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IT&E to CPUC: Hold off decision on GTA matter
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Posted on Nov 21 2011
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
Telecommunications company IT&E wants the Public Utilities Commission to put off making a decision whether or not GTA Services LLC filed a valid request for interconnection services, saying any such decision will affect its appeal now pending with both the commission and local court.
IT&E legal counsels Victor Torres and Steven Carrara argued the company’s case before the commission during Saturday’s business meeting, saying a decision on the matter will render moot all their other appeals and concerns about GTA’s entry into the Commonwealth.
According to IT&E, GTA’s request to provide interconnection services in the Commonwealth was not valid because it did not yet possess the authority to provide intrastate service in the CNMI when it made the request on Aug. 29, 2011. It was only late last month when the commission approved GTA’s application to provide local exchange services within the CNMI. IT&E asserts that GTA needed this certification before its request can be considered bona fide.
IT&E said that until GTA possesses the certification, it is not authorized and cannot provide telephone exchange or exchange access service in the CNMI.
PUC earlier initiated an inquiry on IT&E’s assertion that GTA failed to make a bona fide request for interconnection services. The commission authorized hearing examiner Harry Boertzel to oversee the inquiry and make findings and recommendations.
In his report to PUC, Boertzel found that GTA made a bona fide request for interconnection services and recommended that the inquiry proceed under a fresh 120-day clock.
PUC chair Viola Alepuyo, however, did not decide on the matter on Saturday, citing the lack of time. She assured, however, that a decision will be made on Nov. 29.
During the lengthy discussion Saturday, GTA counsel Michael Evangelista reiterated that the company abided by all rules and standards related to applying for interconnection services.
