PUBLIC NOTICE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 1919 M STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 DA 98-1712 News media information 202/418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov Released: August 28, 1998 Petition of U S West Communications, Inc. for forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier in the Phoenix, Arizona MSA CC Docket No. 98-157 Pleading Cycle Established COMMENTS: October 7, 1998 REPLY COMMENTS: October 28, 1998 On March 5,1998, US West Communications, Inc. (U S West) filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating U S West as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity services in the Phoenix, Arizona Metropolitan Statistical Area, pursuant to Section 10 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Act), 47 U.S.C.  160. U S West states that the Phoenix area market for high capacity services is robustly competitive. U S West states that it faces intense competition from both resellers and five established facilities-based competitors with substantial resources, extensive fiber networks and these companies have access to financial resources equal to or greater than U S West's with which to fund expansion of their networks. U S West argues that it has steadily declining market share and the competitive providers' market share has been growing even more rapidly than the rapid growth in the demand for high capacity services in the Phoenix area. U S West states that there is high demand and supply elasticity and it does not enjoy an advantage in terms of its costs, structure, size and resources. Therefore, U S West seeks forbearance from various dominant carriers regulations, including the requirement that U S West file tariffs on up to 15-days notice with cost support, price cap and rate of return regulation, and requirements that U S West charge averaged rates thoughout the State of Arizona. This matter shall be treated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules. Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentations must contain summaries of the substance of the presentations and not merely a listing of the subjects discussed. More than a one or two sentence description of the views and arguments presented is generally required. Other rules pertaining to oral and written presentations are set forth in Section 1.1206(b) as well. Interested parties may file comments on U S West petition no later than October 7, 1998. Replies must be filed by October 28, 1998. When filing comments and/or replies, please reference the CC Docket No. 98-157. An original and four copies of all comments and replies must be filed in accordance with Section 1.51(c) of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R.  1.51(c). In addition, one copy of each pleading must be filed with International Transcription Services (ITS), the Commission's duplicating contractor, at its office at 1231 - 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 and one copy with the Chief, Competitive Pricing Division, Room 518, 1919 M Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20554. For further information contact, Harold Watson, Competitive Pricing Division, Common Carrier Bureau, (202) 418-1530. - FCC -