Tom,
I think you missed the idea. Let me explain a little more and use a
current example.
We rent space on a commercial tower that is 120ft tall. There are
several cell companies and smaller people like us on this tower. It is
in a very rural area (even for Idaho) and yet we still pay $250/month
because it's the ONLY tower in this area. We currently serve 11
customers at $40/month from this tower.
If BLM raises the fees to the tower owner, those will get passed along
to me. Meaning the rent for this tower could go to $750/month ($250 for
tower rent, $500 for BLM). That is unacceptable in this area. Sure, if
you are downtown Phoenix or Seattle or something that would be fine, but
this is an area that probably has less than 100 households within a 20
mile radius.
If this happens, it will be better for us to just disconnect the 11
customers and be done with this area. THIS is how BLM is helping get
internet to rural America. Good job BLM... keep up the good work. :(
Travis
Microserv
Tom DeReggi wrote:
Well, not sure $500 per month is that bad? I'd recommend suggesting a
compromise, and locking down a longer term contract in the process.
One way is to go public, "Local tower company threatening to
disconnect local resident from Broadband in rural america", and get
the local government/elected officials involved.
The local governement controls the permitting and can give the tower
guys headaches. Of course than can alienate tower guys, and is a last
resort tactic.
The other approach is to build your self, or start the investigation
process, and fax a copy of your tower proposal to your rep (showing
its a reality and are serious), and let them know if he raises your
rates, you will build instead, and solict his other tower tenants at
lower rates.
Tom DeReggi
RapidDSL & Wireless, Inc
IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband
----- Original Message ----- From: "Travis Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "WISPA General List"
<wireless@wispa.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:31 PM
Subject: [WISPA] BLM fees
Hi,
We are currently co-located on several towers that are located on BLM
(Forest Service) land. The tower owners have paid a mostly flat fee
for being on the ground (even with small, 20ft Rohn towers). They are
now doing "audits" on all of the towers in our area (Southeast Idaho)
and trying to put us in the cell phone category for fees.
As an example, a 20ft tower that we just rent space. The tower owner
has paid $1,950 per year previously. They are now trying to raise the
fee to $5,500 per year.
Any suggestions on how to start fighting this?
Travis
Microserv
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