Room 304, County Office Building

Present: Committee Members in Bold: Danny Ross, Co-Chair, Sandy Price, Co-Chair, Kathy Arnold, Legislator, Dan Dineen, Director of Planning, Karl Klein, Solon resident and OCC Computer Science Professor, Olivia Hersey, Harford resident and Systems Administrator at TC-3, Brad Matthews, Verizon, Sue Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature, Christine Laubenstein, Media

Absent: Carol Tytler, Robert Corpora, Terry Fitzgerald

Danny Ross, Co-Chair called the meeting to order at 9:40 A. M.

Minutes of the June 23, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved with corrections of a typo of the word roosts to roots in the third paragraph noted by Ms. Hersey.

Mr. Ross introduced Mr. Matthews, a representative of Verizon. Mr. Matthews stated that he is an engineer and also resides in Scott where there are also issues receiving internet services. He said that Verizon has a two prong approach with two different companies. There is the phone company that is highly regulated by the NYS Public Service Commission and their wireless company based in Rochester . The strict regulations are what prevented him from appearing sooner to talk to the Committee. He referred to a map to describe wireless coverage stating that the only area they do not cover with EVDO service is on the hill near the dump in Solon. He explained that Verizon Wireless started EVDO service about a year ago that provides internet service. They give you a wireless card for your computer or a USB connector where you receive 1.5 service. If you take advantage of it you can take it anywhere. Ms. Arnold questioned the cost and he answered $59.99 per month. He was asked if there was cell phone service conflict. He said that they work off two different networks so that one can work without the other, however if your cell doesn’t work there is a chance that the other will not work also. He continued saying that satellite and others offering services has been available for years but are not cost effective.

Mr. Klein asked what the future holds for broadband. Mr. Matthews said this is a starting point as the wireless feeds to our technology, speeds are increasing and we are constantly upgrading to increase service and speed demands. He said they sell up to 7.1 MB and everything with DSL is distance limited. Mr. Klein asked if there is anything the committee can do to help you roll out more wire. Mr. Matthews explained that we are doing the work as a regulated company. They are putting service in some remote areas, currently one in the Solon area that is not up and running as yet. He said that these are very expensive units. He said they have companies and areas willing to pay for the services but they are not allowed to accept due to the regulations of the PSC, unlike their competitors. He said that they are growing as much as possible doing 2-3 projects a year.

Mr. Klein asked what the plans are for FIOS for the future. Mr. Matthews provided materials that describe wireless, broadband, cable modems and FIOS and said that power line access is a different technology. He described FIOS as a network they are building across New York State that is fiber to the premise meaning they are building fiber from their central office directly to the home. He said that with that they provide telephone, internet and TV service and offer speeds up to 20 MB on the internet. He said that Japan is totally wired and has an average speed of 100 MB however Japan as a country is not as big as New York State . His company has done metropolitan Syracuse . They do not have video as yet but once they do he anticipates faster growth. He said they are currently working on the New York metropolitan area as well as Buffalo metropolitan areas. He said that once Syracuse is completed they will start moving out. He noted that this is an attractive area as it is the corridor to Ithaca . He said that percentage wise, the City of Cortland has 86% available, not all are buying due to competition. The City is dense and for that reason Homer is listed at 63%.

Mr. Klein reported on the survey. He handed out copies of the results and comments received as of this morning. He said it is necessary to close the survey soon. Results are still coming in with over 300 responses to date. He said the comments are very passionate and it is apparent that people do care. He added that the age group of responders was of interest. Ms. Hersey noted a comment made by a Marathon School tech coordinator that the school is paying over $40,000 to BOCES for services which is a lot of money for a school district. She suggested earmarking school districts to partner with.

Mr. Matthews asked what the New Visions proposal was. Mr. Dineen said there is no proposal but a support statement so that they can look at options to assist the County. Mr. Matthews asked if their project was with NYSAC. Mr. Klein said it was with National Grid in Solvay. Mr. Ross explained that the committee has heard from other providers in order to apply for a grant and is looking for anyone who wants to partner with the County.

Mr. Ross read the resolution drafted by Mr. Dineen, Supporting New Visions Powerline Communications, Inc. Efforts to Provide the Availability of High Speed Internet Access Throughout Cortland County . Mr. Dineen state that this is a resolution for support and does not preclude others to receive the same support to partner if they wish. Ms. Price moved for adoption; second by Ms. Arnold with all voting aye, resolution passed. The Co-Chairs commended the work of the committee making such good progress since March.

Discussion ensued to determine the timetable for the committee to move forward. Ms. Price said that the resolution is on the Ag/Planning Committee agenda for tomorrow and if it passes will be presented to the full legislature. Mr. Dineen suggested that the committee look for further funding sources to see what is available. Mr. Ross suggested that a letter be drafted to our State representatives asking for their support also. Mr. Matthews was asked if Verizon was interested. He said he cannot answer that due to regulations however they have been cooperating to extend services in areas of the County. Ms. Price reported that Mr. Branca has met with the IDA/BDC Director. Mr. Klein questioned whether Mr. Branca should be invited to the meeting on the 24^th. Mr. Ross asked the Clerk to contact Mr. Branca to see if he is available for a brief overview when the resolution is presented on the floor as part of discussion.

Next meeting date was scheduled for August 14, 2008 at 10 AM. Mr. Dineen said he would be on vacation that week. The agenda will include compiling a committee report and explore other funding sources

Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM

Minutes prepared by Sue Morgan, Clerk

BACK