20120525Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL

FROM: NEIL PRICE

DATE: MAY 25, 2012

SUBJECT: APPLICATION OF SYRINGA WIRELESS, LLC FOR CONDITIONAL
DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CARRIER IN “EXPANSION AREAS”; CASE NO. SYR-T-08-01

On May 18, 2012, Syringa Wireless, LLC (“Syringa Wireless” or “Company”) filed
an Application for Conditional Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”)
in certain areas outside its existing ETC areas, pursuant to Sections 214(e)(1)-(2) of the
Telecommunications Act of 1934, as amended (“the Act”), 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(1)-(2), and §
54.201 of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) rules, 47 C.F.R. § 54.201, and
this Commission’s ETC Designation Requirements (“IPUC ETC Requirements”). Application at
1.
THE APPLICATION
On August 28, 2008, Syringa Wireless was granted ETC status by the Commission.
See Order No. 30629. In its Application, Syringa Wireless requests conditional ETC status in all
“unserved census blocks subject to the Mobility Fund Phase 1 Auction (discussed below) in
Adams, Boise, Elmore, Gem, Payette, Valley and Washington Counties in Idaho (the ‘Expansion
Areas’).” Id. at 1-2. Syringa Wireless seeks support from the “federal Universal Service Fund
(“USF”) including, but not limited to, support for rural, insular, high cost areas and low income
customers in the Expansion Areas set forth in [its] Application, and that it be approved to
participate in the Lifeline program.” Id. at 2. Syringa Wireless states that the expansion areas
are adjacent to areas already being served by the Company. Id. at 3.
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2
The Company wishes to participate in the FCC’s upcoming Mobility Phase 1
Auction. Id. In order to participate in the Auction, the FCC requires all carriers to be designated
as an ETC in all census blocks where a carrier is seeking support. See FCC Mobility Phase 1
Auction (http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=901). “Phase 1
of the Mobility Fund will provide up to $300 million in support to eligible ETCs to build
infrastructure capable of delivering 3G or better broadband and voice services in unserved
census block groups in Idaho.” Id. The Company states that the Auction will take place on
September 27, 2012, and applications could be due by June 25, 2012. Id. Thus, the Company
requests an expedited review of its Application. Id.
In summary, Syringa Wireless requests a Commission Order “designating Syringa
Wireless as an ETC eligible for federal universal service funding for the Expansion Areas
conditioned upon Syringa Wireless winning support from Auction 901 . . .” and that the
Commission process its Application through Modified Procedure on an expedited basis. Id. at
10.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to process Syringa Wireless’ Application for conditional
designation as an ETC through Modified Procedure with an expedited 14-day comment period?

M:SYR-T-08-01_np