20080530Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KEMPTON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
FROM:NEIL PRICE
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
DATE:MAY 30, 2008
SUBJECT:APPLICATION OF ZIAL NETWORKS, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF
PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY; CASE NO. ZIA-08-
On April 14, 2008 , Zial Networks, Inc. ("Zial") filed an Application for a Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Commission Order No. 26665. In the
Application, Zial seeks authority to provide local exchange services and custom calling features
to business and residential customers in the State of Idaho. Application at 4. The Company
initially intends to offer facilities-based local and resold telecommunications services via
commercial wholesale agreements with incumbents. Id. Zial is currently in the process of
negotiating an interconnection agreement with Qwest Corporation and will compete directly with
Qwest for the provision of local exchange telecommunications services. Application at 4, 5.
Zial's Idaho service territory will include those areas currently being served by
Qwest, except those areas already served by local exchange carriers ("LECs ) who are eligible
for a small or rural carrier exemption pursuant to Section 251 of the Federal Telecom Act of
1996.
STAFF REVIEW
Zial is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Idaho and maintains a
place of business in Boise, Idaho. Zial was formerly known as Soltice Network Group, Inc. and
originally incorporated under this name.
With its Application, Zial provided appropriate financial information and included an
illustrative tariff. See Application at 4, Exhibits Band C. The Company also stated that it would
comply with all applicable Commission rules, regulations, and standards (see Application at 5)
DECISION MEMORANDUM
and will provide safe, reliable and high quality telecommunications servIces In Idaho.
Application at 2. Zial further states traditional voice service to customers will use the public
switched network. The Company also intends to use Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to
provide voice and data applications that interact with the traditional public switched network. Id.
ST AFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff filed comments on May 23 , 2008. Staff reviewed the Application submitted by
Zial Networks, Inc. and believes the Company understands and agrees to comply with the
Commission rules and requirements. Based on this review, the Company s filing fulfils the
requirements of the Commission Rules and Procedural Order No. 26665. Staff believes that the
Company possesses the requisite financial, managerial, and technical qualifications necessary to
operate as a provider of telecommunications services.Staff recommends the Commission
approve the Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
COMMISSION DECISION
Should the Application of Zial Networks, Inc. for a Certificate of Public Convenience
and Necessity be approved?
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Neil Price
Deputy Attorney General
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DECISION MEMORANDUM