UTC staff adjust penalty recommendation for CenturyLink from $15.5M to $10.9M

Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: UT-240117

Editor's note: This news release reflects the position of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Consumer Protection staff and NOT the views of the commissioners. It discusses a staff investigation that commissioners have not yet reviewed. Any positions taken or comments offered by staff regarding this proceeding should be attributed clearly to UTC staff and NOT to the UTC.

LACEY, Wash - In April 2025, UTC staff recommended the commission issue a formal complaint and impose more than $15.5 million in penalties against CenturyLink Communications, LLC.

The penalty recommendation was based on 1,663,664 potential violations. As staff further reviewed the potential violations, a calculation error was identified that inflated the penalty recommendations. The revised number of potential violations is 739,302.

The new recommended penalty of roughly $10.9 million reflects the corrected number of violations. Although the staff recommended penalty is lower than originally requested, it remains the largest potential penalty UTC staff have requested.

CenturyLink was notified of the corrected recommendation, and the docket has been updated to reflect the correction. An evidentiary hearing on the matter is set for April 6-7, 2026.

About the UTC
The UTC regulates the rates and services of telephone companies in Washington and promotes a competitive telecommunications marketplace. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service at reasonable prices while earning a fair profit. The UTC does not regulate broadband, cellular, cable, or internet rates.

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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