20080623_2266.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER REDFORD
CO MMISSI 0 NER SMITH
COMMISSIONER KEMPTON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:CAROLEE HALL
DATE:JUNE 10,2008
RE:CENTURY TEL OF IDAHO, INc. ("CENTURY TEL") TARIFF ADVICE
08-03 REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO INTRODUCE A NEW CALLING
SERVICE CALLED "PREP AID LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE
(PL TS)". REQUESTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF JULY 3, 2008.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On June 3 , 2008, CenturyTel ofldaho, Inc. ("CenturyTel") filed Tariff Advice 08-
requesting Commission approval to introduce a new service called Prepaid Local Telephone
Service (PL TS).
This new service offers residential customers to pay for their phone service one month in
advance. Once the PL TS plan is established, the Company will require the customer to pay one
month's service on a monthly basis. Once payment for service is received, one month's service
will be provisioned and is non-refundable if the customer cancels service prior to the end of the
month.
The prepaid local service includes a voice grade flat rate line, or local measured service
line, if available. The calling area will include extended area service, or expanded local calling
area. The customer will also be able to call 911 , receive access to directory assistance, call
waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding.
Customers who are unable to pay the required charges to maintain their present service
may activate a PL TS plan, but may be required to agree to a repayment plan for their current
charges. Subscribers to PL TS are required to have mandatory toll blocking and usage sensitive
blocking placed on their telephone line
1 Toll blocking prohibits the customer from making long-distance calls.
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 1 -JUNE 10 2008
If the PL TS customer is disconnected due to failure to comply with any terms of the
service, they will no longer be eligible for PL TS. The customer can return to basic local
telephone service if they meet the requirements for service, including payment of outstanding
essential charges if applicable and payment of a deposit if their credit history is such that a
deposit would normally be required.
The proposed rate for the PL TS service is $39.95 per month.
ST AFF RECOMMENDATION AND COMMISSION DECISION
Staff has reviewed the proposed new service offering and finds that it gives the consumer
an option to basic local service and is reasonably prices so that the Company is recovering its
costs.
Staff recommends approval ofthe Company s Tariff Advice 08-03 with an effective date
of July 3, 2008. Does the Commission agree?
u/chall/decision memo/CenturyTel ofldaho 08-
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 2 -JUNE 10 2008