20020808Press Release.pdf

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IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No.GNR-T-02-11,Order No.29089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8,2002
Contact:Gene Fadness [phone]
Commission seeks comments on requiring deposits from telecoms
BOISE -Concerns over not being able to collect their assessments have prompted some Idaho telephonecompanies to
ask the commission to require security deposits from telephone companiesthat want to interconnect with them to provide long
distance or competitive local calling.
The commission is taking comments until Aug.22 on a request by CenturyTel of the Gem State and CenturyTel of
Idaho to change deposit regulations for "interexchange carriers"-like WorldCom or AT&T -who want to interconnect with
local phone companies to offer their own package of phone services.Deregulation of the telecommunications industry requires
local "incumbent"companies to allow potential competitors to interconnect with their loops and lines to provide service.
Typically,security deposits havenot been mandatory for companies who want to interconnect,but CenturyTel claims it is
facing greaterrisks of not being able to collect from interexchangecarriers.
The commission is seeking comments including,but not limited to,these areas:
-The level of risk.
-The appropriatenessof having a state standard that may be different than the federal standard.
-Whether smaller local companies should be treatedthe same as larger companies.
-Whether the current WorldCom bankruptcy filing demonstrates a need for this policy or the futility of
implementing it.
-Whether deposits should be required from companieswho have no history of late payments or credit history
problems.
The commission will proceedunder a modified procedure that doesn't include a public hearing,but written comments
may request a public hearing.Persons wishing to submit comments by Aug.22 can do so via e-mail by accessing the
commission's homepageat www.puc.state.id.us and clicking on "Comments &Questions."Fill in the case number (GNRIT-02-
11)and enter your comments.Comments can also be mailed to P.O.Box 83720,Boise,ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208)334-
3762.