Terry Goddard
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline)-Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is urging the Federal Communications Commission to deny Qwest Communication's request to deregulate the rates it charges to carriers that lease its lines.
In his letter, the Democratic attorney general said he is worried that completion could be harmed if Qwest's request for forbearance in Phoenix and three other markets is granted.
"Given the apparent success of Phoenix's competitive market, I am deeply concerned about a change that would remove Qwest's requirement to make available portions of the public switched network at cost-based rates," Goddard wrote.
If the forbearance is approved, Qwest would be allowed to charge local exchange carriers more than the regulated, wholesale rate for space on its network.
The Arizona Corporation Commission too has sent a letter to the FCC expressing opposition to Denver-based Qwest's plan.
Qwest has also sought forbearance for Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Seattle. A decision from the FCC is due by the end of July.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.