19990104.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
RITA SCOTT
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
JOE CUSICK
WAYNE HART
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:WELDON STUTZMAN
DATE:JANUARY 4, 1999
RE:CASE NOS. GTE-T-98-4, GTE-T-98-5 INTERCONNEC­TION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN GTE AND CLARK COMMUNICATIONS AND WESTERN WIRELESS
In October 1998, Joint Applications were filed by GTE Northwest Incorporated and two separate companies in Case Nos. GTE-T-98-4 and GTE-T-98-5, requesting approval of Interconnection Agreements.  In both cases, the Agreements were voluntarily negotiated by the parties, are wireless interconnection agreements, and are submitted for approval pursuant to Section 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  
Following Notices of Petition and Notices of Modified Procedure, written comments were filed in each case only by the Commission Staff.
The wireless interconnection agreements are between GTE and the following parties:
1.  Case No. GTE-T-98-4, Clark Communications.  Staff filed its written comments on October 29, 1998, recommending approval of the Interconnection Agreement.
2.  Case No. GTE-T-98-5, Western Wireless.  Staff filed written comments on October 29, 1998, recommending approval of the Interconnection Agreement.
Staff recommends that the Commission issue an Order approving the Interconnection Agreements in Case Nos. GTE-T-98-4 and GTE-T-98-5.  
Commission Decision
Should the Commission approve the Interconnection Agreements filed by GTE and Clark Communications (GTE-T-98-4) and GTE and Western Wireless (GTE-T-98-5)?

Weldon Stutzman
vld/M:GTE-T-98-4.ws3