BILL: SCR 4008

SUBJECT: A Resolution Urging Expedited Review of Qwest’s Application to Provide InterLATA and Interstate Long Distance

DESCRIPTION: The resolution urged the Public Service Commission and Federal Communications Commission to process Qwest’s 271 petition for relief "as quickly as possible." The provision relating to Qwest submitting an application for relief to the Federal Communications Commission by December 31, 2001 has the potential to embarrass the N.D. Public Service Commission if the agency is not able to complete the review of the application they must do. The Association believes the timeframe is unrealistic.

IMPACT OF INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE COMPANIES: The Association found a number of phrases, including "North Dakota consumer choices are limited as to the number and capacity of data and voice transmission providers that offer service in the State", "Section 271 process move forward as quickly as possible in order to prevent North Dakota from lagging behind the other States" and "move the Section 271 process forward as quickly as possible to allow North Dakotans to enjoy the benefits of competition in the long distance market" to be misleading and insulting to the independent industry. We believe the measure should be amended or defeated.

ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATION: Support SCR 4008 with amendments.