19981110.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
DAVE SCHUNKE
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:WELDON STUTZMAN
DATE:NOVEMBER 10, 1998
RE:CASE NO. USW-T-98-15; APPROVAL OF INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT FOR U S WESTBG ENTERPRISES, INC.
On September 24, 1998, a Joint Application was filed by U S WEST and BG Enterprises, Inc. for approval of an Interconnection Agreement.  The Agreement was reached through voluntary negotiations by the party and is submitted for approval pursuant to Section 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  On October 16, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Joint Application and Notice of Modified Procedure to process this case.  During the comment period, written comments were filed only by the Commission Staff, which recommended approval of the Interconnection Agreement.
BG is a competitive reseller of local exchange service.  Staff reviewed the language of this Agreement and found its terms to be nearly the same as Agreements previously submitted by U S WEST and approved by the Commission.  Staff concluded that the terms and conditions in the Agreement are not discriminatory, and are consistent with the pro-competitive policies of the Commission.  Staff recommends approval of the Interconnection Agreement.
Commission Decision
Should the Interconnection Agreement between U S WEST and BG Enterprises, Inc. be approved?

Weldon Stutzman