Order 15536 - McLeod USA & Consolidated Comm: Joint Petition for Restructuring

 

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

DIVISION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

100 ORANGE STREET

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903

ORDER

Whereas, On February 18, 1998 McLeod USA Incorporated ("McLeod USA"), McLeod USA Telecommunications Services, Inc. ("McLeod USA Telecom") and Consolidated Communications Telecom Services, Inc. ("CCTS") filed a joint petition with the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division") seeking approval for the planned restructuring of McLeod USA, and for authority for CCTS to abandon telecommunications service in Rhode Island. The petition was filed in accordance with the requirements of Rhode Island General Laws, Section 39-3-24.

Whereas, The petitioners have provided the Division with a comprehensive description of and explanation for the proposed restructuring and abandonment of CCTS's operating certificate.

Whereas, The petitioners have further provided the Division with an evaluation of the public interest considerations related to the instant proposals.

Whereas, The Division has fully reviewed the filing, in the context of pertinent law, and finds that the proposals are in the best interest of Rhode Island ratepayers.

Accordingly, it is

(15536) ORDERED:

1. That the petitioners' restructuring proposal is hereby approved.

2. That the Division does not take exception to the abandonment of CCTS's operating authority in Rhode Island.

Dated and Effective at Providence, Rhode Island on February 19, 1998.

Division of Public Utilities and Carriers