DS 98-125
Contoocook Valley Telephone Co.
Request to Introduce Advanced Digital Services Basic Rate
Interface
Order Extending the Time for Review by 30 days
O R D E R N O. 22,994
August 4, 1998
On July 8, 1998, Contoocook Valley Telephone Co. (CVT
or Company) petitioned the New Hampshire Public Utilities
Commission (Commission) for authority to introduce Advanced
Digital Services Basic Rate Interface (BRI) pursuant to RSA
374:22 and RSA 374:26.
The introduction of BRI service, according to CVT,
reflects the conversion of the Henniker switch on July 17, 1998
to a Siemens EWDS switch. BRI enables customers to send, receive
and modify information using regular telephone lines over the
public switched network. BRI services are based on the National
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) standards.
CVT claims BRI capabilities and services are inherent
in the new Siemens switch. Therefore, no incremental costs will
incurred by CVT. The proposed monthly rate for BRI service is
$35.00. In addition, CVT proposes a one time service
establishment charge of $35.00.
Because CVT has not provided cost support along with
this petition, Staff recommends that the Commission extend the
time for review. Staff has made a request to CVT for
supplemental information that would provide greater detail in
support of the Company's petition. However, Staff will not have
sufficient time to review this information prior to August 7,
1998, the effective date of this filing.
Staff recognizes that BRI services can provide advanced
telecommunications services, a type of service that is in demand
by certain customers throughout New Hampshire. Nevertheless, it
is not clear whether that same level of demand exists in CVT's
service territory. Staff is aware that providing BRI services
requires the installation of additional electronic cards in the
Siemens switch when the service is ordered by a customer. This
petition, however, does not include cost support information
about these cards. Staff is concerned that the cost to implement
BRI service may be higher than anticipated by the Company and
demand lower than anticipated. In such a scenario, the proposed
rates will not exceed the cost of providing the service.
We have reviewed the petition and Staff's
recommendation. We commend the Company for attempting to
introduce new services that potentially provide customers access
to advanced telecommunication services. However, we are concerned
by the Company's lack of detail in support of its proposal.
Therefore, consistent with RSA 378:6,IV, we will extend the time
for review of this petition for 30 days and order CVT to provide
the information necessary to insure that BRI customers or CVT
stockholders fully cover the cost of providing BRI services.
Based upon the foregoing, it is hereby
ORDERED, that pursuant to RSA 378:6,IV the time for
review of this petition is extended for 30 days; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that CVT file information necessary to
insure that either BRI customers or stockholders cover the cost
of BRI under the proposed rates.
By order of the Public Utilities Commission of New
Hampshire this fourth day of August, 1998.
Douglas L. Patch Bruce B. Ellsworth Susan S. Geiger
Chairman Commissioner Commissioner
Attested by:
Claire D. DiCicco
Assistant Secretary