Panel Drops Some Long-Distance Tolls

Toll-free calling will be instituted April 15 between Elk and Green Bluff by US West Communications.

Long-distance charges also will be eliminated between Colville and Kettle Falls, which is served by PTI Communications.

Permission to drop the charges was granted Wednesday by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. US West spokesman Harry Granstrom said it will take the two companies two weeks to make the technical and billing changes to implement the commission’s order.

Instead of tolls, residential telephone users in Elk and Green Bluff will pay a flat monthly fee of 65 cents. Businesses will pay 90 cents.

Colville residents will pay 55 cents per month to place calls to Kettle Falls. Businesses will pay 75 cents. Kettle Falls residents will pay $1.50, businesses $3.