[RTC List] RTC Board and Fiber Outage

[Bob Morse]

Greetings List Members,

The RTC Board is vitally interested in improving the telecommunications
infrastructure for the area. It's clear our members and the subscribers to
the RTC Mailing List (not all are members) are equally interested in seeing
alternate fiber built and better deployment of broadband throughout the
region. It's also clear from the recent discussion on the mailing list that
there is a sense of urgency about the alternate fiber, especially since the
most recent break. 

Ever since the initial fiber line was completed we (RTC) have been pushing
for a second line that would serve not just as a backup but as an
alternative to the at&t line. This second line can provide additional
bandwidth, potentially further deployment, additional services and
competition where none exists now.

Currently a  group of local businesses and individuals is in the process of
forming a private company that has begun negotiations with all the major
players with interest in the alternate fiber.  Many issues remain to be
resolved and details worked out. However, progress is being made. At this
early stage of business development, no further information can be publicly
released. 

There are other issues involving the fiber that the RTC board has taken
initiative on such as trying find a way to make information more readily
available to the public and local news organizations at the time of any
outage. We have sent email and letters to the Board of Supervisors and the
Sheriff's Office. But up to now, nothing has happened.  We believe that more
advocacy on this front is needed.    In addition, we'd encourage our members
to continue to let local carriers and leaders know that a solution must be
reached for the good of our community and economy.  Finally, we will
continue to work with our local representatives of the Governor's Broadband
Task Force to advocate for policies that encourage the development of our
telecommunications infrastructure.

Bob Morse
Board President
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