Dockets UT-980491 and UT-980492 Page 1



BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


In the Matter of the Applications  )  
of Level 3 Communications LLC  )   DOCKET  UT-980491 and
for an Order Authorizing Registration )  DOCKET  UT-980492 
as a Telecommunications Company   )  
      )  ORDER GRANTING
And to Provide Local Exchange   )  REGISTRATION APPLICATION  
Services and Authorizing    )  AND AUTHORIZING THE   
Provision of Intraexchange    )  PROVISION OF Telecommunications Services  )  
INTEREXCHANGE SWITCHED       )  INTRAEXCHANGE 
      )  TELECOMMUNICATIONS
........................................................................)  
SERVICES


  On March 30, 1998, Level 3 Communications, LLC (Level 3) filed applications 
for registration, pursuant to RCW 80.36.350, for authority to provide 
interexchange and local exchange telecommunication services in Washington.  The 
applicant proposes to offer resold and facilities based switched and dedicated 
direct dial long distance, switched and dedicated inbound 800/888, and access 
services to the public.  

  Level 3 also plans to offer a range of local exchange services.  Level 3 
plans to offer Washington customers both local service and switched access 
services, and these services may be equipped with various features and 
functions.  Level 3 will provide customers access to 911 emergency services, 
directory assistance, operator assisted services, relay services, lifeline 
service and will also provide vertical features such as call waiting, call 
forwarding and Caller I.D. 
    Level 3 is a limited liability company, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska 
and is owned by its member company, PKS Information Services, Inc., which in 
turn is wholly owned by Level 3 Communications, Inc. 

  Level 3’s Washington facilities-based operations will utilize switching and 
fiber optic facilities to provide broadband digital communications services and 
will purchase wholesale basic local exchange services from incumbent local 
exchange companies.  

  Level 3 has voluntarily committed to collect and remit to appropriate 
administrative agencies relevant excise taxes in support of various social 
programs, including enhanced 911, telecommunications relay services, and 
lifeline.  Level 3 does not propose to collect advanced payments or deposits 
from customers.  Level 3 has provided information showing that it meets the 
requirements of RCW 80.36.350.


FINDINGS

  THE COMMISSION FINDS:

  1.   Level 3 Communications, LLC is a public service company subject to the 
jurisdiction of this Commission under the provisions of chapter 80.36 RCW.

  2. As to form, the applications filed by Level 3 Communications, LLC meets 
the requirements of RCW 80.36.350 and the rules and regulations of the 
Commission adopted pursuant thereto.  

  3.   It appears, upon investigation, that the request for authority to 
provide interexchange and intraexchange switched 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 Commission approves the applications of Level 3 Communications, LLC 
filed pursuant to 
RCW 80.36.350 for registration as a telecommunications company to provide 
interexchange and switched 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.  The proposed tariff as filed and amended, in Exhibit G attached to the 
applications, is satisfactory.  Prior to supplying service to the public as a 
long distance and local exchange carrier or provision of resold services of 
incumbent and other local exchange carriers, Level 3 Communications, LLC shall 
file and receive permission and approval for an initial tariff with the 
Commission. The tariff shall bear an effective date not less than 30 days 
subsequent to the date of receipt by the Commission.  

  4.  As a telecommunications company providing service to the public in this 
state, Level 3 Communications, LLC 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.  Level 3 Communications, LLC shall not collect advanced payments or 
deposits without first showing that it has a satisfactory arrangement to 
protect customer monies as stated in WAC 480-121-040.


  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 22nd day of April, 1998.


  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION





       PAUL CURL, Acting Secretary