Internet Firm Wants Cable Access

Spokane-based Internet On Ramp and its parent company, Internet Ventures, asked the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday to decide whether “leased access” privileges cover ISPs as well as conventional video broadcasters.

Federal regulations require cable companies to lease portions of their networks to outside programmers. Internet Ventures has argued for months that video on the Internet is now so advanced when sent through cable lines, it’s essentially the same as regular broadcasting.

If allowed into TCI’s network, On Ramp wants to offer a high-speed Internet package to compete with TCI’s At Home service. TCI has fought the request.

Morgan Broman, a spokesman for the FCC’s cable services bureau, said Internet Venture’s request is “something new” and did not say when a ruling might be made.

Don Janke, Internet Ventures’ president, hopes a decision will be made by the end of summer.

Until now, the debate over whether to open cable lines to ISPs had been made on “open access” grounds - meaning cable companies must allow ISPs onto their networks to preserve competition.

However, Internet Ventures is willing to pay its way. Although prices vary, it costs about $20,000 a month to lease a channel from TCI in Spokane, said TCI spokesman Steve Kipp.

In response to a complaint filed by On Ramp, City Manager Bill Pupo last month sent a response telling the company the issue is national and the city would not force TCI to open its network.