BILL REQ. #:  H-4390.1 

Read first time 01/23/2006.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to review by the commission of service extension requests; and adding a new section to chapter 80.36 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 80.36 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Upon receiving a written complaint from an individual who has been denied a petition for service extension by a telecommunications company, the commission must conduct an investigation. The commission must investigate the complaint and issue a written decision within ninety days. In investigating a complaint, the commission must consider:
     (a) The total direct cost of the extension;
     (b) The number of customers served;
     (c) The comparative price and capabilities of radio communication service or other alternatives available to customers;
     (d) Technological difficulties and physical barriers presented by the requested extensions;
     (e) The likelihood that other neighboring customers may request service if the service extension is granted;
     (f) The effect on the individuals and communities involved;
     (g) The effect on the public switched network; and
     (h) The effect on the company.
     (2) When reviewing a request for service extension, the commission must make every effort to keep the petitioner informed and make the petition process as straightforward as possible.