 NM
@comcast.net
| OneConnect and Zianet... After reading all of your responses, I would have to agree most with fiberguy.
I am a resident and small WISP owner in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I have experienced first hand what this blackout has caused and what led up to it. I have done business with SkyWi (OneConnectIP and Zianet) and know the basic operation of their business.
First, the issue with SkyWi not paying their bill is completely the faults of OneConnect IP and Zianet. One connect sells VOIP services, Zianet sells the DSL, and SkyWi sells the wireless. SkyWi was acquired in September of 2008 by OneConnect and Zianet.
It seems to me that the funds that they would have used to pay their Qwest bill was used in the acquisition of SkyWi. The UNDISPUTED amount that was due to Qwest was from September services.
I have service with Qwest Wholesale (the same company that SkyWi deals with), when there is a dispute you do NOT have to pay the balance that is in dispute. But in order to not have the account terminated you need to file a DISPUTE order and pay the amount that is not in dispute. SkyWi failed to file a DISPUTE order and didn't pay a dime to Qwest. I see nothing wrong with Qwest turning the services off and I think Qwest had every right to turn the services off. I think the services should remain off until the undisputed balance is paid.
I do not agree with the PRC discussion on having Qwest restore the services to SkyWi. First, how can the PRC regulate OneConnect, SkyWi, and Zianet when they only provide internet services. The PRC does NOT regulate the internet. Why is the PRC even involved? If SkyWi offered analog telephone voice lines those could be regulated but not internet type services.
NO customers (VOIP or internet) were notified by SkyWi that this could happen. Lots of customers phones were not even forwarded to a working number. This left a lot of businesses and residents without dialtone from their voip lines. Atleast, SkyWi should have proactively notified their customers IN ADVANCE since they knew this could happen since they didn't pay their bill.
All I am saying is that I think that the PRC should not have stepped in and SkyWi needs to read their contact with Qwest again about DISPUTES and LATE PAYMENTS. |