[RTC List] Broadband Associates project

[Debets, Jacqueline]

Sounds like we all have questions, and that the topic & timing of the RTC luncheon is perfect. 

----- Original Message -----
From: list-bounces at redwoodtech.org <list-bounces at redwoodtech.org>
To: Larry Goldberg <larry at northcoast.com>
Cc: list at redwoodtech.org <list at redwoodtech.org>; wirelessfreedom at willitsonline.com <wirelessfreedom at willitsonline.com>; Northcoast Broadband Forum <northcoast-broadband-forum at googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat Jan 24 09:44:04 2009
Subject: Re: [RTC List] Broadband Associates project

I want to preface this by saying I am not writing on behalf of the RTC 
board. We have not met nor exchanged email of any substance on this 
subject, though, of course I am sure everyone is following the 
discussion closely.

I appreciate everyone who has a quarrel with the BA proposal and the 
CASF process. These comments are enlightening. Many of the issues raised 
are over the CASF process and should therefore be addressed to the CPUC. 
But I think that's been stated before.

As for BA itself, they put together a proposal and it was accepted. Some 
people commenting here seem to assume that the people at CASF are 
gullible and incompetent so, therefore, this whole thing must be either 
a sham being perpetrated by con artists or everyone involved is an 
idiot, including the people at BA. Is this a correct characterization of 
your thinking on this project?

I also appreciate all the information you are presenting here about 
alternatives to the fiber line. I am learning a lot. But it makes me 
wonder. Larry and others claim that all our broadband issues can be 
solved for a small fraction of the cost of this project. So, why hasn't 
this happened? It's a mystery to me. I am not being sarcastic or 
challenging, I am genuinely curious.  I'm also pretty naive in both 
politics and networking, so I need it spelled out. Something, someone is 
holding you back.

What are our realistic options?

Accept the BA project because we don't really have a choice?
Accept the BA project because it's actually a good solution to at least 
some existing problems?
Support this project but with conditions such as accountability and 
better transparency?
Challenge the BA project because it's inefficient and/or not viable? If 
so, how?
Someone else step up and solve the problems with a better project?
Don't do anything because there really are no problems that are not 
already being solved through free enterprise?
Other options I'm not thinking of?

If RTC is expected to make some policy statement on this issue we're 
going to need much more information and understanding. Has anyone 
(besides me) contacted BA about their concerns as I encouraged in my 
last post?

More below if anyone wishes to continue to read.

Larry Goldberg wrote:
>
> In closing, I will support the Broadband Associates project on three 
> conditions:
>
> 1) Broadband Associates come up the performance bond which the CPUC is 
> requiring to assure completion of the project, and
Given that this is a prerequisite for being awarded the funds anyway 
what are you saying? You will support the project if they meet the 
requirement the grant demands? I think that's what BA and CASF would 
say, too.
> 2) they assure us that the match-funding is committed and they're for 
> real, and
Again, the project won't happen without this. So, it doesn't matter 
whether you support it or not. I don't see your point.
> 3) they will complete the project in 12 months, as promised, or GET 
> REAL and tell us how long it will really take.
Isn't it 11 months from the actual award date? I asked about this of 
BA's CEO and here he hedged. It's not just about the build itself which 
has many inherent unknowns. It's also about the regulatory mine field 
that could appear. I'd also like to know what exactly is expected to be 
completed in 11 months - another area where transparency is lacking. I 
think there is a legitimate argument to be made over the fact that we 
have yet to see real specifics on this proposal. I assume they exist. I 
don't know why CASF does not make them public.
>
> I want to support our efforts for ubiquitous broadband to the far 
> reaches of our community - I just want us to be realistic and remember 
> Charlie Brown and Lucy and the football.  Please don't promise us that 
> you'll hold the football and then just pull it away at the last 
> minute.  We've had altogether too many of those plays in the recent 
> past and we won't be fooled again.
This is exactly the point I was trying to make in my post on my 
conversation with BA's CEO. According to him they have not been 
trumpeting this award because they have not wanted to raise expectations 
or build false hopes. This thing is still in process. And while he is 
excited about the potential, he does not want to over promise and have 
people disappointed. I don't think he has any control over how CASF 
presents this thing.



_______________________________________________
List mailing list
List at redwoodtech.org
http://redwoodtech.org/mailman/listinfo/list_redwoodtech.org