MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to comment on transfer of assets from CenturyLink to AT&T

Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: UT-250544

LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission is holding a virtual public comment hearing to gather input on a proposed settlement agreement between Qwest Corporation or CenturyLink QC (CenturyLink) and Forged Fiber 37, LLC (AT&T).

WHO
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

WHAT
Virtual public comment hearing

WHEN and WHERE
6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Join byZoom (recommended) or by phone at 253-215-8782 using Meeting ID: 845 7234 8278 and Passcode: 899956.

You can also submit public comments:

• online,
• by telephone at 888-333-9882,
• by email at [email protected], and
• by mail to P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250

Translation services are available at no cost to you. If possible, please inform the commission at least 5-7 business days before the meeting by calling 360-664-1149 or emailing [email protected].

For accommodation requests, please contact the UTC at least 5-7 business days before the meeting by calling 888-333-9882 or emailing [email protected].

To get hearing notices and updates about a company or case, ask to be added to the "interested persons" email list by emailing [email protected].

BACKGROUND

In July 2025, CenturyLink filed an application to approve the transfer of company assets to AT&T as part of a purchase agreement. Under state law, this type of transfer may require formal approval to ensure it is carried out properly and in the best interest of the public. CenturyLink seeks to close the sale by February 2026.

CenturyLink currently operates under an Alternative Form of Regulation (AFOR), which the commission approved in February 2025. This regulatory framework gives the company some flexibility in how it provides service, and it also includes important rules. In one of those rules, CenturyLink cannot bypass the commission's oversight when selling key parts of its network, such as wire centers or customer access lines. The AFOR also states that if CenturyLink changes ownership or control, the company and any future owner must continue to follow the same regulatory obligations.

The commission is now reviewing the proposed transfer to decide whether it meets legal requirements and serves the public interest. Public input will help inform the commission's decision.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink is the largest local exchange telephone company in Washington, serving approximately 650,000 residential and business access lines.

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