FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2525

                                  C 118 L 90

BYRepresentatives Miller, Jacobsen, Nelson and May; by request of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Limiting regulation of radio communications services.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Radio communications service companies that provide cellular telecommunications and paging services, were deregulated by the Legislature in 1985. Because of the definitions used in the statute, radio communications services provided by regulated telecommunications companies not using a separate subsidiary remain regulated.  This arrangement creates an unequal regulatory structure and needlessly adds to regulatory paperwork.  It appears that the market for these services is competitive.

In some isolated instances, radios are used to link rural customers into local exchange telecommunications service. These instances are not likely a competitive situation.

SUMMARY:

With a limited exception, radio communications services, including those of regulated telecommunications companies, are deregulated.  Radio communications services provided by a regulated telecommunications company that are the only voice grade, local exchange telecommunications service available to a customer of the company remain regulated.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    46     0 (Senate amended)

      House 92   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990