Qwest appeals FCC ruling

Local telecommunications providers may be facing a protracted battle in Qwest's fight to deregulate the fees it charges them to use its lines and equipment. Forbearance would have meant Qwest Communications International Inc. no longer was required to charge wholesale rates to competitors, as re­quired by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Providers in Phoenix, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and Denver lobbied the Federal Communications Commission to deny Qwest's petition, and it did. Denver-based Qwest filed a notice in U.S. District Court to appeal the FCC decision, though company officials still are reviewing what actions they will take regarding the case, said spokesman Jeff Mirasola.