MinOrder.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE CERTIFICATION
BY ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CARRIERS REGARDING USE OF FEDERAL
UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT FUNDS

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CASE NO. GNR-T-01-15

MINUTE ORDER
On May 23, 2001, the FCC issued its Fourteenth Report and Order in CC Docket 96-45 (Order No. FCC 01-157); generally referred to as the RTF Order. In this Order, the FCC adopted rules requiring states that receive federal universal service high-cost support for rural carriers within their boundaries to file annual certification with the FCC and USAC stating that all such support flowing to rural carriers will be used in a manner consistent with section 254(e). Absent certification, carriers will not receive federal universal service support.
Section 254(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 states in part that, “[a] carrier that receives such [federal universal service] support shall use that support only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended.”
Staff recommended that the Commission require all rural carriers in the state that receive federal high-cost funding to self-certify that they are complying with the conditions spelled out in FCC 01-157, paragraphs 183-193. Self-certification is appropriate because the FCC Order requires certification on a prospective basis.
Staff has prepared a form, which is attached, to be used for self-certification. The Commission approves this form, which will be sent to all rural companies. The companies are to return the form to the Commission, and then the Commission will submit its certification to the FCC and USAC.
In the case of companies over which the Commission has no jurisdiction (mutuals or cooperatives) the Staff will also send them a form as a courtesy and direct them to send the form directly to the FCC and USAC.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of August 2001.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary

bls/O:GNRT0115_ws

MINUTE ORDER 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 24, 2001