Dan James was thoughtful enough to provide the RCView with an update on the progress, or lack of progress for relief from a single IT provider in Rancho Cucamonga.

From: James, Dan
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 7:19 AM
Subject: Verizon FiOS update

Dear Mr. Shea:

You had previously expressed interest in learning the status of Verizon installing fiber optic for their “FiOS” service.  Verizon did pull permits and install new fiber optic main lines into some of their existing conduits within Foothill Blvd and Archibald Avenue.  However even through Verizon submitted plans and the City issued permits; Verizon never started their construction to install facilities for service of their FiOS system.  Verizon recently notified the City that installation of fiber optic facilities for the FiOS system is on hold.  Verizon’s current goal for start of construction for the FiOS system is the first quarter of 2010.

We are approaching the forth year without state of the art infrastructure in our city.  The failure to move aggressively by our city council when Verizon offered the upgrade has cost us tens of millions of dollars in higher fees for inferior technology.  The resources Verizon has at its disposal were deployed in other cities where the advantages to their citizenry were better understood.

Our council members admittedly have little understanding or interest in current technology. They should consult those who are in a better position to asses the benefits of a state of the art infrastructure.  Consider the attention Red Hill cut through traffic gets where so few are affected.  Our telecom infrastructure affects 170,000 citizens.

The failure to deploy Fios has been attributed to the lengthy project cycle and design constraints placed on Verizon by the city.  The experience of council members with some 90 complaints from citizens regarding the last Charter upgrade stalled the first attempt. One council member demanded that the location of the few junction boxes be identified and photographs of submitted for approval. Another council member asked that the boxes be concealed behind hedges.  The Council concerns were avoiding any complains from a few citizens at the expense of the greater good for Rancho Cucamonga.

We can only hope that next year the project will be supported by the Rancho Cucamonga council.

The failure to deploy Fios has been attributed to the lengthy project cycle and design constraints placed on Verizon by the city.  The experience of council members with some 90 complaints from citizens regarding the last Charter upgrade stalled the first attempt. One council member demanded that the location of the few junction boxes be identified and photographs of submitted for approval. Another council member asked that the boxes be concealed behind hedges.  The Council concerns were avoiding any complains from a few citizens at the expense of the greater good for Rancho Cucamonga.

We can only hope that next year the project will be supported by the Rancho Cucamonga council.