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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120530_3723.pdfDECISION MEMORANDUM 1 DECISION MEMORANDUM TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER COMMISSIONER REDFORD COMMISSIONER SMITH COMMISSION SECRETARY COMMISSION STAFF LEGAL FROM: NEIL PRICE DATE: MAY 25, 2012 SUBJECT: APPLICATION OF SYRINGA WIRELESS, LLC FOR CONDITIONAL DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER IN “EXPANSION AREAS”; CASE NO. SYR-T-08-01 On May 18, 2012, Syringa Wireless, LLC (“Syringa Wireless” or “Company”) filed an Application for Conditional Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”) in certain areas outside its existing ETC areas, pursuant to Sections 214(e)(1)-(2) of the Telecommunications Act of 1934, as amended (“the Act”), 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(1)-(2), and § 54.201 of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) rules, 47 C.F.R. § 54.201, and this Commission’s ETC Designation Requirements (“IPUC ETC Requirements”). Application at 1. THE APPLICATION On August 28, 2008, Syringa Wireless was granted ETC status by the Commission. See Order No. 30629. In its Application, Syringa Wireless requests conditional ETC status in all “unserved census blocks subject to the Mobility Fund Phase 1 Auction (discussed below) in Adams, Boise, Elmore, Gem, Payette, Valley and Washington Counties in Idaho (the ‘Expansion Areas’).” Id. at 1-2. Syringa Wireless seeks support from the “federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) including, but not limited to, support for rural, insular, high cost areas and low income customers in the Expansion Areas set forth in [its] Application, and that it be approved to participate in the Lifeline program.” Id. at 2. Syringa Wireless states that the expansion areas are adjacent to areas already being served by the Company. Id. at 3. DECISION MEMORANDUM 2 The Company wishes to participate in the FCC’s upcoming Mobility Phase 1 Auction. Id. In order to participate in the Auction, the FCC requires all carriers to be designated as an ETC in all census blocks where a carrier is seeking support. See FCC Mobility Phase 1 Auction (http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=901). “Phase 1 of the Mobility Fund will provide up to $300 million in support to eligible ETCs to build infrastructure capable of delivering 3G or better broadband and voice services in unserved census block groups in Idaho.” Id. The Company states that the Auction will take place on September 27, 2012, and applications could be due by June 25, 2012. Id. Thus, the Company requests an expedited review of its Application. Id. In summary, Syringa Wireless requests a Commission Order “designating Syringa Wireless as an ETC eligible for federal universal service funding for the Expansion Areas conditioned upon Syringa Wireless winning support from Auction 901 . . .” and that the Commission process its Application through Modified Procedure on an expedited basis. Id. at 10. COMMISSION DECISION Does the Commission wish to process Syringa Wireless’ Application for conditional designation as an ETC through Modified Procedure with an expedited 14-day comment period? M:SYR-T-08-01_np