So there is no official response, but the NCTA is suggesting the following:
Here is the info on NTCA's phase 3 stimulus proposal for keeping consumers connected to broadband... As Congress considers various measures to help our nation manage through the COVID-19 pandemic and to help stabilize our economy, attached is an NTCA proposal for your consideration to help ensure that every American maintains access to essential broadband and voice services. The FCC's "Keep Americans Connected" pledge has been signed by hundreds of broadband providers - many of which are NTCA members - committed to helping customers under economic distress remain connected to broadband and voice services over the next 60 days. However, concerns persist that many customers could lose the ability to pay for voice and broadband at a time when they need these services most to work and learn from home. Therefore, NTCA has drafted the attached proposal to avoid the prospect of smaller broadband providers being unable to sustain the commitment to keep every customer connected in the event of prolonged and significant economic distress caused by the pandemic. Under the Critical Connectivity Continuity (CCC) Program, a small business broadband provider could seek recovery from the CCC fund for broadband services, but only to the extent that: a. a customer failed to make payment in full for his or her broadband service during the pandemic; or b. the small business broadband provider initiated a program to provide customers with free or discounted broadband services (or upgraded services) during the pandemic due specifically to the presence of a student in the household in need of distance learning capability I am not really sure how I feel about government funds, as we have always tried to keep our hand out of the cookie jar, because government money seems to have strings attached. Once we take from the CCC, I have a feeling that we will then need to contribute to the CCC going forward. Just my initial thought. Eric Rogers www.pdsconnect.me (317) 831-3000 x200 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael Stimson Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 2:59 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting I would like to discuss should we allow no pay's. this is a concern as I am a smaller wisp Thank you! Michael F. Stimson, Jr. - Chief Exceutive Officer Fast Lane Internet, INC D/B/A Hoosier Internet Mikes PC Repair Shop, LLC Mana Group, LLC 111 E Montgomery St PO BOX 633 Francesville, IN 47946 219.567.2300 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Rogers Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 2:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting Everyone, Now that we are officially on "Shelter In Place," our group is now having a conference call at 10:00 AM every day. If anyone has anything for tomorrow's meeting, please feel free to let me know. Please use this forum (Indiana WISPA list) to officially communicate. Anyone is welcome to reach out to me personally outside of email as well. One thing that we will be discussing in our daily briefings are needs. If someone needs a generator for instance, they could reach out and a nearby operator could then help their neighbor. Eric Rogers www.pdsconnect.me (317) 831-3000 x200 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Rogers Sent: Friday, March 20, 2020 8:53 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting So I recently have transitioned into this role, but was not given the call in information in time, so I was unable to attend. I will attach some of the information that was sent so that you are informed. There are two pieces of information that I have received, one that the CISA released https://www.cisa.gov/news/2020/03/19/cisa-releases-guidance-essential-cr itical-infrastructure-workers-during-covid-19 that is guidance, that communication providers are to staff as needed to provide the services necessary. The second document I have attached is the 2015 Homeland Security communications sector plan. Since it was developed in 2015, I would assume it would be of good guidance until we hear otherwise. Scott already sent out the letters from DHS and CISA for travel and fuel. If anyone has any questions, please forward them, either on-list for discussion, or off-list. Thank you for all you do, Eric Rogers www.pdsconnect.me (317) 831-3000 x200 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Smutniak Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 4:04 PM To: [email protected] 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: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of ORI.NET - Scott LePere Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 11:03 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting We are doing the same things as you steve. From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Barnes Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 10:41 AM To: [email protected] 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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