Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 Broadband Services Agenda Item # 7 {� ui UtilityPublic District Memorandum To: Board of Directors From: Alan Harry, Director of Telecommunications Services Date: February 16, 2001 Discussion of possible visit to Public Utility successfully providing Broadband Services Summary While evaluating the District's entry into the business of providing broadband services District staff and Board members have discussed the possibility of visiting a public utility that has successfully entered the broadband market. In that the District has recently received conditional approval from Nevada County LAFCo to provide broadband services, and that I will soon come before the Board with a contract for the preparation of a broadband system design, plans and specifications, I believe that such a "field trip" is timely and valuable. Over the past year the District has received presentations from Peter Lovrovich, General Manager of Ashland Oregon's "Ashland Fiber Network", and Dwayne Tuft of Vectren, regarding the process, successes, and pitfalls experienced while a public utility worked its way to becoming the provider of broadband services. At the staff, Board and community level discussion regarding the District's entry into the broadband business continues to include questions that can only be answered by the users, both commercial and residential, and administrators of a successful public broadband business. As such I have compiled a list, below, of public utilities that have been successful as broadband providers for a number of years. You will note that I have not included Ashland, Oregon in this list. I have done so primarily due to Ashland having only been in the broadband marketplace for one year. Thus the level of experience we hope to reach is not present. Here are some details on three communities that the District might like to tour. Harlan IA Glasgow KY Cedar Falls IA Population: 52,000 14,000 35,000 Utilities: Gas/Water/Elecrrelecom. Elec/Telecom. Gas/Water/Elec Telecom Governed By: Board of Trustees Utility Board Board of Trustees #on Board: 5 members 5 members 5 members Age of Telecom Utility: 5 years 12 years 7 years Web sites: harlannet.com glasgow-ky.com cfunet.net Cost of Tour: $0 $1,500 $0 You will note that the location closest to Truckee in size is Glasgow, Kentucky. Further, Glasgow has been providing telecom services longer than any other public utility in the continental United States. In that District staff believes that these factors are highly important, Glasgow seems to be the most appropriate destination. I have found that the closest airport to Glasgow is located in Nashville, Tennessee, approximately a six-hour flight from Reno, with the majority of flights arriving in Nashville after 9PM. As such, our"field trip' would likely have the following schedule. Day 1 —travel from Reno to Nashville; spend night in Nashville Day 2 —travel by car to Glasgow, Kentucky; visit Utility and speak with General Manager, business leaders and community members; either spend night in Glasgow, or, travel by car back to Nashville Day 3—travel from Nashville to Reno Glasgow representatives to be in attendance during the District's visit could include: ❑ Utility General Manager ❑ Utility Telecom Superintendent/Director ❑ Utility Marketing Director ❑ Utility Board Member ❑ City Administrator/ Manager ❑ Chamber of Commerce Director ❑ Economic Development Director ❑ Hospital Administrator (user of the MAN) ❑ Manager of local employer using the MAN ❑ Member of the Citizens Activist Committee ❑ School Superintendent In addition to District staff and interested Board members it is recommended that the District invite two members of Nevada County LAFCo, specifically Don McCormack and Paul Norsell, to attend. The estimated cost of this trip would is $750 per person. Recommendation: It is recommended that: 1. The Board discuss the value of such a "field trip"; 2. Make a determination as to who will attend; 3. Direct your Telecommunications Manager to schedule the visit.