Price Lists Are No Longer Required
As of June 2006, companies that offer competitively classified services in Washington do not need to file price lists with the commission. This change was made by Senate Bill 6473.
Companies must now share prices, terms, and conditions with customers through contracts, customer service agreements, or details on their company website.
Companies planing to register for the first time or add new services must list their services on their registration form or annual report. No other notice is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the operator service rate benchmark still apply?
Yes. The standard in WAC 480‑120‑262(3)(f) does not depend on price lists. Companies must follow this rule going forward.
2. Do new companies still need to file an initial price list?
No. New telecommunications companies only need to file an application and their financials.
3. How do I get authority to offer a new competitive service?
Report the new service on the next annual report. For more details, visit the Offering a New Telecom Service page.
4. How will customers learn about competitive prices and terms?
Companies must share updates about prices and terms with customers using:
- Written contracts.
- Customer service agreements.
- Updates posted on the company website.
5. Does this change mean competitive services are deregulated?
No. Non‑competitive services still need tariffs. Companies must still:
- Apply for registration.
- Pay regulatory fees.
- Work with the commission on consumer complaints.
6. Are consumer complaints handled differently now?
No. The commission still resolves complaints about competitive services.
7. Does the commission still classify services as competitive?
Yes. The commission does register companies and classify services.
8. Does the commission oversee competitive pricing and terms?
Yes. The commission can look into whether competitive prices and term are fair, just, and reasonable.
9. Did this change affect tariff requirements?
No. Companies must still file tariffs for non‑competitive services.
10. Do companies still need to pay regulatory fees?
Yes. The change to no longer require price lists did not change regulatory fee requirements.