IP: NorthPoint comments

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2001 09:11:57 -0500
> To: dave () farber net
> From: Dave Burstein <dave () dslprime com>
> Subject: NorthPoint comments
>
> Dave
>
> Well said and to the point. In the immediate term, the key action is for 
> the telcos to move the wires (or install where necessary) in an 
> appropriate 2-3 days rather than the typical 2-4 weeks. Liz Fetter on 
> Wednesday gave ISPs a "Letter of authorization" to move the loops - as of 
> Friday, the telcos hadn't been willing to do so, and demanding new orders 
> taking weeks, not days. That's not been moving along; Verizon hasn't 
> mobilized to live up to the pr " We are working
> extensively with data providers to work out a process for moving 
> NorthPoint customers that is as efficient as possible for all involved." 
> and the others are even further behind. That's why your speaking up is 
> important - and should be echoed by the Chairman of the FCC, who should 
> get involved in this kind of crisis.
> Turns out Rhythms & Covad have greater than 85% overlap with NorthPoint 
> and have the capacity in place to take the lines most areas. The telcos 
> themselves overlap even more heavily.
>
> Telco standard install is 3-5 days for telephony, and that's reasonable 
> for DSL as well. For example, both Illinois and Mass have set a 3 day 
> requirement for lineshared loops, unless there are technical problems, 
> like load coils. It's about 3 15 minute procedures to do an install when 
> things work right - not impossible to do quickly. The telcos are proud of 
> what they can do in an emergency such as a hurricane - this is one of the 
> first "emergencies" of the competitive era, and the response should be similar.
>
> The internet is changing journalism in one positive way. As a working 
> journalist, I can do a web search and in minutes find the key sources in 
> most fields, not just the information posted. I can then phone or email 
> for more information, or to verify what I've surmised from other sources. 
> Traditionally, technology journalists worked from company information, 
> backed up by a few analysts they referred to. But the consulting analysts 
> often weren't subject experts, and often have major financial ties to the 
> companies.
>
> The reporting by the papers on NorthPoint this week was generally 
> accurate, partly because nearly everyone found Justin and me, and, after 
> seeing the websites, could make the decision we were the experts. (I was 
> reflected in the New York & LA Times, Dow Jones, CNET, Merc, etc, and 
> Justin even more so.)
>
> This is what Justin of DSL Reports and I wrote last week. He's done the 
> best reporting, and deserves a credit and link www.dslreports.com next 
> time you address DSL.
>
> Dave Burstein
>
> (Dave - the letter above is for publication, if you choose, and always 
> feel free to pick up anything I write.)
>
> Editorial:  Do whatever it takes to deliver service to Northpoint customers
> 110,000 angry consumers will hurt the DSL industry for years if they are 
> cut off with no recourse. Whatever the legal requirements, AT&T's 
> reputation will be damaged for taking the network down without providing 
> for the consumers. Although Covad will gain business, Abhi Ingle calls 
> AT&T's abandonment of customers tragic for the industry. The burden is on 
> the entire industry to compromise, and to work hard to deliver service. In 
> particular, we urge the telcos to treat this as an emergency, streamline 
> procedures, and add overtime or whatever it takes to deliver the service. 
> Some will come to telco DSL service, and deserve priority handling; others 
> will need the telcos to transfer lines between CLECs or deliver new ones 
> rapidly. Cooperating in an emergency will prove competition is viable, and 
> deregulation is possible; business as usual will only drive consumers away 
> from DSL in general, and help the cable guys. We all know what a telco can 
> do when disaster strikes; now is the time to call on those resources.
> Justin Beech of DSL Reports joins Dave Burstein of DSL Prime in calling on 
> everyone, especially the telcos, to help orphaned customers.
>
> Co-host, The Personal Computer Show, WBAI-99.5FM, 8 p.m. Wednesdays
> Three time winner of Best Radio Show from the Computer Press Association;
> Editor, Fast Network News & DSL Prime; Principal, Generation 3
> "The power of the printing press belongs solely to those who own the 
> presses" A.J. Leibling -
> The Internet is the cheapest printing press ever invented



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