HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120813_3809.pdfDECISION MEMORANDUM 1
DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
FROM: WELDON STUTZMAN
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
DATE: AUGUST 10, 2012
SUBJECT: VIRGIN MOBILE USA’S PETITION FOR DESIGNATION AS A
ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER, CASE NO. VMU-T-11-
01
On February 3, 2011, Virgin Mobile USA filed a Petition requesting limited
designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in Idaho. Virgin Mobile is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Sprint Nextel Corporation, and seeks ETC designation only for the purpose
of participating in the Lifeline program. It provides prepaid wireless service to its customers.
Virgin Mobile seeks ETC designation for its entire service area in Idaho.
Virgin Mobile’s Petition asserts that it meets all of the requirements of Section
214(e)(1) of the federal Telecommunications Act to be designated an ETC. Specifically, Virgin
Mobile asserts it is able to provide the supported services required for ETC designation,
including access to the public switched telephone network, local calling service, access to
emergency services, as well as access to operator services and directory assistance. In addition,
Virgin Mobile asserts it will advertise the availability and rates for its services as required by the
Act. Finally, Virgin Mobile asserts its designation as an ETC “will further the public interest by
providing Idaho consumers, especially low income consumers, with lower prices and higher
quality services.” Petition, p. 17. The Company has been and will continue to pay into the Idaho
Telecommunications Service Assistance Program.
Staff has reviewed Virgin Mobile’s Petition and additional information provided by
the Company, and recommends the Petition be processed by Modified Procedure.
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2
COMMISSION DECISION
Should the Petition of Virgin Mobile USA for designation as an ETC for the purpose
of providing of Lifeline services be processed by Modified Procedure?
Weldon B. Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General
bls/M:VMU-T-11-01_ws