It’s Official:  TracFone Loses Attempt to Kick CUB Out of Docket

Last week, we wrote about TracFone’s attempt to kick CUB out from the docket where TracFone is trying to provide telecommunications services by accessing the Universal Service Fund. CUB is raising serious questions that need to be answered about TracFone’s business model and whether they provide good value for ratepayers who are contributing to the Universal Service Fund through their phone bills. Rather than fully and completely answer our questions, TracFone asked the PUC to throw us out.

Just a couple hours ago, the administrative law judge overseeing this docket ruled on TracFone’s motion. The decision, in short:

No dice.

But here’s what the judge said in her own words:

“In its motion, TracFone argues that CUB’s statutory authority to represent utility consumers before this Commission does not extend to this proceeding because TracFone is not a “utility’ and its customers are not “utility consumers”....TracFone’s motion rests on the claim that no Oregon ratepayer interests are implicated by the company’s application….in Oregon. This is incorrect.”

And more:

“CUB may intervene as a party in proceedings that may affect the interests of utility consumers….CUB did not exceed its mandate by intervening in this docket. TracFone’s motion to deny intervention to CUB is denied.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

You can read the judge’s order here.

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