990218vdh.docx

VIA FAX
February 18, 1999
Roy Eiguren
Givens Pursley
PO Box 2720
Boise, ID 83701
Charles A. “Skip” Smyser
Connolly & Smyser Chartered
134 S. 5th
Boise, ID 83702
RE:House Bill 181
Gentlemen:
On Tuesday, February 16, 1999, Air Touch, AT&T Wireless and ComNet representatives conducted a conference call with Commissioner Smith (for a portion of the time), Tonya Clark and myself.  The purpose of the call was to discuss House Bill 181.
As we discussed during the conference call, the Commission has several cases pending to examine the mechanics of implementing the new universal service fund (USF) pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 62-610A-F once the Federal Communications Commission has adopted its cost model for USF funding.  We anticipate these cases will get underway this summer.  In these proceedings the Commission envisions addressing various issues such as the size of the USF, calculation of the per line support, determination of high cost service areas, and implementation dates.  One other product of these proceedings will be to determine what additional changes or amendments to the Idaho Telecommuni­ca­tions Act are necessary.  The Commission anticipates then seeking industry input on the necessary statutory changes to be submitted to the Legislature in the year 2000.  The Commission welcomes and encourages the participation of the wireless carriers in its proceedings.
If you have further questions, please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General
cc:Commissioners
Molly O’Leary (ComNet)
Ron Williams (Sprint)
bls/L:hb181.dh