20081103_2401.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KEMPTON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:GRACE SEAMAN
DATE:OCTOBER 31,2008
RE:STAFF REVIEW OF AMENDMENTS TO INTERCONNECTION
AGREEMENTS: CASE NOS. USW-97-11 AND USW-97-15.
BACKGROUND
Under the provisions of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, interconnection
agreements must be submitted to the Commission for approval. 47 U.c. ~ 252(e)(1). The
Commission may reject an agreement adopted by negotiations only if it finds that the agreement:
(1) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement; or (2)
implementation of the agreement is not consistent with the public interest, convenience and
necessity. 47 U.C. ~ 252(e)(2)(A).
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
On October 24, 2008, Qwest Corporation (Qwest) submitted two Applications for
Commission approval to amend existing interconnection agreements between Qwest and Verizon
Wireless (fka US West New Vector Group, Inc.). Both agreements were approved by the
Commission on August 11 1997. In each of these agreements, both parties wish to amend the
agreements to incorporate the Verizon Wireless consolidation, the Triennial Review Order, and
the Bill and Keep arrangement between Qwest and Verizon Wireless.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the Applications and does not find that any terms or conditions are
discriminatory or contrary to the public interest. Staff believes the Applications are consistent
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 1 -OCTOBER 31 , 2008
with the FCC orders and pro-competitive policies of this Commission, the Idaho Legislature, and
the federal Telecommunications Act. Accordingly, Staff recommends Commission approval of
the Applications for Approval of Amendment to the Interconnection Agreements.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to approve these Applications?
~au
Grace Seaman
udmemos/uswt97.11 and uswt97.15 dec memo
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 2 -. OCTOBER 31 , 2008