FAQ: Verizon Bulk Billing Agreement (BBA) - Consent Forms Due December 16th

The Southern Walk HOA Board understands that the decision regarding the future of internet services in our community is significant and can raise many questions. To ensure homeowners are well-informed, we’ve created this FAQ to address common concerns and provide clarity on the options available as the current Bulk Billing Agreement (BBA) with Verizon approaches its expiration in May 2025.

If you would like to continue with the Bulk Billing Agreement, owners need to complete the enclosed Consent Form and return it to the designated email bbavote@swhoa.com

1. How long will the BBA term be if renewed? 3 Years
2. Is consent needed every time the BBA is renewed? No, the purposed amendment, if approved, would resolve this by providing the Board of Directors the authority to enter a BBA.
3. Does the amendment require the Board/Association to maintain a BBA or just enable the Board the authority to do so? Just provides the Board the authority to do so but does not require the association to maintain a BBA.
4. If after going to retail the membership wants to go back to BBA, is that an option? If so, how? Yes; however, based on the legal advice that the Board has received, the amendment (or a similar amendment) would need to be passed prior to entering any new BBA. If after going to retail owners wish to return to bulk billing, a new effort to amend the Declaration would need to be successful by obtaining 75% approval of the owners.
5. If the association transitions to individual retail services, are we forced to buy only from Verizon? As of today, Verizon is the only wired internet service provider for Southern Walk community.
6. If the association transitions to retail services, what role will the SWHOA play, or will it be dissolved because there is nothing for it to do? If the Verizon FIOS wired internet services are transitioned to the retail market, there would be no stated duty/responsibility for the SWHOA and it can be dissolved.

 

Laura, I would suggest adding additional details to #6. Please clarify the requirements to dissolve the HOA. Does it also take a vote of the community, or can the Board dissolve themselves? Thanks

 

As well as the cost to move to an individual account basis. This is after all, the most important component to us.

 

If 75% consent and a new BBA is ultimately initiated, are all SW homeowners obligated to participate, or only those who consented?

 

Not an official answer, but the Board cannot answer this. If we do not get a new agreement, then each homeowner is on their own. It would be up to you to contact Verizon if you want wired internet. You negotiate the price. Maybe you have a corporate discount, maybe you want Fios TV at the same time and get a bundle deal. There are variables that affect the price - see what I mean?

 

Again, not an official answer and hopefully Laura can clarify but this answer is an all or nothing situation. Yes, all homeowners are obligated to "buy" the BBA internet if we get a new agreement in place. Technically you could never hook it up and use it, but you still pay for it as a community requirement.

 

If the community chooses to go retail, each homeowner, the homeowners who choose to continue receiving Verizon FIOS internet services, shall purchase the services directly from Verizon. SWHOA shall provide additional information in due course. No action is being taken now as HOA is waiting for the referendum results.

SWHOA is working on the issues of BBA and future of the association for over 2 years. As of now, the HOA has not decided on the path forward. Depending upon the referendum results, HOA will communicate additional information at an appropriate time.

Pl. be patient.