20210201Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER RAPER
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL

FROM: MATT HUNTER
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

DATE: JANUARY 28, 2021

SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF CABLE ONE VOIP LLC’S APPLICATION FOR
DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER
IN IDAHO TO RECEIVE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND
(AUCTION 904) SUPPORT FOR VOICE AND BROADBAND SERVICES
AND TO RECEIVE FEDERAL LIFELINE SUPPORT; CASE NO. CAB-T-
21-01.

On January 8, 2021, Cable One VoIP LLC (“Company”) applied for designation as an
Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”) in Idaho.
THE APPLICATION
The Company’s parent company, Cable One, Inc. was part of a consortium that was a
winning bidder in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) auction to provide voice and
broadband services in select census blocks in numerous states, including Idaho. Application at 4.
The Company states that the consortium assigned Cable One, Inc. the RDOF support for winning
bids in the state of Idaho, and the Company will ultimately be responsible for fulfilling “the public
interest obligations associated with receiving RDOF support for Idaho.” Id. The Company seeks
ETC designation from the Commission for the census blocks where it will receive RDOF support.
Id. at 2, Exhibit 1. Additionally, the Company seeks “Lifeline-only ETC designation in areas not
eligible for high-cost support for the limited purpose of becoming eligible to receive Lifeline
support….” Id. The Company asserts it meets all federal and state requirements for designation as
an ETC, and argues that designating the Company as an ETC is in the public interest. Application
at 5-15. The Company asks that the Commission grant it ETC status prior to June 7, 2021. Id. at
3.
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission issue a Notice of Application and Notice of
Modified Procedure, setting a March 25, 2021 comment deadline and an April 8, 2021 reply
comment deadline.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to issue a Notice of Application and Notice of Modified
Procedure, setting a March 25, 2021 comment deadline and an April 8, 2021 reply comment
deadline?

__________________________
Matt Hunter
Deputy Attorney General

I:\Legal\TELEPHONE\CAB-T-21-01\CABT2101_dec memo_mh.docx