28930_mod.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF RURAL TELEPHONE COMPANY FOR AN INCREASE IN ITS ANNUAL USF FUNDING. )
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CASE NO. RUR-T-01-1

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 28930

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on May 30, 2001, Rural Telephone Company (Rural) filed a Motion for an Order to increase the amount it receives each year from the Idaho Universal Service Fund (USF). Rural’s request for increased USF support follows its implementation of extended area service (EAS) local calling area approved by the Commission in Order No. 28114 between Rural’s exchanges and Qwest’s Boise calling area. The Commission in that Order stated Rural would recover some of the implementation costs through higher rates, and recognized that some EAS costs might be recovered through increased USF support. Rural increased its local rates as directed by the Commission in Order No. 28114, but claims in its Application that the resulting increase in revenue is not sufficient to recover the costs of implementing the EAS. Rural requests an additional $81,043 per year from the USF. Staff has completed its audit of the Company’s EAS related expenses and recommends Rural’s annual USF funding be increased by no more than $57,535.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through -204.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within fourteen (14) days from the date of this Notice, and may file reply comments within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this Notice. The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this application shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:

COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:

472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-5983 CONLEY WARD
GIVENS PURSLEY LLP
277 N. 6TH STREET, SUITE 200
PO BOX 2720
BOISE, ID 83701

All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments 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.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers, testimonies and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
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.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings and prehearing conferences in this matter will be held in facilities meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance in order to participate in or to understand testimony and argument at a public hearing may ask the Commission to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance at the hearing. The request for assistance must be received at least five (5) working days before the hearing by contacting the Commission Secretary at:

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
[phone] (Telephone)
[phone] (FAX)
E-Mail: [e-mail]

O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, based on the pleadings and the determination of the Commission, that Rural Telephone Company’s request for an increase in its annual USF funding shall be processed by Modified Procedure. IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
day of January 2002.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary

Vld/O:RUR-T-01-1_ws

NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 28930 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
January 15, 2002