970109.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER HANSEN
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
DAVE SCHUNKE
JOE CUSICK
JIM LONG
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:SUSAN HAMLIN
DATE:JANUARY 9, 1997
RE:APPLICATION OF CITIZENS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO PROVIDE LOCAL SERVICE; CASE NO.  CTZ-T-96-1
On August 16, 1996, the Commission received an Application from Citizens Telecommunications Company dba Citizens Telecom (Citizens) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide local exchange service as a competitive local carrier.  Currently, Citizens Telecom is authorized to provide unregulated telecommunications service under Title 62 of the Idaho Code.  The Application indicates that Citizens is seeking to obtain a Certificate to provide all Title 61 regulated telecommunications service, including basic local exchange service throughout the state of Idaho as authorized by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
On December 5, 1996, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Notice of Modified Procedure seeking comments on the Application.
On December 26, 1996, the Idaho Telephone Association filed comments in the case.  ITA points out that Citizens’ Application seeks certification by the Commission to provide Title 61 regulated telecommunications services “throughout the state of Idaho.”  However, the Application itself makes it clear that Citizens intends to provide Title 61 services only in U S WEST’s service area.  ITA advises that Citizens’ Application demonstrates a present intent only to compete in territories served by U S WEST and that any certificate that might be issued to Citizens should be limited to U S WEST’s service area.  
Staff’s Recommendation
Staff has reviewed and discussed the Application with Citizens.  Further, Citizens has provided information that was missing from its original Application in compliance with Order No. 26665.  Staff believes that Citizens has adequately complied with the procedural requirement and recommends approval of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Citizens Telecommunications Company in the U S WEST service area.
Commission’s Decision
Does the Commission wish to approve the Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Citizens Telecommunications Company in the U S WEST service area?
Susan Hamlin
vld/M:CTZ-T-96-1.sh