990209vws.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:FEBRUARY 9, 1999
RE:CASE NO. GTE-T-98-7; JOINT APPLICATION OF NEXTEL WEST CORP AND GTE NORTHWEST INC. FOR APPROVAL OF AN INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT
On December 7, 1998, GTE Northwest Inc. and Nextel West Corporation, a wireless telecommunications service provider, filed a Joint Application for approval of an interconnection agreement pursuant to Section 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act.  The agreement was reached through voluntary negotiations and the parties claim the agreement is consistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity.
On January 14, 1999, the Commission issued a Notice of Joint Petition and Notice of Modified Procedure.  Written comments were filed during the comment period only by the Commission Staff.  Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
Commission Decision
Should the interconnection agreement between GTE Northwest and Nextel West Corporation be approved?

Weldon Stutzman
vld/M:GTE-T-98-7.ws