20050711Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
FROM:DON HOWELL
DATE:JULY 8, 2005
SUBJECT:VERIZON NORTHWEST'S NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR PRICE
DEREGULATION, CASE NO. VZN- T -05-
On July 7, 2005 , Verizon Northwest submitted a "Notice of Election" that it intends
to remove its telecommunications services currently price regulated under Title 61 and have
those services regulated under Title 62. The 2005 Session of the Idaho Legislature amended
Idaho Code ~ 62-605 to allow a telephone corporation to remove all of its services, including
basic local exchange service, from price regulation by the Commission. Verizon provides local
exchange services, toll services, and intrastate access in 31 exchanges located in northern Idaho.
In its Notice, Verizon elects to "exempt all intrastate services from (Title 61
regulation.'" Verizon indicates that it will subsequently file "price lists" with the Commission
effective August 8 , 2005. A copy of the Verizon Notice is attached for your review.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Conspicuously absent in Verizon s Notice is any indication whether it intends to
change any rate for its telecommunications services. Based upon Staffs inquiry, a Verizon
representative said that the Company does not intend to change any rates. Consequently, Staff
recommends that the Commission issue a "Notice of Election" advising the public that Verizon
has elected to price deregulate its services and have them regulated under Title 62. This
procedure would be similar to the Notice that the Commission issued in March 1989 when
Qwest elected to remove its telecommunications services (except local service) from the
Commission s Title 61 rate regulation.
DECISION MEMORANDUM
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to issue a Notice of Election?
Don Howell
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DECISION MEMORANDUM
David S. Valdez
Vice President
Public Policy & External Affairs
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July 7,2005
WAOlOIRA
1800 41 st Street
O. Box 1003
Everett, W A 98201
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
President Paul Kjellander
Idaho Public ptilities Commission
472 W. Washington
Boise, Idaho V-Z-N
T- 05-ot/
Dear Mi'. Kjellander:
Subject:Verizon Northwest Inc. Notice of Election to the Provisions of Title 62-605
V~rizon Northwest Inc. ("Verlzon NW"), a Washington Corporation located at 1800 41st Street,
Everett, Washington, hereby provides notice of election to be subject to the provisions of Chapter
, Title 62, Idaho Code for all of its telecommunications services currently under Title 61.
Verizon NW provides retail wireline telecommunications services, including basic local exchange
services, custom calling services, in-region (intraLA T A) long distance, directory assistance, and an
array of data services. The Company also provides switched and special access services to other
carriers, as well as wholesale services required of it under the Telecommunications Act of 1996
and related Federal Communications Commission Rules. Verizon operates in 31 exchanges in the
panhandle" region of Northern Idaho.
Pursuant to section 62-605 of Idaho code, Verizon intends to exempt all intrastate services from
regulation. This includes the following tariffs and all services contained within:
Idaho PUC No.Intrastate Toll Services
Idaho PUC No. 8- Local Network Access Services
Idaho PUC No. 9- Facilities for Intrastate Access
As a result of Verizon NW's election to be subject to the provisions of Chapter 6, Title 62, the
Company will file price lists with the Commission for its telecommunications services with an
effective date of August 8, 2005.
Mr. Paul Kjellander
July 7,2005
If there are questions, please contact Renee Willer at [phone] or Schelly Jensen at (503)
629-2338.
Very truly yours,
CD)
David S. Valdez
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Enclosures