20090810_2664.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KEMPTON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
CO MMISSI 0 NER RED FORD
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:GRACE SEAMAN
DATE:AUGUST 7, 2009
RE:CLEARTALK'S WITHDRAWAL OF ETC DESIGNATION;
CASE NO. GNR- T -03-08.
On July 20, 2009, the Commission received a letter from NTCH Idaho, dba Cleartalk
(Cleartalk). The letter advises the Commission that Cleartalk will be merging with Syringa
Wireless (Syringa) effective July 27, 2009. As a result of this merger, Cleartalk requests that the
Commission withdraw Cleartalk's ETC designation in the current service area.
On July 23 , 2009, the Commission received a related letter from Syringa Wireless
advising the Commission that Syringa Wireless and Cleartalk customers will be merging.
Syringa s letter states it will continue to offer
, "
Cleartalk (Idaho Telecommunications Service
Assistance Program) recipients their credits for monthly service.
ST AFF ANALYSIS
On June 11 , 2003, Cleartalk was granted ETC status in 17 non-rural wire centers in
southeastern Idaho. See Order No. 29261. On August 28, 2008, Syringa was granted ETC status
in southern Idaho that included the same 17 non-rural wire centers. See Order No. 30629.
After reviewing both Cleartalk and Syringa s letters, Staff contacted Syringa regarding
the Company s ETC requirements pertaining to the merger. Syringa agreed to submit an
explanation in its ETC annual report to the Commission (due September 1 , 2009) that confirms
Syringa will comply with all of the original ETC requirements as it relates to the Cleartalk
customers. Staff believes Cleartalk's customers, including the Idaho Telecommunications
Service Assistance Program (ITSAP) recipients, will see no change as a result of the ETC
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 1 -
withdrawal. Staff, therefore, recommends that the Commission approve Cleartalk's request to
withdraw its ETC designation as approved in Order No. 29261.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission agree?
~cw
Grace Seaman
i:udmemos/gnrtO3-
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 2 -AUGUST 7, 2009