20131003Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER REDFORI)
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
CAROLEE HALL F( E-T- t3- o t
SEPTEMBER 27,2013
FREMONT TELECOM'S TARIFF ADVICE NO. r3-0s REQUESTING
COMMISSION APPROVAL TO ELIMINATE ITS NUMBER RESERVE
SERVICE, CLARIFY ITS SEASONAL SERVTCE OFFERING,INCREASE
THE SEASONAL SERVICE RESIDENTIAL RATE TO COMPLY WITH
FCC RATE FLOOR AND IMPLEMENT A NON.RECURRING SERVICE
ORDER CHARGE.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Blackfoot Telecommunications Group ("BTG") recently acquired Fremont from
FairPoint Communications. Eee Case No. FRE-T-12-01. As a result of the acquisition, the
Company has been actively working to update its tariffs and billing systems white transitioning
the Fremont customer base over to its upgraded services. With this filing the Company seeks
Commission approval to eliminate Number Reserve services; clarify its cunent Seasonal service
offering and adjust the rate for residential customers to comply with the FCC's rate floor
guidelines set forth in FCC 47 CFR $ 54.318. The Company is also asking the Comrnission to
approve an additional $25.00 non-recurring charge for the second and subsequent activation of
Seasonal service. The Company proposes an effective date of November 1,2013.
STAFF R"ECOMMENDATION
Because this filing is requesting a residential rate increase of $1.10 per month for
Seasonal service customers, Staff recommends that the Commission issue a Notice and process
this under Modified Procedure with a l4-day comment period. Staffis confident that this filing
DECISION MEMORANDUM SEPTEMBER.27,2OI3
can be completed prior to the Company's requested effective date, therefore it is not necessary to
suspend.
COMMISSION I}ECISION
Does the Commission agree?
i udnrmor/Frcmoat Tclccom 13.05A Suspcnd and Modificd Proccdurc
DECISION MEMORANDUM SEPTEMBER?7,2OI3