Around The States

Telecom Policy Report, August 20, 2007

Maryland

State regulators apprised Verizon Maryland Inc. they've received 300 complaints this year from customers who said technicians did not show up for service appointments or took too long to fix broken telephone lines. The Maryland Public Service Commission demanded to know what was causing the problem, and a Verizon lawyer and a customer-service manager said they were still trying to identify the source of the foul-ups but were committed to correcting them.

Verizon has exceeded the commission's standard for missed service appointments in every month from February through June; the standard calls for the company's technicians to miss no more than 20 percent of their appointments, and that includes cases where they show up or finish their work as little as one minute late. The Verizon general counsel insisted her company has a strong customer service record and that the complaints to the PSC don't reflect that. Verizon reportedly has been spending more than $1 million a day to upgrade its network in Maryland and is experiencing fewer service interruptions than in the past.

Georgia

With the help of state money, a handful of Georgia cities are encouraging business and technology by creating large-area wireless blankets that allow laptop computer users to connect to the Internet. As such, cities and counties are planning to apply this year for the state's second round of funding in hopes of starting their own mobile Web environment.

Last year, the state awarded $4 million to six local governments as part of its "Wireless Communities Georgia" program. This year, the Georgia Technology Authority is offering another $1 million to expand the initiative in another two or three communities, and officials say they expect a surge in interest before grant applications are due Sept. 28. The program requires a match of local money, and communities are expected to outline a detailed business plan. They must show how they plan to offer wireless service by partnering with a private company and making the service financially self-sufficient through user fees or other sources such as advertising. The programs vary by city and range from free access to service charges. To receive the state money, cities have to provide at least a low-level service that is free to use but might be too slow for some computer users' patience threshold.

Vermont

Vermont officials inked a deal that could make it the first "e-state" by 2010, one that would allow the state to be the first to test a combined satellite and terrestrial wireless network. The new network, being developed by Va.-based TerreStar Networks Inc., would bring a 4G terrestrial network to Vermont, augmented by satellite communications, to deliver coverage even to hard-to-reach rural areas, such as the 2,000-sq.-mi. northernmost area of the state known as the Northeast Kingdom. TerreStar plans to spend more than $1 billion to place its own pilot satellite in orbit, and there is no projected installation cost to taxpayers.

The network will be Internet protocol (IP)-based and use both tower-based links as well as TerreStar's satellite for making connections not possible via the towers. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

California

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has submitted a ballot measure asking voters whether they support blanketing the city with a wireless Wi-Fi system that would enable free Web surfing subsidized by ads from Google Inc. The November ballot measure is nonbinding, so its approval wouldn't ensure a free Wi-Fi service would be built.

However, the city's Board of Supervisors could make a ruling prior to that vote. A hearing on the Wi-Fi issue is scheduled for next month, raising the possibility supervisors could approve or reject the proposal before voters weigh in.

Maine

The Maine Public Utilities Commission adopted a plan that will make high- speed Internet access available to almost 35,000 Mainers who now lack DSL broadband service. This is the second proposal submitted by Verizon and the Public Advocate for approval. The PUC wasn't satisfied with the first version because it lacked a clear enforcement mechanism; the amended agreement addressed that concerns. If the DSL investment does not proceed as planned, the agency says it will hold Verizon accountable.

The stipulated agreement identifies specific locations where new DSL will become available, increasing to 70 percent the proportion of Verizon Maine landline customers who will now have the option of high-speed access to the internet. Under the agreement Verizon will complete that buildout, using all-new equipment, within six months.

Missouri

The Missouri Public Service Commission granted an Embarq Missouri Inc. request for competitive classification for residential services, other than exchange access service, in its Lebanon exchange. Under competitive classification, Embarq no longer will be subject to price or rate regulation by the PSC for its residential services in the Lebanon exchange. Embarq will be permitted to raise or lower its telephone prices at its own discretion, subject to the marketplace.