19970213Notice of Petition.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF CUSTOMERS OF MARSING TO INCLUDE THE COMMUNITIES OF NAMPA AND MELBA WITHIN THEIR EXTENDED AREA OF SERVICE.
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CTCT971

NOTICE OF PETITION

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 9, 1997, the Commission received a Petition from 22 customers of Citizens Telecom Companys Marsing exchange requesting that the Commission include the communities of Nampa and Melba, Idaho within their extended area of service for telephone service. The stated primary rationale for the Petition is to acquire access to the Internet. Presently, the Petition states, there is no toll free access to this service which places all of the residents in Citizens Telecoms service areas in Idaho and Oregon, particularly school age children who have access to a personal computer, at a severe disadvantage. The Petition contends that the Internet provides tremendous opportunities to access the myriad of educational programs and libraries and the ability to broaden educational possibilities. The Petition concludes that those children who live in Owyhee County and parts of Canyon County should not be discriminated against in their ability to access these educational tools. The necessity of using a toll line to access the Internet, the Petition states, renders it financially unfeasible.
The second stated reason for the request is that, currently, it requires a toll charge to Melba for citizens to call county offices in Murphy. It is possible to call a Homedale number in order to reach the Owyhee County Courthouse but this call goes through the Sheriffs dispatcher. The Petition argues that it is unwise to tie up the Sheriffs line while waiting to talk to the County Clerk or to inquire about jury duty, etc.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Petition in Case Nos. USW-T-97-1 AND CTC-T-97-1 can be reviewed at the Commissions office during regular business hours.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that U S WEST Communications and Citizens Telecommunications Company of Idaho are designated as parties to this case.
DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of February 1997.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

vld/N:USW-T-97-1.bp2

NOTICE OF PETITION -1-

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
February 13, 1997