29105_mod.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF BIG SKY TELECOM, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO PROVIDE LOCAL EXCHANGE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
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) CASE NO.  GNR-T-02-14

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 29105

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on August 15, 2002, Big Sky Telecom, Inc. (“Big Sky”) filed an Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide facilities-based and resold local exchange service within the State of Idaho. Headquartered in Emmett, Idaho, Big Sky is an Internet service provider (ISP) that has served Gem County since 1997. Big Sky currently offers high-speed wireless digital subscriber line (DSL) services to over 100 customers and small businesses in Gem, Payette, Canyon and Ada Counties where no other cable or Internet services exist.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Big Sky intends to provide traditional wireline DSL services to Emmett residential and business customers. Big Sky also hopes to provide local exchange service to the community of Pearl, which does not currently have access to telephone service. To achieve these ends, Big Sky intends to use a combination of fixed wireless services and wireline services purchased from Qwest at wholesale prices. In the future, Big Sky plans to provide combined Internet, data and voice services to Emmett and Gem County businesses and residences.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Qwest is the primary local exchange carrier (LEC) in Gem County with Citizens Telecommunications Company (dba Frontier Communications) serving the Sweet and Ola areas.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through -.204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this Notice. The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this application shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:

COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:

472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-5983 JOHN LAMBERT
MANAGER
BIG SKY TELECOM, INC.
128 E. MAIN STREET
EMMETT, IDAHO 83617

Email: [e-mail]
All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document. Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing the Commission’s home page located at www.puc.state.id.us under the “File Room” icon. Once at the “File Room” page, select “File A Comment,” fill in the case number as it appears on the front of this document and enter your comments. These comments must also be sent to the Applicant at the e-mail address listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers, testimonies and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of Big Sky Telecom, Inc. for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity be processed by Modified Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204. Persons interested in submitting written comments in this matter should do so no later than 21 days from the service date of this Order.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
day of August 2002.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean Jewell
Commission Secretary

O:GNRT0214_ln

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 29105 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 30, 2002