TO: Editors, News Directors

DATE: August 31, 2001

FOR: Immediate Release

Southern Arizona "Road Show" To Gather Comment On Telephone Service Issues

PHOENIX - The Arizona Corporation Commission is planning a series of Public Comment Meetings in light of the recent news that Citizens Telecommunications and Qwest are not going through with the planned sale transaction. Qwest had planned to sell 38 rural telephone exchanges, including the Bisbee and Douglas exchanges, to Citizens but the deal fell apart in late July. The meetings - planned for Bisbee, Douglas and Sierra Vista - will give customers of Qwest Communications a chance to tell the Commissioners about telephone service problems, comments or questions.

"I want to hear directly from the business and residential customers of southern Arizona because I've made it clear to Qwest that I expect action and problem solving," said Commission Chairman Bill Mundell. "After hearing from residents in the affected communities, my fellow Commissioners and I will be in a better position to evaluate Qwest's action plans," Mundell added. Commissioners Marc Spitzer and Jim Irvin are also planning to attend the public comment sessions. The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Cochise County Board of Supervisors
1415 West Melody Lane, Building B
Bisbee, Arizona 85603

Thursday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Douglas City Hall Council Chambers
425 10th Street
Douglas, Arizona 85607

Friday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Oscar Yrun Community Center
3020 Tacoma, Room 2
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635

The meetings will open with a brief introduction by the Commissioners. Representatives from Qwest as well as local and county government are expected to attend and may offer opening remarks. Members of the community will then be able to present their comments or ask questions.

The Commission periodically offers residential and business utility customers throughout the state the opportunity to explain their positions on various issues affecting public utilities such as Qwest.

For more information on these meetings, please contact the Public Information Officer, Heather Murphy, at (602)542-0844.

About the Process:

This is a formal hearing. Residents will be asked to introduce themselves by name and then present their comments and questions to the Commissioners or company representatives. A court reporter will transcribe all comments shared at the proceeding. Citizen input will become part of the official record that the Commissioners review prior to making any final decisions on pending matters.