ADSL AND CABLE MODEM SERVICES

As providers expand ADSL and Cable modem services to larger service areas, the Division of Communications has seen more and more of these types of services becoming a bigger part of the State’s Network. Both of these services are covered by the statutory definition of telecommunications service and fall within the statutory responsibilities of the Division of Communications.

These types of services can be more cost effective then dedicated services in some instances. However, the Division wants to make every attempt to be sure that the agency ordering the service understands the limitations of these types of service. These services do not have the same Service Level Agreements as dedicated services, therefore outages often take longer to resolve. The Division of Communications does not have the ability to perform Internet monitoring or pull statistics from this traffic to assist in the resolution of issues such as error on router interfaces. It is assumed that the agency/individual ordering the service understands how to install and configure this service. Finally, the traffic on these services will come from the outside through the Internet into the State’s network. This will require that the agency purchase VPN services in order to access the State’s network. Even with these limitations, the Division continues to see a steady rise in new telecommunications services such as ADSL and Cable modem services for state agencies. As the demand for these services increase, so do the requests for the Division’s support in getting these services set up and running. Effective July 1, 2003 the Division of Communications will provide installation services for agencies at an hourly rate of $65. If you are interested in exploring implementing ADSL or Cable modem services, please contact Ben Mientka at (402)471-1027 or via email bmientka@doc.state.ne.us Ben can discuss options, quote prices and assist you with getting your service installed. You can also place your order for service on our web site.

DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS LOWERS RATES!

Effective August 1st (July billing detail), the Division of Communications will be lowering the following rates:

This rate reduction will result in approximately $309,000 annual savings to our customers statewide in their telecommunications billing. If you have any questions, please contact Shelley Reed at (402)471-4960 or via email at sreed@doc.state.ne.us

LINCOLN EAS SERVICE

Currently, the State subscribes to Extended Area Service (EAS) in the Lincoln prefixes only. The following are the locations that State agencies in Lincoln can dial for no charge by dialing 9 + the seven digit number.

If calls are made to these prefixes by dialing 9 + 1 + 402 + seven digits, you will be charged for a long distance call. Please remind your employees to dial these locations as a local call (7-digits) in order to avoid billing. This same information is also available in the State Government Directory on page 13.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE HANDSET STICKERS

The Division of Communications would like to assist your agency in promoting workplace safety and convenience, at no added charge. We have purchased 15 rolls of stickers that can be applied to the handset of your State telephone or within your work area for convenience in contacting emergency personnel. Each roll has approximately 100 stickers. Below is a replica of the stickers verbiage.

EMERGENCY

FIRE – AMBULANCE – POLICE

DIAL 9-911

These stickers will help remind you of the dial out procedures that must be followed in an emergency situation.

The Division of Communications realizes that not all State offices dial 9 to get an outside line. If your agency is interested in receiving stickers that offer just the 911 information, we can also locate stickers that can provide your office with the same convenience. If you would like to receive these safety stickers, or have further questions, please contact Norma White at (402) 471-3562.

NEBRASKA RELAY SERVICE

The Nebraska Relay Service is a two-way communication service for Nebraskans with speech/hearing impairments that is available 24 hours a day. This has become an increasingly utilized service for State employees. As a reminder, it is now accessible by dialing 7 1 1. Just dial those three digits and you will be answered by a Nebraska Relay operator who can help you with your call. Further instructions on this service are listed in the State Government Directory. As always, you may also call the Division of Communications with questions at (402)471-2761.

LONG DISTANCE CARRIER

The State of Nebraska rebid its long distance services in May 2002. The successful proposer was Alltel Long Distance. As services have been moved to the new provider, we have experienced some minor issues related to this change. We would like to remind you that if you have any problems with your long distance service, or any of you telecommunications service or equipment, the Division of Communications can assist you. Please call us at (402)471-2761 with any telecommunications related questions or issues.

Directory Listing Closing Dates: