Folks,
You all know how much I hate tax money being given out to support and build
broadband related networks. However, these are unusual times, so we can save
that debate for another day.
I don't like sharing emails I send out because I have seen my stuff 'borrowed'
without permission lately. Today, you all have my permission. This is how we
are handling it. You may be doing something similar.
Until the end of May, the following will be put in place for our billing and
collection procedures:
1. The due date of the first (1st) of each month will remain.
2. No late fee will be charged if you miss your payment on the first (1st).
3. No disconnects will occur until the end of May. We are keeping the
service on.
4. Any missed payments or payments due will still be owed and not written
off.
* Any unpaid balance by the 10th (our normal grace period) could result
in a temporary reduction in bandwidth to 3 Mbps until paid current.
5. Customers who cannot afford to pay for their account or no longer have
household income can:
* Reduce the monthly payment by speaking with our office to find a
solution.
* Receive a temporary free account of 3 Mbps for basic email, searching,
social media, etc. Streaming services will be restricted.
* Suspend the account short-term if needed.
6. Prepaid monthly discounts are available if needed.
We continue to offer Credit Card Auto Payments, Online Payments including ACH,
Checks and Cash
None of us have been put into this situation before so the collaboration is
good.
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
[ICI]
What can ICI do for you?
Broadband Wireless - PtP/PtMP Solutions - Mesh Wifi/Hotzones - IP Cameras -
Fiber - Towers - Infrastructure.
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Eric
Rogers
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:16 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting
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
[PDSConnect_logo-Connecting You to the World - Signature Logo]
www.pdsconnect.me
(317) 831-3000 x200
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael Stimson
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 2:59 PM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[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
[picture michael stimson]
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Rogers
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 2:40 PM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[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
[PDSConnect_logo-Connecting You to the World - Signature Logo]
www.pdsconnect.me
(317) 831-3000 x200
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Rogers
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2020 8:53 AM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[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-critical-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
[PDSConnect_logo-Connecting You to the World - Signature Logo]
www.pdsconnect.me
(317) 831-3000 x200
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Smutniak
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 4:04 PM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[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.
[cid:[email protected]]<http://www.pickmta.com/>
[cid:[email protected]] <https://www.facebook.com/pickmta/>
[cid:[email protected]] <https://twitter.com/pickmta>
[cid:[email protected]]
<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]>
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of ORI.NET - Scott LePere
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 11:03 AM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Indiana] Meeting
We are doing the same things as you steve.
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of
Steve Barnes
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 10:41 AM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[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
[cid:[email protected]]
[cid:[email protected]]
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