Docket UT-970704        Page 1
BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

In the Matter of the Petition of )  DOCKET UT-970704
GTE CARD SERVICES, INC., d/b/a   )
GTE LONG DISTANCE for Waiver of  )  ORDER GRANTING
Washington Administrative Rules  )  WAIVER OF RULES
and to Amend Registration.    )  AND AMENDMENT TO
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .)  REGISTRATION

  On May 5, 1997, GTE Card Services Inc., d/b/a GTE Long Distance (GTELD) filed 
a petition requesting waiver of certain administrative rules in conjunction 
with GTELD's application for registration as a telecommunications company in 
Docket UT-950698. This waiver request concerns the provision of 
telecommunications services to inmates of correctional institutions and mental 
facilities. GTELD proposes to provide automated collect-only telecommunications 
services to inmates at institutions. GTELD has also petitioned to amend its 
registration to include alternate operator services and is subject to 
compliance with WAC 480-120-141.  

  All calls from the inmate phones will be collect only, with no authorization 
for credit card calls, third number billings or direct dial calling.  Calls are 
handled on an auto-matic basis, with an automated operator on the line for call 
acceptance from the called party.  GTELD will block all 800, 900, and 976 
calls, as well as 911 access and directory assistance. In order to prevent 
fraudulent use, inmates are not allowed to reach an alternate carrier by any 
dialing means.  The calls are branded by GTELD for both the calling and called 
party.  Due to the restricted and specialized nature of its service, GTELD 
requests waiver of the following payphone and AOS rules:

  WAC 480-120-137 (2); (911 and emergency access)
      480-120-138 (3); (emergency access)
                  (5); (emergency numbers posted)
          (6); (service assistance and refunds)
      (7); (telephone number display) 
         (10); (access to all IXCs)
     (11); (two way service)
      480-120-141 (4) (a); (sticker requirement)
          (4) (b) (ii) and (iii); (other        providers)
              (7); (emergency calls)



  The waiver is requested only for the limited access inmate phones served by 
GTELD.  These same rules have been waived on several previous occasions for the 
same type of service.



FINDINGS

  THE COMMISSION FINDS:

  1.   GTE Card Services Inc., d/b/a GTE Long Distance (GTELD) is a public 
service company subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission under the 
provisions of Chapter 80.36 RCW. 

  2.  It appears, upon investigation, that the request for waiver of Commission 
rules by GTELD is reasonable and consistent with the public interest and should 
therefore be granted. 



ORDER

  1.  After the effective date of this order and subject to the conditions 
hereof, the petition of GTE Card Services Inc., d/b/a GTE Long Distance filed 
with the Commission requesting waiver of the following Commission rules is 
hereby granted, applicable only to applicant's limited access inmate phones: 
WAC 480-120-137(2); 480-120-138 (3); (5); (6); (7); (10) (11); 480-120-141 (4) 
(a); (4) (b) (ii) and (iii); and (7).

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

  3.  GTE Card Services Inc., d/b/a GTE Long Distance is subject to compliance 
with WAC 480-120-141.




  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 25th    day of June, 1997.  

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




       SHARON L. NELSON, Chairman



       RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner 



       WILLIAM GILLIS, Commissioner