OnSite Access cuts two-thirds of work force

Building Local Exchange Carrier OnSite Access has laid off 2/3 of its staff in order to preserve its existing capital.

The layoffs, affecting about 160 people, occurred last Friday.

A company spokeswoman declined to give specifics regarding OnSite Access’ financial resources and how long they might last. However, she said management for the privately-held company is assessing financial alternatives.

Operationally, the company is doing well, she said. OnSite Access has wired more than 600 buildings in the U.S. and Canada and customer penetration--a weakness for other BLECs--is good, she said.

“It’s strictly an issue of accessing capital and the problems of telecom in the financial markets.”

Despite the layoffs, business continues at OnSite Access.

“We’re maintaining our current customers. The only thing we are not doing right now is signing up new customers until our financial condition is more favorable,” the spokeswoman said.