20201019Notice_of_Application_Order_No_34818.pdf

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34818 1
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
October 19, 2020
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF Q LINK WIRELESS,
LLC’S APPLICATION TO EXPAND ITS
ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CARRIER SERVICE AREA
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CASE NO. QLW-T-20-01

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 34818

On August 21, 2020, Q LINK WIRELESS, LLC (“Company”) applied to expand its
Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”) service area to provide Lifeline service to additional
qualifying Idaho households.
The Commission now sets deadlines for interested persons to comment on the
Application, and for the Company to reply.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission designated the Company as an
ETC in Order No. 32995 and set the Company’s service territory based on specified wire centers.
See Case No. QLW-T-13-01.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company seeks to expand its service area.
The Company’s proposed service territory is described in Exhibit 2 of the Company’s Application.
The Company also seeks to participate in the Idaho Telecommunications Service Assistance
Program. See Idaho Code §§ 56-901 to 56-905.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company asserts “[e]xpansion of [the
Company]’s service area will increase the number of low-income individuals that can benefit from
the advantages offered by the Company’s Lifeline service, ensuring they have access to wholly-
supported or discounted wireless voice and broadband service, and will thus further the public
interest by providing more low-income Idaho customers with low-priced and high-quality
services.” Application at 5.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company notes it “does not seek access to
[Universal Service Fund] support for the purpose of providing service to high-cost areas.” Id. at 1.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application is available for public
inspection during regular business hours at the Commission’s office. The Application is also

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34818 2
available on the Commission’s web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the “TELEPHONE” tab
at the top of the home page, then select “Open Cases” and then locate and click on the case number
as shown on the front of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission’s jurisdiction under Title 62 of the Idaho Code. The Commission may
enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 62 and Commission Rules of
Procedure. See IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter, and that it will proceed under Modified
Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA
31.01.01.201 through .204. The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written comments
have proven to be an effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application. Persons who would like a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written
comments. Persons shall have until November 9, 2020 to file written comments. Comments
must be filed by e-mail unless e-mail is unavailable. To comment by e-mail, please access the
Commission’s home page at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click the “Consumers” tab and then “Case
Comment Form” and complete the form using the case number as it appears on the front of this
document. Comments filed by e-mail must also be e-mailed to the Company at the e-mail addresses
listed below. If e-mail is unavailable, then comments may be mailed to the Commission and
Company at these addresses:
For the Idaho PUC:

Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
[e-mail]

For Q LINK WIRELESS, LLC:

Lance J.M. Steinhart
Lance J.M. Steinhart, P.C.
1725 Windward Concourse, Suite 150
Alpharetta, GA 30005
[e-mail]

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34818 3
Street Address for Express Mail:

11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company must file any reply comments by
November 16, 2020.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order
without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the
Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Company’s Application be processed by Modified
Procedure, Rule 201-204 (IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204). Persons interested in submitting written
comments must do so by November 9, 2020. The Company must file any reply comments by
November 16, 2020.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties should continue to comply with Order No.
34781, issued September 17, 2020. All pleadings should be filed with the Commission
electronically and shall be deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary. See
Rule 14.02. Service between parties should also be accomplished electronically. Voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 34818 4

DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 19th
day of October 2020.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

KRISTINE RAPER, COMMISSIONER

ERIC ANDERSON, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jan Noriyuki
Commission Secretary

I:\Legal\TELEPHONE\QLW-T-20-01\QLWT2001_Ntc_App_Mod_mh.docx