FCC Proposes $9 Million fine against Qwest

The FCC announced a $9 million fine 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. http://www.fcc.gov