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Telecom & Video Services Agency Report

August 18 - September 15, 2008

Thank you for this opportunity to highlight some of the things that the Telecom & Video Services Agency has been involved with during the past month.

RULES & PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Telecom & Video Services Agency attended the Finance & Administration Committee of the City-County Council last Tuesday with respect to the 2009 budget review. There were no new changes to our budget and its 10% reduction from the 2008 adopted budget stands pat.

BRIGHT HOUSE FRANCHISE FEE REVIEW

Since our last Board meeting, the City has been involved in some productive discussions with respect to the Bright House audit review period of 2004-2006. Bright House noted that they had in fact given our auditor some wrong financial data. A meeting that we had last week with Bright House ’s financial software and systems folks was able to answer many questions that our auditor had. From there, I believe another meeting with Bright House ’s in-house financial folks will be required, but I believe we are closer. Some revisions to the auditors’ findings for this audit should be forthcoming.

NON-COMPLIANCE LETTER SENT TO BRIGHT HOUSE

As per their report for the month of June and July, Bright House noted that they were non-compliant with respect to the FCC Customer Service Standards on telephone answer time. We had notified them in late July of the non-compliance and they have since responded in writing as to the proposed action they plan to take in addressing this matter. A copy of their correspondence to the Agency is included in your Board packets.

BRIGHT HOUSE TERMINATING LOCAL FRANCHISE

Bright House Networks filed application for a State Certificate of Franchise on August 19 and in correspondence with the City that will be in effect on September 12. The IURC has already approved their application. At that point, Bright House will no longer be required to file reports to the City. Any complaints or enforcement of the FCC Customer Service Standards would be done at the State level with the IURC (Indiana Regulatory Utility Commission) going forward, although I would anticipate some transition of handling those complaints over time and until such point the IURC contact number is reflected on subscriber billing.

FOLLOW UP WITH COMCAST PUBLIC SERVICE DROPS

The Agency has been working with Comcast officials regarding two public service drops requested by the Parks Department for Comcast to provide. The locations are Sahm Park and the Windsor Village Family Center . The Sahm request is one that they have had for some time to turn around. Comcast has advised us since our last meeting that they will not connect Sahm Park but will connect Windsor Village , although they believe they are not required to in both instances. The Agency has drafted a document with respect to the public service drop requirements under the State Law for counsel to review and consider taking action upon. A copy of the draft is enclosed in your Board packets. 

NATOA CONFERENCE

The Telecom & Video Services Agency will be attending the conference for the National Association of Telecommunication Officers & Advisors (NATOA) next week. As you are probably aware, our office has been very involved with NATOA for over 20 years. I will be serving as a moderator for a session on cities that have seen competition enter its marketplace. Additionally, I serve on the legal and policy committee that has business to conduct at the conference.

MEDIATING CABLE COMPLAINTS

The Telecom & Video Services Agency has been serving as a consumer advocate to Indianapolis and Marion County video subscribers in assisting them in mediating complaints on their behalf.  

Customer Complaint Log

August 1st through August 31st, 2008