Public Power - September 2008 - (Page 53)

possible number of simultaneous intercepts; designing a configuration for the provider’s particular architecture; perhaps, installing a mediation device and/or a CALEA administrative device; and, possibly, upgrading network switches and the network software. Some municipalities had initial concerns about entrusting a third party with confidential customer information, said Baller. “Privacy issues should be dealt with up-front in hiring a third party, when all the initial documents are being signed,” Lide said. “Some technical approaches would shunt all the communications traffic to a remote third party, who would then pick out the information law enforcement is requesting. The third party probably is acting as the municipal’s agent in these cases, but the legal relationship needs to be carefully considered.” Another compliance option is known as “just-in-time,” when a provider does essentially nothing until it receives a surveillance request. “This could be a somewhat risky approach,” Lide said. “A provider might be unable to comply in time to satisfy CALEA’s assistance capability requirements.” “There is also a very real question whether the just-intime option could be implemented fast enough to satisfy law enforcement officials, particularly in time-critical situations.” Lide said. “As the FCC explained to us, ‘when planes are crashing into buildings, law enforcement officials are going to want immediate access to critical information, and they’re not going to be sympathetic to entities covered by CALEA that can’t provide it immediately.’” www.APPAnet.org The cost of compliance will depend largely on what hardware and software a provider currently has in place, and the size of the provider’s subscriber base. Some compliance providers require a comparatively small amount of money up front, with more required in the event of an interception request. Others charge most of the fee up front. Some charge a monthly subscription fee. “There are a variety of technological and financial options,” Lide said. “That’s why we brought Columbia Telecommunications into the process. They can handle the design, engineering, technology, and cost issues.” Providers of telecommunications service, Internet access, and interconnected voice over Internet protocol must be sure they understand their responsibilities and do what’s necessary to meet them, said Baller. ❚ SEPTEMBER 2008 53 http://www.assocsys.com http://www.APPAnet.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Public Power - September 2008

Public Power - September 2008 Contents Perspective 10 Questions What’s Good About RTOs? Capturing Coal’s Carbon Carbon Safety Valves Greater Glass, Greater Savings Getting Customers to Embrace Compact Fluorescent Lights LEEDing Green Kansas City Shows How to Build Green For Governing Boards Safety Community Broadband Hometown Connections Parting Shot

Public Power - September 2008

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