May 5, 2000


NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF RULE MAKING PROCEEDING

Re: Commission Inquiry Into the Need for a Rule Relating to Toll Carrier 
Obligation to Serve
 Docket No. UT-991573

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

On September 22, 1999, the Commission directed Staff to file a statement of 
inquiry (CR-101) with the Office of the Code Reviser to investigate the need 
for a rule requiring toll carriers to provide notice before exiting a market.  
On October 25, 1999, the Commission filed with the Code Reviser a Preproposal 
Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) on the need for a rule relating to toll carrier 
obligation to serve.  The Commission received written comments from interested 
persons on November 12, 1999.  After considering written and oral comments, 
staff drafted rule language.

On December 29, 1999, the Commission directed the Secretary to file a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) with the Office of the Code Reviser in Docket 
UT-991573. Written comments were received from interested parties by January 
26, 2000. Modifications were made to the proposed rule language and the 
Commission issued a second CR-102 on February 23, 2000, requesting written 
comments be filed by April 12, 2000. 

The Commission has reviewed the written and oral comments filed in this matter, 
and has considered both the practical ramifications and usefulness of such a 
rule.  The Commission has concluded that it should not proceed at this time 
with the current rule making proceeding.  The Commission therefore gives notice 
that it will direct that the Code Reviser withdraw the statement of inquiry and 
that it will close this rulemaking docket.

Questions regarding this matter should be addressed to Bob Wallis at 
360-664-1142.

Sincerely,


CAROLE J. WASHBURN
Secretary