SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6032

BYSenators Benitz, Williams, Barr, Stratton, Metcalf and West

Requiring the utilities and transportation commission to study the feasibility of eliminating multiparty lines and mileage charges.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989; February 24, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The definition of what comprises universal service is evolving to single party service, the gateway to the information age.  Services not available under multiparty include automatic toll call handling, choice of interLATA long distance carrier, use of answering machines, computer links, connection to burglar and fire alarm systems and access to custom calling features.  Currently there are over 85,000 subscribers to multiparty services in Washington State.  Sixteen local telephone companies charge an increment or mileage charge on basic service rates for customers whose premises lie outside a designated base rate area.  Subscribers to the lowest grade of service, generally four party, do not pay this charge.  This mileage charge can be quite substantial and is a deterrent to one party service.

SUMMARY:

Two new sections are added to RCW 80.36 requiring the Utilities and Transportation Commission to study the feasibility of eliminating by January 1, 1992 multiparty lines and mileage charges throughout the state of Washington.  This study is to be completed by December 1, 1989 and cost no more than $100,000.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 22, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Steve McLellan, UTC (pro); Pam Portin, U.S. West (pro); Bill Roberts, WSFB (pro)