Steve, That was my understanding as well. I think we should challenge the state on a few fronts.
1. 477 Data is extremely outdated. It has been and will continue to be an extremely poor way to judge broadband. Until the state funds the broadband map they started years ago, the use of Federal Broadband Maps is pointless (Amanda still on here?). It demonstrates the failures of our government and poor choices it makes. 2. Phone service by definition should be challenged. I consider IP phones to be a service that can be added or removed at will by the provider or consumer. Short of the telephone companies who still use copper lines, the REMCs I have come across just resell VoIP. Is this truly phone service? I mean, to me, Cellular has become far more reliable. Maybe they should consider cooper land lines and cellular as phone service and VoIP as an add on that homes and business can do. To me it is another failure on governments part to even consider phone service as a reason a provider can get funding. Ask someone 30 and younger and I bet they don’t even care about VoIP or landlines. 3. The local REMC’s tend to farm out / outsource the builds, claim its theirs and then revenue share with the party that’s actually doing the work. Seriously I know two REMCs who couldn’t manage an internet/fiber network with the people they have in house. They can’t even keep the electrical grid current. Going to offend a bunch of people here, but we have a bunch of old farts who are clueless and techno stupid handing out and taking money right now. I also don’t like the idea of handing out tax money to ‘shell companies” or companies purchased for the purpose to run everything through. That’s a discussion for another day. Tyson Burris, President Internet Communications Inc. 739 Commerce Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Daytime # 317-738-0320 Cell/Direct # 317-412-1540 Online: www.surfici.net [ICI] What can ICI do for you? Broadband Wireless - PtP/PtMP Solutions - WiMax - Mesh Wifi/Hotzones - IP Security - Fiber - Tower - Infrastructure. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is intended for the addressee shown. It contains information that is confidential and protected from disclosure. Any review, dissemination or use of this transmission or its contents by unauthorized organizations or individuals is strictly prohibited. From: indiana-boun...@wispa.org <indiana-boun...@wispa.org> On Behalf Of Steve Barnes Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2018 10:35 AM To: indiana@wispa.org Subject: Re: [Indiana] 2018 Broadband Summit: Connecting Hoosier Communities My Boss John Greene will be there representing NLBC. FYI this is being put on by the REMCs in Indiana and this is basically them showing the state that they are the answer to all the rural broadband issues in the state. They just want the state to help fund it. 2 weeks ago I represented WISPs at a Governor meeting about how to best spend his new broadband plan money. There is a lot going on in the state right now and I am trying to keep WISPs involved. Frontier, Verizon and AT&T think all the money should go to them. The REMCs (Rural Electric Member Coops) think they need it. Small telcos and WISPs are saying we are the ones doing it where no one else has for years. The big issue is the state is still looking at 2 year old 477 data that is not valid or even UpToDate. Even then Wisps cover areas that are shown as not covered because they don’t do phone. Other areas are show as covered but may only have one home in a whole Census Block by a cable or Frontier and that means it is covered. So the state does not even know where service is needed. I think the only thing that will save WISPs from being overbuilt on this is a challenge process that does not require phone. Most small wisps are not going to have the audited financials needed to get funds. The state is not even sure what the speed requirements are going to be: 10-2 or 25-5. It’s a mess but I am trying to keep my finger on the pulse. Steve Barnes Wireless Operations Manager New Lisbon Broadband NLBC.COM PCSWIN.COM 765-584-2288 ext:1101 From: indiana-boun...@wispa.org<mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> <indiana-boun...@wispa.org<mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org>> On Behalf Of Claude Aiken Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2018 9:01 AM To: ORI.NET <sc...@staff.ori.net<mailto:sc...@staff.ori.net>> Cc: indiana@wispa.org<mailto:indiana@wispa.org>; Todd Harpest <tharp...@team-meta.net<mailto:tharp...@team-meta.net>> Subject: Re: [Indiana] 2018 Broadband Summit: Connecting Hoosier Communities Let me chime in and say that this is exactly the kind of thing we need to have at least one or two WISPs at in every state. I'm doing a lot of work educating folks at the federal level, but I can't reach every state and locality. Indiana WISPs have done a really good job organizing (kudos in order!). Just wanted to encourage you to have a couple folks do this. ________________________________ From: "ORI.NET" <sc...@staff.ori.net<mailto:sc...@staff.ori.net>> To: indiana@wispa.org<mailto:indiana@wispa.org> Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 8:54:14 AM Subject: 2018 Broadband Summit: Connecting Hoosier Communities https://www.in.gov/ocra/2336.htm Anyone interested in attending this? 2018 Broadband Summit: Connecting Hoosier Communities The purpose of the summit is to engage the public and stakeholders with information to accelerate broadband connectivity, improve digital inclusion and support local priorities. The summit will provide information on topics including local broadband planning, funding and engagement with service providers. Speakers and attendees from local governments, state agencies, federal agencies and broadband providers will come together to explore ways to facilitate the expansion of broadband capacity, access and utilization throughout the state. The cost is $20 to attend and lunch is inlcuded in the registration fee. Seating is limited so reserve your seat today<https://payingov.com/OCRA-CDBG/>! [https://www.in.gov/ocra/images/register-button.jpg]<https://payingov.com/OCRA-CDBG/> Thursday, October 18 - 10 AM to 3 PM Hendricks County Conference Complex 1900 E. Main Street, Danville, IN 46122 Presented by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the State Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Lt Governor Suzanne Crouch. Click here<https://www.in.gov/ocra/images/BBSummit_Agenda-Pg1.png> to view the agenda. Sincerely, Scott LePere On-Ramp Indiana, Inc. 859 Conner Street Noblesville, IN 46060 http://qualify.ori.net supp...@ori.net<mailto:supp...@ori.net> [http://www.ics-il.com/images/fbicon.png]<https://www.facebook.com/onrampindiana>[http://www.ics-il.com/images/linkedinicon.png]<http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlepere>[http://www.ics-il.com/images/twittericon.png]<https://twitter.com/ORI_Scott> Ask me about Fiber Alternative or Supplemental Internet Access!
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