b) Ability to Remain Vigilant

TURN and DRA contend the Decision errs because eliminating state-specific monitoring reports will prevent the Commission from fulfilling our own stated intent to "remain vigilant in monitoring the voice communications market." They argue that despite our acknowledged duty to pursue certain policy objectives, the Decision fails to establish a monitoring program to determine whether the objectives are being met. (TURN/DRA Rhg. App., pp. 32-34.)

To illustrate the alleged problem, TURN and DRA point to the following statement: "[W]e will ensure that basic residential service remains affordable and does not trend above the current highest basic residential rate in the state, no matter the technology employed to offer such service." (D.06-08-030, pp. 156-157, 276 [Conclusion of Law 31].).³³ They maintain it will be impossible for the Commission to actually determine if such increases are occurring, without requiring the utilities to submit baseline information regarding current service volumes and average revenue provided by existing basic customers. (TURN/DRA Rhg. App., p. 33.)

We do not believe it is clear at this juncture what additional information could ultimately prove to be useful. Our Decision notes that experience over the last several years has shown that NRF-specific reports have come to be of little value. (D.06-08-030, pp. 217-218.) We do not believe the elimination of such reports will confound our ability to ensure adequate monitoring under the new Uniform Regulatory Framework and we have additionally provided an opportunity in Phase II for parties to address any additional reporting information that may be required, We encourage DRA and TURN to submit their concerns in that forum. Nevertheless, as set forth below in the ordering paragraphs, we do wish to clarify that our rationale regarding why NRF-specific monitoring reports are no longer useful or relevant for our regulation of the ILECs affected by D.06-08-030.

³³ Also stating: "[T]here is a need for the Commission to remain vigilant in monitoring the voice communications marketplace in order to ensure that the market continues to serve California consumers well." (D.06-08-030, p. 268 [Finding of Fact 73].)