LoTimes Article on FIOS

[Mr. Linux]

Originally Posted by KnKCorson

Mr. Linux/Mr Moderator,

I believe you are being disingenuous.

If you "...tuned it out after all the politics got involved." Why or how would that be relevant to you as an outsider? What clarification does it bring to solving the OBB service issues that homeowners in SW have?

Or is it, you just like taking a percieved shot. Moderator? Sheeeesh!

JKC

Believe what you wish. I was just trying to get some facts straight for my own personal understanding of the whole issue, at which point you started to attack me for even bringing the subject up.

As for taking a 'perceived shot', that is also further from the truth. I'm amazed at your reaction to my simple question, and in some way, insulted. I'll just leave it at that.

And yes, I'm a moderator. You don't like how we moderate around here, feel free to suggest to the SWHOA that they should sponsor their own forums, and get moderators more to your liking. Until then, these moderators are all you're getting. Just don't try to discredit me publicly or make me out as a 'bad guy' just because I asked a question.

[KnKCorson]

Originally Posted by Mr. Linux

Believe what you wish. I was just trying to get some facts straight for my own personal understanding of the whole issue, at which point you started to attack me for even bringing the subject up.

As for taking a 'perceived shot', that is also further from the truth. I'm amazed at your reaction to my simple question, and in some way, insulted. I'll just leave it at that.

And yes, I'm a moderator. You don't like how we moderate around here, feel free to suggest to the SWHOA that they should sponsor their own forums, and get moderators more to your liking. Until then, these moderators are all you're getting. Just don't try to discredit me publicly or make me out as a 'bad guy' just because I asked a question.

The same goes for you Mr. Moderator. I am just as amazed by your deportment.

Lest you forget...WE SW folks are also members of BHOA.

JKC

[KnKCorson]

Originally Posted by Skins fan

Where do you see that OBB has the exclusive right to access easements in Southern Walk? Is that somewhere in the disclosure package? I would like to see that in writing. I always understood that easements were accessible by all utilities and was not aware that some could be excluded by a private agreement.

In any case, there is little chance that OBB would abandon its lucrative exclusive deal here and in Lansdowne. Even if they did, I am confident that they would sell the infrastructure or that other providers would be allowed access to lay their own fiber. You are assuming OBB could abandon us and still block others from providing the service. IMO, that is not going to happen.

As far as rates go, nobody negotiates with other providers one on one. Companies like Comcast, Direct TV and Verizon set market rates based on competition and everybody gets to choose which provider they want to use based on pricing, offerings and service quality. The Comcast triple play is a much better deal at $99 than what OBB is giving us for $157. It includes unlimited long distance along with cable and high speed internet.

OBB refuses to consider triple play offerings by other providers as legitimate comps and this is wrong. In Brambleton, Verizon is giving homeowners 15/2 internet and 180 digital video channels for
$83 per month. We get faster internet but less channels plus a single basic phone line for $157.

The 10% deal really isn't a 10% deal because its 10% below an average of 3 other providers and because OBB refuses to consider triple play and satellite TV as comps. Triple play and satellite are both options that others in Loudoun have to choose from. Bottom line is our prices are not 10% below the good deals out there. They are not even equal to the good deals out there. I would take Fios internet and cable at $83 per month any day.

Glad to hear you are working on an official committee. Please keep us informed about your progress.

I also agree with Sharse that many do not follow the forums or read all threads. There is a need for a written document outlining the issues and possible courses of action to be distributed to all homes.

Skins fan

The easements are addressed in section 4.1 of the SW Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. They are available to SWHOA homeowners on the Armstrong Mgt web site.

http://www.armstrongconnect.net/sout...katbroadlands/

I was not aware of exclusive easements either, until recently.

While I generally agree that some other provider may come in and buy OBB assets, if they were forced out of the exclusive agreement. The 'speed' of business negotiations are usually no where near as fast as homeowner patience for 'temporary' inconvenience or out of service.

I would prefer not to test the above waters. I personally would like get better service at a better rate. I agree pricing needs work.

I'll add the issue paper to my list.

JKC

[lilpea]

Originally Posted by KnKCorson

Erika,

Its my understanding that VM did not want to use FIOS based on they did not provide service in loudoun at the begining of the comparison discussions. Please correct me if I don't have all the facts.

JKC

Ken - Verizon did not obtain thier Franchise approval from Loudoun Co until June/early July 2006. With that said - Amy and I worked on the price per channel comps (per the direction of Denise Harrover) during Aug & Sept 2006. So if VM has indicated otherwise to you I would consider the source and motives.

My earlier post of the Committee Charter & past efforts was unfair and for that I apologize to you.

The frustration is clear as day - VM (Denise Harrover's) personal vendetta, manipulation of SW Resident appointment of Board members, and her out right lies got the best of me earlier today. Keep in mind many SW homeowners have watched several of your predecessors go through the same motions year after year. In fact many of the ideas you've brought up have already been presented to the SW HOA Board (I would be more than happy to send you the emails)

Most people in SW know that Denise Harrover/Van Metre has made it her personal mission to prevent my efforts of questioning fair rates and service for folks in SW. If - VM actually had their Annual Meeting allowing the SW Homeowners could VOTE on their reps - well you know my thoughts. The SW HOA BoD past and current actions speak volumes.

I agree with Sharse - lets try and work together - otherwise VM will win.

Also OBB MUST keep their TV network up and running per the T's & C's of their Franchise agreement with Loudoun Co (let me know if you want me to email you the Franchis Ts & Cs).

I am still awaiting verification from the VA SCC (telephone) and the FCC. As I mentioned earlier the Federal 1996 Teleco Act dregulated LECs/ILECs by creating CLEC's (which is what OBB is classified as) so business and residential customers would have an opportunity to benefit from competition. I can only guess that VM & OBB are exempt from such federal standards?

[KnKCorson]

Erika,

Thanks for the clarification on FIOS. The other stuff, no worries.

I'm all about working to fix this. I we don't, then who?

JKC

[vacliff]

A couple of comments.
First, about easements. I don't know all the specifics for sure, but I believe utily easements can be established by each utility. For example, Openband may have created an easement for their lines only. This DOES NOT stop another entity, such as Verizon, from establishing an easement as well. Remember, SW HOA/Openband owns NO property. They cannot dictate how private property or the BHOA's property is used.

Ken-Regarding Mr Linux.
You are correct in pointing out he is a member of BHOA.
He is also running for the BHOA Board of Directors next week. At the last SW HOA meeting, all 4 current BHOA resident members were there. None live in Southern Walk. Although they are separate HOAs, they are obviously tied together. SW HOA issues are an issue for the community as a whole and I think Eric was just looking for more info as to what is going on. I wouldn't read anything nefarious into his question.

[beahmer]

Originally Posted by vacliff

At the last SW HOA meeting, all 4 current BHOA resident members were there. None live in Southern Walk.

Actually Cliff I believe ONE of us does live in Southern Walk - You been by my house

[vacliff]

Darn, you're fast!!! I just came back to correct my post and you already responded!!!!

[beahmer]

Originally Posted by vacliff

Darn, you're fast!!! I just came back to correct my post and you already responded!!!!

Keeping you on your toes

[KnKCorson]

Originally Posted by vacliff

A couple of comments.
First, about easements. I don't know all the specifics for sure, but I believe utily easements can be established by each utility. For example, Openband may have created an easement for their lines only. This DOES NOT stop another entity, such as Verizon, from establishing an easement as well. Remember, SW HOA/Openband owns NO property. They cannot dictate how private property or the BHOA's property is used.

Ken-Regarding Mr Linux.
You are correct in pointing out he is a member of BHOA.
He is also running for the BHOA Board of Directors next week. At the last SW HOA meeting, all 4 current BHOA resident members were there. None live in Southern Walk. Although they are separate HOAs, they are obviously tied together. SW HOA issues are an issue for the community as a whole and I think Eric was just looking for more info as to what is going on. I wouldn't read anything nefarious into his question.

Cliff,

You are correct more easements could be made. However, easements are usually established at the begining of a development. The developer holds the title/deed to the land and in one coordinated legal process grants easements thru the subdivision. Its a condition on the deed that homeowners accept at closing.

Today in SW these companies (Verizon, comcast, etc) would have to open/modify the deeds of just about every homeowner in SW (960+), the BHOA for the common areas, and the county to use the streets. (What happens when a homeowner denies access, and thier property is a key link?)

That brings us to cost. The cost of changing deeds, the added cost of cutting up the street and repaving, and lets not forget the business decision of these companies; 'is there enough profit' to justify doing it to begin with. (Which is probably why FIOS is not in the North yet; more profit on other fiber loops)

Personally, I'd like to make the OBB contract work for us. Based on the discussions maybe I'm in the minority on this?

As far as Mr. Linux goes, I think he's being disingenuous.

JKC