Michigan Public Service Commission Denies Deerfield Farmers' Telephone Company's Application to Consolidate Exchanges

Strategic Insights -

At a meeting on January 19, 2000, the Michigan Public Service Commission denied Deerfield Farmers' Telephone Company's application to consolidate its Deerfield and Petersburg exchanges into one exchange, citing concerns about the potential effects on customers and other providers, particularly regarding toll service and adjacent exchange toll calling plans. The Commission found that the application did not provide sufficient information to support its assertions of efficiencies and better local calling options. The decision reserved jurisdiction and allowed for further orders as necessary.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission denied Deerfield Farmers' Telephone Company's application to consolidate its Deerfield and Petersburg exchanges due to concerns about the potential effects on customers and other providers.
  • The Commission cited the lack of sufficient information in the application to support Deerfield's assertions of efficiencies and better local calling options.
  • The decision reserved jurisdiction and allowed for further orders as necessary.
  • The Commission found that the application did not provide a clear explanation for how rate centers would be defined, how numbers would be assigned, and whether toll traffic compensation would be affected.
  • Ameritech Michigan and GTE expressed concerns about the potential impact on their adjacent exchange toll calling plans (AETCPs).
  • The Commission suggested that there may be more direct alternatives that could accomplish the purpose of the consolidation.

Statistics:

  • The application was filed on November 4, 1999, and was to be consolidated by a single central office since 1998.
  • The Commission received comments from the Commission Staff, Ameritech Michigan, and GTE on January 11, 2000.
  • The Commission cited the lack of sufficient information in the application, including vague explanations of how rate centers would be defined and how numbers would be assigned.

Sources:

  • Order of the Michigan Public Service Commission, dated January 19, 2000,
  • 1991 PA 179, as amended, MCL 484.2101 et seq.; MSA 22.1469(101) et seq.; 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.201 et seq.; MSA 3.560(101) et seq.
  • Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, as amended, 1992 AACS, R 460.17101 et seq.
  • Notice of Opportunity to Comment, filed on January 4, 2000.