Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County in Verizon Fiber Optics http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r16895364 en Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:13:56 EDT Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:13:56 EDT VERIZON'S CABLE FRANCHISE APPLICATION http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17117394 cbrain : Documents posted on county web site.

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtm···izon.asp

Our county officials are protecting us by posting a redacted version. If they did such a good job of getting additional consumer protection, I wonder why they find it necessary to conceal?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17117394 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:20:25 EDT Rockville Fees http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17081284 ksparky : I received this from Scott Ullery, the Rockville city manager:

Thank you for your August 28, 2006 e-mail to Mayor Giammo regarding the issue of Verizon providing FiOS service in Rockville. The Mayor has asked me to respond on his behalf.

I assure you that I share the impatience and frustration you and others have expressed over the delay in this service being made available in Rockville.
The Verizon service promises more bandwidth, and at a price equal to or better, than current cable modem service. Another provider of cable television and broadband services could also introduce much needed competition into the local marketplace. Accordingly, we have diligently and in good faith worked to engage Verizon in negotiations over established fees for working in the public right of way.

There are several issues involved in this situation, and one of the key ones for the City is as follows: should a private company pay the legally established and cost-based permit fees currently in effect for doing construction and installation work in the City's public rights-of-way, or should that private company be subsidized by the taxpayers? As of now, the Mayor and Council of Rockville have answered that question saying the company should pay the established fees; however City staff has been directed to negotiate with Verizon to arrive at a fair agreement that recognizes the interests of all parties. At this point, unfortunately, the City and Verizon have not been able to come to an agreement. I intend, however, to redouble our efforts to break the current impasse. It is my hope, and I remain optimistic, that once the County and Verizon reach an agreement on the terms of a cable franchise, we will have the opportunity to make some progress in our own discussions with Verizon.

The City's position regarding the payment of right-of-way fees, arises from the following factors:

The permit fees were established by Mayor and Council resolution in 2000 based on a cost-of-services study conducted by an independent, expert firm, and updated in 2003. There is no provision in the resolution nor in the law for providing discounted fees, nor any criteria for determining if or when discounts would be appropriate. Unlike some other jurisdictions, the City of Rockville does not charge an additional annual fee for private companies to occupy the public rights-of-way.
The public rights of way are dedicated for public use, and the City government is responsible for regulating what is installed there, and how such work is performed. The public's interests are protected by utility permits because they enable the City to ensure that the work is done according to approved plans, and that the rights of way are restored to an acceptable standard after utility companies perform their work. The purpose of the fee is to recover the City's cost of reviewing plans, issuing permits and inspecting the construction. We require the pavement and other surfaces to be restored to our standards in order to prevent premature failures, which impose additional costs on our taxpayers. If the useful life of City our streets and sidewalks are significantly reduced, we'll need to repair, repave, or replace them more often than should be necessary, resulting in additional costs to all Rockville taxpayers.
The need to review work plans and to monitor and inspect the work--especially in relation to Verizon's fiber installation project--has been demonstrated in Montgomery County, other area jurisdictions, and other jurisdictions throughout the country by substantial damage, safety, and interruption problems resulting from the work done by Verizon and its contractors. These problems have added to the workload of local governments.
The fee structure is based on the premise that the companies that use public property to conduct their businesses should bear the full cost for the privilege, rather than be subsidized by City taxpayers.
You asked what other companies, specifically Comcast, have been charged to use Rockville's public rights of way. All utility companies, including Pepco, Washington Gas, Comcast, and Verizon have been and are charged the permit fees in place at the time the companies apply for permits. In addition, some of the fiber optic companies have provided free service or fiber optic cable to the City for the data and voice network that connects City government facilities.

In 1998, when Comcast and its predecessor company began the rebuild of their cable system, the City's fees were $0.60/linear foot for excavation/work in streets; $0.30/linear foot for excavation/work in sidewalks and "grassy areas"; and there was a minimum permit fee of $25. In December 1999, a firm hired by the City--DMG-Maximus, Inc.--conducted a user fee study, and one of its conclusions was that the City was recovering only 14% of its costs under the then-current utility/ROW fee structure. Based on that study, the Mayor and Council passed a resolution raising the fees effective April 3, 2000, to the following rates: $3.20/linear foot of excavation in streets; $1.65/linear foot of excavation in sidewalks and grass strips; and a $130 minimum. These fees were less than those recommended by DMG. Comcast continued to rebuild its system under this fee structure, and substantially completed the rebuild in July of 2002. On July 14, 2003, the Mayor and Council adopted a resolution increasing the fees effective that same date to the following rates: $4.35/linear foot for asphalt and concrete roadways; $2.20/linear foot for sidewalks and grass strips; $0.06 per linear foot for overhead wire; and a $185 minimum. These are the fees currently in effect and that are being charged to companies doing work in the city's ROW.

It is difficult to equate the circumstances faced by Comcast rebuilding its system and by Verizon constructing an entirely new system. Comcast's rebuild was confined almost entirely to its system's "backbone," and did not involve reconstructing the connections to each user. Verizon, however, is faced with constructing an entirely new system, which will likely involve disturbing substantially more of the public right of way than did Comcast's rebuild.

In addition to the permit fees required of the companies mentioned above, Comcast--as a cable television company, but not as a provider of cable modem service--also has paid and continues to pay the City annual franchise fees (est. $368,000 FY 07), plus annual operating (est. $61,500 FY 07) and capital grants (est. $24,000 FY 07) for the City's cable television channel, plus Comcast provided and installed at no cost to the City fiber optic cable connecting City Hall and other City government buildings to allow for high-speed/high-capacity data and voice communications between facilities. This also has resulted in more efficient service to the public, such as registering for recreation programs.

I hope this information responds satisfactorily to your email. I assure you that the City of Rockville remains committed to maintaining a local regulatory environment that promotes fair competition among cable and telecommunications companies, and protects the interests of our taxpayers. To that end, we continue to remain open to negotiating an agreement with Verizon, and we sincerely hope that Verizon will adopt a similar position.

Thank you for you interest in the very important and complex issue.

Sincerely yours,

Scott Ullery, City Manager
City of Rockville
111 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850-2364
240-314-8102
FAX: 240-314-8130]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17081284 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:02:07 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17049352 jfoj : I go back to Verizon sued MC which ended up getting a mediator assigned.

Now MC has to do what the mediator requests and MC can tell all their political buddies "sorry we had to do what the mediator required"!

MC can still tell Comcast "we did not really want to make it easy for Verizon", however, the mediator made us do it!!

jfoj]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17049352 Sun, 08 Oct 2006 15:46:04 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17048282 JTRockville :
said by SD6 See Profile :

THE LAWSUIT WORKED!!!
Will Verizon learn from this and sue Rockville sooner rather than later?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17048282 Sun, 08 Oct 2006 11:37:23 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17042666 BarneyBadAss : JT,

Sure I'm buying it.. almost as much as I beleive this isn't an election year!!

BTW.. I doubt we'll see any significant availability until 1Q07....

Now wouldn't it be nice if all the Vz. Fios subsrcibers switched to FIOS TV... then we can see what the other significant providers have to say as to if they are impacted!

--

---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17042666 Sat, 07 Oct 2006 03:00:09 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17040287 SD6 :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

From "The Open Mike" - A Newsletter from Councilman Mike Knapp
»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltm···#verizon
I’m pleased to report that Montgomery County and Verizon have reached an agreement on the terms that would allow Verizon to offer cable service over its fiber optic (FIOS) lines in the Montgomery County region. The County Executive will transmit this agreement to the County Council for review this week, for full consideration -- and likely passage -- in November.

As part of its agreement with the county, Verizon has agreed to support the county’s public education and government channels, provide cable television to public buildings such as schools, fire stations and libraries, and pay the county 5 percent of its gross cable revenues as franchise fees.

I’m pleased Verizon decided to drop its lawsuit—it was the main issue prohibiting us from making headway on this matter. According to Verizon, under the terms of the agreement and its current infrastructure, Verizon is ready to offer cable to about half the homes in the county by the end of the year. The initial services area will include most of the northern part of the Upcounty region. I've asked Verizon to continue its efforts to provide FIOS service to all parts of the county, including the southwestern region and other parts of the Upcounty that presently have no cable options at all.
So the lawsuit was the problem!?!?! That's a rather creative interpretation.
what do you say, when you can't admit...
_____________________
THE LAWSUIT WORKED!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17040287 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:43:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039495 JTRockville :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

said by "The Open Mike" - A Newsletter from Councilman Mike Knapp
»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltm···#verizon :
[...]

I’m pleased Verizon decided to drop its lawsuit—it was the main issue prohibiting us from making headway on this matter.

[...]
So the lawsuit was the problem!?!?! That's a rather creative interpretation.
Creative indeed. A lawsuit, that hadn't yet been filed, was "the main issue" from May 2005 through June 2006.

Is anyone buying this?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039495 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:20:59 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039260 serg_leo :
According to Verizon, under the terms of the agreement and its current infrastructure, Verizon is ready to offer cable to about half the homes in the county by the end of the year.
I like this part. I hope that they will start offering service immediately after county approval.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039260 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:23:59 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039257 cbrain : I don't think the lawsuit was drooped. It is on hold but can be moved forward any time Verizon hits another real issue.

Clueless or creative honesty?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039257 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:23:30 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039213 DonLibes : From "The Open Mike" - A Newsletter from Councilman Mike Knapp
»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltm···#verizon
I’m pleased to report that Montgomery County and Verizon have reached an agreement on the terms that would allow Verizon to offer cable service over its fiber optic (FIOS) lines in the Montgomery County region. The County Executive will transmit this agreement to the County Council for review this week, for full consideration -- and likely passage -- in November.

As part of its agreement with the county, Verizon has agreed to support the county’s public education and government channels, provide cable television to public buildings such as schools, fire stations and libraries, and pay the county 5 percent of its gross cable revenues as franchise fees.

I’m pleased Verizon decided to drop its lawsuit—it was the main issue prohibiting us from making headway on this matter. According to Verizon, under the terms of the agreement and its current infrastructure, Verizon is ready to offer cable to about half the homes in the county by the end of the year. The initial services area will include most of the northern part of the Upcounty region. I've asked Verizon to continue its efforts to provide FIOS service to all parts of the county, including the southwestern region and other parts of the Upcounty that presently have no cable options at all.
So the lawsuit was the problem!?!?! That's a rather creative interpretation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17039213 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:16:46 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031985 jaums : They still don't get it. They still refuse to admit, other than in the LEGAL DOCUMENT MC SUBMITTED TO THE COURT, that they invoked the loop-hole to circumvent the 60 day limit on negotiating a franchise by, early on in the meetings, recommending that Vz delay the submission of their application.

And that never-ending 'level playing field' with its huge fees that have to be paid, ultimately, by the users, who are also the voters . . .

They are not convincing me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031985 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:57:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031725 cbrain :
said by bean counter1 See Profile :

...
Thank you for your letter regarding cable competition in the County. Your letter was made available to all Councilmembers at the time it was received. Let me assure you that the County Council is committed to promoting competition among cable providers, but we are also committed to providing a level playing field for all service providers and maintaining our authority to regulate the County’s rights-of-way.

... The Council hopes to have a final franchise agreement with Verizon by the end of this year.

The County has been in discussions with Verizon representatives for more than a year in the hopes of executing a cable franchise agreement; however, the company did not file a franchise agreement until late in the process. Once the franchise application was filed with the County, the Executive Branch worked expeditiously with Verizon representatives to negotiate a franchise agreement.

...
As President of the Council, I appreciate hearing your concerns. Your views are important to Councilmembers and help us in our deliberations on matters that affect the residents of Montgomery County.
...
Sounds good if you don't know any of the facts.

How many find this statement truth full?

How does it stack up for truthiness?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031725 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:05:22 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031698 JTRockville :
said by bean counter1 See Profile :

said by George Leventhal :
The County has been in discussions with Verizon representatives for more than a year in the hopes of executing a cable franchise agreement; however, the company did not file a franchise agreement until late in the process. Once the franchise application was filed with the County, the Executive Branch worked expeditiously with Verizon representatives to negotiate a franchise agreement.
Statements like that make him look terribly out of touch.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031698 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 09:58:36 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031272 JohnA :
said by bean counter1 See Profile :

The Council is expected to receive the franchise agreement in October and a public hearing is scheduled for October 31 at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Office Building on the 7th floor.
Trick or Treat??????????????????????]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031272 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:07:04 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031263 BarneyBadAss : Thanks...

That made me yawn :D
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17031263 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:03:50 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17029927 bean counter1 : Here is what I received today from MC Council:
************************************************
October 4, 2006



Thank you for your letter regarding cable competition in the County. Your letter was made available to all Councilmembers at the time it was received. Let me assure you that the County Council is committed to promoting competition among cable providers, but we are also committed to providing a level playing field for all service providers and maintaining our authority to regulate the County’s rights-of-way.

Montgomery County has franchise agreements with two cable providers--Comcast and RCN. Both companies, along with other satellite television companies, provide service to most County residents. The Council hopes to have a final franchise agreement with Verizon by the end of this year.

The County has been in discussions with Verizon representatives for more than a year in the hopes of executing a cable franchise agreement; however, the company did not file a franchise agreement until late in the process. Once the franchise application was filed with the County, the Executive Branch worked expeditiously with Verizon representatives to negotiate a franchise agreement.

The Council will also move quickly to review the proposed franchise agreement. The Council is expected to receive the franchise agreement in October and a public hearing is scheduled for October 31 at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Office Building on the 7th floor. If you are interested in testifying at this hearing, please contact Delphine Harriston at 240-777-7931. If you cannot attend the hearing, but would like to provide written testimony, please email it to Sonya Healy, who is the legislative analyst handling this issue for the Council. Her email address is Sonya.Healy@montgomerycountymd.gov.

As President of the Council, I appreciate hearing your concerns. Your views are important to Councilmembers and help us in our deliberations on matters that affect the residents of Montgomery County.

Sincerely,



George L. Leventhal

Council President]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17029927 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 01:57:37 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17027608 BarneyBadAss : Has anyone pestered the county folks to see what they are going to do?

Surely they've had long enough to sift through all the responses :D
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17027608 Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:34:16 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17014537 JTRockville : You raised some interesting points Don. Although I'm not terribly interested in the financial documents (mostly because I don't understand them), I'd LUV to see the CTC technical assessment.

Also missing from the public record (you didn't mention this in your testimony) is correspondence from the TAC. *ducks*]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17014537 Mon, 02 Oct 2006 15:16:24 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17013653 DonLibes :
said by pstauff See Profile :

Here is my written testimony:

I support the quick approval of the Verizon franchise proposal....
With so many people encouraging quick approval speaking before me, I started to wonder if I could deliver my presentation and get out alive. I delivered it anyway. Here's my written testimony. I changed a couple lines on the fly so it doesn't exactly match what I said but it is what I submitted in writing:

My name is Don Libes and I thank you for the opportunity to testify on the proposed Verizon franchise.

Although I look forward to competition in Montgomery County, I am concerned that the county appears to be rushing into this particular agreement without a thorough understanding of what it means.

I have been stymied in understanding it myself. For example, I have asked the county cable office for a list of differences between the current and new franchises and have received no reply. Surely, the council needs such a list as well. Please make this information available along with a clear explanation of the reason for each change and its expected impacts.

I would also like to ask why the county appears to be suppressing much of the background material. For example, roughly 135 pages have been made available. This is in contrast to the roughly 900 pages of material made available during the last Comcast negotiation. What’s missing?

The technology assessment from CTC is completely missing. The assessment from the county’s financial advisors Ashpaugh & Sculco is missing. There’s no correspondence, no indication of discussions, no explanation of the reasons the proposed franchise looks the way it does.

And this is after a year of negotiations followed by court actions and mediation, during which the franchise was shaped. There ought to be a huge paper trail and the county needs to provide this to the public. And all PDF documents should be searchable. The council does this; the Executive should as well.

Time will not permit all my other questions but here are a few examples:

Will the existing franchises be changed in any ways to bring them closer in to line with this new one? If so, how?

How are gross revenues for video-on-demand and streaming video to be computed? Does it depend on whether such video is initiated via an internet connection or whether it is transferred using cable TV bandwidth? The franchise is too vague on what is and is not a cable service and leaves consumers open to unpleasant surprises and court battles.

How does the county justify the continuing demand for dedicated PEG channels when they are more effectively provided as video-on-demand? The county continues to do this without any meaningful viewer statistics as far as I’m aware. Just because the FCC says we can doesn’t mean we should. Video-on-demand is the future of narrowcasting and PEGs should lead the way. I believe the cost to the consumer would decrease and PEG viewership would rise if high-quality VOD were widely adopted by the PEGs and protected by the franchise.

Lastly, the Verizon application, attachment 4, promises an analog tier in the clear but the corresponding description in the proposed franchise seems quite a bit more narrow. As most subscribers seek to avoid set-top boxes, please address this difference between the two documents.

Thank you for allowing me to testify on the proposed Verizon franchise.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17013653 Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:41:10 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17012429 JohnA :
While the council is a different body, I still don't believe they have the right to append a court produced document. They can reject it, or accept it, IMO, as they are not part of the negotiation process.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17012429 Mon, 02 Oct 2006 08:02:42 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17011306 DonLibes :
said by JohnA See Profile :

Suggesting changes at this point is a futile exercise. The position taken should be to refuse approval, with the demand for changes as the reason. I heard no one do exactly that. Your representatives sat in the mediation and agreed to what you have now. You would have to make an extremely compelling case for refusal of the agreement, at this point, to get them to back off an agreed to franchise. These are not your normal hearings on a proposal, since it has been through the court system. If you're not prepared to fight MC to defeat the proposal as it sits, the comments hearings are useless, and just a walk through.
You're half right. The time to call for rejection of the franchise unless changed is only appropriate when it appears before the council. (That was the tack we took with the Comcast franchise.) But I disagree that changes are not readily possible. I would bet that the franchise will be changed before it is passed. (I'm relying on a repeat of what happened with the Comcast franchise a few years ago - and that was for an existing franchise! Those councilmembers cannot help themselves - they love to pass amendments.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17011306 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 23:15:47 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17003555 JohnA :
Suggesting changes at this point is a futile exercise. The position taken should be to refuse approval, with the demand for changes as the reason. I heard no one do exactly that. Your representatives sat in the mediation and agreed to what you have now. You would have to make an extremely compelling case for refusal of the agreement, at this point, to get them to back off an agreed to franchise. These are not your normal hearings on a proposal, since it has been through the court system. If you're not prepared to fight MC to defeat the proposal as it sits, the comments hearings are useless, and just a walk through.

JT's comments were timely and should give Rockville something to think about, if they even listened. They're concerned about 1 neighborhood in Rockville not being serviced, without any consideration of how much area outside the city limits they are effecting with their untenable position. From the comments, they obviously don't understand CO coverage areas, or how the phone system is wired. Sounded to me like Rockville, and everyone fed from the COs inside the city limits, will continue to be a fiber black hole, since Verizon has an option in the agreement that they can't be forced by MoCo to wire Rockville. That's according to what we know. As Don made the point, almost all the pertinent info needed to make an informed decision is being suppressed.

edit: I did find Turner's comments interesting. Seems he's got less than 6 hours per day of new programming to run, and only 2 whole channels to run it on. What a dilemma ---- I'm sure he must need one of those new channels, so he can squeeze all those new shows on the air. And of course Verizon should pay for everything under the sun. I think he forgot the coffee in the break room, on his list.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17003555 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 13:49:03 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17003266 pstauff : Here is my written testimony:

I support the quick approval of the Verizon franchise proposal. I am looking forward to a quick approval, so that I can save money on both Internet and video services. I would favor lowering the franchise fees, as those fees will be passed onto consumers. The added costs of "consumer protection" is unnecessary in today's non-monopoly market. The current agreement with Comcast is based upon a monopoly agreement. I would prefer that the County lower the fees on RCN, Comcast, and Verizon and let competition take place. The most likely result will be superior service and lowers costs. If the County would be more business friendly, other companies would be more willing to compete.

As a Gaithersburg resident who borders on Rockville, I am being held hostage by Rockville's refusal to allow Verizon to install fiber optic lines. They will not allow Verizon to bury the lines that will supply me with Internet or video until a video franchise agreement is approved by the County. I would appreciate quick action.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17003266 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 12:39:13 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17002986 Cliff :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

...I wish my time schedule would have permited such that I too could have presented my observations.... but alas, t'was not to be... drat.

Again thanks to everyone to took the time to testify.
It's not too late! Submit your observations in writing. It is probably a good idea even if you were at the hearing.

-------------------------------------

Individuals may either testify in person at the public hearing, or provide written comments for the record. ... Written comments may be submitted through 5:00 PM on Monday, October 2, 2006 or as otherwise directed by the Hearing Officer. Comments should be mailed or delivered to DTS-Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850. Comments may also be submitted via email to amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17002986 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 11:31:57 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17002856 BarneyBadAss :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

.... Given that the Executive has to review (or at least make an appearance of reviewing) all the testimony for possible changes, it would be several weeks at best before it is sent across the street to the council....
Comeon Don.... don't ya suspect they put the tape into the player then just hit "Fast Forward" so he can "See" all the testomony in um... 3 minutes???? :D

Now honestly, I did appreciate all the discussion / testomony presented... lots to mull and ponder.

I wonder what time limits they would have imposed if they had received 10,000 pre-registers who wanted to testify!! :D

I wish my time schedule would have permited such that I too could have presented my observations.... but alas, t'was not to be... drat.

Again thanks to everyone to took the time to testify.
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17002856 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 10:58:10 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001611 pstauff : Thanks for the helpful timeline. Great testimony JT!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001611 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 23:50:56 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001510 DonLibes :
said by rosh400 See Profile :

To those more knowledgable than me on how our county government works (or doesn't), does the council have a schedule for debating and voting on this agreement and if so, when might that be?
The council cannot set a date until the executive officially delivers the proposed franchise to them. Given that the Executive has to review (or at least make an appearance of reviewing) all the testimony for possible changes, it would be several weeks at best before it is sent across the street to the council. If the Executive does make changes (which I doubt will happen despite several compelling cases made last night), Verizon will have to agree, dragging things out even further.

No salespeople stepping forward to take my $1000 bet? Shucks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001510 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 23:29:15 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001018 BarneyBadAss : Ahhh... so is that where the tax $$$$ go??? :D
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17001018 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:47:35 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17000458 cbrain :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

...
I'm really disapointed not more of the county reps were there...
It's a 2 way street. Our politicians could probably meet more voters at a massage parlor and avoid listening to all the complaints. ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17000458 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:03:30 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17000232 BarneyBadAss : JT;

Thanks for the link... very interesting.. but not funny...

I'm really disapointed not more of the county reps were there...
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17000232 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:21:47 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998466 JTRockville :
said by pstauff See Profile :

Crud... Windows and MSIE only. I need to find a PC to watch this.
Try the library. :)

Here's a timeline:

00:01:00
Joseph Beach, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (executive designee to hold the meeting)

00:02:30
Jane Lawton, Montgomery County Cable Communications Administrator

00:14:00
Briana Gowing, Assistant VIce President, External Affairs Verizon

00:18:00
Susan Hoffman, Rockville City Councilmember

00:21:00
Richard Turner,
Montgomery Community Television

00:27:00
Brian Baker, PEG Network

00:32:00
Jaime Todaro, Randolph Hills resident

00:35:40
Samuel Jones, Mount Crescent resident

00:41:00
Larry Spiwak, North Bethesda resident

00:44:30
Michael Egan, Brookeville resident

00:50:00
Joseph Corbet, Olney resident

00:54:30
Zeinab Issa, Takoma Park resident

00:59:30
Don Libes, Potomac resident

01:03:20
Earl Shrack (sp?), improptu speaker

01:03:20
Earl Shrack (sp?), impromptu speaker

01:05:30
Arthur Cassanova (sp?), impromptu speaker

01:06:00
Ben Stanford, Rockville resident, impromptu speaker

1:09:00 end]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998466 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:17:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998287 rosh400 : To those more knowledgable than me on how our county government works (or doesn't), does the council have a schedule for debating and voting on this agreement and if so, when might that be?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998287 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:44:25 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998217 pstauff :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

said by pstauff See Profile :

Is this going to air on Channel 6? I see the schedule online, but the program titles are not exactly user friendly.
Click here to watch.

* smiles for the camera *

Do I look nervous?
Thanks!

Crud... Windows and MSIE only. I need to find a PC to watch this.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998217 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:30:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998173 pstauff :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

I replied to the Examiner. Think they'll print my letter?

said by JT's letter to the Examiner :

Your article failed to mention Rockville's impact on surrounding neighborhoods, like Randolph Hills, who haven't been upgraded because we're served by a Rockville wire center, (even though we're not within the city).

If it weren't for Rockville, residents of Randolph Hills wouldn't be waiting.

And my area in Gaithersburg. I am in Gaithersburg city limits, but my CO is on Fleet Street in Rockville. I won't be seeing FiOS for a long time.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16998173 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:23:29 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997985 JTRockville :
said by pstauff See Profile :

Is this going to air on Channel 6? I see the schedule online, but the program titles are not exactly user friendly.
Click here to watch.

* smiles for the camera *

Do I look nervous?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997985 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:50:45 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997959 JTRockville : I replied to the Examiner. Think they'll print my letter?

said by JT's letter to the Examiner :
The "Rockville continues to wait for Verizon" (Sept 29) article could have more accurately been titled "Verizon continues to wait for Rockville".

The City of Rockville refuses to issue permits to Verizon for the upgrade in Rockville until the proposed franchise agreement is signed. Meanwhile, in areas where Verizon has been issued permits to upgrade, service will be available very soon after the agreement is signed.

If Rockville wanted service sooner, they should have issued reasonably priced permits in 2004, like much of the county did, without trying to squeeze an additional agreement out of Verizon.

Your article failed to mention Rockville's impact on surrounding neighborhoods, like Randolph Hills, who haven't been upgraded because we're served by a Rockville wire center, (even though we're not within the city).

If it weren't for Rockville, residents of Randolph Hills wouldn't be waiting.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997959 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:45:54 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997796 JTRockville :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

Maybe it's time for another lawsuit?
Great idea!!
I couldn't stick around to get any business cards - a serious flaw in my planning.

Oh well... I'll just shout:

H E Y
V E R I Z O N

T H E
S O O N E R
T H E
B E T T E R

I ' L L
E V E N
S I G N
T H E
P E T I T I O N
T H I S
T I M E
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997796 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:12:16 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997731 JTRockville : They kind of eluded to it (emphasis mine):

Verizon’s response is that city leaders can “largely control their own destiny” by approving the necessary construction permits to allow the company to upgrade its all-fiber-optic network in the city — a step not yet taken.

But they made no mention of the negative impact on Rockville's neighbors (LIKE RANDOLPH HILLS) because of the "step not yet taken".

I found Rockville's demands last night to be quite ironic. I find the title of the article to be extra ironic.

Does anyone know when/where the public testimony (other than mine) will be posted?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997731 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:01:48 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997155 pstauff : Interesting article. What I don't understand is that there is no mention of Rockville forbidding Verizon to bury fiber optic cables until a video franchise agreement is in place. This Rockville government decision is delaying the build-out. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997155 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 10:12:03 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997075 PaulGo : Rockville continues to wait for Verizon

Dena Levitz, The Examiner
Sep 29, 2006 5:00 AM (4 hrs ago)

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Rockville residents want choice on their cable TV provider, and they want it now — or at least really soon.

City government leaders said on Thursday they’re pleased Verizon finally is entering the cable market in Montgomery County. But under the county’s proposed 15-year franchise agreement, it will be at least three years before the first of Rockville’s nearly 53,000 residents start reaping benefits of the deal. And one of the city’s major neighborhoods isn’t scheduled to join the network for more than five years.

These concerns were voiced by Rockville Council Member Susan Hoffman, on behalf of the city’s mayor, during a public hearing on the issue of cable service.

Hoffman emphasized repeatedly that the hope is for Verizon to move up the time frame for all Rockville homes to receive cable service to within two years of the start of the franchise.

From the looks of maps provided by the cable company, the King Farm neighborhood off of Route 355 won’t be getting service until after the rest of Rockville, according to Hoffman.

“They’re saying it’s served by the Gaithersburg equipment center, and that’s not acceptable,” she said. “It’s in Rockville, so it needs to be treated the same.”

Verizon’s response is that city leaders can “largely control their own destiny” by approving the necessary construction permits to allow the company to upgrade its all-fiber-optic network in the city — a step not yet taken.

Spokesman Harry Mitchell also said that in cases such as Rockville’s, not all areas of a city can get cable access at the same time because of the way cable service borders are drawn.

“We upgrade our network to fiber optics on a central office-by-office basis,” he wrote in an e-mail to The Examiner. “These central offices do not synch up with municipal boundaries, as many of the offices were built before some municipalities existed.”

The hoopla over cable coverage escalated earlier this year when Verizon sued Montgomery County, alleging it was denied access to county customers while Comcast dominated in the market. A judge ordered the county and Verizon to negotiate their differences, the result being the current proposal.

Mitchell has said the plan is to phase in countywide customers gradually, with Rockville scheduled for the second phase.

Another problem Rockville officials is pointing to is Verizon’s reluctance to offer service to apartment and condominium buildings.

Douglas Breisch, television and telecommunications manager for Rockville, said he has been told that’s for technical reasons.

That’s true, said Mitchell, explaining that multi-dwelling units such as high-rise apartments and condos pose technical challenges that Verizon is “working through.”

“As we work through those challenges, we will serve those buildings,” he wrote.
dlevitz@dcexaminer.com

»www.examiner.com/a-317394~Rockvi···zon.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997075 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:51:56 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997005 cbrain : My understanding is this was the county executive's hearing. You know, vaporware executive Duncan. The council will have their own version of this exercise in listening to voters. Considering how the county looks in this fiasco, I would have hoped a few council members would have showed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16997005 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:34:02 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996931 pstauff : Is this going to air on Channel 6? I see the schedule online, but the program titles are not exactly user friendly.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996931 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:18:16 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996882 jaums : The lack of information released is truly amazing. I can't understand how elected officials can carry on extensive negotiations for more than a year over an issue that the citizens spend typically many hours of a typical day [watching cable TV] and how many millions of dollars and release so little information to the citizens. We are to assume that the elected officials know exactly what they are doing and have our best interests in mind. But, if the complaints against Comcast are any indication, they don't seem to have been doing a very good job so far despite the many years of experience and huge amounts of money they have been collecting for their services over the years]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996882 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:04:00 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996869 bean counter1 : I wish I could have attended. Other meetings to go to!

Maybe the council members are not attending because they already know how they are voting and do not really care to hear the public's ideas on the matter. I am thinking that they are of the mind; lets just vote this thing in, be done with the mess and move on to the next issue.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996869 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:01:08 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996815 jaums : Last night’s hearing was not my idea of democracy in action. My naivety. Watching the backs of the heads of those compassionately and others proficiently addressing a council who decided not to be present was very unsatisfactory. I can’t help but picture the council members watching the video tape of the testimonies in their offices while “overlapping” as we call it in my office – in other words, while they are answering emails and taking phone calls. A much more efficient use of their time than to actually be in the same room with [shudder] citizens concerned enough about the issue to come to the council’s own premises on a dark and stormy night. I hope that is not the new standard for democracy. Maybe I should have stayed home with my satellite TV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996815 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:48:18 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996769 cbrain :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

Interestingly, I was speaking to the Rockville reps afterward and it sounded like deja vu all over again. Verizon says Rockville has rejected their offers. And Rockville says "What? They've rejected all our offers!" Maybe it's time for another lawsuit?
It's like the mother watching the marching band and notices her son is the only one in step.

Verizon has reached agreement with something like 160 jurisdictions. They started construction in Montgomery County earlier than most. It is totally illogical to think Verizon has signaled out Rockville and Montgomery to be especially difficult with. It was Verizon that initiated the litigation. It may be true, but the only way they will convince anybody is to make everything public and they don't. They all get pretty sensitive when asked.

Another simple observation. Verizon answerer's every call and email on this subject and follows up. The Montgomery County executive is a total black hole. I can see him being a major contributor to gridlock on this and every other issue. I'd give the rest of the county people a 50% on giving a reply and a zero on content.

I've come to accept that our primary purpose is to provide the revenue stream they need. That public hearings are a pressure valve and nobody really listens. That they are the professionals and know best, but this is an election year. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996769 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:36:31 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996604 DonLibes : Interestingly, I was speaking to the Rockville reps afterward and it sounded like deja vu all over again. Verizon says Rockville has rejected their offers. And Rockville says "What? They've rejected all our offers!" Maybe it's time for another lawsuit?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996604 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 07:47:40 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996468 JTRockville : I think there were easily 50+ people in attendance.

I'm not sure why, but I didn't expect to see City of Rockville. I guess I figured they were done mucking things up. But nooooooooooooooo.... they presented an additional list of demands. :huh:

It really took an extra shot of courage to deliver my testimony while they were in the room.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996468 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 06:23:05 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996054 DonLibes : It did feel stupid to deliver a speech to people behind me but I was sitting next to the head of the PEGs and he told me the whole thing was being broadcast on Ch6.

In all, I thought it was quite well attended. A bunch of the cable office staff was there including Jane, Amy, and Keith. Verizon had a big group and both sides brought the lawyers. Comcast was also in attendence. The PEG administration was there. Rockville politicos were there. Someone sent a photographer who took pictures throughout the entire session. Two reporters chatted with us afterward. Besides the one you mentioned, the other was from a Baltimore paper. Oh, and there was a whole row of scouts!!!! (Did you promise they were going to see real live councilmembers at work? Oops!)

Altogether there were easily 40 people. Maybe even 50+, don'cha think? It was a bit silly that the citizens were so outnumbered by the officials but it was a good opportunity to get them to listen. I think they were listening anyway.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16996054 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 01:58:53 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995790 JTRockville : There was some press there. Someone from Capital News is supposed to call me tomorrow for an interview.
:)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995790 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:38:30 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995781 BarneyBadAss : someone should have invited a news crew!!!
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995781 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:36:47 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995493 JTRockville : No, it wasn't typical.

Typically the cameras aren't rolling, we don't get mics, and we aren't timed.
:p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995493 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:44:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995487 BarneyBadAss : It was just a meeting where the public was invited to congregate and share stories with each other.

Typical isn't it? :(
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995487 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:43:13 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995440 cbrain :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Good call Don. I was stunned to see a panel of only one person - someone I'd never even seen before. No councilmembers, and no executive. On the other hand, less than a dozen citizens bothered to show up, so maybe they think no one really cares about the matter.
...
So how does this qualify as a public hearing? ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16995440 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:34:50 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16994629 JTRockville : Good call Don. I was stunned to see a panel of only one person - someone I'd never even seen before. No councilmembers, and no executive. On the other hand, less than a dozen citizens bothered to show up, so maybe they think no one really cares about the matter.

And if I do say so myself, I was certainly not the "angriest" cable person there. After all, many of the people who testified are Comcast subscribers. Any time you put more than one Comcast subscriber in the same room, it's hard to keep a lid on the horror-stories. So, in comparison, I'd say my testimony was downright cheery!

said by JT's testimony :
Good evening, and thank you for the opportunity to speak about the proposed agreement with Verizon.

I'm J* T*. Usually I say I'm from Rockville, but for the purpose of my testimony tonight, I need to be more specific. I live in Randolph Hills. My postal address is Rockville because the post office that serves me is in Rockville, but my community is outside the city limits. In fact, we're so far outside the city limits, that none of the city maps even show Randolph Hills, so I borrowed Verizon's service area map to show my neighborhood.

[att=1]

As you know, Verizon has already built a fiber optic network in the initial service area - a network that will serve all our communication needs: voice, video, and high speed data, well into the foreseeable future. As a telecommuter, reliable high speed data service is essential, so I was very excited when I saw deployment begin in the Fall of 2004. Then slowly, I began to notice that deployment was happening in all the neighborhoods surrounding mine, but Randolph Hills and everything to the north was being skipped over. By Spring of 2005 Verizon began offering FiOS, the most advanced high speed data service available anywhere in the county. It was at that time I became aware that the City of Rockville and Verizon could not agree on the terms under which Verizon would be permitted to build within the city. Because of this dispute, Verizon can't bring FiOS to Randolph Hills. And because Randolph Hills isn't in the City of Rockville, our community has no recourse, and no say in the matter.

I was hopeful that a county-wide franchise agreement would supersede Rockville's ability to cause delays for us, but unfortunately the proposed agreement carries a clause that could exclude Randolph Hills from the agreement altogether, because we're served by Verizon's Montrose Road wire center.

Now even though this agreement could have a negative impact on Randolph Hills, I still think you should grant the franchise as soon as you possibly can. Verizon's high speed data service is truly revolutionary, and the county should not, under any circumstances, introduce any further delays in the process.

But once this agreement is granted, it is my hope that the county will address the needs of communities, like Randolph Hills, where service may never be deployed, or where it may take years to agree on the terms, and where members of the community are not constituents of the permitting authority.

In February, I attended a presentation on community Wi-Fi networks. On the panel was William Graham, mayor of Scottsburg Indiana, who described his approach and the costs of deploying a community Wi-Fi network. I've enclosed a transcript of the presentation in my written testimony. I do hope you'll read it, and consider deploying such a network, or even foster a public-private partnership in neighborhoods like Randolph Hills, to help insulate us from the negative impact of decisions made by neighboring jurisdictions.

Modern services offered in a competitive environment would be a tremendous benefit to Randolph Hills. If only we could find a way to get them.

Thank you.


Attachment: »www.americanprogress.org/atf/cf/···RIPT.PDF
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16994629 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:25:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16992635 DonLibes :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Why isn't it scheduled to be televised?
:(
If it was televised, viewers would be able to see that no county officials showed up. (My prediction anyway.) Well, I do expect representation from the Cable Office. But I doubt the Executive or anyone from the Council will show.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16992635 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 16:08:49 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16992272 JTRockville :
said by DonLibes See Profile :

JT, you won't be alone...
Yeah, but is anyone (other than me) bringing their own cheering section?

Why isn't it scheduled to be televised?
:(

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/···/28/2006]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16992272 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:05:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16991528 DonLibes : $1000 says it won't be available by mid-November. Any takers? Salespeople?

News flash: 16 speakers pre-registered to speak this evening. (JT, you won't be alone - although I'm not going to touch the loon comment.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16991528 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 13:00:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984892 serg_leo :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

I suspect if you offer the sales person enough alcohol and they successfully consume it you can get whatever availability date you want from them! :D
No doubt :D Let's try this on MC officials tomorrow :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984892 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:48:57 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984799 BarneyBadAss : I suspect if you offer the sales person enough alcohol and they successfully consume it you can get whatever availability date you want from them! :D
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984799 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:32:31 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984470 serg_leo :
said by cbrain See Profile :

I hope he is right but I have a question. Would he cover his prediction with a friendly wager? ;)
I did ask him couple times. I told him that I heard that they are going to start offering the service from the beginning of '07. But he said that they will start from November. He told me that they will go around the houses again very soon to offer FIOS TV in our area. Could be some insider info ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984470 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:34:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984309 cbrain : I hope he is right but I have a question. Would he cover his prediction with a friendly wager? ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16984309 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:10:58 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16983687 serg_leo : I spoke with Verizon FIOS sales person who was going door to door and offering FIOS in our neighborhood. He told me that Fios TV will be available in Germantown in the middle of November 2006. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16983687 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:47:45 EDT Montgomery County, MD - Press Releases http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16968586 cbrain : County Negotiates Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon; Agreement Resolves Litigation, Provides Increased Competition for Cable Service

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/···rID=2582

Montgomery County officials today announced that they have negotiated a franchise agreement with Verizon Communications for cable television services that will result in greater choice and increased competition among cable providers, while providing customers with important consumer protections. In an agreement that is similar to those with the current cable providers in the County, Comcast and RCN, Verizon could begin signing on new customers in its initial service areas early next year. The agreement, if approved by the County Council, will resolve litigation filed earlier this year by Verizon.

“We are extremely pleased that we have been able to resolve our differences with Verizon and work out an agreement that will result in increased cable competition, while ensuring consumer protections for our residents,” said Bruce Romer, Chief Administrative Officer.

In exchange for the right to provide cable television services to County residents and businesses under the negotiated 15-year franchise agreement, Verizon is committed to supporting the County’s Public Education and Government (PEG) channels, and providing cable television services to 100 public-use buildings such as schools, libraries, and fire stations. In addition, Verizon has agreed to pay the County five percent of gross revenues as a franchise fee and three percent of gross revenues for public access programming and other cable television needs. Verizon will also pay $1 million under the agreement, over the course of five years, for other cable-related investments.

Montgomery County began negotiations with Verizon over cable television services more than a year ago, but the process was halted in June when Verizon filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County. During a hearing before a federal judge in August, Verizon agreed to file a cable franchise application and, at the direction of the court, the parties restarted negotiations in an effort to resolve their differences. The franchise agreement announced today is the result of those efforts.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached agreement with Verizon, and we are looking forward to working with them to provide Montgomery County residents with the cable services they expect and deserve,” said Alisoun Moore, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Technology Services.

A public hearing will be held on September 28 at 7 p.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Individuals may either testify in person at the public hearing or provide written comments for the record. To pre-register to testify at the hearing, contact the County’s Cable Office at 240-777-3684. Written comments may be submitted through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2006 or as otherwise directed by the Hearing Officer. Comments should be mailed or delivered to DTS-Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850. Comments may also be submitted via email to amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Interpreter services are available for deaf or hearing impaired citizens with five working days advanced notice. Call 240-777-3684 or email amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov, giving the name and telephone number of the requesting citizen and the type of interpreter services needed.

Copies of the franchise application and related public documents are available for inspection in the Department of Technology Services, Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville or on the Internet at »www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtm···izon.asp

The franchise agreement is subject to County Council approval.

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/···rID=2582]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16968586 Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:47:36 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954478 JTRockville :
said by meb See Profile :

said by JTRockville See Profile :

I didn't used to be in favor of term limits. But, if only those who aren't running will respond, maybe all seats on the council should be limited to a single term.
:huh:
Educated voters can impose term limits on an as needed basis. Unfortunately, they do so way too rarely.
I feel the same way. If someone's well-suited to the job, why through them out "just because"?

said by DonLibes See Profile :

...It was quite pleasing to see the Go Montgomery! team perform so poorly last week....
I haven't even looked at the results of the election. I plan to study-up before the vote, but till then, we got who we got.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954478 Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:56:41 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954453 JTRockville : I didn't. I'll have my say at the hearing. I'm tired of looking like a LOON because I'm the "only one" of the angry cable consumers who dares to show up!!
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954453 Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:52:44 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954373 DonLibes :
said by meb See Profile :

said by JTRockville See Profile :

I didn't used to be in favor of term limits. But, if only those who aren't running will respond, maybe all seats on the council should be limited to a single term.
:huh:
Educated voters can impose term limits on an as needed basis. Unfortunately, they do so way too rarely.
Citizens have reached their limit. Anti-incumbency fever is finally taking hold. It was quite pleasing to see the Go Montgomery! team perform so poorly last week.

By the way, did anyone attend the Damascus Town Meeting?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16954373 Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:39:57 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16952880 meb :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

I didn't used to be in favor of term limits. But, if only those who aren't running will respond, maybe all seats on the council should be limited to a single term.
:huh:
Educated voters can impose term limits on an as needed basis. Unfortunately, they do so way too rarely.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16952880 Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:16:06 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16951118 JTRockville :
said by Liz See Profile :

said by JTRockville See Profile :

Will Perez be on the ballot for county council in November?
I think not. Bad choice on his part.
I didn't used to be in favor of term limits. But, if only those who aren't running will respond, maybe all seats on the council should be limited to a single term.
:huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16951118 Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:07:01 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949543 BarneyBadAss :
said by Liz See Profile :

You can track the results at the below link. Hope we know the winners by the general. ;)

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eletm···ndex.asp
Hey, they forgot the link for the

Unofficial Domestic Illegal Resident Results

link :p
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949543 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:56:08 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949323 Liz :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Will Perez be on the ballot for county council in November?
I think not. Bad choice on his part.

You can track the results at the below link. Hope we know the winners by the general. ;)

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eletm···ndex.asp]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949323 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:28:15 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949231 JTRockville : Will Perez be on the ballot for county council in November?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949231 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:12:36 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949223 JTRockville : Ah, if only I lived in District 4...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16949223 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:10:33 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16947754 Liz :
said by bean counter1 See Profile :

...
I am writing you to ask you and your fellow council members to quickly vote and approve the video franchise agreement for Verizon. This franchise is long over due, about 1 year the way I figure it. Since YOU and the rest of the County leadership failed to make this franchise agreement happen in a timely manner, you have hurt the residents of the county in choice and savings. The competition that this agreement will bring is sorely needed. Currently I pay $56 a month for what amounts to a basic cable package with Comcast (this package does not include digital or HDTV). This same package would cost me approximately $42 a month with Verizon (and this would be digital and HDTV).

By the county’s inaction, you have cost me $14 a month for at least 10 months now ($140 and counting), of wasted money that I will never get back. And, please do not tell me that the county leadership was stalling this franchise agreement for me. That is a lame excuse and insulting. We both know better.
...
Did you read Mark Fennel's web site. He has some interesting information on wasted county money and candidate contributions.

»www.markdfennel.com/desk.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16947754 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:49:38 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16945660 bean counter1 : That's funny because I sent a hostile email to each member of the County Council seperatly (even personally addressed them) last week. I basically told them in the emails that if they did not vote fast on the verizon franchise or did anything to hold it up I would vote for someone else. I received only one response. Preze

See all the fun below!

*****Response - See below for original Email********

Dear Mr. Bean Counter:

Thank you for your e-mail and comments. Councilmember Perez appreciates hearing from you, and he certainly will keep your comments in mind when discussing the County’s franchise agreement for Verizon. As you have, the Council has also been eagerly awaiting this agreement, as franchise agreements are negotiated solely by the County Executive’s office and only approved by the County Council. The Council is currently in the process of scheduling the discussion for this agreement so that the Council can act expediently. We, like you, want to see a fair and appropriate agreement approved as soon as possible.

If you have questions or other concerns, please feel free to contact our office again.

Best,
Ms. Chong-hwa Lee
Assistant to Councilmember Tom Perez
Montgomery County Council
240-777-7966

******Original email to Prez office below*************

Council Member Perez,

I am writing you to ask you and your fellow council members to quickly vote and approve the video franchise agreement for Verizon. This franchise is long over due, about 1 year the way I figure it. Since YOU and the rest of the County leadership failed to make this franchise agreement happen in a timely manner, you have hurt the residents of the county in choice and savings. The competition that this agreement will bring is sorely needed. Currently I pay $56 a month for what amounts to a basic cable package with Comcast (this package does not include digital or HDTV). This same package would cost me approximately $42 a month with Verizon (and this would be digital and HDTV).

By the county’s inaction, you have cost me $14 a month for at least 10 months now ($140 and counting), of wasted money that I will never get back. And, please do not tell me that the county leadership was stalling this franchise agreement for me. That is a lame excuse and insulting. We both know better.

Since this is an election year, I am telling you that if you and your fellow members on the council stall this vote or fail to make this franchise a reality in the shortest time period possible, my neighbors and I will make sure to vote against you in November.

I appreciate all of your hard work and apologize for the harshness of this email, but I am frustrated with the Council’s lack of foresight and leadership on this matter and many others. Please lead this county to greatness and not down the toilet of bureaucracy.

Thank you,]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16945660 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:18:54 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16941822 cbrain : This afternoon I called my council members office to ask about the Verizon situation. I was more than a little put off by the hostile attitude. They are still saying Verizon never filed an application. I want to send an direct email before I discuss what transpired. I'm a Republican but had intended to vote for her. This call prompted me to look at my option. I found the first video franchise comment I've seen from any candidate.

***From the Mark Fennel web site, candidate for county council***

* July 24, 2006 *

»www.markdfennel.com/desk.html

Cable Competition Now!

Rising cable television bills, have been straining houshold budgets in Montgomery County for years. In fact, Comcast has increased their rates more than three times the rate of inflation since 2000, and by some estimates, are costing county households $725,000 a month in lost savings. Verizon Communications would like to enter into the marketplace, which would lower rates for consumers.

According to the July 5th edition of The Gazette, County Councilwoman Marilyn J. Praisner (D-Dist. 4), who oversees cable franshises, feels "Verizon just doesn't want to play by the same rules as everyone else." According to the July 12th edition of The Gazette, the president of Verizon Maryland countered, "Verizon and other potential competitors are locked out of the county by franchising requirements that give cable companies a built-in advantage."

Montgomery County and Verizon negotiated for a year, culminating in Verizon filing a lawsuit. Tragically, the big losers are Montgomery County consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet. Providing choice and competition in the free marketplace would clearly lower prices and improve delivery of services, regardless of who one chooses for their provider.

Many Montgomery County residents consider their cable bill part of their cost of living. Since 2003, our utility taxes have increased 382% and telephone taxes have leaped 263%; consequently, county officials should be fighting tooth-and-nail to make Montgomery County more affordable to live in by opening up the cable marketplace to competition.

In Northern Virginia, Howard County and Anne Arundel County taxpayers enjoy the benefits of cable choice and competition. In Montgomery County, we deserve better. Together, let's break down barriers to choice and competition and reap all the benefits of the free marketplace that we so richly deserve.

»www.markdfennel.com/desk.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16941822 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 17:17:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940920 BarneyBadAss :
said by cbrain See Profile :

I think we need to show numbers.
101 ; 1,209; 5,280; _insert favoite number here_ sold every day!! :p
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940920 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:07:14 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940316 cbrain :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Maybe I'll skip it too, if no one else is interested. I'll look like a LOON if I'm the only "angry cable" person to show up. :huh:
That never bothered you in the past. ;)

I agree. I will call my rep now and ask about the gains. I think we need to show numbers. Perhaps we can get an web petition along with a list of questions for the council and candidates.

Who would put their name on a list of questions? How about a list of complaints? Would it help if you could compile the complaints?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940316 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:30:36 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940162 JTRockville :
said by cbrain See Profile :

said by JTRockville See Profile :

I'm going. ...
So we have a section of 1 to demonstrate how many support this issue. How many signs can you handle?
Maybe I'll skip it too, if no one else is interested. I'll look like a LOON if I'm the only "angry cable" person to show up. :huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940162 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:08:02 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940070 JTRockville : I'll instruct my entourage to swipe those ear plugs and cotten from the councilmembers. There's strength in numbers. :p

But I'll be sure to bring a bull horn anyway.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16940070 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:52:42 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16939423 BarneyBadAss :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

I'm already signed up. Don't know what I'm going to say yet, but I know I'm going to have my say! :)
Take a bull horn and yell... I'm sure the folks on the other side of the mic will have ear plugs and cotten in their ears so they can claim they didn't hear you. ;)
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16939423 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:06:50 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16939333 cbrain :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

I'm going. ...
So we have a section of 1 to demonstrate how many support this issue. How many signs can you handle?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16939333 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:48:47 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16938592 JTRockville : I'm going. I'd like to know if anyone plans to investigate why Verizon was told not to file an application. It seems like highly improper behavior to me, particularly since it caused a delay of more than a year.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16938592 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 08:18:58 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16934849 cbrain : How many will attend the Damascus Town Hall Meeting tomorrow night to see our council?

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/conte···scus.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16934849 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:56:39 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16933285 JTRockville : I'm already signed up. Don't know what I'm going to say yet, but I know I'm going to have my say! :)

I volunteered to help some scouts get their citizenship merit badge, so I'll be arriving with a crowd. I hope they don't get to fidgety!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16933285 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:56:41 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16932511 cbrain : PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, September 28, 2006
At 7:00 PM
Stella B. Werner Council Office Building
3rd Floor Hearing Room
100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland

CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE

Montgomery County has received an application for a cable franchise agreement from Verizon Maryland, Inc.

In accordance with Section 8A-9(d) of the Montgomery County Code, a public hearing has been scheduled to receive input regarding the application. This hearing will be conducted jointly with participating municipalities pursuant to requirements of applicable local ordinances.

Copies of the application and related public documents are available for inspection in the Department of Technology Services, Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville or on the Internet at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cable.

Individuals may either testify in person at the public hearing, or provide written comments for the record. To pre-register to testify at the hearing, contact the County’s Cable Office at 240-777-3684. Written comments may be submitted through 5:00 PM on Monday, October 2, 2006 or as otherwise directed by the Hearing Officer. Comments should be mailed or delivered to DTS-Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850. Comments may also be submitted via email to amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Interpreter services are available for deaf or hearing impaired citizens with five (5) working days advanced notice. Call 240-777-3684 or email amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov giving the name and telephone number of the requesting citizen and the type of interpreter services needed.
Hearing Notice.zip 1,988,766 bytes
county notice
(Hearing Notice.doc)
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16932511 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 11:49:46 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16926591 BarneyBadAss : If I recall what I think I read, after the application, the exectutive must provide a response in 60 days.

I'm simply appaled we can't have a minmum of 30 days to sit down and crawl throug it so we can see where the short falls are.

Here's just another way that we can be blind sided by potential "Gotcha's" that we've not thought about yet.

Level playing field = potholes for consumers
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16926591 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:37:34 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16926029 cbrain : I want to know the reasons for the Verizon delay and what it accomplished compared to our neighbors deals. I suspect many of the reasons for the cable offices failures are political. I'd like to know what our council member's think and what their plans are for the office. I defiantly want to let every member know that when they say level playing field and parity with Comcast they are putting themselves in the last century aiming at second rate service. I expect to vote for candidates that want to encourage excellence, choice and innovation ... to put voters above special interests ... even if it means adjusting old franchises to accommodate current technologies. We must let them know our issues are important and that we vote.

I must make time to read through the proposals a few times. I don't expect to have any objections. I think the public hearing on 9-28 is probably not enough notice for many. I'll bet most new council candidates don't know about it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16926029 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 13:12:38 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922621 JTRockville : Aside from criticism for the delay, and criticism of the cable office's existence, are you going to ask the council to approve the agreement as is, or suggest changes? If you're going to suggest changes, what are they?

As far as "rushing through the public hearings" goes, do you know if MC plans to spend more or less time on public hearings than Fairfax or Howard spent?

If I recall, Fairfax spent much less time than we plan to, and Howard spent about the same. But I don't remember the exact timeframe.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922621 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:43:54 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922598 JTRockville : If you knew negotiating for lower prices was illegal, why did you question why it isn't done, then tell me it was moot to point out the reason it isn't done (because it's illegal)?

JT
^^ is confused :huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922598 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:41:03 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922457 BarneyBadAss :
said by cbrain See Profile :

I find Don's comments on point, MC diddles for over a year then rushes through the public hearings. I don't want to slow anything down, I want our representatives to see articulate, voting techies that want to see this county enter the 21st century. Cheap sound bites like "deal that was equitable to the agreements with Comcast and RCN" sound a lot like they are outdated when signed and ignore real progress to user-citizens. "Level playing field" to perpetually under-performing providers is opportunity lost. I sure don't like paying public servants for dumbing down my choices, and adding fees to do it.
Right on Cbrain...

said by JTRockville See Profile :

Perhaps you didn't get my point, which is: your suggestion to negotiate for lower prices is against the law. Even after the limited basic analog package goes away, it will still be against the law to negotiate for lower prices, there just won't be an exception anymore.
JT, Um.. I think that's what I was trying to say... after analog goes away it's a moot point.
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922457 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:18:04 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922402 cbrain : I find Don's comments on point, MC diddles for over a year then rushes through the public hearings. I don't want to slow anything down, I want our representatives to see articulate, voting techies that want to see this county enter the 21st century. Cheap sound bites like "deal that was equitable to the agreements with Comcast and RCN" sound a lot like they are outdated when signed and ignore real progress to user-citizens. "Level playing field" to perpetually under-performing providers is opportunity lost. I sure don't like paying public servants for dumbing down my choices, and adding fees to do it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16922402 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:08:10 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921982 JTRockville :
said by cbrain See Profile :

said by achilleX4 See Profile :

All,

I encourage everyone to write to the MOCO Council and tell them to approve the franchise sooner rather than later. If you have time you can also go to their next Town Hall Meeting on 9/20 in Damascus to express your desires/concerns, etc..

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/conte···scus.pdf
I'm game. I think it would be great to get a pushy cable group together and attend. Is Damascus in Maryland? ;) Maybe we can carpool up.
I think I have a PTA meeting that night. But I might blow it off for the town hall. At the last town hall I attended, I was the only person in the "pushy cable group". It'd be nice to have some company this time.

Keep in mind though, suggesting changes (like eliminating the PEG funding requirement, which VZ has already agreed to) will only increase delays.

Unless someone comes up with some compelling flaw in the agreement as it is, I plan to advocate for swift approval of the agreement as it is now written.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921982 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 19:57:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921945 JTRockville : Perhaps you didn't get my point, which is: your suggestion to negotiate for lower prices is against the law. Even after the limited basic analog package goes away, it will still be against the law to negotiate for lower prices, there just won't be an exception anymore.

Which brings up another interesting point: one of the functions of the cable office is to audit that price.

cbrain See Profile, you could use that to bolster your testimony in favor of reducing the budget of the cable office - once VZ gets 30% (I think it's 30%) 15% penetration, the cable office will no longer have authority to audit the price of limited basic analog. Indeed, as BarneyBadAss See Profile points out, providers won't even be required to offer the limited package. I wonder how much of the cable office's budget is consumed by audits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921945 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 19:51:12 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921642 cbrain :
said by achilleX4 See Profile :

All,

I encourage everyone to write to the MOCO Council and tell them to approve the franchise sooner rather than later. If you have time you can also go to their next Town Hall Meeting on 9/20 in Damascus to express your desires/concerns, etc..

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/conte···scus.pdf
I'm game. I think it would be great to get a pushy cable group together and attend. Is Damascus in Maryland? ;) Maybe we can carpool up.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921642 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 18:53:25 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921103 BarneyBadAss :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

But now it's against the law to negotiate for prices - except for limited basic analog.
Which won't be around much longer anyway. Sounds like a moot point to me.
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16921103 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:59:56 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920827 JTRockville :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

If our leaders believe we are so stupid we can’t make decisions for ourselves, why then didn’t they “negotiate” fixed prices for services “for the good of the people” for the proposed 15 year finance contract? Doesn’t this fit within the aspect of the “good of the public?”
They used to - remember when cable tv was affordable and the prices didn't rise by several times the rate of inflation? But now it's against the law to negotiate for prices - except for limited basic analog.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920827 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:04:50 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920474 JTRockville :
said by jaums See Profile :

PS to JTRockville: How do you figure Sat is not viable? I see their dishes all over the place - houses and apartments. I have had it for years with no oversite and no need for any. Also no access to PEGS. They don't get much publicity, apparently, that has caught my interest, so I'm inclined not to be very worried about them. Am I unique or average?
Please re-read what I said. I made no mention of television. In fact, I am a very happy DirecTV subscriber. Our television policy covers broadband too. Do you know anyone who uses satellite for broadband?

As far as oversight goes, maybe you should talk to someone in the satellite industry if you think anyone who wants to can shoot a bird up into the sky without oversight.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920474 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 14:50:33 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920426 JTRockville :
said by bean counter1 See Profile :

The county charges us 5% of our cable bill for what use? Maybe to put the money in the general fund for say a $100 million dollar Strathmore Hall that at best .1% of the county residents (i.e. only the well to do campaign contributors) will use. I would have thought that all of these 5% revenues would have gone to these PEG's we are all fussing about.
We can use that money however we please. But don't forget: there are costs associated with the franchise, and that fee helps defray those costs:
• oversight (yes, you can argue about whether or not we get our money's worth from the cable office), and
• maintenance of the ROW.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920426 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 14:41:41 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920063 BarneyBadAss :
said by robjlevin See ProfileIt's called predatory pricing. There'd be nothing to stop the big companies from pricing the smaller competition right out of business. After that they'd be free to rip you off.
[/BQUOTE :

Yeah Yeah Yeah... doesn't it make you wonder who has coffee with who when this kind of "legislation" is enacted?

If corporations tell franchises they can't sell "product x" for less than (_insert_your_favorite_price_here_) it's called "Price Fixing"....
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16920063 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 13:17:42 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919954 cbrain :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

Yes, I've voted in every election I've ever been registered to vote in since age 18 with one execption. And on that occasion, I was placed into a hospital for emergency surgery at 01:00 the day of the voting, so I had valid reason to miss it.
Good man!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919954 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:53:39 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919930 bean counter1 : Let get down to the real set of facts:
The county charges us 5% of our cable bill for what use? Maybe to put the money in the general fund for say a $100 million dollar Strathmore Hall that at best .1% of the county residents (i.e. only the well to do campaign contributors) will use. I would have thought that all of these 5% revenues would have gone to these PEG's we are all fussing about.

What has happened is that our county leadership has forgotten the bigger picture of Cable TV. Or have they. Really with these stupid PEG's we are getting double taxed. Verizon and Yes evil Comcast has to use bandwidth and provide $1mil to the county to provide them. On top of charging us 5% tax to regulate our cable service. All for over priced cable regulation commission.

Basically the county is abusing the cable TV process at the determent of the county's residents. All these county Perks are BS!!!

If the county thinks it important to air public content I am in favor or putting it in a streaming format on the web or making it demand content on TV. But not forcing the residents to pay for some outdated concept because the county's leadership is to inept to be innovative. And to think this is the same county that spawned Tacoma Park.

O well I will vote my opinions in November.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919930 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:50:31 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919752 BarneyBadAss : Cbrain,

Yes, I've voted in every election I've ever been registered to vote in since age 18 with one execption. And on that occasion, I was placed into a hospital for emergency surgery at 01:00 the day of the voting, so I had valid reason to miss it.
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---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919752 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:03:26 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919695 cbrain :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

...
Personally, (I recognize this can be dangerous) but I'm of the opinion that the constituents should have the ability to rather (vote) on these topics. In the days of old, we had these representative’s in place to “voice” and vote with the constituent’s best interest at heart. Why did we have these representatives? Because in that day and time; the common man didn’t have access to the information in a timely manor.

With the technology we have available the availability of information is frequently only a “click” away; our desires and opinions should be the ones that count, not the "opinions / wishes / desires" of any individual county representative.

Each representative could then put forward the views of the "majority" views that representative’s constituency represents.

We need to get our entire political system out of the dark ages and back to what it was purported to be in the first place.
...
I believe that about 50% of those qualified actually register to vote. In last Tuesdays primary, less than 30% of registered voters actually voted.

Where you one?

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/conte···ults.htm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919695 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 11:45:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919654 robjlevin :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

Why did the State of Maryland consider it “the good of the public” that they put legislation in place that set a “floor” price for selling gasoline at $2.00. That’s right, it’s illegal for anyone to sell gasoline at less that $2.00 anywhere in the state. And this is for the “good of the public”?

Give me a break.
It's called predatory pricing. There'd be nothing to stop the big companies from pricing the smaller competition right out of business. After that they'd be free to rip you off.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919654 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 11:35:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919625 BarneyBadAss : First let me apologize if this sounds like a “rant” it’s certainly not intended to.

Personally, (I recognize this can be dangerous) but I'm of the opinion that the constituents should have the ability to rather (vote) on these topics. In the days of old, we had these representative’s in place to “voice” and vote with the constituent’s best interest at heart. Why did we have these representatives? Because in that day and time; the common man didn’t have access to the information in a timely manor.

With the technology we have available the availability of information is frequently only a “click” away; our desires and opinions should be the ones that count, not the "opinions / wishes / desires" of any individual county representative.

Each representative could then put forward the views of the "majority" views that representative’s constituency represents.

We need to get our entire political system out of the dark ages and back to what it was purported to be in the first place.

I have basic problems when I hear from any level of governmental leader things like; "it's my view"; or "in my view" we should do this or that. Shoving anyone’s moral or ethical beliefs down anyone else’s throat is unacceptable behavior in politics where the representatives are there to perform “public service” relating to the “good of the public.”

Recall, a long time ago, governmental policies was supposed to be "of the people, by the people and of the people"? It’s my observation, we now have policies made where this has become more of a “of what we BELIEVE is best for you based on our belief without due consideration.”

So, if it sounds like I’m PO’ed with all of this, you’re correct. I’m not at all happy with what’s transpired. I’m of the opinion many aspects of what have gone on (not only here but in other places as well) a have deviated wildly from what we as constituents have desired.

If our leaders believe we are so stupid we can’t make decisions for ourselves, why then didn’t they “negotiate” fixed prices for services “for the good of the people” for the proposed 15 year finance contract? Doesn’t this fit within the aspect of the “good of the public?”

So my thinking is that for any of the controversial issues our governmental leaders face; these topics should be put forward quickly to the constituent base such that the masses at large can help those elected to accurately represent the views of the community.

Why did the State of Maryland consider it “the good of the public” that they put legislation in place that set a “floor” price for selling gasoline at $2.00. That’s right, it’s illegal for anyone to sell gasoline at less that $2.00 anywhere in the state. And this is for the “good of the public”?

Give me a break.
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919625 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 11:26:35 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919458 cbrain :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

said by cbrain See Profile :

I have a real problem with the execution of that oversight. I believe our county has been a dismal failure for 20 years and their handling of Verizon is "situation normal, all f***** up." This is a good time to examine the counties past performance and why it took a federal court to get what our neighbors already had. Unless they change, what is the need for the cable office?
Do you plan to raise that issue/ask that question in your testimony?
I will appear any place and at any time to give testimony on this issue. Is the Verizon approval hearing the place to do this? If not, when?

I think this is a very important issue. Is anyone else willing to help? What is the best approach?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919458 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 10:43:30 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919383 cbrain : We are all driven by our last bad experience. Had Comcast treated us like Giant or Safeway does when they had no competition, would any of us be posting here? I dropped Verizon in the late '90's, before they had competition. I told my brother about this vendor and that he would save 10%. He said "I'd pay 10% more to be rid of Verizon." I'm now back with Verizon and have been happy for 18 months. I left Comcast for DTV 18 months ago, a very good choice. I'm having a problem with them now, but they are scrambling to help me and I have a great dish swap promo option from Comcast. Choice is very good and keeps vendors on their toes. Technology may well enable additional options soon.

What is common to all these problems...Montgomery County oversight. They served an enablers for poor cable service since their inception. They failed to allow a logical choice our neighbors have for over a year and it is only close because of litigation. How are they serving us? We have like 6 weeks to get answers before we can vote them in or out. It can be very easy to forget their failure now that it appears we have an option. I urge everyone to ask the same questions we ask here of our candidates and vote. Our incumbents have failed us and have little incentive to improve without competition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919383 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 10:25:21 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919201 jaums : What I, and I think most of us on here, would like to know is, what was gained by the exercise of the lawsuit? Who backed down on what issues? I appreciate that a lot of the official documents have been made available, but I am not in the industry and so cannot really understand them. Much to technical for me to comprehend. I have to depend on others, who may or may not be spinning what they intrepret.

So, my only personal conclusion can be that, at the least, Vz tried to get a lower cost deal for it's customers [since any costs/fees have to be included in the rates charged it's customers] by going to court. If they backed down completely and ended up agreeing to what the county offered before the suit, at least they tried. If the county gave in a little, well, at least Vz saved us from a little bit of what I will call "over government". I use the term over government, because it seems like huge amounts of money have been paid by MC cable customers over the years, through Comcast to MC government, for that all-important oversight service which seems not to have been very successful. Since the oversight center has not proven their worthiness [to me], I say, cut them back significantly, restructure their efforts to fit today's technology and today's level of competition and cut back the fees charged the service providers significantly and see what happens for a while. I feel sure that will never happen - government never gets smaller, but that's still what I think.

And why shouldn't Vz and Comcast and anyone else make money providing services that citizens of MC freely decide to purchace? Services provided by companies that spend LOTS of money in the county on things like infrastructure and salaries of citizens of places like MC?

PS to JTRockville: How do you figure Sat is not viable? I see their dishes all over the place - houses and apartments. I have had it for years with no oversite and no need for any. Also no access to PEGS. They don't get much publicity, apparently, that has caught my interest, so I'm inclined not to be very worried about them. Am I unique or average?

Before I got Sat, I called Comcast 4 times asking for rates, since their website did not show rates, at the time, anyway. They never did send them. I figured that was perhaps indicitive of their level of concern for me [with oversite] so, I called the Sat company whose rates did appear online and they were very anxious to help me, and they have, ever since. Partly, I believe, because they have competition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919201 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 09:31:31 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919142 cbrain : By that same logic, the road in front of your house may not be paved if it relied on tolls. There is a balance to everything. I just think with on demand availability, this may be a more efficient delivery method. This way all PEG programing would be available to all subscribers whenever they are ready to watch and the resources would be open for programing which would attract a larger audience.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919142 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 09:13:28 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919046 BarneyBadAss : If, as speculated earlier, 95% of cable consumers never view PEG's, my question continually comes back to the aspect of practicality.

If you run a company that can not survive because it's revenue and profit streams are insuffient to pay your bills and payroll, would the county step in and pay them for you.

Even if you were supplying say clothing / bedding and the like to families that can't afford to purchase these products for the "public good".

I rather think not. Your little company would "sink".
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16919046 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 08:27:49 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16918524 JTRockville : The authority can't bargain for lower rates. Sure, the rates will drop for a bit while the new entrant tries to attract customers, but there's not much to stop them from rising back up again. I expect before the agreement expires, rates from both providers will escalate astronomically in harmony.

Comcast and RCN together provide service to ~215,000 residences. Does anyone know how many residences we have in the county? It'd be nice to have some sense of what portion of the public wouldn't benefit whatsoever from lower prices.

Back when I paid it, I never minded the extra $15 bucks/year to support PEGs/INet. I doubt it will ever become available to me, but I'd only ever subscribe to VZ TV because they offer our PEGs.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16918524 Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:12:09 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917522 DonLibes :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

PEGs and the INet might not be the most effective or meaningful way for providers to compensate the community, but the law prohibits anything else, while expressly permitting compensation for PEGs and INets.

Don't like the rules? Think they're obsolete? Talk to the feds. They made the rules, and only they can change 'em.

But frankly, I think we'd be foolish to take nothing, instead of PEG/INet support. For me, the possibility of good video service because of a single additional provider, isn't good enough to willing forgo compensation.

How would you feel if the council passed up the compensation they were due from anyone else?
I would say that lower rates are another legal way to compensate the community. In that sense, I wouldn't mind at all if the council passed up the traditional compensation and I would expect them to otherwise justify and fund PEGs out of the general fund.

Whether our total tax liability would go down is not clear - I suspect it would go down as more scrutiny was brought to the questionable number of PEGs (which, to be frank, seem excessive to me). But funding PEGs out of the general fund would increase the tax-liability of non-CATV subscribers while decreasing that of CATV subscribers. If PEGs are truly a benefit to the community as a whole, then they should be funded that way. As Liz observed, plenty of cable subscribers already pay for PEGs and don't watch them. So why not enlarge the payers to all MC taxpayers?

The analysis for INet is not exactly the same but similar enough.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917522 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 22:20:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917449 JTRockville :
said by JohnA See Profile :

said by JTRockville See Profile :

In situations like this, where there is never going to be a competitive market, oversight is needed. Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public - which is apparently what they tried to do before the mediator stepped in.
Where the hell does that come from? Verizon filed the suit and requested mediation. How did the mediator step in to stop them from robbing poor MoCo?
It comes from the (as of yet, unanswered) question I posed earlier in this topic. It seems Verizon was willing to comply with most of the requests they objected to in their lawsuit. So why did VZ file a lawsuit about things they don't object to?

Is it because they would have never agreed to these requests if there were no oversight?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917449 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 22:07:03 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917423 JTRockville : PEGs and the INet might not be the most effective or meaningful way for providers to compensate the community, but the law prohibits anything else, while expressly permitting compensation for PEGs and INets.

Don't like the rules? Think they're obsolete? Talk to the feds. They made the rules, and only they can change 'em.

But frankly, I think we'd be foolish to take nothing, instead of PEG/INet support. For me, the possibility of good video service because of a single additional provider, isn't good enough to willing forgo compensation.

How would you feel if the council passed up the compensation they were due from anyone else?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917423 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 22:02:14 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917207 Liz :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

I'm not sure the agreement is intended to benefit the "end user". It's intended to benefit the public at-large, as compensation for use of public property.

The pros and cons of whether or not the public benefits from the few things a franchisor is allowed to negotiate for could certainly be debated. But I think the public does generally benefit from having an extra connection at the fire station, the hospital, or the school. In case of emergency, one of the connections is likely to be operational (I won't say which one I think it might be ;) ). There is public benefits in having local video studios and local public-interest channels too - even if the stuff they produce isn't as glitsy as what you can find in the national media.
But the end user and the public at large are one and the same ... for the most part anyway. Most of the public use some video service and will gain from good service and strong competitors. A far larger % of county residents use cable than cable users watch PEGs. I think more residents would be better served by ensuring good service and choice than by pegs or multiple connections to county buildings. I sure don't think an adequate balance has been established so far.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16917207 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 21:27:01 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16916808 JohnA :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

In situations like this, where there is never going to be a competitive market, oversight is needed. Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public - which is apparently what they tried to do before the mediator stepped in.
Where the hell does that come from? Verizon filed the suit and requested mediation. How did the mediator step in to stop them from robbing poor MoCo?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16916808 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:24:53 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16915702 cbrain : Don takes a look at the ... situation.

»www.libes.com/don/blog/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16915702 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 16:22:33 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914975 JTRockville : I'm not sure the agreement is intended to benefit the "end user". It's intended to benefit the public at-large, as compensation for use of public property.

The pros and cons of whether or not the public benefits from the few things a franchisor is allowed to negotiate for could certainly be debated. But I think the public does generally benefit from having an extra connection at the fire station, the hospital, or the school. In case of emergency, one of the connections is likely to be operational (I won't say which one I think it might be ;) ). There is public benefits in having local video studios and local public-interest channels too - even if the stuff they produce isn't as glitsy as what you can find in the national media.

said by cbrain See Profile :

I have a real problem with the execution of that oversight. I believe our county has been a dismal failure for 20 years and their handling of Verizon is "situation normal, all f***** up." This is a good time to examine the counties past performance and why it took a federal court to get what our neighbors already had. Unless they change, what is the need for the cable office?
Do you plan to raise that issue/ask that question in your testimony?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914975 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:46:40 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914854 cbrain :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Competition works well on it's own when there are competitors. The capital costs for a provider to enter the market are so high, that we're not likely to ever have more than 2 competitors. That can hardly be considered a competitive market.

In situations like this, where there is never going to be a competitive market, oversight is needed. Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public ...
I basically agree that adding Verizon does not create true competition. It is a great start. I have a real problem with the execution of that oversight. I believe our county has been a dismal failure for 20 years and their handling of Verizon is "situation normal, all f***** up." This is a good time to examine the counties past performance and why it took a federal court to get what our neighbors already had. Unless they change, what is the need for the cable office?

said by JTRockville See Profile :

... Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public - which is apparently what they tried to do before the mediator stepped in.

Question: If Verizon was willing to comply with virtually all of MC's requirements, why didn't they agree to comply back in May 2005?
Great question. I'd like the real answer to this before I vote. Considering Verizon reached over 100 other franchise agreements and they initiated the litigation, I assume they achieved some objective. All costs are passed on to the end user, most as a line item. To some extent, our county is directly negotiating additional cost to video users. How did any of these theatrics benefit the end user? Who did benefit from the delay, both short and long term?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914854 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:22:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914466 JTRockville : I don't recall the council expressing their concerns at any of the hearings I've testified at, though Verizon and Comcast will likely be given ample time to testify. The council will likely discuss concerns prior to their vote. The MFP vote and the full council vote will likely take place at a public meeting, where you'll be welcome to attend and listen, but it's not likely you'll be given a chance to speak at that meeting.

This is as much detail about the meeting as I've been able to find (from gazette.net). As time grows near, there will probably be a phone number published so those who wish to testify can register.
»www.gazette.net/stories/091506/b···81.shtml

The public will have a chance to review and comment on the franchise agreement with Verizon before it goes to the council for a vote. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville.

As a resident of the county, anything you have to say about the matter is appropriate.

[added]
The council has some general information about public participation at their website: »www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltm···ures.asp]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914466 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 11:52:59 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914192 jaums :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

said by jaums See Profile :

So how does one find out the logestics of the hearing? What's the official purpose? How will it be conducted? Citizens can speak/ask questions?
Generally, citizens get 3 minutes at the microphone. Corporations get more. You can ask questions, but I recommend you save the questions 'till the end of your testimony so that if anyone decides to answer them, it won't eat up all your time.

The purpose is to give everyone a chance to voice their concerns directly to the council, so that the council can make an informed decision when they vote.

Do you plan to testify?
I'm asking about the logistics [time, place] and the purpose and how conducted in order to determine if I would have something appropriate to contribute.

Does the council provide any information on their concerns of what they have in front of them to rule upon? Or only what can be deduced from their ruling after it has been announced?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914192 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:50:12 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914158 JTRockville : RCN has already reneged on their agreement after covering an insignificant portion of the county, and you still want to count them? As far as Dish/DirecTV goes... there's a reason satellite broadband has a low adoption rate - it's not a viable product.

I think there must be a minimum of 4 wireline providers in order to make a competitive market. By the end of Verizon's 15 year agreement, we'll have 2. It's unlikely we'll ever get another.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914158 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:44:55 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914138 jaums :
said by JTRockville See Profile :

Competition works well on it's on when there are competitors. The capital costs for a provider to enter the market are so high, that we're not likely to ever have more than 2 competitors. That can hardly be considered a competitive market.

In situations like this, where there is never going to be a competitive market, oversight is needed. Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public - which is apparently what they tried to do before the mediator stepped in.

What about RCN, Dish and Direct? As I see it, with them, Comcast & Verizon there are/will be 5, ok 4/1/4 competetitors offering to deliver picture and sound to the home. How many are required before competition has an effect? In your opinion?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914138 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:40:29 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914053 JTRockville :
said by jaums See Profile :

So how does one find out the logestics of the hearing? What's the official purpose? How will it be conducted? Citizens can speak/ask questions?
Generally, citizens get 3 minutes at the microphone. Corporations get more. You can ask questions, but I recommend you save the questions 'till the end of your testimony so that if anyone decides to answer them, it won't eat up all your time.

The purpose is to give everyone a chance to voice their concerns directly to the council, so that the council can make an informed decision when they vote.

Do you plan to testify?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914053 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:20:31 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914036 JTRockville : Competition works well on it's own when there are competitors. The capital costs for a provider to enter the market are so high, that we're not likely to ever have more than 2 competitors. That can hardly be considered a competitive market.

In situations like this, where there is never going to be a competitive market, oversight is needed. Otherwise, you'd have corporations like Verizon profiting handsomely from use of public property without any compensation to the public - which is apparently what they tried to do before the mediator stepped in.

Question: If Verizon was willing to comply with virtually all of MC's requirements, why didn't they agree to comply back in May 2005?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16914036 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:15:46 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16913998 jaums : So how does one find out the logestics of the hearing? What's the official purpose? How will it be conducted? Citizens can speak/ask questions?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16913998 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:06:35 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16913990 jaums :
said by BarneyBadAss See Profile :

said by meb See Profile :

"We didn't want to disrupt a level playing field and be open to challenges by competitors," she said.
What's the matter with good ol' compitition ???

What's wrong with good Ol' competition? What's wrong with it is that it doesn't need a staff of well-paid MC folks to oversee [run] it - it takes care of itself. Horrors - less government! Can't have that!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16913990 Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:03:09 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16912650 JTRockville : I betcha it doesn't get bogged down. In fact, I'll bet the MFP committee votes to approve the agreement at the next quarterly review (October 30), then I'll bet the full council votes to approve before Thanksgiving.

Praisner does like to posture for the camera, but I'll take her at her word. She said the council was prepared to act quickly once Verizon filed the application. Let's give 'em a chance before we start hurling rotten tomatoes at 'em.

Do you plan to testify at the public hearing BarneyBadAss See Profile?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16912650 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 23:51:07 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16912085 BarneyBadAss :
said by meb See Profile :

Verizon must also pay $1 million over five years for cable-related investments and provide cable TV for schools, libraries and fire stations.
Argh! BS.. if the county wants this; then they should pay for it!

said by meb See Profile :

Jane Lawton, the county's cable administrator, said the county's goal was to get a deal that was equitable to the agreements with Comcast and RCN Corp., the two other cable operators in the county.
More BS

said by meb See Profile :

"We didn't want to disrupt a level playing field and be open to challenges by competitors," she said.
What's the matter with good ol' compitition ???

said by meb See Profile :

A public hearing on the agreement is scheduled for Sept. 28. Lawton said council approval could come by the end of the year.
Betca it gets bogged down again :(
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16912085 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 21:57:48 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16908688 PaulGo : It should not matter - whatever terms Montgomery County ultimately agrees to or is forced to agree to should be give to Comcast and RCN. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16908688 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:03:48 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16908463 PGHammer : Read: The county did NOT want to go back and have to re-negotiate the agreements with Comcast *or* RCN (which it would have had to if Verizon got better terms through straight negotiations). This way, MoCo can say it was all the District Court's fault.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16908463 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:26:22 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16907901 meb : Verizon, Montgomery Reach Tentative Deal
Phone Firm Could Offer Cable Television in County Pending Council Approval

By Michael S. Rosenwald
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 14, 2006; Page D04

»www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co···956.html

Verizon Communications Inc. and Montgomery County officials said yesterday that they have reached a tentative agreement that could allow the telecommunications giant to sell its new fiber-optic cable television service in an area heavily dominated by Comcast Cable Communications Inc.

The agreement, which needs county council approval, follows long and at times tense negotiations that resulted in Verizon filing a federal lawsuit against the county in June. Verizon alleged that the county's franchise approval process violated the First Amendment, as well as federal communications and antitrust law.

County and Verizon officials restarted negotiations with the help of a mediator. If the council approves the agreement, the lawsuit will be dismissed.

As the traditional telephone business has dwindled, Verizon has been aggressively building a fiber-optic cable network, called FiOS, around the country. It has been challenging Comcast, the country's largest cable company, by offering bundled packages of high-speed cable TV, Internet and phone service. Comcast has been adding telephone service to its video and Internet offerings.

Verizon already offers FiOS phone and Internet service in Montgomery County, and it has struck TV deals in other local jurisdictions, including Fairfax and Howard counties and Herndon.

As part of the 15-year agreement, Verizon will pay a franchise fee of 5 percent of television revenue. Another 3 percent of TV revenue will go toward public access programming and other cable television needs. Verizon must also pay $1 million over five years for cable-related investments and provide cable TV for schools, libraries and fire stations.

Jane Lawton, the county's cable administrator, said the county's goal was to get a deal that was equitable to the agreements with Comcast and RCN Corp., the two other cable operators in the county.

"We didn't want to disrupt a level playing field and be open to challenges by competitors," she said.

William R. Roberts, president of Verizon Maryland, said in a statement: "We're eager to work with the council to bring this matter to conclusion so that Verizon can bring the many benefits of choice and competition to Montgomery County residents as quickly as possible."

A public hearing on the agreement is scheduled for Sept. 28. Lawton said council approval could come by the end of the year.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16907901 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 10:45:22 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901769 rosh400 : Yup, I'm in one of those exchanges. I guess this makes up for that the fact that I couldn't get DSL for years ago and had to go with Comcast until FIOS internet came along. Thanks for leettingme know.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901769 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:41:22 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901625 achilleX4 :
Thanks for the info...just sent my email so I await the "form letter" again acknowledging how much they understand our concerns, blah-blah-blah. Yes, I'm planning on it because I'm sick and tired of them sending us these form letters so I want to hear from them first hand. I told them on my email today that November 7th is quickly approaching so they better approve the franchise because my vote remains on the balance....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901625 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:15:08 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901535 JTRockville : Just in case anyone forgot the council's contact info:

county.council _at_ montgomerycountymd.gov
100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 777-7900 (voice)
(240) 777-7914 (TTY for hearing impaired)
(240) 777-7888 (fax)

Details for specific Councilmembers are here:
»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltm···tact.asp

Are you going to the town hall meeting, achilleX4 See Profile?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901535 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:57:32 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901478 achilleX4 : All,

I encourage everyone to write to the MOCO Council and tell them to approve the franchise sooner rather than later. If you have time you can also go to their next Town Hall Meeting on 9/20 in Damascus to express your desires/concerns, etc..

»www.montgomerycountymd.gov/conte···scus.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16901478 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:47:46 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16900636 JTRockville : rosh400 See Profile, the clli code for the Bradley CO is BTHSMDBD. If you have phone service from Verizon, and the exchange is one of these, then BTHSMDBD is your CO:
Serves: 301-365 301-299 301-469 301-765 301-767 301-983

Since you already have FiOS internet, then I'd say you're in the initial area for sure.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16900636 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 09:08:10 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16900388 rosh400 : We live in Potomac near Tuckerman Lane (fairly high density -- 1/4 acre lots). Our neighborhood has been served by FIOS internet for more than a year. Are we likely to be in the initial service area? How do I find out which CO serves us? Could it be the one at the intersection of Bradley and 7 Locks? What's the code for that CO?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16900388 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:44:50 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16899071 bksmith5 : This link will work just as well for those of us on FiOS (it's a PDF version of the press release): »www22.verizon.com/about/communit···inal.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16899071 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 23:05:25 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16898656 JTRockville : It depends on where you are.

According to the agreement as it is, Verizon will provide service to a "significant" portion of the initial service area within 1 year of the contract's effective date. (I'm guessing that means everyone with a density of 30 or more homes per mile). As far as I know, all the COs listed in blue on the 2nd map I posted are already lit, so the only reason I could see for Verizon to stagger the availability would be due to personel and equipment on hand. It would surly be chaos if they opened it up to that entire area all at once. But the agreement would allow them to take up to a year to offer service in the initial area.

I posted the requirements for the middle areas above. * notices the specific mention of RKVLMDMR (aka Montrose) * I'd guess Silver Spring will get lit within two years of the effective date. Since we have protection from Verizon and their upgrade in Rockville, I'm guessing we'll never get it. Maybe it's time to hunt down the offices of the Rockville DTS and stage a protest.

said by bean counter1 See Profile :

Any idea of how long it will take MC Council to approve the agreement???
I wish I knew.

said by bean counter1 See Profile :

Any other hurdles to Verizon providing service after MC Council approves???
For some of us: Rockville DTS. I don't know of any others.

I might write/phone Praisner's office tomorrow. She's the chair of the MFP. I hope they don't wait until the next quarterly review, which will probably be near the end of October.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16898656 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:01:34 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16897814 bean counter1 : Any idea of how long it will take MC Council to approve the agreement???

Any other hurdles to Verizon providing service after MC Council approves???

And How long after that might Verizon offer service?? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16897814 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 19:46:36 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896925 JTRockville : Works for me.

Maybe it only works for people who aren't yet on FiOS? :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896925 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:21:03 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896885 rdoherty2 : Doesn't work for me either.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896885 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:15:45 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896790 JohnA :
Works for me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896790 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:03:13 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896758 BarneyBadAss : Thanks, but the link seems not to function correctly :uhh:
--
---Barney]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896758 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:59:51 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896347 bksmith5 : Thanks for the "heads up"!!

I've been loving my FiOS though I've been rather silent since I got it.. Work has been kicking my butt of late.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896347 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:59:16 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896327 JohnA :
Verizon's announcement is out. »newscenter.verizon.com/press-rel···-on.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16896327 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:56:00 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895686 cbrain : Direct negations took over a year and went nowhere. Litigation took what ... 2.5 months? It would seem future applicants for Montgomery County franchises should start with the federal court. ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895686 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:49:45 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895594 JTRockville :
said by bbarrett See Profile :

Rockville is included in the franchise agreement, but VZ won't work there due to the right-of-way fees, and the franchise contains an exception such that it could never happen if VZ can't reach agreement with Rockville re: ROW fees.
Does anyone know what Rockville's ROW fees were for Comcast, or what fees Rockville plans to charge Verizon?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895594 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:31:25 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895489 JTRockville : RKVLMDMR (Montrose Road) is middle. I guess it's time to update the map. Looks like SLSPMDSS and CHCHMDBE are in the "middle" area too.

[att=1]
[att=2]

From the agreement:
3.1.2. Middle Service Area: In the Middle Service Area, the Franchisee shall offer Cable Service to significant numbers of Subscribers in residential areas within three (3) years of the Effective Date of this Franchise, and to all residences within the Middle Service Area at which such service is requested within five (5) years of the Effective Date of the Franchise, except as specified in Section 3.2. If Franchisee is unable to reach agreement with the City of Rockville to obtain construction permits for the FTTP network under reasonable terms and conditions, as determined by Franchisee, by December 31, 2007, these timeframes shall not apply to Franchisee’s provision of Cable Service to residences served by Franchisee’s Rockville and Montrose wire centers. Instead, Franchisee shall offer Cable Service to all residences served by the Rockville and Montrose wire centers at which such service is requested within four (4) years of obtaining construction permits for the FTTP network from the City of Rockville, except as specified in Section 3.2.
Click for full size
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895489 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:14:19 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895471 bbarrett : Wrong about Gaithersburg. Their PEG is on the list of 13. I forgot that the county negotiates on their behalf. But what is up with the bullseye "Contiguous Service Area"? Looks like Gaithersburg designated a "ring" that must be 100% served before or at the time Verizon offers service anywhere else in the area. (?)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895471 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:12:07 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895364 bbarrett : Wow...a treasure trove of information. It looks like the county got all its ANALOG PEGs (and more?); no doubt at the expense of programming the more people would watch.

Rockville is included in the franchise agreement, but VZ won't work there due to the right-of-way fees, and the franchise contains an exception such that it could never happen if VZ can't reach agreement with Rockville re: ROW fees.

And Gaithersburg is the big void in the middle of the map (Exhibit B, separate PDF)...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16895364 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 12:58:12 EDT Re: Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16894728 cbrain : »ga3.org/mdtv/montco.html

There’s good news regarding Verizon’s efforts to deliver FiOS TV to residents of Montgomery County.

Verizon and county officials have reached agreement on a 15-year cable franchise. The agreement must be approved by the County Council.

Verizon’s fiber network will pass about half the households in the county by the end of this year. If the council approves the agreement, Verizon plans to begin offering FiOS TV to these households by early next year. The agreement also includes an aggressive timetable for further deployment in the county. Verizon has already placed 29 million feet of fiber optic cable and created 600 new full-time positions to build and support the FiOS network in Montgomery County.

Verizon is eager to work with the council to bring this matter to conclusion so that Verizon can bring the many benefits of choice and competition to Montgomery County residents as quickly as possible.

To see the franchise agreement online, visit www.verizon.com/maryland or Montgomery County’s website.

Thank you for your support of Verizon’s effort to bring cable competition to Montgomery County.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16894728 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:19:27 EDT Verizon Reaches Agreement with Montgomery County http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16894718 cbrain : According to CableTV.com.

»cabletv.com/verizon-fios/818-ver···ion.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16894718 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:17:29 EDT