96509.docx

May 9, 1996
TO:All Telecommunication Service Providers
RE: Filing Interconnection Agreements Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996  
On February 8, 1996, the President signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996 changing the regulatory scheme of basic local service throughout the nation.  Section 252 of the Telecommunications Act outlines the procedures for negotiation, arbitration and approval of interconnection agreements.  This section specifies that “[t]he agreement, including any interconnection agreement negotiated before the date of enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, shall be submitted to the State commission under subsection (e) of this section.” Subsection 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act outlines the specifications for approval of the interconnection agreements by State commissions.  It specifies that any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation or arbitration “shall be submitted for approval to the State commission.”
Pursuant to Section 252 of the Telecommunications Act and state law, the Commission Staff requests that all local exchange companies (LECs) submit any existing interconnection agreements and contracts to the Commission for public examination.  It is Staff’s opinion that the agreements entered into prior to enactment of the Telecommunications Act are presumed to be fair and reasonable, therefore, do not need Commission approval under 252(e) of the Act unless later adopted or incorporated into a new interconnection agreement.
Please file your interconnection agreements with the Commission Secretary, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 no later than May 24, 1996.  Direct any questions you may have to Telecommunication Section Assistant Supervisor Joseph Cusick at [phone].
Sincerely yours,
Susan Hamlin
Deputy Attorney General
SH/vld:L:parties.sh