20030307Comments.pdf

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Testimony before IPUC on Thursday, March 6
Kent Just and Dave McAlindin
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on behalf of Qwest Communications and
their application to become deregulated at the local level. My name is Kent Just, EVP of
the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce located at 858 Blue Lakes Blvd N.
remarks today also reflect the thoughts of Dave McAlindin, Economic Development
Director for the City of Twin Falls who was unable to attend this afternoon. I am here
today as someone involved in the economic development community who understands
the importance of government policy as it relates to how
Our relationship with Qwest in recent years has been an effective partnership in bringing
much needed telecommunications services to businesses and residents of the city. Quest
has invested millions in switches and upgrades that have brought hi-speed broadband
service that keeps us on par with other communities. We are most appreciative of that
and with the prompt attention we receive when requested in the process of recruiting new
finns that bring hundreds of jobs to our community. When we need input from Qwest
personnel they are immediately ready to answer questions and provide solutions to
prospective firms communications needs.
The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly and only those companies with the
best business plans and the capability of adjusting to market demands can survive. They
need a competitive environment that encourages innovation and investment in Idaho.
In recruiting new fmns and top quality jobs to Idaho, we need to be able to deliver the
most advanced telecommunications services available. This requires large investments in
infrastructure and although Qwest has already made huge investments to build a strong
network, I have concerns that if government regulation is too heavy and does not adjust
with changes in the telecommunications industry, there will be less incentive to makefurther investment.
But this request is really one of fairness. We have seen deregulation happen in the state
and nationally in many industries over the last several years. And we have seen new
competition come into the market to offer services that are competitive in nature with
what Qwest offers but without the problem of regulated pricing. Government policy that
levels the playing field and fosters competition will benefit the state because competitors
will work harder to win us over as customers with lower prices and better customer
servIce.
858 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., Twin Falls, 10 83301 . [phone] . Fax [phone] . E-mail: info(gitwinfalls chamber. com
What family or business does not have one or more cell phones nowadays and how many
are deciding they need not have a landline. A cell phone will fill their needs. My own
daughter, a working mom with obligations like the rest of us does not see the need to
invest in a telephone beyond her cell. I would prefer she did have land line service, but
she figures her budget very closely and even though she would like to have that service
sees the current pricing structure out of her reach. Deregulation mayor may not bring the
local service charges by Qwest down, but they would have the option to compete for her
business at a competitive level and that is proper.
I believe that the Qwest Communications application follows the intent of the 1997
legislative action that allows for a transition from monopoly control of
telecommunications to an open marketplace. I urge the IPUC to consider the economic
development implications to the state as you make your decision. Again, as companies
look at my community and all of Idaho as a place to invest capital, the incentives and
disincentives created by government policy are strongly considered.
Jean JewellFrom:Sent:To:Subject:Ed HowellThursday, March 06 , 2003 10:48 PMJean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya ClarkComment acknowledgementWWW Form Submission:Thursday, March 06 , 20031 0 : 4 7 : 3 0 Case: qwe-t- 02-2 5Name: David PantonStreet Addres s: 712 west mapleCity: pocatelloSta te: ZIP: 83201HomeTelephone: 23200296E-Mail: panton - david~msn. comCompany: Qwestmailinglist _yes _no: noCommentdescription: The deregulation process does seem necssary for Qwest to stay incompetion wi th Wireless Companies having the abli ty to lower there prices to lurecustomers away from Qwest I Support the deregul tion of Qwest I s rates , hopefully theywill decrese to show that they want to gain the customers that they have lost in pastmonthsTransaction ID: 362247.Referred by: http: / /www. puc. s tate. id. us scripts /polyform. dll/ ipucUse r Add res s: 6 7 . 2 5 0 . 1 0 9 . 2 8
Use r Ho s tname: 67. 250 . 109 . 2 8