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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