HomeMy WebLinkAbout20061002_1691.pdfDECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
CO MMISSI 0 NER SMITH
COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
FROM:CECELIA A. GASSNER
DATE:SEPTEMBER 25, 2006
SUBJECT:IN THE MATTER OF INLAND CELLULAR'PETITION FOR
DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CARRIER; INC-06-
On June 29, 2006, Inland Cellular Telephone Company filed a Petition on behalf of
Washington RSA No.8 Limited Partnership d/b/a Inland Cellular ("Inland" or "Company ) for
designation as an Eligible Telecommunication Carrier (ETC) for service areas in Idaho that are
currently serviced by other carriers. See Idaho Code ~ 61-610A and Order No. 29841. Also see
47 U.C. ~ 214(e)(2). On September 12 2006, Potlatch Telephone Company, Inc. timely filed a
Petition to Intervene in this matter. Neither the Company nor the Commission Staff filed in
opposition to the Potlatch's Petition. Out-of-state counsel for Potlatch also filed a Motion for
Admission Pro Hac Vice.
THE APPLICATION
According to the Application, Inland is authorized by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) as the "B Band" cellular carrier in the northern section (within Idaho
County) of Idaho 2 (B-2) Rural Service Area (RSA). Application at 2. Inland is also licensed
the FCC as the "B Band" cellular carrier and has the authority to serve the southern section of
Idaho I (B-2) RSA through a Rural Service Area Service Agreement and Option held by Inland
Telephone Company. Id Inland is a commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) provider and
provides interstate telecommunications services. Id. Inland seeks designation as an ETC and to
receive universal service support in certain non-rural wire centers located in Benewah
Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties.
DECISION MEMORANDUM
The Application contains certain information related to the Company s local usage
plans, customer service and ability to provide service. The Company provides several pricing
options for its customers, and also intends to invest funds in upgrading its infrastructure.
PETITION TO INTERVENE
Potlatch filed a Petition to Intervene in this matter on September 12, 2006. It claims
a direct and substantial interest in this proceeding, as it is an eligible telecommunications carrier
in the designated service area for providing supported local exchange services and receiving
federal universal service support. Potlatch states it desires to fully participate in this matter to
protect its interests as well as those of its customers.
MOTION FOR LIMITED ADMISSION
Pursuant to Rule 43 , out-of-state counsel for Potlatch has filed Motions for Limited
Admission with the Commission for the purpose of appearing in this matter. The attorney filing
IS:
Barry L. Hjort
Guillory & Hjort
2111 West Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57701
The Motion avers that a copy of it and the requisite fee have been submitted to the Idaho State
Bar. IDAPA 31.01.01.43.05(c), Bar Rule 222(j).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Potlatch's Petition be granted. Staff also recommends that the
Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice be granted.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission desire to grant Potlatch's Petition? Does the Commission
desire to grant the Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice?
M:INC-O6-cg2
DECISION MEMORANDUM