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Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority - Telcom Issues Final Decision Regarding Application of Fiber Technologies Networks, L.L.C.
[August 31, 2014]

Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority - Telcom Issues Final Decision Regarding Application of Fiber Technologies Networks, L.L.C.


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Aug. 20 -- The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority - Telcom issued the following final decision: DOCKET NO. 01-08-01 APPLICATION OF FIBER TECHNOLOGIES NETWORKS, L.L.C. F/K/A FIBER SYSTEMS, LLC FOR APPROVAL TO INSTALL FACILITIES UNDER AND OVER CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY - MOTION NO. 64 August 20, 2014 By the following Commissioners: John W. Betkoski, III Arthur H. House Lead Staff:S. Capozzi Legal Advisor: M. Theroux DECISION The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA or Authority) acknowledges receipt on July 11, 2014, of Fiber Technologies Networks, L.L.C.'s (Fibertech or Company) motion for approval to construct additional facilities within the public rights of way (Motion No. 64). Motion No. 64 was filed pursuant to the General Statutes of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat.) section16-247h and the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (Conn. Agencies Regs.) section16-247c-5.



Fibertech proposes to construct a total of 4.75 miles of additional fiber optic cable at 5 separate locations in the State. Motion No. 64, p. 16. According to the Company, the proposed facilities are single mode fiber cabling with 96 strands, manufactured by Corning Cable Systems and Alcatel. Id. The Company submitted, under protective order, the specific locations and route maps indicating where it intends to construct those facilities. The Company proposes to begin construction on August 15, 2014, and complete construction by October 10, 2014. Motion No. 64, Appendix I. The purpose of the proposed construction is to expand Fibertech's network and to connect new customers to the network at various locations in Connecticut. Fibertech maintains that these connections will permit each customer to install its own electronic equipment, lease as much or as little capacity as it desires, and improve its telecommunications system with feature-rich technology and network protocols. Fibertech's anticipated customers are leading Connecticut businesses, institutions, and government entities, including the Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology f/k/a the Connecticut Department of Information and Technology. Motion No. 64, p. 17.

Fibertech also states that it will install these facilities by attaching new fiber optic cabling to the communication space on the utility poles of The Southern New England Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T Connecticut, The Connecticut Light and Power Company and The United Illuminating Company. According to Fibertech, it has executed Pole Attachment and Conduit Agreements with these companies for all of the projects. Id., p. 16.


Fibertech maintains that the design of the proposed facilities will comply with all applicable National Electrical Safety Code design and construction standards. Fibertech submitted specifications and technical information for the proposed facilities. Motion No. 64, Appendix II. Fibertech further maintains that the proposed construction will comply with all state and local regulations affecting public safety during and after construction of the facilities. Specifically, the Company will coordinate its construction activity with local authorities, obtain any necessary municipal permits, and will comply with any local safety traffic and control requirements applicable to its activities. Motion No. 64, p. 17. Lastly, Fibertech states that it will notify the Authority when it commences and completes the construction of each project. These notifications will include the status of any required municipal permits and/or bonds required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Id.

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. section4-181a(b), the Authority hereby reopens the instant Docket to consider Motion No. 64 to construct an additional 4.75 miles of fiber optic cable within Connecticut. A hearing is not required and none will be held.

The Authority has reviewed Motion No. 64 and finds that Fibertech has provided the requisite construction information set forth in Conn. Agencies Regs. section16 247c 5(b). The Authority also finds that Fibertech's proposed construction plans will facilitate the efficient development and deployment of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, are in the public interest and are consistent with Conn. Gen. Stat. section16 247h. Additionally, the Authority finds that consumers will benefit as the number of Fibertech proposes to construct a total of 4.75 miles of additional fiber optic cable at 5 separate locations in the State. Motion No. 64, p. 16. According to the Company, the proposed facilities are single mode fiber cabling with 96 strands, manufactured by Corning Cable Systems and Alcatel. Id. The Company submitted, under protective order, the specific locations and route maps indicating where it intends to construct those facilities. The Company proposes to begin construction on August 15, 2014, and complete construction by October 10, 2014. Motion No. 64, Appendix I. The purpose of the proposed construction is to expand Fibertech's network and to connect new customers to the network at various locations in Connecticut. Fibertech maintains that these connections will permit each customer to install its own electronic equipment, lease as much or as little capacity as it desires, and improve its telecommunications system with feature-rich technology and network protocols. Fibertech's anticipated customers are leading Connecticut businesses, institutions, and government entities, including the Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology f/k/a the Connecticut Department of Information and Technology. Motion No. 64, p. 17.

Fibertech also states that it will install these facilities by attaching new fiber optic cabling to the communication space on the utility poles of The Southern New England Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T Connecticut, The Connecticut Light and Power Company and The United Illuminating Company. According to Fibertech, it has executed Pole Attachment and Conduit Agreements with these companies for all of the projects. Id., p. 16.

Fibertech maintains that the design of the proposed facilities will comply with all applicable National Electrical Safety Code design and construction standards. Fibertech submitted specifications and technical information for the proposed facilities. Motion No. 64, Appendix II. Fibertech further maintains that the proposed construction will comply with all state and local regulations affecting public safety during and after construction of the facilities. Specifically, the Company will coordinate its construction activity with local authorities, obtain any necessary municipal permits, and will comply with any local safety traffic and control requirements applicable to its activities. Motion No. 64, p. 17. Lastly, Fibertech states that it will notify the Authority when it commences and completes the construction of each project. These notifications will include the status of any required municipal permits and/or bonds required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Id.

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. section4-181a(b), the Authority hereby reopens the instant Docket to consider Motion No. 64 to construct an additional 4.75 miles of fiber optic cable within Connecticut. A hearing is not required and none will be held.

The Authority has reviewed Motion No. 64 and finds that Fibertech has provided the requisite construction information set forth in Conn. Agencies Regs. section16 247c 5(b). The Authority also finds that Fibertech's proposed construction plans will facilitate the efficient development and deployment of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, are in the public interest and are consistent with Conn. Gen. Stat. section16 247h. Additionally, the Authority finds that consumers will benefit as the number of service offerings will increase as Fibertech expands into more Connecticut cities and towns. Finally, the Authority encourages the shared use of telecommunications facilities and expects full cooperation among telecommunications carriers in order to minimize the unnecessary construction of additional facilities in the state. Upon the completion of its proposed facilities construction, Fibertech will be required to open its networks to maximize carrier interoperability and interconnectivity and encourage the shared use of existing facilities and cooperative development of new facilities where feasible.

Fibertech maintains that the proposed installation does not deviate from its past installations and thus, it is exempt from the provisions of Conn. Gen. Stat. section16-234. Id. The Authority finds that Fibertech's proposed fiber optic network installation on the utility poles is consistent with its past facility installations and thus, the Company does not need consent as specified in Conn. Gen. Stat. section16-234. However, if in the future Fibertech's facility installation deviates from those past installations, it must seek the Authority's guidance as to the applicability of Conn. Gen. Stat. section16-234.

The Authority concludes that Fibertech's proposal satisfies the requisite statutory requirements and is in the public interest. Therefore, the Authority grants Motion No. 64 subject to the following order.

ORDER For the following Order, submit one original of the required documentation to the Executive Secretary, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 and file an electronic version through the PURA's website at www.ct.gov/pura. Submissions filed in compliance with the Authority's Order must be identified by all three of the following: Docket Number, Title and Order Number.

1. No later than ten days after the completion of each construction project, Fibertech shall provide the actual date of completion of the construction.

This Decision is adopted by the following Commissioners: John W. Betkoski, III Arthur H. House CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE The foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Decision issued by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, State of Connecticut, and was forwarded by Certified Mail to all parties of record in this proceeding on the date indicated.

August 20, 2014 Date Nicholas E. Neeley Acting Executive Secretary Public Utilities Regulatory Authority TNS 24KuanRap-140828 30FurigayJof-4840211 30FurigayJof (c) 2014 Targeted News Service

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