DOCKET NO. UT-961294 Page 1


BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


In the Matter of MIDCOM   )
Communications Inc.  ) DOCKET NO. UT-961294
for     )
an Order    )  
Granting Amendment  ) ORDER GRANTING AMENDMENT 
to Registration to   )  TO REGISTRATION  
Provide Local Exchange           ) AND 
Services and Authorizing   ) AUTHORIZING THE   
Provision of Intraexchange   ) PROVISION OF INTRAEXCHANGE 
Services.    ) TELECOMMUNICATIONS
...................................  ) SERVICES.

 
  MIDCOM Communications, Inc., filed for authority to provide facilities based 
and resold telecommunications services in Docket No. UT-961294.  MIDCOM 
Communications Inc. (MIDCOM)  was registered in Washington as an interexchange 
telecommunications company in Docket No. UT-910520 on June 5, 1991.  MIDCOM 
currently provides an array of integrated telecommunications services primarily 
as a resale carrier, using the network switching and transport facilities of 
other facilities based carriers. MIDCOM offerings include basic 
telecommunications services, one plus, 800 long distance, calling card, private 
line and data services, as well as wireless services, enhanced services and 
management reporting functions.  

  MIDCOM serves the small and mid-sized commercial customers and is listed with 
the FCC as one of the ten largest long distance carriers in the United States.  
MIDCOM owns and operates a limited capacity switch in Seattle which is used to 
facilitate the provision of interexchange services.  In 1998 and 1999, MIDCOM 
plans to install high capacity switches with local and long distance 
functionality throughout the nation, including the location of one in the 
Seattle metropolitan area.  MIDCOM intends to provide local dial tone and a 
variety of other local telecommunications services, including CLASS, custom 
calling, intralata toll, and private line on a local and intralata basis.

  MIDCOM is a publicly traded corporation formed under the laws of the State of 
Washington on January 25, 1989.  Mr. Paul Pfleger is the Chairman of the Board 
and Director.  The headquarters and Chairman offices are located in Seattle, 
Washington.

  MIDCOM’s proposed tariff is satisfactory and will mirror incumbent local 
exchange company calling areas.  The company has provided the information 
necessary to demonstrate MIDCOM possesses adequate financial resources and 
technical competence to provide the proposed services.  MIDCOM 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.  MIDCOM does not propose to 
collect advanced payments or deposits from customers.  


FINDINGS

  THE COMMISSION FINDS:

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

  2. MIDCOM Communications, 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 MIDCOM Communications, 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.  The proposed tariff as filed and amended, is satisfactory.  Prior to 
supplying local exchange telecommunications services to the public, MIDCOM 
Communications, 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.
  
  4.  MIDCOM Communications, Inc., 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.

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


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


  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



       STEVE McLELLAN, Secretary