980928.docx

DECISION MEMO
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSENJOE CUSICK
COMMISSIONER NELSONCAROLEE HALL
COMMISSIONER SMITHBIRDELLE BROWN
MYRNA WALTERSDOUG COOLEY
STEPHANIE MILLERBEVERLY BARKER
DAVID SCHUNKEDAVID SCOTT
DON HOWELLTONYA CLARK
RITA SCOTTWORKING FILE
FROM:WAYNE HART
DATE:SEPTEMBER 28, 1998
RE:APPLICATION OF GTE TO REDUCE ITS ACCESS CHARGES AND REBALANCE LOCAL RATES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.  GTE-T-98-2, TARIFF ADVICE 98-12-SUPPLEMENT A
AND TARIFF ADVICE 98-13.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with Order No. 27728, GTE Northwest, Inc. submitted Tariff
Advice 98-12, Supplement A, revising the rates for basic local service and eliminating a charge for Touchcall® service and Tariff Advice 98-13 revising access rates.  Supplement A eliminated separate EAS adders for the Evergreen, Potlatch, Plummer/Worley, St. Maries and Tensed/Bluebell exchanges, incorporating those into the monthly exchange rates.  The Company requested an October 11, 1998 effective date for both filings.
STAFF FINDINGS
Staff reviewed the filings and found them to be an accurate implementation of the Commission’s decisions as specified in Order No 27728.
The Order also directed the Company to issue notices to media outlets advising customers of their opportunity to review and/or change their current level of local service and the availability of ITSAP assistance to eligible low-income customers.  
The Company has provided Staff with a copy of the news release and bill message which specifies that the charges for changing the Local Calling Plan option will be waived for customers making changes prior to January 10, 1999.  It also mentions the expansion of the ITSAP program, and refers interested customers to the local Health and Welfare or Community Action Agency.  The Company indicated the text was prepared in consultation with Health and Welfare contacts.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of GTE Tariff Advice 98-12 Supplement A and GTE Tariff Advice 98-13, effective October 11, 1998.

Wayne Hart
WH:gdk/utelcomm/gte98_12.dm