2000815_jh.doc

DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
MYRNA WALTERS
RON LAW
LOUANN WESTERFIELD
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
DAVE SCHUNKE
RANDY LOBB
JOE CUSICK
BIRDELLE BROWN
WORKING FILE
FROM: JOHN R. HAMMOND
DATE:
AUGUST 15, 2000 RE: APPLICATION OF UNIVERSAL TELECOM, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO PROVIDE LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES; CASE NO. UTI-T-00-1.

On May 17, 2000, Universal Telecom Inc. (“Universal”) filed an Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide competitive local telecommunications exchange services within the state of Idaho. Universal proposes to provide basic local exchange and long distance services to residential and business customers through a combination of facilities-based and resold services.
The Company does not currently have facilities or provide telecommunications services in Idaho, but it states that after competitive local exchange (“CLEC”) status is granted, it will begin to assemble a facility. It anticipates that in the fourth quarter of 2000 it will begin providing the above mentioned services as well as access to the Internet for business and residential use.
On July 13, 2000, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Notice of Modified Procedure to process Universal’s Application. Written comments were filed only by the Commission Staff during the comment period. Staff’s comments state that the Company has submitted all the information required by the Commission in Order No. 26665 and the Commission’s rules. The Staff also notes that Universal is a new company and for that reason recommends that they be required to post a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 for a period of two years to protect Universal’s customers from possible financial harm.
Based on the foregoing Staff has recommended approval of the Application of Universal Telecom, Inc. for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, subject to the posting of a $50,000 surety bond .
Commission Decision
Should the Application of Universal Telecom, Inc. for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide local exchange telecommunication services be approved?

John R. Hammond

Staff: Birdelle Brown

M:uti001_jh

DECISION MEMORANDUM 2