The commission’s hearing examiner is authorized and directed to oversee the inquiry, according to the Oct. 24 order signed by CPUC Chairwoman Viola Alepuyo and Commissioner Joaquin Manglona.
The hearing examiner, Harry Boertzel, will make findings and recommendations for the commission’s consideration.
Alepuyo said the commission’s rules of practice and procedure will apply to the inquiry and the hearing examiner may in his discretion utilize the services of Georgetown Consulting Group, CPUC’s regulatory consultant.
The inquiry is a requirement under Section 251(f)(2) of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1934 as amended by the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
In a recent meeting, Georgetown told the commission that under federal law, IT&E as the incumbent local exchange carrier has a duty to provide interconnection service to its competitor, GTA TeleGuam.
Georgetown said the law directs the commission to make a decision regarding the termination of IT&E’s rural exemption not later than 120 days from its receipt of GTA bona fide request to IT&E for interconnection.
The hearing examiner will conclude the inquiry and submit a report to the commission on or before Dec. 14, 2011.
Alepuyo said GTA and IT&E will be invited to participate in the inquiry.
The commission has already issued GTA a certificate of public convenience and necessity so it can offer its services in the CNMI.
