28111.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF CONCERT COMMUNICATIONS SALES, LLC FOR AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN IDAHO.
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) CASE NO. GNRT995

ORDER NO. 28111
On April 26, 1999, Concert Communications Sales, LLC (Concert), a subsidiary of Concert Communications Co., submitted an Application for authority to provide local telecommunications services on a resale basis throughout the state of Idaho as a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and to receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. A Notice of Modified Procedure was issued on June 22, 1999.
On July 13, 1999, Staff filed comments recommending that the Commission approve the Application. No other party filed comments.
Based on the Application, the comments and the law, the Commission grants the Application.
BACKGROUND
On April 26, 1999, Concert, a subsidiary of Concert Communications Co., submitted an Application for authority to provide local telecommunications services on a resale basis throughout the state of Idaho. Concert seeks authority to provide a full range of local services in the U S WEST and GTE certificated service areas as a clec, reselling services of other certified local exchange carriers. Concert proposes to provide “plain old telephone service,” access services (originating and terminating traffic between customers premises and an IXC point of presence), private line, Internet access services and data transmission service. It proposes to initially provide resale primarily to multinational business customers as part of its international business services. Concert proposes to offer high quality innovative services at competitive rates, thereby increasing competition and leading to better services and more options for multinational customers in Idaho. Concert asserts that its entry into the local services market will not have an adverse impact on universal service goals and will offer affordable services for individual customers.
British Telecom is the parent of Concert Communications Co. which is the parent of the Applicant, Concert. British Telecom is one of the world’s leading providers of fixed and mobile communications services. It supplies local, long-distance and international telecommunications services and equipment in the United Kingdom and through Concert Communications Co. provides managed voice, data and Internet services on a global basis to multinational companies. On July 26, 1998, British Telecom and AT&T announced the intent to form “Global Venture” to serve multinational companies and the international needs of individuals and businesses around the world. Once the agreement is concluded, the Applicant, Concert, will become part of the Global Venture. AT&T and British Telecom will each maintain 50% ownership interest and share control.
The Articles of Incorporation for Concert are filed as if the company is a limited corporation that will be taxed as a partnership. A 1998 Annual Report was filed for British Telecom that discloses revenues in excess of $25 billion. Concert submitted a satisfactory illustrative tariff for local services.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff reviewed the Application and found it satisfies the requirements specified by the Commission for the approval of a Certificate in Order No. 26665.
Staff recommended approval of the Application.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
Based on the Commission’s review of the record, including the written comments filed by the Commission Staff finds that Concert’s Application complies with Procedural Order No. 26665 and the Commission’s Rules to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The Commission finds that granting the Application is in the public’s interest and will promote competition in the service area.

O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Concert Communications Sales, LLC’s Application is granted and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity should be issued.
THIS IS A FINAL ORDER. Any person interested in this Order (or in issues finally decided by this Order) or in interlocutory Orders previously issued in this Case No. GNR-T-99-5 may petition for reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the service date of this Order with regard to any matter decided in this Order or in interlocutory Orders previously issued in this Case No. GNR-T-99-5. Within seven (7) days after any person has petitioned for reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for reconsideration. See Idaho Code  61626.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this day of August 1999.

DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

O:gnrt995_cc.doc

ORDER NO. 28111 -1-

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 6, 1999