Comcast outages continue even in areas with PG&E power restored

[lists.nanog at monmotha.net (Brandon Martin)]

On 10/15/2019 09:42, Matt Hoppes wrote:
> I disagree with the statement that providers should not be required to 
> backup their networks.... while I don't think it should be an FCC 
> requirement, I do believe the providers have an obligation to do that.
> 
> That's one of the reasons we generally opt for larger node sizes. Yes, 
> it does cut down on the total bandwidth you can push out to end users, 
> but in a disaster its much faster to recover as well as provide backup 
> power that is up 24x7 vs hundreds of little nodes.


I'm generally OK with the provider pushing demarc CPE backup power off 
onto the customer unless they're providing "POTS-like" service.  Aside 
from POTS, I don't think there's ever been expectation of 
telecommunications services working during a power outage unless the end 
user provides backup power.  I'm not even sure residential deployments 
of ISDN came with power for customer-prem ATAs, etc. unless you made 
special arrangements, but ISDN was never popular here, so I'm not sure. 
If you have a T1 PRI, the LEC will probably keep it up to your prem, but 
you're responsible for keeping whatever you're plugging that T1 into up 
during a power outage.  Heck, they may not even do that.  I've certainly 
seen T1 smartjacks hosting real, honest PRIs that were line-powering 
repeaters without battery on them, so who knows even in that case.

After all, the user has to keep the equipment they're using up, too. 
That's certainly not the provider's responsibility.  Telcos aren't power 
utilities (usually, and when they are it's generally a separate 
operation).  Yes, I understand that many users have wireless/portable 
in-home equipment with batteries of their own and are often using 
all-in-one demarc/routers provided by their provider, nowadays...

I do think that providers should generally at least offer some basic 
guidance on how their users might accomplish this even going so far as 
to provide, install, and maintain such means if paid to do so, but I 
don't think it's something to be expected when you're buying cable TV or 
public Internet access service.  Again, POTS-like service is different.

I do feel that modern IP providers really should strive to keep their 
end of the network up regardless.  That is, even during a reasonable 
power outage, providers should be able to deliver usable signal to their 
customers absent actual damage to plant.  Exceptions made for natural 
disasters, fuel shortages, and widespread, extended power outages that 
just overcome the ability to shuttle portable gensets around fast enough 
to keep batteries charged.  However, unless you're otherwise subject to 
regulation due to monopoly status, having received ample amounts of 
build-out subsidy, or providing historically regulated 
telecommunications services, I'm not sure that regulation is the best 
way to achieve this.

--
Brandon Martin