990315vws.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
JOE CUSICK
WAYNE HART
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:WELDON STUTZMAN
DATE:MARCH 5, 1999
RE:CASE NO. RNS-T-99-1; APPLICATION OF RURAL NETWORK SERVICES FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY
On February 1, 1999, an Application was filed by Rural Network Services, Inc. (RNS) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity authorizing RNS to provide local exchange service to customers in U S WEST Communication, Inc.’s service area.  RNS is an Idaho corporation with its principal business office located in Midvale, Idaho.  The Application states that RNS initially was organized to provide internet service and MTS service in Idaho and Arizona.  The Application states that RNS’s proposed telephone plant will include copper cable loops, fiber optic cable transport facilities, next generation digital loop carrier, and digital switches.  RNS has initiated interconnection negotiations with U S WEST and states that it will file its interconnection agreement for the Commission’s approval when it is completed.
Staff recommends that the Application of RNS for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity be processed by Modified Procedure.  
Commission Decision
Should the Application of Rural Network Services, Inc. for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide local telecommunications exchange services be processed by Modified Procedure?

Weldon Stutzman