960325.docx

March 25, 1996
Mary S.  Hobson, Esq.
Elam & Burke
Attorneys at Law
PO Box 1539
Boise, ID 83701
RE: U S WEST Communications Temporary Exemption from Customer Relations Rules Relating to Credit References
Dear Ms. Hobson:
In Order Nos. 24508 and 25011 the Commission authorized a pilot program for U S WEST Communications, Inc.  (U S WEST), which included a temporary exemption from certain requirements of the Commission’s Telephone Customer Relations Rules.  The pilot program allowed U S WEST to use commercial credit records to screen unknown applicants to evaluate credit risk.  The pilot program was authorized to run from July 15, 1993 through October 31, 1994.
Despite expiration of the time for the pilot program, I understand U S WEST has continued to obtain commercial credit records to evaluate unknown applicants.  U S WEST has not requested an extension of the exemption authorized during the pilot program, and no extension has been granted by the Commission.  Thus, the current practice by U S WEST of obtaining commercial credit records violates the Commission’s rules relating to customer relations.
I understand the Commission Staff has attempted to resolve this issue with U S WEST without success.  Staff is ready to recommend to the Commission that it issue an Order to show cause why sanctions should not be levied against the Company for violating the Commission’s rules.
Please inform me whether U S WEST intends to request an additional exemption from the Commission’s rules or to comply with its Customer Relations Rules.  Please send a written response to me by April 5, 1996.  If I do not hear from U S WEST by then, Staff will recommend at the next
available decision meeting that the Commission issue an Order to show cause to compel U S WEST’s compliance with the Commission’s rules.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Weldon B.  Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General
WBS/vld:L:hobson.ws
cc:Jim Wosniak
Beverly Barker