October 2003 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[ARRL-ODV:9639] Local Homeland Security Grant
by dick＠pobox.com 22 Oct '03

22 Oct '03

22 OCT, 2003 - 1025 CDT It appears that Homeland Security grants can also be obtained by small ham radio organizations for specific purposes. In this case, the money is to be used to greatly improve a repeater system used by ARES in Wisconsin. 73 - Dick, W9GIG ========================================================================== Delivered-To: dick(a)pobox.com Received: from maddog.sal.wisc.edu (maddog.sal.wisc.edu[144.92.179.20]) by orb.pobox.com (Postfix) with ESMTP id AE1F2C1270 for <dick(a)pobox.com>; Wed, 22 Oct 2003 09:22:31 -0400 (EDT) Received: from compaq (ras-c5800-1-48-243.dialup.wisc.edu [128.104.48.243]) (authenticated) by maddog.sal.wisc.edu (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id h9MDMJt07230 for <dick(a)pobox.com>; Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:22:19 -0500 Message-ID: <005601c3989f$5f4cda40$f3306880@compaq> From: "Don Michalski" <dem(a)sal.wisc.edu> To: "Dick Isely, W9GIG" <dick(a)pobox.com> Subject: Fw: Homeland Security Grant Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:21:13 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0052_01C39875.74CB9340"; type="multipart/alternative" X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal Dick, FYI: Fantastic news, Jim! I'll put it in my section news column. Congratulations!!! 73, Don, W9IXG Donald E. Michalski 4214 Mohawk Drive Madison, WI 53711 (608)263-4685 (w) (608)274-1886 (h) (608)347-7452 (cell) ARRL Wisconsin Section Manager <mailto:w9ixg@arrl.org>w9ixg(a)arrl.org www.arrl.org/sections/?sect=WI >----- Original Message ----- >From: <mailto:kg9ra@charter.net>Jim Staatz - KG9RA >To: <mailto:skaplan@mcw.edu>WB9RQR - Stan Kaplan ; ><mailto:wb9bjq@arrl.net>WB9BJQ - Tom O'Brien ; ><mailto:w9ixg@arrl.org>W9IXG - Don Michalski ; ><mailto:marksmick@centurytel.net>N9UNW - Mark Smick ; ><mailto:n9phs@spacestar.net>N9PHS - Wes Jones ; ><mailto:BrophM@DMA.STATE.WI.US>N9NTB - Mack Brophy ; ><mailto:john.elliott@co.jackson.wi.us>KB9SHK - John Elliott ; ><mailto:renoosj@cvcredcross.org>John Renoos - Red Cross >Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 8:11 AM >Subject: Homeland Security Grant > >In June 2003 Jim Staatz KG9RA, Emergency Coordinator and >Gale Sorum WD9HFT, Technical Committee Chairmen made >application for a Homeland Security Grant through Hal Swanstrom >KB9UHP, Eau Claire County Emergency Manager. > >The Grant has been approved in the amount of $ 10,700.00. > >The money will be used to improve the 146.910 Mhz repeater >system with a new central repeater and five remote receive sites. > >This new system will enhance the ability of ARES members in the Chippewa >Valley >to provide public service communications. > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Jim Staatz KG9RA >ECARC President >Emergency Coordinator > ><mailto:kg9ra@ecarc.org>kg9ra(a)ecarc.org >www.ecarc.org

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[ARRL-ODV:9638] Letter to Manassas
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 22 Oct '03

22 Oct '03

After clearing it with Chris I have just sent the attached letter by FAX to the Mayor of Manassas. Dave K1ZZ <<manassas.doc>>

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[ARRL-ODV:9637] Re: BPL Goes Prime Time In Virginia
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

It doesn't help matters that the Allen Todd quoted in the article is apparently W4VUB. Dave -----Original Message----- From: dick(a)pobox.com [mailto:dick@pobox.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 1:13 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:9631] BPL Goes Prime Time In Virginia 21 OCT, 2003 - 1210 CDT The following news release was forwarded to me by a local ham who works for the Fermi National Accelerator in Batavia, IL. Looks like BPL is going full time commercial in Manasas, VA. in spite of legal questions about this use of Part 15 regulations. 73 - Dick, W9GIG ========================================================================== Innovative Web access to shock Manassas SARI KREIGER skreiger(a)potomacnews.com Saturday, October 18, 2003 Manassas residents will soon be the first in the United States to buy Internet access over city power lines. The City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to grant a franchise to Prospect Street Broadband, LLC., bringing a year-long preparation process to fruition. Residents can purchase the service within 120 days of the contract signing, which is expected to occur next week, according to Energy Services Manager Brett Massey. In May 2002, a small pilot group of city residents and businesses began using the service. A modem is plugged into the electrical outlet on one end, and the computer on the other, to gain high-speed access to the Internet. "They were very impressed by the speed, reliability and flexibility," said Utilities Director Allen Todd. Freda Wallace, an administrative assistant with Robert Loveless Architecture in Old Town Manassas said the company has been receiving the service since February. "We've had good service with it," Wallace said. "The only time it has been down is because of our equipment, or because they're testing something on the lines because it is a pilot program." The Connecticut-based company that received the franchise will be responsible for the equipment, connection, monthly billing, advertising and 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week customer support. The city will expand the current fiber network, which is almost complete, update optical electronics and install and maintain equipment external to the residents' homes. "The grantee will be providing most of the capital of this project and assume most of the risk," said John Hewa, assistant electric director for the City of Manassas. "There's very little financial risk to the city." John F. Berry, chairman and CEO of Prospect Street Broadband, said the service is very easy to use and no special training is necessary. Residents can purchase the service and obtain access from any city outlet. "You sign up once and you can sign on at home, a friend's house, the ice skating rink, where ever," Berry said. If residents opt for this Internet service provider, they will pay approximately half of normal high-speed access, as the tentative service price is $29.95 a month for residents, and $69.95 for commercial access. "It will be competitively priced and a quality service," said Vice Mayor Harry J. Parrish II. Wallace said the service was comparable in speed to any DSL program available. "It's very fast," she said. And as a fringe benefit, the city can also monitor power outages through this technology. Todd said the city has been trying for years to achieve that capability. Two bids were received on Sept. 8, and Todd said the city spent a considerable amount of time examining both proposals to ensure the best outcome for residents. "We've never had a franchise quite like this before," Todd said. "We wanted to make sure we had measures that would protect the services we promise the citizens." The contract that the council voted to approve calls for a 10-year term, with a five-year extension. A minimum payment of $24,000 after the first year, and $124,000 after the second and third year is guaranteed to the city. Initial figures project that Manassas could receive up to $4.5 million in revenue after the 10-year period. Councilman Ulysses X. White questioned city staff about future price hikes, as he was reminiscent of a similar situation with cable television in the city. But Todd said with competition available, residents wouldn't be stuck with high bills and no options. Rather, this new offer gives residents exactly that -- options. Councilman Eugene R. Rainville said residents will benefit from an extra use of the electrical system their tax dollars already fund. "Now they can get Internet at a low price," Rainville said. "I would encourage all of our citizens to at least look at it as an alternative." And according to Parrish, residents may receive an added bonus if enough people patronize this service. "It looks like the council might have the opportunity to look at tax reduction," Parrish said. --------------- cut ------------------ Some Links: City of Manassas Va: http://www.manassascity.org/ Manassas Town Commissioners and Board: http://www.manassascity.org/city_government/index.html Prospect Street Broadband, LLC: http://www.prospectstreet.com/ Manassas Va ARC (Old Va Hams ARC): http://www.w4ovh.net/

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[ARRL-ODV:9635] Re: New threat?
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

The 75.5-76 GHz allocation is being phased out in 2006. Dave -----Original Message----- From: Heyn, Fried Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 4:04 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:9634] New threat? "To promote the development of an additional competitive broadband deployment platform, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted service rules for the commercial use of spectrum in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz bands." See http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-239368A1.doc. Looking at page 4-27 of the latest ARRL Rule Book, we have an allocation listed from 75.5 GHz to 81.0 GHz with a footnote stating, "Amateur operation in the 76-77 GHz band has been temporarily suspended in exchange for an upgrade to coprimary status in the 75.5-76 and 77-78 GHz segments." It looks like we have a threat to our "coprimary status" in the 75.5-76.0 GHz ham band. What am I missing? 73/Fried, WA6WZO ô ! ô LETTERS=VOTERS=SUPPORT (Haynie/ARRL Letter)

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[ARRL-ODV:9634] New threat?
by Fried Heyn(3rd VP) 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

To promote the development of an additional competitive broadband deployment platform, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted service rules for the commercial use of spectrum in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz bands. See http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-239368A1.doc. Looking at page 4-27 of the latest ARRL Rule Book, we have an allocation listed from 75.5 GHz to 81.0 GHz with a footnote stating, Amateur operation in the 76-77 GHz band has been temporarily suspended in exchange for an upgrade to coprimary status in the 75.5-76 and 77-78 GHz segments. It looks like we have a threat to our coprimary status in the 75.5-76.0 GHz ham band. What am I missing? 73/Fried, WA6WZO ô ! ô LETTERS=VOTERS=SUPPORT (Haynie/ARRL Letter)

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[ARRL-ODV:9633] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

IN-Newsletter Vol. 26, No. 42 October 22, 2003 Upcoming Meetings November 8th in Dallas, TX at 8:30am Volunteer Resources Committee November 9th in Dallas, TX at 8:30am Executive Committee November 21st in Newington, CT Division Election Ballot Counting CEO Once again the ARRL is sponsoring the USTTI course being held this week in the conference room. There are four students in that class visiting us from Ghana, Romania, and two from the Philippines. They will take home with them knowledge of the different aspects of Amateur Radio and information helpful for administering the Amateur Radio Service in their countries. Washington team staff members Walt Ireland and Paul Rinaldo are teaching this year's class with help from the HQ staff. Lisa Kustosik worked with the Washington Team and the USTTI contact person during the planning and is serving as the HQ coordinator throughout the week. Development Close enough to taste it! The special Spectrum Defense campaign against BPL is just $513 shy of the $300,000 mark. 5446 donors including more than 140 clubs have contributed an average of $54.86. The club and organization list continues to be updated with new names each Friday. The 2004 Spectrum Defense fund is on track to mail to 120,000 ARRL members on October 24. Preparations are being made to post the letter and donation form on the ARRL Web site. All new high level gifts have been selected -- a nylon computer backpack emblazoned with the ARRL logo for contributions of $1000 or more, a multi function lantern with a nylon carrying case for donations of $500 - $999, and for gifts of $250 - $499 a carabineer compass. A 2004 mug and pin are also being produced. The goal for this fall campaign is $225,000. The next issue of the Legacy Letter goes to print this week. Diamond Club renewals continue to come in for the first couple of groups. The final CNCS report for year one is nearing completion. Media Relations Recent news stories on BPL have garnered well-written responses from ARRL members. Charles Quentel, WD9IET, wrote to The Wall Street Journal, as did Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. Public Information Officer Virgil Gibbs, KG4FCD, got his letter printed in The Tampa Tribune. The September issue of Contact! was posted to the PR site, and an announcement was made on the PR reflector. The October issue will be completed and posted by the end of the month. Jennifer worked with the host/producer of "Airwaves," a weekly Amateur Radio show which airs on WYPL-FM in Memphis. He contacted HQ for permission to use ARRL press releases and news items from the ARRL letter for the hour-long radio show. The show airs on Monday evenings from 8:30 to 9:00 PM, and re-airs again later each week. At Jennifer's request, the host/producer agreed to be added to ARRL's news release distribution list. Production/Editorial The December issue of QST has been released to the printer. We checked page proofs for the November/December issue of NCJ. Dan Wolfgang and Joe Shea made a heroic effort to help our visitors from Brooklyn when they came to pick up the Devotek film processor that we sold at auction on eBay. Their help was most appreciated. This past weekend, Dave Hassler made a number of useful contacts at the AMSAT Space Symposium/Annual Meeting in Toronto. Sales & Marketing The new editions of The ARRL Handbook, ARRL Handbook CD, and The ARRL Antenna Book made their worldwide debut on October 20th. The publications fulfillment group and warehouse have been busy filling pre-orders for the products in advance of the public release date. The Warehouse staff shipped the following out during the big week of the Handbook 2004 & Antenna Book 20th Edition Premiere: 1650+ Packages of Individual and Dealer orders mostly consisting of the Handbook & Antenna Books Approximately 30 large HRO, Ingram, and a few other Dealer orders totaling just around 30,000 lbs. 72 Director Copies of the Antenna Book, Handbook, VHF/UHF Antenna Classics Bob orchestrated a coordinated roll-out of the upcoming, newly-revised ARRL Technician Class Video Course. The new course will be available in November, and marks the first time the course will be available on DVD. In cooperation with F&ES, an email announcement was sent to ARRL clubs and instructors. The piece was also used to reacquaint volunteers with the many ARRL resources available to support licensing classes. This information was also shared via the Section Manager reflector and appeared on the ARRLWeb news crawl. Proofs of the Fall/Winter edition of the ARRL publications catalog were reviewed. Details for the ARRL Instructor Discount Program have been updated to include new publication editions, www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/discount. Instructors have another great reason to encourage their students to use the feature-packed Ham University software. When instructors order a copy of Ham University for their class, it can be installed and activated on up to five different PC's -- which may belong to up to five different students. By comparison, individually purchased copies (which cost the same) are limited to use by a single household. Special installation instructions for instructors have been posted online, http://www.arrl.org/catalog/8735. Now available for pre-ordering via the ARRLWeb: ARRL Technician Class Video Course, 4th edition, shipping in November, DVD format http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9116, VHS format http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=8837; and additional course books http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=8845. Advertising is finishing up work on the December issue of QST. After working with Barnes and Noble's new buyer during the past several months, we were extremely pleased to see an order for 260 copies of Now You're Talking!. Prior to this purchase, Barnes and Noble has been buying primarily only ARRL Handbooks. Lisa Tardette sent targeted publications e-mail solicitations to several Sister Societies as well as international dealers. The text was focused on the new Handbook and Antenna Book. To date, Lisa's efforts have paid off with $15,200 worth of orders. Membership Services Awards Branch WAS QSLs Checked 400 WAS Certs. (200 QSLs F/C) 4 WAS Certs. (150 QSLs ES/C) 3 5BWAS Certs (250 QSLs F/C) 1 5BWAS Certs (500 QSLs ES/C) 2 OTCs 10 RCCs 6 LTMA Inquiries 1 LTMA Records to Siebel 69 A-1 Op. Noms. 5 Awards Mailed 63 Also compiled the latest VUCC award recipient list for December QST. VHF Awards Manager Appointment: Dave Powers, KAØKCI, Wichita, KS. Processing Status: Current or up to three weeks. For the coming week - Extra Class certificates, VUCC awards, mail out awards processed this week, order engraved plates for 5BWAS plaques, and filing chores associated with the LTMAs issued. Contest Branch The QST Field Day article from Production was proofed and finalized. The On-Line Field Day write-up was prepared, edited and finalized. Data entry for the 10 GHz and Up Contest was begun. DX Contest and RTTY Round-Up plaques were shipped. DXCC Branch For the week of: October 19, 2003 Beginning Cards 193,635 Cards Received ** Cards Processed 10,826 Ending Cards 182,809 Applications Pending 1,741 Processing Time 7.8 Weeks Year-to-date (2003) Cards Received 545,161 Cards Returned 574,669 307 QRP awards have been issued. DXCC is currently mailing applications received on August 26, 2003. DXCC is currently entering cards received on September 9, 2003. Kathy Kostek has resigned from the ARRL staff. We welcome Heather Dzamba, who is transferring to DXCC from the QSL Bureau. Heather remains as the League tour guide and she has conducted 11 tours this past week. QSL Bureau QSL Service Status: Current. Cards mailed as of 10/19/03: 1,141,825. No cards were mailed this week. W1AW Thanks to Ron Cady, K1RKD, Steve Ewald, WV1X, Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG and Mark Spencer, WA8SME for their operating in the event and hosting a number of Scouts in the 2003 Jamboree On The Air operating event. Together, they and the scouts made 80 QSOs on 40, 20 and 15 meters. Joe prepared a report detailing the necessary requirements to update the W1AW transmission software. He worked the Wednesday through Friday late afternoon/night shifts for a vacationing Scott Gee. He also handled some evening phone sales in the 5 PM to 8 PM time slot. W1AW Telephone Sales year to date (2003): $27,561. Field & Educational Services The new ARISS litho has gone to press at NASA after final input from Rosalie and Frank Bauer. Rosalie took part in a NASA telecon on evaluations for ARISS, and set up a calendar to remind ARISS mentors to get their teachers to fill out the evaluations. Field Organization/Public Service Team Sections have flexibility in when they hold their SET, but many do so in early October. Steve Ewald is receiving many SET reports already. Other sections are promoting/discussing their SET plans via their Monthly Section News Summaries and the e-mail relay service. Over the last couple of weeks, 19 different sections have sent 16 section wide e-mails. South Carolina SM Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, relates a new way to advertise Amateur Radio, thanks to PIC Dan, KF4VIS. He linked the individually-operated South Carolina Section Web site to the "South Carolina Information Highway, the largest directory of SC information on the Internet," where the SC Section's Web site was featured recently as the "site of the day." Leona Adams worked with SMs on their section budgets as they are well into the year's 4th quarter. Amateur Radio mailing labels were sent to SMs this week. Over 25 new appointments and initial-supply packages were handled, plus record changes, updates and cancellations. Chuck Skolaut received and processed 15 OO reports by e-mail, and four new OOs passed their written exams. More intruder-related reports have come to our attention -- fishing boats, apparently, are the cause of some of the intrusions on 2, 20 and 75 meters. Russian beacons are showing up on the Amateur Radio 40-meter band, too. Regulatory Information John Hennessee assisted an amateur with a local government zoning problem in Baton Rouge Parish, LA (KD5KNZ), and assisted an amateur with a covenant problem in Draper City, UT (W7LRL). He also corresponded with others on restrictions caused by rental agreements. John is also reviewing the regulatory Web pages and streamlining them to make information easier to find, including a new section on regulatory FAQs. The application of a new Volunteer Counsel, Robert Neece, K0KR of Denver, CO, was processed. Field & Education Support Team Mary Lau reports that 4 groups will be receiving recently approved grants from the The ARRL Foundation. Mary also notes that one of our multimedia volunteer sources will be filming JOTA activities this weekend with the express focus on interesting clubs in future JOTA participation. Linda Mullally updated 179 club records. She also registered 7 Instructors, 2 Teachers, and sent out 2 Exhibit kits and 6 JOTA Kits. She compiled Field Organization reports for QST (PSHR-BPL-SEC-STM reports). She is also collecting and compiling the results from the Club Gazette survey that was sent out. Margie Bourgoin reports that she sent by email a special Clubs and Instructors publications incentive sales notice prepared by the Sales and Marketing staff. She also sent an email to Clubs about the Club Gazette Survey. Margie reports that Instructors have started to call with their pre-orders for the new Tech Video Course. Jean Wolfgang responded to several last minute JOTA questions. She also reviewed several ham CDs and videos for possible use in our Multimedia program. Gail Iannone wrote 5 hamfest announcements for December QST; she also sent 6 hamfest approval letters and 4 convention approval letters to the sponsoring committees confirming the Division Director's approval of the events as ARRL-sanctioned, processed 7 door prize orders, 2 label requests, sent 8 handout packages for upcoming events. Certification-Continuing Education Jerry Ellis sent pre-registration messages to potential students of the Level II course. He lined up mentors for this class opening next week, and sent class rosters to them, and sent class files to our Web host. He printed certificates and ID cards for grads, and finished the mailing, including checks where appropriate. Amateur Radio Education and Technology Project Mark Spencer contacted 22 of the 50 Big Project Schools to gather data for a program review; trends are developing. The ARRL Foundation provided the final $5,500 needed to fund an Activity Board initiative. Mark set performance goals and a deadline for getting the board and associated equipment to interested schools by mid-April. He attended a community-based meeting with an enthusiastic Boston group interested in establishing a Project-like program. Saturday he hosted JOTA activities at W1AW. EmComm Grants Dan Miller developed a new presentation for his seminars; the next one will be at Hamfest Minnesota. The changes will draw ARES volunteers, ARES leadership and ARECC participants closer together. By uniting each groups' skills and resources, a stronger, larger cadre of ham emergency communicators can be formed. Steve and Dan are lining up speakers for the Hurricane Watch Net Conference in April; Dan is looking in to costs for setting up a booth. 73, Sincerely, Mark Wilson, K1RO Chief Operating Officer MW:lk Staff Absentee List All Staff 11/27-11/28 Holiday Mark Wilson 10/24 Vacation Dave Patton 10/21-10/28 Vacation Mary Hobart 10/31-11/3 Vacation Jennifer Hagy 11/3 Vacation Dave Hassler 10/23-10/24 Vacation Dennis Motschenbacher 11/6-11/7 Training Rick Lindquist 10/30-11/7 Vacation Dan Miller 10/23-10/24 Hamfest, Mnpls/St. Paul, MN Mark Spencer 10/30-10/31 ARRL GA Section Convention/Big Project School visit Rosalie White 10/28-10/31 Vacation/ARRL Michigan State convention Martin Cook 10/24-10/28 Vacation Eileen Sapko 10/22 Vacation Martin Cook 10/24-10/28 Vacation Wayne Mills 10/29-11/04 RSGB

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[ARRL-ODV:9632] Re: BPL Goes Prime Time In Virginia
by W5JBP＠aol.com 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

Yes, Dick, I am getting this article from all over. I guess we will soon see how this works out. Jim H.

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[ARRL-ODV:9631] BPL Goes Prime Time In Virginia
by dick＠pobox.com 21 Oct '03

21 Oct '03

21 OCT, 2003 - 1210 CDT The following news release was forwarded to me by a local ham who works for the Fermi National Accelerator in Batavia, IL. Looks like BPL is going full time commercial in Manasas, VA. in spite of legal questions about this use of Part 15 regulations. 73 - Dick, W9GIG ========================================================================== Innovative Web access to shock Manassas SARI KREIGER skreiger(a)potomacnews.com Saturday, October 18, 2003 Manassas residents will soon be the first in the United States to buy Internet access over city power lines. The City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to grant a franchise to Prospect Street Broadband, LLC., bringing a year-long preparation process to fruition. Residents can purchase the service within 120 days of the contract signing, which is expected to occur next week, according to Energy Services Manager Brett Massey. In May 2002, a small pilot group of city residents and businesses began using the service. A modem is plugged into the electrical outlet on one end, and the computer on the other, to gain high-speed access to the Internet. "They were very impressed by the speed, reliability and flexibility," said Utilities Director Allen Todd. Freda Wallace, an administrative assistant with Robert Loveless Architecture in Old Town Manassas said the company has been receiving the service since February. "We've had good service with it," Wallace said. "The only time it has been down is because of our equipment, or because they're testing something on the lines because it is a pilot program." The Connecticut-based company that received the franchise will be responsible for the equipment, connection, monthly billing, advertising and 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week customer support. The city will expand the current fiber network, which is almost complete, update optical electronics and install and maintain equipment external to the residents' homes. "The grantee will be providing most of the capital of this project and assume most of the risk," said John Hewa, assistant electric director for the City of Manassas. "There's very little financial risk to the city." John F. Berry, chairman and CEO of Prospect Street Broadband, said the service is very easy to use and no special training is necessary. Residents can purchase the service and obtain access from any city outlet. "You sign up once and you can sign on at home, a friend's house, the ice skating rink, where ever," Berry said. If residents opt for this Internet service provider, they will pay approximately half of normal high-speed access, as the tentative service price is $29.95 a month for residents, and $69.95 for commercial access. "It will be competitively priced and a quality service," said Vice Mayor Harry J. Parrish II. Wallace said the service was comparable in speed to any DSL program available. "It's very fast," she said. And as a fringe benefit, the city can also monitor power outages through this technology. Todd said the city has been trying for years to achieve that capability. Two bids were received on Sept. 8, and Todd said the city spent a considerable amount of time examining both proposals to ensure the best outcome for residents. "We've never had a franchise quite like this before," Todd said. "We wanted to make sure we had measures that would protect the services we promise the citizens." The contract that the council voted to approve calls for a 10-year term, with a five-year extension. A minimum payment of $24,000 after the first year, and $124,000 after the second and third year is guaranteed to the city. Initial figures project that Manassas could receive up to $4.5 million in revenue after the 10-year period. Councilman Ulysses X. White questioned city staff about future price hikes, as he was reminiscent of a similar situation with cable television in the city. But Todd said with competition available, residents wouldn't be stuck with high bills and no options. Rather, this new offer gives residents exactly that -- options. Councilman Eugene R. Rainville said residents will benefit from an extra use of the electrical system their tax dollars already fund. "Now they can get Internet at a low price," Rainville said. "I would encourage all of our citizens to at least look at it as an alternative." And according to Parrish, residents may receive an added bonus if enough people patronize this service. "It looks like the council might have the opportunity to look at tax reduction," Parrish said. --------------- cut ------------------ Some Links: City of Manassas Va: http://www.manassascity.org/ Manassas Town Commissioners and Board: http://www.manassascity.org/city_government/index.html Prospect Street Broadband, LLC: http://www.prospectstreet.com/ Manassas Va ARC (Old Va Hams ARC): http://www.w4ovh.net/

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[ARRL-ODV:9630] Re: AOL Blocking Many Email Address Domains
by dick＠pobox.com 20 Oct '03

20 Oct '03

20 OCT, 2003 - 1200 CDT It appears that AOL has shot gunned a lot of smaller ISPs this past weekend in it's misguided effort to reduce spam traffic through its own network. Rather than crack down on its own subscribers who persist in propagating spam and well-worn Internet legends, AOL is trying to put the blame on everybody else. If AOL persists in this destructive behavior, it's going to lose a lot of connectivity with the rest of the world and it will bleed even more subscribers. In the meantime, many people - including me - are being penalized by AOL for its own problems. As a long-time member of a large Internet spam watchdog group (ABUSE.COM) I'm about to add my name to the list of those wanting AOL blacklisted from the Internet. I urge AOL subscribers to contact AOL management (not customer service) and tell them to cease and desist their barn-burning efforts to limit spam on their network. Legitimate AOL subscribers are the ultimate victims in this mess. The rest of us will find work-around email routes or simply give up trying to communicate with AOL subscribers.

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[ARRL-ODV:9629] Re: AOL Blocking Many Email Address Domains Including "arrl.o...
by Tuck Miller NZ6T 19 Oct '03

19 Oct '03

Wonder if there is a problem with AOL. I have been trying to log onto various sites through AOL broadband, and have been unable to connect to anything. Anyone else having this problem? Tuck Miller NZ6T wrote: > Rick and Dick, > > I just tried sending an e-mail to my extra AOL account from my > arrl.org address, and it has yet to arrive at AOL. I have not recd a > bounce message as of yet either. his message was sent about 10 minutes > ago. > > K5ur(a)aol.com wrote: > >> Dick: >> >> I just tried my arrl.org and arrl.net addresses. >> Sent messages to both, and they both came through OK on AOL. >> >> 73, >> K5UR >> >> >> >> > -- ************************************************ ARRL The national association for Amateur Radio Remember, Helping Others....Always Worthwhile!! Southwestern Division Vice Director Are you a member yet? If not, please join! Check out the Convention web site at: http://www.hamradio2004.com/swdc2004/ Personal Web Page: http://www.qsl.net/nz6t

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