Qwest recently told the FCC that there is plenty of competition in several of its major markets, so the FCC should let Qwest tell their competitors who want continued wholesale access to their last mile network to “go fly a kite.” Forgive my paraphrasing Qwest. The FCC respectfully denied the request. Qwest argued that sufficient competition existed from CLECs, cable companies, and wireless providers to warrant suspension of unbundling requirements for local loops and transport facilities. Qwest was hoping to repeat the forbearance relief (albeit partially) it received for Omaha, Nebraska in 2005 for its key markets of Denver, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Seattle. The FCC disagreed, saying “…we find that the record evidence does not satisfy the section 10 forbearance standard with respect to any of the forbearance Qwest seeks, and, accordingly, we deny the requested relief in the four MSAs.” Ouch.
