5. Technical and Managerial Qualifications

Prior to issuing a CPCN under § 1001, the Commission must determine if the applicant has the necessary managerial qualifications and technical competence. (D.95-12-056 at Appendix C, Rule 4.A.) In its application and in Response to ALJ Inquiries, Conectado submitted biographical information on its owner, Carmen Casey, demonstrating that she has some experience working in the telecommunications industry. In addition, Conectado has contracted with Back Office Support Systems Inc., a provider of back office support services for telecommunications companies, to provide operational support. Based on the foregoing, Conectado has demonstrated that it possesses sufficient experience and knowledge to operate as a telecommunications provider in California.

Conectado represents that no one associated with or employed by Conectado as an affiliate, officer, director, partner, or owner of more than 10% of Conectado was previously associated with any telecommunications carrier that was sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any state regulatory agency for failure to comply with any regulatory statute, rule, or order.

In its application, Conectado verified that no one associated with or employed by Conectado as an affiliate, officer, director, partner, or owner of more than 10% of Conectado was previously associated with a telecommunications carrier that filed for bankruptcy, was sanctioned by the FCC or any state regulatory agency for failure to comply with any regulatory statute, rule, or order, or has been found either civilly or criminally liable by a court of appropriate jurisdiction for a violation of § 17000, et seq. of the California Business and Professions Code, or for any actions which involved misrepresentations to consumers, nor is currently under investigation for similar violations.

For the above reasons, we find that Conectado has met the requirements of D.95-12-056 for managerial qualifications and technical competence.