20030602Reply.pdf

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UTiliTIES COi1t11SSiON 17933 N.W. Ewrgreen Parkway
P.O.8aII11oo
Beavenon, OR 97075May 22, 2003
Commissioner Kjellander
Commissioner Smith
Commissioner Hansen
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington
Boise, Idaho 83720
RE:Staff Decision Memo for Verizon s Call Completion Service
You will be asked by the Commission s Consumer Assistance StatTto make a decision
on this issue at the May 28, 2003 Decision Meeling. Verizon urges the Commission not
to adopt the StatTrecommendation to reinstate this CaU Completion Service prior to final
approval of a tariff.
Venzon discovered that it was providing this service hy accident to Idaho customers
without a tariff in April of 2003. This service was 1urned ofT as soon as the Company
realized what had happened. Vcrizon has never advenised the availability of this service
to Idaho customers. Verizon did not send any bill insens or place any print advertising
advising Idaho customers that this service was available.
Verii'.on disagrees with the staff characlerilation that this service was offered \\.ithout
charge Lo Idaho customers for some time. If an Idaho customer anempted 10 utilize this
service after dialing 411 directory assistance they would have heard a recorded message
indicating that the call completion sef\lice would cost $.75 per call. That $.75 charge is
the regulated charge for this service from the Veriron Washington tariff. Verizon did not
charge Idaho customers for this service because there was no approved Idaho tariff or
billing mechanism for Call Completion Service.
Verizon believes that being required to reinstate his service before the tariff is filed and
approved and providing this service free of charge would not be equitable to the
Company and would only add to the customer confusion that currently exists for this
service.
OS/22/03 13: 17 GTE NW EXTERNAL AFFA I RS OR/ I D ~ IDAHO PUC NO , 556 P003/003
Commissioner Kjelland.
Commissioner Smith
Commissioner Hanscn
May 22. 2003
Page 2
Verizon has committed 10 filing the tariff as soon as it possibly can. hopefully within a
four-week time frame, however. Verizon must complete a cost siudy for this service
before the ming can be made. StafThas indicated thai they will revie~l the filing as
quickly as possible. We ask that you not adopt Staffs recommendation, but rather allow
the Company to file an appropriate tariff for the service which ",'m allow the Company
offer, provision and bill the service the correct way.
Thank you for Ihe opportunity to comment on this issue.
Sincerely,
.L.4z.. Allan T. ThomsVice President - Public Policy and External AlTairi