And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: via LadyScribe From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Return-path: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: U S WEST, State of Nebraska Ask FCC for Relief to Extend... Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 16:34:59 EST U S WEST, State of Nebraska Ask FCC for Relief to Extend Access to High-Speed Data for Rural Nebraska Communities OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Nebraska and U S WEST (NYSE: USW) in a joint filing today asked the Federal Communications Commission for regulatory relief in Nebraska that would extend access to high-quality, high- speed data services to small towns and rural communities. Antiquated federal regulatory restrictions make it prohibitively expensive for the State of Nebraska to upgrade its data network for high-speed data applications, such as video-conferencing and distance learning, to the small towns and Native American reservations of northeastern Nebraska. "Permitting U S WEST to carry traffic for the State's data communications network will enable the State to provide advanced telecommunications at a better value to these communities," said Rex Fisher, U S WEST vice president for Nebraska. "Because of these regulatory restrictions, U S WEST is currently prohibited from carrying data across invisible lines, called LATAs. That means that many communities in Nebraska, most of which are small towns and rural communities, don't enjoy the same access to high-quality, high-speed data applications as the remainder of the State. These communities depend on their communications links to government and educational services located across this invisible boundary." "U S WEST's current proposal is limited to high-speed data applications for a single customer and a single network. Had the FCC approved the 706 petition we filed last year, the state would be receiving this benefit today. We're now asking the FCC to approve a limited-purpose, customer-specific modification of the LATA boundary so we can connect remote sites located on one side of the LATA with the State's network facilities on the other side," said Mark Roellig, executive vice president, Public Policy, Human Resources and Law, U S WEST. "We're proposing to offer the State a service that existing competitors, who can provide this service, have proven unwilling to provide on affordable terms." The State currently purchases most of the network services and facilities used to provide service within each of the four LATAs from local phone companies. To provide service across LATA boundaries, it must purchase connections from AT&T and Aliant, who in turn often use the facilities of other long-distance carriers. "We want to provide high-speed services to meet the State's and citizens' needs," said Roellig. "It's ironic that we have to ask a federal regulatory agency in Washington D.C. for permission to better meet the needs of citizens in Nebraska, but we're pleased that the State has joined us in this petition." The State of Nebraska operates a high-speed data network that connects various local, county and state government agencies, educational institutions, and Native American reservations across Nebraska. Government agencies such as the State Departments of Labor and Heath and Human Services, as well as various local and State law enforcement agencies use the State Network to provide services across the state. The State Network also is used by state agencies, schools, and members of the public for videoconferencing, distance learning, and telemedicine. For example, the State Network supports the following applications in northeastern Nebraska: * The Dakota County Sheriff's office, the Macy and Winnebago police departments, and the Dakota County courthouse connect to state and federal law-enforcement databases, including those maintained by the FBI's National Crime Information Center. * Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services branches in South Sioux City, Dakota City, Macy, and Winnebago connect to servers in Omaha and elsewhere to administer WIC and N-Focus (the state general assistance and welfare-to-work programs), maintain employment listings, and conduct job training. * The Nebraska Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Roads, and Property Tax Division each operate branch offices in Dakota City that require instant access to data stored elsewhere in the state. * The Dakota County Attorney connects to state and national databases of child-support violators to administer the federal CHARTS (Children Have a Right To Support) program. * The Macy Indian Community College provides Internet access to faculty and students. U S WEST will ask the FCC to quickly rule on the petition. U S WEST (NYSE: USW) provides a full range of telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS, data networking, directory and information services -- to more than 25 million customers nationally and in 14 western and midwestern states. More information about U S WEST can be found on the Internet at http://www.uswest.com. SOURCE U S WEST CO: U S WEST; Federal Communications Commission ST: Nebraska, Colorado, District of Columbia IN: TLS SU: EXE 01/15/99 16:34 EST http://www.prnewswire.com <<<<=-=-=FREE LEONARD PELTIER=-=-=>>>> If you think you are too small to make a difference; try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.... African Proverb <<<<=-=http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ =-=>>>> IF it says: "PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW...." Please Check it before you send it at: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm
