Public Utility Commission of Texas Sets Procedural Schedule for Cablevision Lightpath LLC's Application for Service Provider Certificate

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has issued an order setting a procedural schedule for Cablevision Lightpath LLC's application for a service provider certificate of operating authority. The application, submitted on May 14, 2025, seeks to construct a high-speed fiber optic network and provide dark fiber services, conduit, and fiber optic telecommunication services statewide. The Commission has established a timeline for the application process, with key milestones and deadlines outlined in the order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission must certify the applicant's eligibility to obtain a service provider certificate of operating authority (SPCOA) within 10 days after filing of the application, and grant or deny the certificate within 60 days after the filing of the application, unless extended for good cause.
  • The procedural schedule for the application process includes deadlines for the applicant to file proof of notice, intervenor comment or request for a hearing, Commission Staff's recommendation on administrative completeness and notice, and the Commission's order on deficiencies or completeness.
  • Parties are required to file seven copies of all pleadings, and pleadings must state the docket number assigned to the proceeding.
  • Service of pleadings is typically governed by 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) § 22.74, but the Commission's Second Order suspended the service requirements found in 16 TAC § 22.74.
  • All parties must provide their current address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers, if available, to all other parties and the Commission.
  • Motion for extension of time to file a document must propose a new date or dates and must state whether the parties agree to the new date or dates.

Statistics:

  • The Commission must certify the applicant's eligibility to obtain a SPCOA within 10 days after filing of the application.
  • The Commission is required to grant or deny a certificate within 60 days after the filing of the application, unless extended for good cause.
  • The deadline for the applicant to file proof of notice is May 27, 2025.
  • The deadline for Commission Staff's recommendation on administrative completeness and notice is May 27, 2025.
  • The deadline for the Commission's order on deficiencies or completeness is May 30, 2025.

Sources:

  • Filed by Public Utility Commission of Texas on May 21, 2025, in Docket No. 58102.
  • 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) § 22.4(a).
  • Public Utility Regulatory Act, Tex. Util. Code § § 11.001-66.016.
  • Issues Related to the State of Disaster for Coronavirus Disease 2019, Docket-No. 50664, Second Order Suspending Rules (July 16, 2020).