19960129Summary of Testimony.doc

Staff Testimony Summary
Case no. GTE-T-95-3

Lynn Anderson, staff economist

Mr. Anderson recommends modifications to GTE's Local Calling Plan (LCP).
Specifically, he proposes that the exchanges of Moscow, Deary, Bovill, St. Maries, Harrison, Kellogg and Mullan have new or different flat rate "Premium" areas, thus allowing "Community Plus" to be an option that retains only current toll-free areas for these seven exchanges. This recommendation eliminates most of the rate increase proposed by GTE for these customers to retain their current toll-free areas, while maintaining overall revenue neutrality for GTE.
Mr. Anderson also recommends other modifications to GTE's residence rate design, such as significant reductions for "Premium" rates and small increases for "Basic" rates. He says staff is not opposed to GTE's proposed modifications to business rate classes and rate ratios and that such restructuring can be overlayed on his proposed residence rate design.
Finally, Mr. Anderson recommends that consideration of toll-free calling begin as soon as practicable on additional routes such as Coeur d'Alene--Kellogg, Harrison--Kellogg, Tensed--St. Maries, and Sandpoint--Bonners Ferry among several others..