[RTC List] [2] Broadband Associates project

[CrawfordCA at aol.com]

To respond to Larry Goldberg's inquiry on this topic, allow me to start  with 
his last question, after which I will offer my thoughts on his remaining  
questions  ...
 
Does anyone else share my concerns or I am totally off-base on  this?   
    In my view, you ARE off base on this, Larry, and  you are unnecessarily 
turning something positive into a fight. While this is  something we tend to do 
all to frequently and all too well in Humboldt County, I  suggest we consider 
this as the benefit it is.
 
In an effort to solicit honest feedback on this important issue to  us,  
I ask for folks to consider the following:
1) Should the RTC  take an official stand on the project (after all,  
it's technically our  single biggest technical infrastructure  concern)
Yes, and that position should be to  support the project.
 
 
2) If we have concerns, what are  they?
People may have legitimate concerns  with the perceived lack of transparency 
with which the CA PUC vets these  applications, but those concerns should be 
directed to the PUC, NOT to  BBA.
 
3) Is this the best and most cost-effective answer to our  concerns?
It is the one that is currently  funded, and most closely matches the various 
feasibility studies we've made to  date.
 
4) Are there other alternatives that should be  considered?
If it means analysis paralysis  and further delay, no. Those alternatives 
were fully explored in the previous  studies. 

I would like to go on record with the following concerns:
1) I  support redundant/alternate paths for broadband.  Is it essential   
that they be fiber?
Fiber is currently  the most **future-proof** method available for the 
backbone, and its capacity is  enormous. And to fiber to the home or to distribute 
broadband into the  community, it is not essential (and is too expensive for 
this purpose).
 
2) What are the actual broadband demand projections for the area  and  
who made them?  Any supporting  documentation?
True, we do not have the kind  of demand for broadband that we should, and 
that is something RTC and others can  work on. But it is also a compelling 
argument that private investors would not  put their money on the line without CASF 
funding and other incentives because  the return on investment from demand 
alone is not there. BBA has and we should  welcome them.
 
3) Where is the rest of the projected $19+ million of the  Broadband  
Associates project coming from?  Are these hard  commitments?
NOONYA  ...  none of  your business. 
 
4) There is already a redundant/alternate broadband path for  fiber  
project pending (IP Networks Hwy. 36 project) which supposedly  is less  
costly than the projected Broadband Associates project, yet it  cannot  
get sufficient commitments to move forward. Why is there a  better  
chance for the Broadband Associates project to be financially  viable?
Because BBA has CASF funding and it  follows the preferred path from previous 
studies.
 
5) Other than CENIC, who we know is the primary mover on this  project,  
who else is committed to funding at this time?  Will  additional public  
money be required and, if so, where is it coming  from?
Perhaps additional public funding or  incentives are needed, but let's hope 
not. As far as CENIC supporting the  project, I would be very worried if an 
alternative surfaced without their active  support.
 
6) Can we see the Broadband Associates proposal?  What are the  project  
specifics?
When does this  earnest effort to allow public input translate into nit 
picking? Personally, I  favor the **get 'er done** philosophy as it relates to this 
needed economic and  community driver.
 
7) What, if any, are the alternatives and what do they cost &  who will  
pay for them?
See #s 3  and 6
 
8) Does the public need to support one project over another and,  if  
so,  do we go on record supporting a particular  project?
Abso-freaking-lutely if it  means getting behind THIS project that is funded, 
closely resembles our  previously articulated solution and shovel ready.

My apologies for answering a rant with a rant.
 
Chris Crawford
_www.justiceserved.com_ (http://www.justiceserved.com) 
 
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