September 8, 2000

NOTICE OF RECOMMENDATION TO 
TERMINATE RULEMAKING

DOCKET NO. UT-990261
CARRIER-TO-CARRIER RULEMAKING


TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

On April 28, 1999, the Commission commenced an investigation regarding the need 
for carrier- to-carrier service quality rules.  On May 18, 1999, the Commission 
filed a Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101)

The Commission held workshops on July 16, 1999, and March 10, 2000, and 
requested comments from interested persons on the subject of carrier-to-carrier 
service quality. The Commission requested interested parties to consider 
whether there were alternatives to the rulemaking such as tariffs, or 
Statements of Generally Acceptable Terms (SGAT), that could add to industry 
flexibility and allow administrative efficiency.   

Since the last workshop, Commission staff feels that several alternatives are 
available to carriers to address carrier-to-carrier service quality issues.  
These alternatives include SGATs, Stipulation Agreements, and various 
interconnection agreements between carriers.  As part of the conditions for 
approval of the merger between GTE Northwest and Bell Atlantic, Verizon 
Northwest has agreed to meet certain performance requirements for 
interconnection.  Workshops are underway to determine compliance with section 
271 requirements for Qwest and to reach agreement on Qwest’s Statement of 
Generally Acceptable Terms.
       
The Commission appreciates the comments and participation of interested persons 
regarding this topic.   At the Commission’s open meeting on September 13, 2000, 
Commission Staff will recommend to the Commission that the rulemaking 
proceeding in Docket UT-990261 be discontinued.  Parties may petition the 
Commission at any time to promulgate rules on the subject of carrier-to-carrier 
service quality. 

Questions regarding this rulemaking docket may be addressed to David Griffith, 
Commission Staff, at 360-664-1284.

Sincerely,


Carole J. Washburn
Secretary