19981207.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
RITA SCOTT
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
JOE CUSICK
WAYNE HART
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:WELDON STUTZMAN
DATE:DECEMBER 7, 1998
RE:CASE NOS. USW -T-98-13, USW-T-98-14 AND USW-T-98-16; APPROVAL OF INTERCON­NEC­TION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN U S WESTAND DAKOTA SERVICES, LTD, CLARK COMMUNICATIONS, AND PROJECT MUTUAL TELEPHONE
On September 21, 1998, a Joint Application was filed by U S WEST and Dakota Services, LTD for approval of an interconnection agreement.  The agreement is for the resale of U S WEST services by Dakota Services and is submitted for approval pursuant to Section 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  On October 13, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Joint Application and Notice of Modified Procedure.  Written comments were filed only by the Commission Staff which recommended approval of the interconnection agreement.
On September 24, 1998, a Joint Application was filed by U S WEST and Clark Communications, Inc. requesting approval of an interconnection agreement.  The agreement will allow Clark Communications to resell U S WEST Services in Idaho.  On October 16, 1998, a Notice of Joint Petition and Notice of Modified Procedure was issued by the Commission.  Written comments were filed only by the Commission Staff recommending approval of the interconnection agreement.
On October 1, 1998, a Joint Application was filed by U S WEST and Project Mutual Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. for approval of an interconnection agreement.  The agreement will allow the parties to interconnect their facilities and will enable Project Mutual to resell U S WEST services in Idaho.  On October 16, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Joint Petition and Notice of Modified Procedure.  The Commission Staff filed written comments recommending approval of the interconnection agreement.
The Staff recommends approval of each of the interconnection agreements in Case Nos. USW-T-98-13 (U S WEST and Dakota Services), USW-T-98-14 (U S WEST and Clark Communications), USW-T-98-16 (U S WEST and Project Mutual Telephone).
Commission Decision
Should the interconnection agreement between U S WEST and Dakota Services, LTD be approved?
Should the interconnection agreement between U S WEST and Clark Communications be approved?
Should the interconnection agreement between U S WEST and Project Mutual Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. be approved?

Weldon Stutzman
vld/M:USW-T-98-13.ws2