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��A- i i 13 3- . <br /> Staff is aware that there are other telecommunications firms that offer services similar to <br /> fhose offered by RCN. We will open discussions with any of these firms should they <br /> express an interest in serving this area. Ultimately staff will recommend a franchise or <br /> OVS agreement with the firm that offers the most advantageous opportunity to the City. <br /> Open Access <br /> A very contentious issue between AT&T and several municipalities across the nation is <br /> open access. Several municipalities, most notably the City of Portland, are engaged in <br /> litigation to require their cable operator to allow competing Internet service providers <br /> (ISPs) access to their systems. Current law and practice allows the cable operator to <br /> provide Internet access under terms and arrangements determined by the cable <br /> operator. Most, if not all, cable operators act as the ISP. This prevents the subscriber <br /> from selecting a competing ISP such as AOL, Netcom, etc. through their cable system <br /> operator. <br /> At this point, we are recommending that Redwood City remain neutral on this issue. <br /> Requiring open access from RCN will likely delay their system implementation and <br /> could result in very expensive litigation. <br /> Anticipated Schedule of Events <br /> January/February 2�00 — Encroachment permit for Redwood Shores will be presented <br /> to Council for decision. <br /> March/April 2000 — A franchise agreement or OVS agreement with RCN will be <br /> presented to Council. This could be delayed if the City receives interest from other <br /> telecommunications firms who offer similar services to those offered by RCN. <br /> / -�r <br /> Brian Ponty Edward Everett <br /> Director of Finance and Financial Planning City Manager <br /> Attachment <br /> Report from Carl Pilnick, consultant from Telecommunications Management, Inc. <br /> 4 <br /> _ _ . .,_ _ ._..._.. . _..,,_ T _ _ _ <br />