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 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

News media information 202/418-0500
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission Action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 516 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 12, 2004
 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450
Janice.Wise@FCC.GOV



FCC PROPOSES RECORD FINE OF $ 9 MILLION AGAINST QWEST FOR FAILURE TO FILE INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENTS

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) today proposed a forfeiture of $9 million against Qwest Corporation for its failure to file 46 interconnection agreements with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission as required by the Communications Act.

Section 252(a)(1) of the Communications Act requires carriers to file their interconnection agreements for approval by state public service commissions. This requirement ensures that incumbent local exchange carriers, like Qwest, cannot enter into potentially discriminatory arrangements unknown to their competitors. The Commission found that Qwest apparently withheld 46 agreements from state commissions in Minnesota and Arizona, an apparent violation of section 252(a)(1). The Commission's proposed forfeiture complements state enforcement proceedings in Minnesota and Arizona relating to the same behavior by Qwest.

Action by the Commission on March 12, 2004, by Notice of Apparent Liability (FCC 04-57). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein. Chairman Powell issuing a separate statement.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450 and Mika Savir (202) 418-7450.

-FCC-