BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

In re Application of U S WEST, INC.    )
and QWEST COMMUNICATIONS    ) DOCKET NO. UT-991358
INTERNATIONAL INC.    )
       ) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
for an Order Disclaiming Jurisdiction, or in the   )
Alternative, Approving the U S WEST, INC.   )
-- QWEST COMMUNICATIONS    )
INTERNATIONAL INC. Merger    )
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. )

  On August 31, 1999, U S WEST, Inc. and Qwest Communications International 
Inc. jointly filed an application requesting that the Commission issue an order 
disclaiming jurisdiction over the transaction, or in the alternative, approving 
the merger.  A complete copy of the application is available from the 
Commission upon request.

  On March 3, 2000, U S WEST, Inc. and Qwest Communications International Inc. 
jointly filed a Settlement Agreement with Commission Staff, and the Public 
Counsel Section of the Washington Attorney General’s office.  These parties 
propose that certain issues raised by the application be resolved in accordance 
with the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement rather than by 
further litigation.  In formal proceedings, such as this case, Commission Staff 
function as an independent party.  Opinions, testimony, and settlement 
agreements proposed by the Commission Staff should not be confused with 
findings and decisions that ultimately will be made by the three-member 
Commission.  After consideration of the record of evidence presented by all 
witnesses, including members of the public, the three-member Commission will 
issue a signed, written order to inform the parties and public of its decision. 
  
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that public hearings to provide the members of the 
Commission an opportunity to receive comments, testimony, and exhibits from 
members of the public concerning the proposed merger will be held at the 
following times and locations:

Thursday, March 16, 2000  6:00 p.m. Olympia, WA
       Washington Utilities & Transportation
       Commission Headquarters
       1300 So. Evergreen Park Dr. S.W.
       Olympia, WA  

Monday, April 10, 2000  6:00 p.m. Vancouver, WA
       Water Resources Education Center
       4600 S.E. Columbia Way
       Vancouver, WA

Wednesday, April 12, 2000  6:00 p.m. Bremerton, WA
       West Sound Technical Skills Center
       101 National Avenue No.
       Bremerton, WA

Thursday, April 20, 2000  5:30 p.m. Spokane, WA
       Spokane Falls Community College
       Bldg. 17, Lounges A&B
       W. 3410 Fort George Wright
       Spokane, WA

  Administrative Law Judge Dennis J. Moss has been designated by the Commission 
as presiding officer to assist in the conduct of these proceedings and will 
participate with the Commissioners from the Bench.  Parties and members of the 
public should not contact the presiding officer or the Commissioners with 
respect to matters pending in this proceeding outside the scheduled hearings.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


       CAROLE J. WASHBURN
       Secretary


March 7, 2000

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Secretary
Washington Utilities and
 Transportation Commission
1300 S. Evergreen Park Drive S.W.
P.O. Box 47250
Olympia, WA 98504-7250
(360) 664-1160