Talks with Turner over networks continue
One provider in danger of losing all service
EPHRATA — If television viewers continue to watch CNN and other stations on Grant County's fiber optic network, it will have to be without the use of Grant County's equipment.
Video service providers' fiber optic network services will not be interrupted if a deal is reached with Turner Broadcasting, but one of the two Grant County video service providers is in danger of being disconnected from the fiber optic Zipp system altogether.
The Grant County Public Utility District will stop receiving the channels of Turner Broadcasting on Feb. 7. But PUD officials said the two service providers can work to ensure customers that both Donobi and Video Internet Broadcasting continue to show TBS, the Cartoon Network and others.
"They have to provide the agreements and the equipment so it's their deal with Turner," said PUD Telecommunications Director Larry Jones after Monday's PUD commission meeting.
Zipp video service is received by the PUD's video "Head End" which includes a satellite dish that provides video transmission to service providers. That dish allows the PUD to receive signals from 35 different satellites, including Turner's.
Turner Broadcasting sent a letter to the PUD in October, stating that the PUD did not have the authority to distribute their service. Turner said in that letter that it would allow the PUD to continue distributing on the network as long as the PUD assumed responsibilities for obligations between the two service providers and Turner.
To continue transmission over the Zipp system would mean signing an agreement with Turner that the PUD is unable to agree to. Jones said in a press release this week that the PUD is unable to agree with several of the stipulations required by Turner to transport the channels to service providers. The PUD is a municipal corporation and is not able to comply with conditions that would guarantee payment obligations of Donobi and VIB.
Jones said no other networks have raised the concerns that Turner has about PUD transmission of channels to both VIB and Donobi.
"We don't have any indication that any other networks will follow Turner's suit," Jones said after Monday's PUD commission meeting, "but I'm sure that they're watching."
Jones said though that just because the PUD will no longer transport Turner channels, it doesn't mean the channels will drop from service. Both television providers can work with with Turner directly to continue distributions of those channels.
VIB representative Nancy Ryan said this week that the company is still working with Turner to reach an agreement.
As is Bremerton-based Donobi. Donobi Operations Manager Melissa Tippets said her customers would not see an interruption of service. Tippets said that no agreement has been signed but as long as they are working towards an agreement, service won't be shut off.
"Basically we will have to have our own equipment to receive the signal," Tippets said.
While Donobi could keep Turner networks without interruption, company subscribers could lose all fiber optic services unless Donobi pays more than $200,000 to the PUD by mid-February.
According to the PUD, Donobi's service provider credit rating with the utility has dropped to a point where Donobi must pay its outstanding balances and an account deposit or it will be disconnected next month.
All Donobi subscribers could lose services If the company doesn't pay a total of $211,481.39 by Feb. 10.
PUD Fiber Account Manager Eric Briggs sent a letter to Donobi earlier this month stating that their services would be disconnected on Feb. 11 if the PUD doesn't receive full payment. Briggs said the potential disconnect is based upon a policy enacted by the PUD commission.
Tippets could not comment on potential disconnect situation.
At Monday's PUD commission meeting, the PUD approved a one-year $22,000 contract with the Grant County Economic Development Council for dealings with current and potential industrial customers. The PUD passed the contract after rescinding passage of a three-year, $40,000-per-year contract with the EDC earlier this month. The PUD's contract with EDC has been a one-year $22,000 contract with GCEDC in recent years. PUD
Strategic Planning Director Lon Topaz told the commission that under the new contract, the PUD will receive an itemized bill of services from the EDC each month.
The PUD also approved a contract Monday for e-mail archiving software with a Massachusetts firm. The one-year contract with IntelliReach, Inc. is for $74,814.