HomeMy WebLinkAbout20130906Decision Memo.pdfDECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
FROM: NEIL PRICE
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2013
SUBJECT: APPLICATION OF TERRACOM INC. FOR DESIGNATION AS AN
ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER, CASE NO. TRA-T-13-
01
On May 8, 2013, TerraCom, Inc. (“TerraCom” or “Company”) filed an Application,
including exhibits, pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 214(e), 47 C.F.R. § 54.101 et seq., and Order No.
29841, seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) in the State of
Idaho for the purpose of receiving federal universal service support for wireless services that will
be offered to customers on a prepaid basis.
On July 19, 2013, Commission Staff (“Staff”) submitted a host of production requests
to TerraCom in order to obtain additional relevant information regarding the Company’s
Application. The Company responded on August 9, 2013.
THE APPLICATION
TerraCom is an Oklahoma corporation with its principal offices located in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma. See Exhibit B. TerraCom is authorized to transact business in Idaho. See
Exhibit C. TerraCom has been an ETC since 2004. TerraCom is currently a wireline ETC in
Oklahoma and Texas, as well as a wireless ETC in Maryland, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, West
Virginia, Nevada, Indiana, Arizona, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana,
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
TerraCom requests that the Commission designate the Company as an ETC
throughout its requested service area. See Exhibit A for list of Idaho Wire Centers. TerraCom
seeks ETC status on a wireless basis beginning as soon as possible upon approval by the
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2
Commission. TerraCom is not seeking ETC designation on a wireline basis. TerraCom will
provide services supported by, and participating in the low-income programs of, the Universal
Service Fund. TerraCom will not be participating in any high-cost programs of the Universal
Service fund.
TerraCom’s services include the provision of wireless services through a combination
of its own facilities and resold services. The Company will offer a selection of Lifeline plans
with a range of voice/text/data options for both tribal and non-tribal customers. TerraCom
obtains services through its contracts with two commercial mobile radio service (“CMRS”)
providers, Sprint Spectrum, LLC and Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless.
TerraCom states that it will provide each eligible wireless customer a new or
refurbished basic voice, texting and E911 compatible handset, subject to one-year replacement
warranty, at no cost to the subscriber or allow the customer the option of purchasing an E911
compatible higher end model.
In order to meet the FCC’s facilities requirement, TerraCom states that it filed its
Second Revised Compliance Plan. See Exhibit D. The Company’s grant of compliance from the
FCC is also attached to the Application. See Exhibit E.
TerraCom states that it has enacted systems and procedures to ensure that the
Company or its affiliate, YourTel America, Inc., will not enroll a customer already receiving
Lifeline service from the other.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to process TerraCom’s Application for designation as an
ETC through Modified Procedure with a corresponding 21-day comment period?
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