SB 5380-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Directs the commission to waive the application to competitive telecommunications service of any regulatory requirement under title 80.36 RCW, except RCW 80.36.320 and 80.36.330 if it determines that competition will serve the same purposes as public interest regulation.  The commission may waive different regulatory requirements for different types of service or different types of companies if the treatment is in the public interest and does not result in unfair competitive advantage.

     Authorizes the commission to permit or require that telecommunications companies maintain publicly accessible price lists or file price lists with the commission. 

     Provides that, regardless of whether price lists are filed with the commission, no telecommunications company may impose mandatory local measured telecommunications service that is inconsistent with the provisions of RCW 80.04.130(3).

     Requires each telecommunications company to notify customers of any change in the prices, terms, or conditions under which any competitive telecommunications service is offered or provided.

     Requires the commission, after a process of public participation, to report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2001, on the following issues related to implementing this act:

     (1) An update on the development of competitive telecommunications services in the Washington marketplace, including differences by geographic areas, customer classes, and types of services;

     (2) A plan for providing consumers with a meaningful way to track and compare competitive telecommunications services, with emphasis on improving consumers' ability to make informed choices among alternative providers; and

     (3) The standards the commission applies to determine whether different regulatory treatment authorized under this act is in the public interest and does not result in unfair competitive advantage.