HOUSE 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.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass. (12)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; Todd, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Brooks, Cooper, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers, Miller, H. Myers and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Deborah Senn (786-7384)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES MARCH 28, 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.  Multi-party line service, if available, is the lowest cost service, and under the Washington Telephone Assistance Program (Lifeline) is the service for which the benefit is available.  This has accounted for lower than expected participation in the program.

SUMMARY:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission shall 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:    $100,000 to the Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Steve McLellan, Utilities & Transportation Commission; Jack Doyle, Washington Independent Telephone Association; Tom Walker, U.S. West Communications.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This is a process that was begun by the Utilities & Transportation Commission, and the study shall accelerate the move toward eliminating multi-party service.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.