ALJ/DOT/eap * Mailed 11/21/2000

Decision 00-11-037 November 21, 2000

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Application of Global Photon Systems, Inc. and Global West Network Inc. for authority to modify their Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to Permit Construction of Specific Telecommunications Facilities.

Application 00-06-002 (Filed June 2, 2000)

OPINION

I. Summary

Global Photon Systems, Inc., and its subsidiary Global West Network, Inc., (collectively "Applicants") seek modification of their operating certificates in order to obtain approval for construction of an undersea and land-based fiber-optic telecommunications network (the "Project"). The State Lands Commission (SLC) acted as Lead Agency in preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Project. On April 20, 2000, the SLC certified that the EIR had been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), adopted a mitigation monitoring program for the Project, and determined that "the project, as approved, will not have a significant effect on the environment."¹ The application is unopposed. Our order today grants the application with the condition that applicants' must obtain all necessary permits for the Project and must petition to modify this decision should the route or construction activities for the Project subsequently change.