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Public utilities

AMA TechTel Communications Seeks to Relinquish ETP Designation in Texas Wire Centers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

AMA TechTel Communications (AMA) has submitted a response to the Public Utility Commission of Texas's motion for certification of issues and to suspend procedural schedule. AMA seeks to relinquish its designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Provider (ETP) in certain wire centers in Texas, including those previously served by AT&T Texas and Verizon Southwest. AMA filed its notice of termination and relinquishment in April 2023, and the company is eager for a prompt decision to avoid providing unsupported services to customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • AMA TechTel Communications seeks to relinquish its ETP designation in Texas wire centers, including those previously served by AT&T Texas and Verizon Southwest.
  • The company filed its notice of termination and relinquishment in April 2023 and is seeking a prompt decision to avoid providing unsupported services to customers.
  • AMA has requested a relinquishment date of January 1, 2024, and is urging the Commission to move forward with approval of its relinquishment of ETP designations.
  • Commission Staff has requested certification of two issues, including the determination of whether the relinquishing ETP can provide basic local service to the customers of the relinquishing provider.
  • AMA noted that Virgin Mobile, which provides Lifeline service under the brand name "Assurance Wireless," is designated as an ETC and ETP for the former AT&T wire centers AMA requests to relinquish its ETP designation.

Statistics:

  • April 20, 2023: AMA filed its notice of termination and relinquishment of its ETP designation in certain wire centers.
  • August 24, 2023: Commission Staff moved for Certification of Issues and to Suspend Procedural Schedule.
  • May 9, 2023: Commission Staff requested an extension of its deadline to file a recommendation on the sufficiency of the application and notice to May 23, 2023.
  • July 13, 2023: Commission Staff requested an extension of its deadline to file a recommendation on the sufficiency of the application and notice to July 13, 2023.
  • January 1, 2024: AMA has requested a relinquishment date to avoid providing unsupported services to customers.

Sources:

  • Iii the Matter of Notice of Termination and Relinquishment by AMA TechTel Communications of its Eligible Telecommunications Provider Designation in Certain Wire Centers, Notice of Termination and Relinquishment by AMA TechTel Communications of its Eligible Telecommunications Provider in Certain Wire Centers (Apr. 20, 2023).
  • Virgin Mobile USA, L.P.'s Application to Amend its Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier and its Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Provider to Reflect its Change of Name to Assurance Wireless USA, L.P., Docket No. 50627, Application at 1 (Mar. 6, 2020).

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