HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-10 Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee MinutesRTTAC Meeting Notes from 10 March 2004
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Recording Secretary for the meeting: Tom Mottl
Attendees: Bill Connors; John Greichen; Dom LaCava; Tom Mottl
Missing: Doug Cowell; Jim Keigley
Summary:
An overview of RTTAC and its Mission Statement was discussed for the benefit of John
Greichen, who is a new member of RTTAC.
Review of the minutes for the last RTTAC meeting on 4 February was deferred to the
next meeting since these were not distributed on time.
COMCAST: Dom LaCava reviewed recent discussions with COMCAST and noted that
the current contract serves as a conduit which returns 2.5% of revenue to the Town, and
that this contract is due for renegotiation in 2008. The I-Loop (copper cabling that
connects all Town buildings to provide cable TV connectivity), which was installed by
COMCAST's predecessor organization, poses performance issues that should be
addressed to provide improved video connectivity for Town meetings that are video
broadcast. The current loop is 25 years old and it's various components are aging/failing.
COMCAST owns the I-Loop equipment, and alternatives should be explored (dark fiber,
wireless links, etc.) to assess how best to remedy current performance problems. Bill
Connors will provide information on the current architecture and related data on facilities.
RCTV Ad Hoc Committee: Dom LaCava reported on recent developments and that
progress was being made towards a contract between RCTV and the Town of Reading..
This contract will specify minimum services that RCTV will provide to the Town, how°
.assets of RCTV will be handled should RCTV be dissolved as an organization for any
reason in the future, and the makeup of the RCTV Board of Directors relative to
participation by Town Officials and the Reading School Committee.
RMLD: The Light Department is exploring options and opportunities related to providing
cable TV and other broadband services through its current infrastructure and/or the
buildout of new infrastructure. Tom Mottl was invited to attend a meeting with RMLD staff
at the Taunton Light Department on 23 March to learn about the prospects for providing
broadband telecommunications over power lines.
Adjournment: At 8:55 p.m. it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting.