20041129Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
CO MMISSI 0 NER SMITH
CO MMISSI 0 NER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:CAROLEE HALL
DATE:NOVEMBER 22, 2004
RE:VCI COMPANY'S PETITION FOR DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER (ETC) IN CASE NO. VCI-04-01.
BACKGROUND
On September 13 2004, VCI Company (VCI; Company) filed a Petition with the
Commission requesting designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) in
exchange areas served by Qwest Corporation (Qwest). The Petition states that the Company
intends to provide local exchange service to Idaho residents qualifying for the Idaho Telephone
Assistance Plan ("IT AP"
On September 3, 2004, in Order No. 29584, VCI was granted authority to provide service
as a competitive local exchange carrier in Idaho (see Certificate No. 433 dated September 15
2004).
The Company will provide its services primarily through the leasing of Unbundled
Network Elements (UNE) from Qwest.
DISCUSSION
The federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) significantly changed national
telecommunications policy, including universal service. Under the Act, state public utility
commissions implement national telecommunications policy by conducting various proceedings
set forth in the Act, one of which is to designate telecommunications companies as ETCs.
VCI is currently authorized as an ETC in Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 1 -NOVEMBER 22, 2004
STAFF ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the Company s Petition and recommends that the Commission issue
Notice and process it under Modified Procedure.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission agree?
i:udmemos/VCI-O4-01lvci company s etc petition
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 2-NOVEMBER 22, 2004