IVI takes open access to GTE, Falcon

Internet Ventures Inc., which has been attempting to open up cable operators' networks with a more conciliatory approach than other Internet service providers, took its fight to two more operators last week and received two different responses.

Applying to both GTE and Falcon Cable for "leased access" to its systems in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Grants Pass, Ore., respectively, IVI said it would evaluate its options during the next few weeks.

GTE, which operates cable service in several communities from its Thousand Oaks headend, provided IVI with all the necessary preliminary information as required under Title 6 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, said Don Janke, president of IVI.

"The response was sufficient for step one," said Janke, adding that the company's local ISP affiliate differs on the basis of monthly fees but doesn't anticipate it being a problem. "Step two is applying for leased access."

However, a GTE spokeswoman said the company has no intention of providing a competitive ISP with access to its cable systems. In IVI's case, GTE simply was complying with a written request for basic cable carriage, which made no specific mention of Internet service.

"We sent them standard information," said the spokeswoman, noting that the company offers its own cable modem service in the system. "What they're interested in is basic cable carriage. That's something that under the act we're required to provide. It would not be for them as an ISP."

Falcon's response was more combative and typical of many cable operators, which have refused to work with IVI since the FCC delayed acting on open access.

"We don't believe Internet providers qualify for leased access under the cable act," said a spokesman, adding that the company has referred the request to its attorney.

IVI likely will file a complaint with Grant Pass' franchising authority, said Janke. "We have an opinion that a city does have some franchising authority over leased access. It's not in [a cable operator's] domain at that point to be making those determinations."