DOCKET UT-980471 Page 1
BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


In the Matter of the Application of )
      )
NELSON TELEPHONE   )  DOCKET UT-980471
      )
      )
for an Order Authorizing    ) AUTHORIZING
the Registration of Applicant      ) REGISTRATION
as a Telecommunications Company  ) 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )


  On March 25, 1998, Nelson Telephone filed an application for registration as 
a telecommunications company pursuant to RCW 80.36.350.  Applicant proposes to 
offer pay telephone service to the public.  Nelson Telephone is an alternate 
operator service provider and is subject to compliance with WAC 480-120-141.

  Nelson Telephone is a Washington corporation, headquartered in Spokane, 
Washington, and is owned by Russell Nelson.  Rates, terms and conditions set 
forth in the proposed tariff are structured to be competitive with other 
telecommunications companies in relevant markets.

  Nelson Telephone has provided information showing that it meets the 
requirements of RCW 80.36.350.  Applicant does not propose to collect advance 
payments or deposits from customers.

FINDINGS

  THE COMMISSION FINDS:

  1. Nelson Telephone filed an application pursuant to the provisions of RCW 
80.36.350 and the rules and regulations of the Commission for an order 
approving its application for registration as a telecommunications company.

  2. As to form, the application filed herein, meets the requirements of RCW 
80.36.350 and the rules and regulations of the Commission adopted pursuant 
thereto.

  3. The registration of Nelson Telephone, as a telecommunications company is 
not inconsistent with the public interest.

  4. In this proceeding, the Commission in no way endorses the financial 
viability of applicant nor the investment quality of any securities it may 
issue.

O R D E R

  THE COMMISSION ORDERS:
  
  1. After the effective date of this order and subject to the conditions 
hereof, the application of Nelson Telephone, filed with the Commission pursuant 
to the provisions of RCW 80.36.350 requesting an order authorizing registration 
as a telecommunications company to provide service to the public in this state 
is approved.

  2. The proposed tariff as filed on March 25, 1998,  attached to the 
application, is satisfactory.  Within 30 days from the effective date of this 
Order and prior to supplying service to the public as a telecommunications 
company Nelson Telephone shall file an initial tariff with the Commission 
identical to the tariff contained in the amended Exhibit G of the application.  
The tariff shall bear an effective date not less than 30 days subsequent to the 
date the initial tariff is received by the Commission. Failure to file an 
initial tariff within 30 days from the effective date of this Order and prior 
to supplying service to the public may result in the Commission taking action 
to cancel Nelson Telephone registration as a telecommunications company in the 
state of Washington.
 
  3. Registration of Nelson Telephone, as a telecommunications company shall 
not be construed as an endorsement of financial viability nor of the investment 
quality of any securities it may issue.

  4. As a telecommunications company providing service to the public in this 
state, Nelson Telephone, is subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission 
under the provisions of Title 80 RCW and all rules and regulations of the 
Commission adopted pursuant thereto.

  5. Nelson Telephone shall not collect advance payments or deposits without 
first showing that it has a satisfactory arrangement to protect customer monies 
as stated in WAC 480-121-040.

  6. Nelson Telephone shall comply with WAC 480-120-141, alternate operator 
service rule.


  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this        nd day of April, 1998.




      PAUL CURL, Acting Secretary