LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS K. CROWE, P.C.

LEGAL ALERT

Clients and Interested Parties:

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (“the WUTC”) will be implementing a new statute eliminating the requirement to file price lists for competitive telecommunications services beginning on June 8, 2006. 

The WUTC will continue to accept new price list filings with registration applications until June 7, 2006.  After this date, telecommunications companies will be required to withdraw their price lists with the WUTC or petition for a one-year extension.  The deadline for withdrawal of price lists or petitioning for an extension is June 30, 2007. 

Changes in the statute will require companies to negotiate price lists directly with customers using contracts or customer service agreements.  Companies will also need to provide information to customers regarding ongoing rates, terms and conditions. 

The new statute will not diminish the WUTC's role in the resolution of consumer complaints, nor does it reduce the ability of the WUTC to investigate the competitive prices of companies or classify services as competitive.  Affected carriers will also still be required to comply with regulatory obligations and the filing of tariffs for non-competitive services.  

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you require assistance with price list withdrawal or customer service agreements. 

Thomas K. Crowe, President "firm@tkcrowe.com"
Joshua T. Guyan, Staff Attorney, Admitted only in Virginia, 2004. District of Columbia application pending. (Supervised by Thomas K. Crowe, a member of the District of Columbia bar).
Law Offices of Thomas K. Crowe, P.C.
1250 24th Street, N.W.
Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 263-3640 (voice)
(202) 263-3641 (fax)
www.tkcrowe.com