This opens the door for people thinking and expecting the internet to be free, and to then flame WISP's that try to collect the money that is owed to them. Helping people is a really good thing (as Tyson mentioned), but it would have to be done in some sort of way that protects WISP's from the large number of cases of abuse that will likely come up.
As a small business we don't have a pile of money sitting around to absorb this type of hit. These types of decisions can lead to companies closing and employees being let go (due to lack of cash), which makes the problem even worse than before. It is very easy to announce this kind of policy, but extremely difficult to take it back once in place. Ryan Houin Operations Manager Fourway.net From: indiana-boun...@wispa.org <indiana-boun...@wispa.org> On Behalf Of Tyson Burris Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 4:10 PM To: indiana@wispa.org Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting I haven't seen the order that binds a WISP to this. Please post it. I have no problem helping people but I think that opens the door for abuse and problems. Tyson Burris, President Internet Communications Inc. 739 Commerce Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Office # 317-738-0320 Cell/Direct # 317-412-1540 Online: www.surfici.net What can ICI do for you? Broadband Wireless - PtP/PtMP Solutions - Mesh Wifi/Hotzones - IP Cameras - Fiber - Towers - 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 <mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> <indiana-boun...@wispa.org <mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> > On Behalf Of Jim Smutniak Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 4:04 PM To: indiana@wispa.org <mailto:indiana@wispa.org> Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting Any feedback on the outcome of the conference call? The Governor today announced that internet and telephone service cannot be shut off for non-payment at least until May and possibly beyond if the emergency is extended. Comcast and AT&T can survive something like this. Companies like ours will have a much harder time. SBA loans are available but are not helpful because they have to be repaid and personally guaranteed by the business owner. When the State permits customers to consume our services without paying for them, personal guarantees do not seem appropriate. A grant would be more appropriate in this situation. <http://www.pickmta.com/> <https://www.facebook.com/pickmta/> <https://twitter.com/pickmta> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-telecom-of-america> James Smutniak 1567 E.93rd Avenue Merrillville, IN 46410 1-800-935-2181 Direct: 219-750-1812 From: indiana-boun...@wispa.org <mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> [mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of ORI.NET - Scott LePere Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 11:03 AM To: indiana@wispa.org <mailto:indiana@wispa.org> Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting We are doing the same things as you steve. From: indiana-boun...@wispa.org <mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> <indiana-boun...@wispa.org <mailto:indiana-boun...@wispa.org> > On Behalf Of Steve Barnes Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 10:41 AM To: indiana@wispa.org <mailto:indiana@wispa.org> Subject: [Indiana] Meeting There is a conference call today with Scott Rudd of the lieutenant governor's office that the WISPA coordinators will be invited to. This meeting is with all Indiana telecom associations. They're wanting to know what the different internet providers in the state are doing to help their subscribers during the Corona virus situation. How have you changed your normal operating procedures. I know our company has signed on to the FCC keep America connected. We are not doing any kind of free upgrades at the current time or free installs. But are being very lenient to frustrated customers because we know they're stressed. We have also changed our install and repair procedures for entering people's houses. We make sure that there are no sicknesses in the home, techs where gloves and shoe covers while in the home, wash hands before and after, request that the customer keep social distance, and the text can leave at any time they don't feel comfortable. We have also stopped requiring customer to sign documentation if the customer is being a pain they can take a picture of the customer with a thumbs up in front of the paperwork. What else are you guys doing? Steve Barnes Vice President of Operations New Lisbon Telephone Co. New Lisbon Broadband Comm. NLBC.COM 765-332-2413
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