HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240620Notice_of_Application_Order_No_36227.pdf Office of the Secretary
Service Date
June 20,2024
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF TRUCONNECT ) CASE NO. TCC-T-24-01
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.'S )
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION AS ) NOTICE OF APPLICATION
AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS )
CARRIER ) NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227
On March 4, 2024, TruConnect Communications, Inc. ("Company") applied to the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") for designation as an Eligible Telecommunications
Carrier ("ETC") in the State of Idaho ("Application"). The Company requested designation as an
ETC for the sole purpose of providing Lifeline services. The Company asked that it be allowed to
participate and receive reimbursement from the Idaho Telephone Service Assistance Program
("ITSAP") accordingly. On May 1, 2024, the Company filed an addendum ("Addendum") to its
Application certifying that it had provided a copy of the Application to the five tribal authorities
within the State of Idaho.
The Commission now issues this Notice of Application and sets deadlines for interested
persons to comment on the Application and for the Company to reply.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Company is a Delaware corporation that is
authorized to do business in Idaho. The Company noted that it is a subsidiary of TSC Acquisition
Corporation("TSC"). The Company stated that TSC also owns several other companies within the
telecommunication industry.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED the Company stated that it uses Verizon Wireless and
T-Mobile USA, Inc. as underlying carriers and has been granted ETC designation related
specifically to Lifeline services in several states. The Company stated that the Federal
Communications Commission ("FCC") had authorized the Company "to participate in the
Affordable Connectivity Program ("ACP") throughout the United States, including Idaho."
Application at 4.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227 1
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company requested a limited designation to be
authorized to provide Lifeline service to qualifying Idaho consumers across the entire State of
Idaho—including those on federally recognized Tribal lands.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company requested that its designation as an
ETC include the authority to participate in, and receive reimbursement from, the ITSAP. The
Company stated that it was not eligible to receive funds from the Universal Service Fund and was
not seeking such designation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company stated it is a common carrier with
the ability to provide the telecommunication services listed in its Application.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company stated that it meets all federal and
state requirements for designation as an ETC. The Company also asserted that designating the
Company as an ETC is in the public interest.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company stated that, if approved, it will offer
telecom services (including text messaging,various services related to phone calls, and broadband
access) in a cost-effective manner—thereby increasing competition and customer service options
within unserved and underserved areas to eligible customers. The Company also stated that would
provide emergency services to its customers and had the capabilities necessary to operate in
emergency situations.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application and subsequent Addendum are
available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission's office. The
Application and supplemental materials are also available on the Commission's website at
www.puc.idaho.g_ov. Click on the"TELEPHONE"icon,select"Open Cases"and click on the case
number as shown on the front of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant
to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 62 of the Idaho Code.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted
pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public
interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter, and that it will proceed under Modified
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227 2
Procedure pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure 201-204, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-.204.
The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written comments have proven to be an
effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to state a position on this
Application may file a written comment explaining why the person supports or opposes the
Application. Persons who would like a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written
comments and explain why written comments alone are insufficient. Persons interested in filing
written comments must do so within 21 days of the service date of this Order. Comments must
be filed through the Commission's website or by e-mail unless computer access is unavailable. To
comment electronically, please access the Commission's website at http://www.puc.idaho.gov/.
Click the "Case Comment Form" and complete the form using the case number as it appears on
the front of this document.
To file by e-mail, persons must e-mail the comments to the Commission Secretary and all
parties at the e-mail addresses listed below. Persons submitting a comment by e-mail must provide
their name, address, and the Case Number under which they are commenting. Persons submitting
a comment by e-mail also acknowledge that submitting a comment in an open case constitutes a
public record under Idaho Code § 74-101(13), and all information provided by such person is
available for public and media inspection.
If computer access is unavailable, then comments may be mailed to the Commission and
the Parties at the addresses below.Persons submitting a comment by mail must provide their name,
address, and the Case Number under which they are commenting. Persons submitting a comment
by mail also acknowledge that submitting a comment in an open case constitutes a public record
under Idaho Code§74-101(13),and all information provided by such person is available for public
and media inspection.
For the Idaho PUC: For the Company:
Commission Secretary Nathan Johnson
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Danielle Perry
PO Box 83720 1149 South Hill Street, Suite H-400
Boise, ID 83720-0074 Los Angeles, CA 90015
secretarygpuc.idaho.gov niohnsongtruconnect.com
dperry(a),truconnect.corn
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227 3
Street Address for Express Mail:
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.
Building 8, Suite 201-A
Boise, ID 83714
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company must file any reply comments
within 28 days of the service date of this Order.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are received
within the time limit set,the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order
without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the
Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application be processed by Modified Procedure.
Persons interested in submitting written comments must do so within 21 days of the service date
of this Order. The Company must file any reply comments within 28 days of the service date of
this Order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties comply with Order No. 35375, issued April 21,
2022. Generally, all pleadings should be filed with the Commission electronically and will be
deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary.See Rule 14.02. Service between
parties should continue to be accomplished electronically when possible. However, voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227 4
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 20th day of
June 2024.
ER ANDS SON, PRESIDENT
?HN R. HAMMOND JR., COMMISSIONER
G
EDWARD LODGE, CbkMISSIONER
ATTEST:
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Commission Secretary
I:\Legal\TELECOM\TCCT2401\TCCT2401_Ntc_App_Mod_md.docx
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 36227 5