990414vws.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
JOE CUSICK
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:WELDON STUTZMAN
DATE:APRIL 14, 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 to provide local exchange telecommunications service within the state of Idaho.  The Application states that RNS intends to provide service in the area currently served by U S WEST in south Idaho and will be provided through facilities owned by RNS.  On March 10, 1999, the Commission issued a Notice of Modified Procedure and Notice of Application.  Written comments were filed by the Staff on March 31, 1999.
Staff comments indicate that RNS is an Idaho corporation originally organized to provide Internet and MTS service in Idaho and Arizona.  The Company currently has over 2,000 customers and is operating at a profit.  Staff stated that RNS has provided the information required by the Commission’s Rules of Procedure and procedural Order No. 26665 to satisfy the Commis­sion’s Application requirements.
Staff recommends that the Application of Rural Network services for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity be approved.
Commission Decision
Should the Application of Rural Network Services for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide local exchange service be approved?

Weldon Stutzman
vld/M:RNS-T-99-1.ws2