Opinion ID: 496700
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Ability to Accommodate Initial Demand--Subissue (a)(3)

Text: 32 In his initial decision, the ALJ awarded a comparative preference to Metro Mobile on this issue. See Phoenix Initial Decision, at p 80, J.A. at 30. The preference accorded Metro Mobile was based more on the deficiencies in its competitors' plans than on the virtues of its own system. Concerning Gencom's proposed system, the ALJ noted that its thirteen cell-reuse design was unique, and might require difficult and expensive alterations if initial demand proved heavier than Gencom anticipated. Id. at p 78, J.A. at 29-30. He found that neither it nor CMS' proposal, comported with fundamental principles of cellular design. Id. at p 77, J.A. at 29. 33 The full Commission reversed the preference accorded to Metro Mobile, criticizing the ALJ for adhering to one particular model of cellular design. See Phoenix Final Decision, 56 Rad.Reg.2d (P & F) at 1606. While noting that there was evidence in the record to suggest future expansion problems, the Commission found that it does not appear from the record that Gencom's system will be hampered in its ability to accommodate initial demand. Id. (emphasis in original). However, since none of the applicants had demonstrated a nexus between the results of its demand study and the distribution of capacity in its cell structure, no applicant was preferred under this factor. 34 In its Petition for Limited Reconsideration, Gencom argued that it had in fact demonstrated a link between the distribution of demand predicted by its study and the allocation of cells and channels within its system. The Commission agreed. Whatever the flaws in Gencom's demand study itself, the Commission found that Gencom's allocation of cell and channel capacity reflected its predictions of where demand would be concentrated. Accordingly, it granted Gencom a moderate preference under the accommodation of demand heading. See Phoenix Reconsideration, 60 Rad.Reg.2d (P & F) at 578. 35