US West Communications Plans Expansion and Regulatory Approval for Long-Distance Service

US West Communications, the Denver-based telecommunications giant, is set to embark on a significant expansion plan, rolling out new technology and services across its 14-state territory. In a year-end report, President Sol Trujillo emphasized the company's commitment to driving the "communications revolution" forward in 1998. The company plans to introduce high-speed Internet access, expand wireless Access2 service, national directory assistance, and calling cards, while also seeking approval to offer interstate calling in its 14-state territory.

Key Takeaways:

• US West Communications plans to start providing long-distance service outside its region in 1998, with approval to offer service in all 36 states outside its home territory.
• The company aims to expand wireless Access2 service, national directory assistance, and calling cards, while introducing high-speed Internet access in Denver and other markets.
• US West has received approval to offer long distance in all 36 states outside its home territory, with plans to start service in selected areas in 1998.
• Within its own 14-state region, US West is behind most other Baby Bells in seeking regulatory approval for long distance service.
• The company expects to argue that in many of its rural states, competitors have shown little interest in offering local service, thereby justifying its application for long-distance approval.
• US West Communications added more than 680,000 access lines in 1997, with investment of over $2.5 billion in capital improvements.
• The company processed more than 17 million service orders in 1997, a 300,000 increase from 1996 levels, with primary hold orders reduced by nearly 45% from 1996 levels.
• US West responded to more than 42 million total phone inquiries in 1997, with 70% of residential and business repairs completed in 24 hours.

Statistics:

• US West Communications added more than 680,000 access lines in 1997, a significant increase from previous years.
• The company invested more than $2.5 billion in capital improvements in 1997.
• More than 17 million service orders were processed in 1997, a 300,000 increase from 1996 levels.
• Primary hold orders were reduced by nearly 45% from 1996 levels, with about 550 held orders carried into 1998.
• US West responded to more than 42 million total phone inquiries in 1997.

Sources:

• "U S West Plans to Offer Long-Distance," Rocky Mountain News, December 1997
• Year-end report by US West Communications, 1997