WOZNIAK.docx

May 7, 1997
James Wozniak
Director — Regulatory Affairs
U S WEST Communications, Inc.
999 Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Dear Mr. Wozniak:
As you know, several state commissions in the U S WEST region have promulgated procedures for handling Section 271 applications.  Once a BOC files its 271 application with the FCC, state commissions only have 20 days to file their written consultation comments with the FCC.  Several states have recognized this problem and responded by commencing Section 271 compliance proceedings.  Some states have even gone so far as to require that a filing with the state commission be done at least 90 days before formally filing a Section 271 application with the FCC.  The short time period highlights the critical importance of the prefiling period for a state commission to carry out the vital role assigned to it by statute.
The Commission has asked  me to inquire whether U S WEST will file a Section 271 application before the end of the year.  For all of us, this is a busy time.  Scheduling the resources necessary to accommodate this case and adjust work loads requires some advance planning.
Will you kindly advise us about your planned timetable and, to the extent possible, identify any contingencies that might impact those plans, either slowing or hastening the process?
Sincerely,
Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General
cc:  Commissioners
      Bill Eastlake
L-wozniak.dh