ARBPROC.docx

December 19, 1996
To: Telecommunications Providers
RE: Arbitration and Mediation Procedures
Dear Telecommunications Provider:
Section 252 of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) provides procedures for negotiation, arbitration, and approval of agreements for interconnection between telecommunication providers.  An incumbent local exchange carrier may negotiate and enter into a binding agreement with a telecommunications carrier requesting interconnection, services or network elements from the incumbent carrier.  The parties may also request that a state commission be involved in the negotiations as a mediator.  Finally, Section 252(b) provides for compulsory arbitration in the event that negotiations by the parties are unsuccessful.  The incumbent telecommunications carrier or any other party to the negotiations may petition the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to arbitrate any unresolved issues.
The Commission requested that the Staff prepare mediation and arbitration procedures to provide a framework for arbitrations that are filed with the Commission.  Accordingly, the Staff presented to the Commission and the Commission adopted at its December 2, 1996 decision meeting, mediation and arbitration procedures.  The procedures are intended to provide guidance to negotiating parties that file petitions for arbitration with the Commission.  A copy of the procedures adopted by the Commission are enclosed.
Should you have any questions regarding the arbitration process at the Commission, please contact me, telephone [phone] or Joe Cusick, Telecommunications Section Supervisor, telephone [phone].
Sincerely,
Weldon B. Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General
vld/L:gnrt96.ws
Enclosure