Qwest: 13-state multi-test virtually complete

Qwest Communications today announced that independent third party auditors KPMG Consulting and Hewlett-Packard Consulting have issued a draft final report that signals the end of the carrier's 13-state multi-test of its operations support systems (OSS).

Standing in the way of the final report, which is expected to be issued in late May, is the completion of a "limited" retest of what Qwest described as "one minor test segment." Once the final report is issued, Qwest will begin filing applications with the FCC for each of the states to provide in-region long distance service under Section 271 of the Telecom Act.

Qwest said in a statement that it has spent more than $3 billion to open its markets to competitors since 1996, and that its wholesale service quality is "comparable or better on key performance measures than that of Verizon Communications and SBC Communications," which between them have received 271 approval in 11 states.

In addition, the carrier reported that Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, the third-party tester in Arizona--the 14th state in Qwest's territory--issued a comprehensive report indicating Qwest had successfully met the 14-point OSS checklist. Qwest said it would file its 271 application for Arizona with the FCC in late May.

Before that can happen, however, Qwest first must get past the debate over the wholesale prices it charges competitors for unbundled network elements in Arizona. About 10 days ago, the public utility commission issued a cost docket that questioned those rates.

According to a Qwest spokesman, the administrative law judge reviewing the matter suggested UNE rates that "were out of whack" with the cost of delivering those facilities to competitive carriers. The spokesman said the commission has suggested alternative rates that are more in line with these costs, and the carrier expects the matter to be resolved in time to submit its application to the FCC as planned.