Author Archives: Jesse

Broadband Bytes for 2010-10-16

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Broadband Bytes for 2010-10-09

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UTOPIA Adds New Service Providers; Another on the Way?

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I popped on over to the UTOPIA website today and found that they’ve added two new service providers: 1Wire Communications and InfoWest. I don’t know a lot about 1Wire, but I do know that InfoWest is a well-regarded CLEC in the St. George area. Both companies will be providing voice and data services to business customers. 1Wire also offers a hosted PBX service similar to Telesphere. It would be nice, though, if more of these companies would open up to residential customers. It seems like it’s been a while since a new residential provider busted onto the scene.

That may change, however. I heard a rumor that Beehive Telephone, a rural ILEC in Utah and eastern Nevada, is considering joining UTOPIA to extend their reach. I remember that they’ve previously had some harsh words for UTOPIA, so this would be a major turnaround for them. Personally, I think it’s a smart move for any ILEC, rural or not, to use UTOPIA to extend their reach without having to invest in more network. You may remember that Emery Telecom was considering joining iProvo many moons ago but later backed out.

Utah Broadband Provider Summit Wrap-up

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This morning, I went to the Utah Broadband Provider Summit at the Salt Lake City Public Library to see what the state will be doing in regards to broadband mapping in Utah. There was a lot of good discussion, but I left feeling like as smart as the people in charge may be, they’re not entirely equipped for the enormous task ahead of them.

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Broadband Bytes for 2010-10-02

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Some Realism on iProvo

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Last night, Provo Mayor John Curtis gave an update on iProvo and the city’s continuing involvement with the network and it looks like the city finally has an executive who wants to face facts. The reality of iProvo (or more accurately, the network sold to Veracity) is that revenues still don’t cover bond payments and aren’t likely to do so for quite some time. Veracity has already told me as much and that the single-family home business, which is both difficult and slow to grow, is the only thing left. It’ll probably be a while before revenues can cover the bond, and the payments will have to be cross-subsidized. The question, though, is who will do it.

Veracity has already received a break on payments, a break that runs out in just a few months. I’m confident that they can and will (but more importantly, should) continue to cross-subsidize Provo operations from other divisions of the company. Mayor Curtis’ remarks, though, seem to indicate an expectation that the city generally will have to continue to pick up part of the bond payments. I wouldn’t have much of a problem with this if Provo were continuing to operate the network with a wholesale open-access model, but effectively subsidizing a private company gives me serious pause.

I believe that Veracity is a good company and that they’re not out to pull a fast one on anybody. That said, I wouldn’t blame them for negotiating whatever they can get from the city. It’s the same as Google: “don’t be evil” doesn’t mean you should give up your strong negotiating position out of the goodness of your heart. And right now, Veracity is holding all the cards.

Read the articles from the Daily Herald and Salt Lake Tribune for more.

Orem City Manager Jim Reams Passes Away

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Those of you who have been following UTOPIA for some time will recognize the name Jim Reams. As Orem’s City Manager and the city’s UTOPIA board member, he was instrumental in pushing the 2008 bonds forward and was gracious enough to arrange meeting space for myself and other UTOPIA supporters in Orem. Every interaction I had with him was unfailingly pleasant and he was an all-around good guy. I was saddened to learn this morning that he passed away last night of an apparent heart attack at just 53. Whoever takes his place has some mighty big shoes to fill.

You can read the articles at the Daily Herald, Deseret News, and Salt Lake Tribune.

Broadband Bytes for 2010-09-25

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GOED Holding Broadband Summit

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The Governor’s Office of Economic Development will be holding a Utah Broadband Provider Roundtable on October 4 as part of the Utah Broadband Mapping, Analysis, and Planning Project. It will be held from 9AM to 11AM at the Salt Lake City Public Library at 210 E 400 S. Anyone involved in providing broadband or creating broadband public policy is invited to attend. Make sure you RSVP by Thursday September 30 by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, visit their web page.

Mayor Curtis Holding an iProvo Meeting

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And here you thought that everything iProvo had been said or done. Provo Mayor John Curtis will be holding a meeting on economic development on Thursday September 30 which will include a breakout session on iProvo. If you find yourself wondering what’s going on with the network or how (if?) the city is still using it, this is your shot. The public has been invited to participate at the Covey Center for the Arts (425 W Center St) from 7PM to 8:30PM.