect Verizon could win a lawsuit in Maryland if they chose to fight Rockville's decision, but I doubt they want to incur the legal expenses. As far as I know, no other jurisdiction in the county, the state, or the country, has taken the same stance as the City of Rockville regarding Verizon's upgrade.

Rockville's decision to deny permits affects many people in the county even those who do not reside within the city limits. For example, Randolph Hills is not in the city limits. The Verizon office on Montrose Road, which serves Randolph Hills, is not within the city limits. But since the Montrose Road office also serves areas within city limits, residents of Randolph Hills cannot be upgraded. I do not vote for the officials in the City of Rockville, yet their decision on this matter is preventing me from an upgrade that would reduce my costs several hundred dollars per month.

Nearly a year has passed since Rockville decided to deny permits for Verizon's upgrade, yet no progress has been made to reach an agreement. As far as I know, the county has not taken any steps to intervene.

At a Long Branch Town Hall meeting, I asked Councilmember George Leventhal about progress with television franchise negotiations. He wasn't aware of any. I wrote to my Councilmember, Howard Denis, asking if any progress has been made. He did not reply. I wrote to County Executive Doug Duncan asking who is in charge of negotiations. He did not reply. This issue is too important to be ignored!

This past November, the FCC announced that they are reconsidering the rules governing our communications policy, citing the unreasonableness of some local jurisdictions. Normally, I would be in favor of local control. However, the situation in Rockville provides a perfect argument in favor of removing local control.

The FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is here:
»hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a···89A1.doc

Rockville's April 2005 newsletter is here:
»www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/ro···0405.htm

The State of New York's decision is here:
»www3.dps.state.ny.us/pscweb/WebF···nElement

I sincerely hope that all of you will work together so that Verizon's fiber to the premise project can proceed as quickly as possible. If you don't, we can (and should) expect federal intervention, and/or state control.

Regards,
J* T*
{address + phone}

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460713 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 16:31:53 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460692 Liz :

said by JohnA

:

For clarification, as I remember it, Rockville refused to issue any permits for the required work to upgrade the lines until Verizon stopped and negotiated a TV franchise with the county. Verizon did have their public utility hat on, but there are parts of the upgrade work which can require permits from the local government. ...

Is that the whole story? How did this benefit Rockville in any way?

Rockville sure showed Verizon. :huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460692 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 16:29:58 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460601 JTRockville : That's absolutely correct, JohnA

. With one exception:

said by JohnA

:

That puts JT and all those like ~~him~~ her in the position of not being able to be upgraded, even though they don't live in Rockville.

;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460601 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 16:15:52 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460067 JohnA :

said by davl

:

It would seem that if Verizon just put on their Public Utility hat and installed the fiber "for the purpose of upgrading and improving their telephone service" that your local politicians would be powerless to stop them. Since when can a local government dictate what the Phone Company can and can not do;).

For clarification, as I remember it, Rockville refused to issue any permits for the required work to upgrade the lines until Verizon stopped and negotiated a TV franchise with the county. Verizon did have their public utility hat on, but there are parts of the upgrade work which can require permits from the local government.

Verizon began initial discussions with the county, but I'm guessing they wanted the county to lean on Rockville to let the work proceed. That didn't happen, Verizon stopped talking and continues to overbuild the rest of the county.

Since the outside plant is built 1 CO at a time, the COs that service Rockville are not being done. That puts JT and all those like him in the position of not being able to be upgraded, even though they don't live in Rockville.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15460067 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 14:52:44 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459635 JTRockville :

said by davl

:

I wonder if Verizon just decided to bypass the communities where there is opposition and concentrate instead on areas where their service is welcomed and anxiously awaited.

Honestly davl

, I can't believe Verizon hasn't abandoned us already.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459635 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 13:44:05 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459598 JTRockville : Last year, the Gazette published the salaries of our county officials. The article isn't online anymore so I can't answer your question with any degree of certainty. ;)

»Salaries of MC Government Officials]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459598 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 13:39:47 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459317 cbrain :

said by JTRockville

:

... Nearly a year has passed since Rockville decided to deny permits for Verizon's upgrade, yet no progress has been made to reach an agreement. As far as I know, the county has not taken any steps to intervene.

At a Long Branch Town Hall meeting, I asked Councilmember George Leventhal about progress with negotiations. He wasn't aware of any. I wrote to my Councilmember, Howard Denis, asking if any progress has been made. He did not reply. I wrote to County Executive Doug Duncan asking who is in charge of negotiations. He did not reply. This issue is too important to be ignored!

This past November, the FCC announced that they are reconsidering the rules governing our communications policy, citing the unreasonableness of some local jurisdictions. Normally, I would be in favor of local control. However, the situation in Rockville provides a perfect argument in favor of removing local control. ...

Do we pay these clowns or is this a volunteer position in Montgomery County?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15459317 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 12:56:11 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15458761 davl : J.T.

Now I understand the nature of your comments and questions in the other thread. It would seem that if Verizon just put on their Public Utility hat and installed the fiber "for the purpose of upgrading and improving their telephone service" that your local politicians would be powerless to stop them. Since when can a local government dictate what the Phone Company can and can not do;). I am reminded here of the Lily Tomlin phone Co. comedy sketches of the 60s.

I wonder if Verizon just decided to bypass the communities where there is opposition and concentrate instead on areas where their service is welcomed and anxiously awaited.

In regard to the disruption caused by the installation, I can say that in our area (Doylestown PA.) it was barely noticeable. In any growing suburban community there always seems to be a Telco or electric Co. truck and crew set up somewhere.

As far as digging is concerned I was amazed at the technology they employed. In order to run a line under a street all they did was dig a small hole 3' by 4' on each side of the street and use some kind of tunneling device run by an air compressor to drive a 4 inch tunnel under the street from one hole to the other. This was filled by a plastic conduit. This only took about an hour. The holes were back filled immediately and after about a month they regraded and planted grass. I think a surgeon would call this a minimally evasive procedure;)

It has been my experience that local politicians are hard to motivate. If however you do some of the work for them they tend to jump in front of you and lead the charge. So I suggest that you solicit some testimonials from communities like Doylestown and submit them with your letter. Yes, I know that that is what your politicians should be doing, but they are not likely to actively pursue a course that is contrary to their previous position.

Good luck

Davl ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15458761 Sun, 12 Feb 2006 11:20:25 EDT Re: My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15455910 JohnA :
JT, I might squeeze in a sentence to the effect that:

Since Verizon has been able to negotiate franchises, and bring on line video services in many areas recently, it would seem that the "no franchise - no cable upgrades" position that Rockville has staked out is not only untenable, but fairly unique, since Verizon continues to upgrade their cable with little opposition in ? states.

Can't quote the # of states, off hand. Think it's 13 or 14.

Might punch up the Montrose paragraph with:

Maybe I'm wrong but I can't help but feel that this decision by a governmental body for which I have no vote, has delayed and may ultimately block me from receiving a service upgrade which I find desirable.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15455910 Sat, 11 Feb 2006 20:46:07 EDT My (Draft) Letter Re: Montgomery County MD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15455383 JTRockville : This is the letter I'm working on to send to the Doug Breisch (City of Rockville DTS), County Executive Doug Duncan, the entire Montgomery County council, and the Verizon representative in charge of government affairs. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be delighted to hear them.If anyone else has written, or plans to write a letter, I'd like to see it.

said by JT's Draft letter :
Subject: Verizon's Fiber to the Premise

To All Whom It May Concern:

In Rockville's April 2005 newsletter, the city indicated that they will not issue the permits necessary for Verizon to upgrade their facilities, because they feel an additional franchise is necessary. However in June, a New York State court ruled that Verizon does not need an additional franchise for this type of upgrade. I realize that Maryland is not bound by the New York decision, but the logic from that decision directly applies to the situation in Rockville. I suspect Verizon could win a lawsuit in Maryland if they chose to fight Rockville's decision, but I doubt they want to incur the legal expenses.

Rockville's decision to deny permits affects many people in the county even those who do not reside within the city limits. For example, Randolph Hills is not in the city limits. The Verizon office on Montrose Road, which serves Randolph Hills, is not within the city limits. But since the Montrose Road office also serves areas within city limits, residents of Randolph Hills cannot be upgraded.

Nearly a year has passed since Rockville decided to deny permits for Verizon's upgrade, yet no progress has been made to reach an agreement. As far as I know, the county has not taken any steps to intervene.

At a Long Branch Town Hall meeting, I asked Councilmember George Leventhal about progress with negotiations. He wasn't aware of any. I wrote to my Councilmember, Howard Denis, asking if any progress has been made. He did not reply. I wrote to County Executive Doug Duncan asking who is in charge of negotiations. He did not reply. This issue is too important to be ignored!

This past November, the FCC announced that they are reconsidering the rules governing our communications policy, citing the unreasonableness of some local jurisdictions. Normally, I would be in favor of local control. However, the situation in Rockville provides a perfect argument in favor of removing local control.

The FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is here:
»hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a···89A1.doc

Rockville's April 2005 newsletter is here:
»www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/ro···0405.htm

The State of New York's decision is here:
»www3.dps.state.ny.us/pscweb/WebF···nElement

I sincerely hope that all of you will work together so that Verizon's fiber to the premise project can proceed as quickly as possible. If you don't, we can (and should) expect federal intervention, and/or state control.

Regards,
J* T*
{address + phone}

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15455383 Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:20:59 EDT