DOCKET UT-970645 Page 1

BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


In the Matter of ACCESS NETWORK )
SERVICES, INC.,    ) DOCKET UT-970645
for an Order Granting Registration  ) 
to Provide Local Exchange Services )
and Authorizing Provision of  ) ORDER GRANTING REGISTRATION
Intraexchange Services.   ) AND AUTHORIZING THE
      ) PROVISION OF INTRAEXCHANGE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )  
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

  
  Access Network Services, Inc., (Access) filed for authority to provide local 
exchange telecommunications services in Docket UT-970645.  Access intends to 
provide an array of integrated telecommunications services primarily as a 
resale carrier, using the network switching and transport facilities of other 
facilities based carriers.  Access is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of 
Shared Technologies Fairchild Inc., of Wethersfield, Connecticut. Access 
Network Services, Inc., is a Texas corporation and the registered agent in 
Washington is CT Corporation System of Seattle.
    
  Access is a non facilities based reseller of incumbent local exchange carrier 
services.  Access owns no switches or transmission equipment and contracts with 
other local exchange carriers for installation.

  Access’s proposed tariff is satisfactory and will mirror incumbent local 
exchange company calling areas.  Access has provided the information necessary 
to demonstrate the company does possess adequate financial resources and 
technical competence to provide the proposed services.  Sterling does not 
propose to collect advance payments from customers.  Access will collect and 
remit to appropriate administrative agencies relevant excise taxes in support 
of various social programs, including enhanced 911, telecommunications relay 
services, and lifeline.   

FINDINGS

  THE COMMISSION FINDS:

  1.  Access Network Services, Inc., is a public service company subject to the 
jurisdiction of this Commission under the provisions of chapter 80.36 R.C.W.

  2.  Access Network Services, Inc., has provided sufficient information to 
show that it is financially and technically capable to provide the services 
proposed.  

  3.  It appears, upon investigation, that the request for authority to provide 
local exchange telecommunications services should be approved.

  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 filing with the Commission of Access Network Services, Inc., 
requesting authority for registration to provide intraexchange 
telecommunications services is hereby granted. 

  2.  This order shall in no way affect the authority of this Commission over 
rates, service, accounts, valuations, estimates or determination of costs, or 
any matters whatsoever that may come before it, nor shall anything herein be 
construed as an acquiescence in any estimate or determination of costs, or any 
valuation of property claimed or asserted.

  3.  Prior to supplying local exchange telecommunications services to the 
public, Access Network Services, Inc., shall file and receive permission and 
approval for an initial tariff from the Commission identical to the amended 
tariff filed in Exhibit G of the application.  The tariff shall bear an 
effective date not less than 30 days subsequent to the date of receipt by the 
Commission.  Initial tariff must be filed with the Commission no later than ten 
days from the date of this order.

  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.

  5.  As a telecommunications company providing service to the public in this 
state, Access Network Services, Inc., 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, including but not limited to 
Chapter 480-120-WAC.
 
  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this       th day of November, 
1997.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


        
  
      STEVE McLELLAN
      Secretary