State regulators recently approved a $7.8 million penalty against Qwest Corp. for the company’s failure to file business contracts with rival carriers who use Qwest’s phone network.
   The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) has levied its largest-ever fine against Qwest for not disclosing some agreements reached with other competitive local phone companies. The terms and conditions of the business contracts, as required by federal law, must be made available to all competing telephone carriers, not just a select few.
   The case resolves a formal complaint filed by the commission investigating Qwest’s actions in negotiating undisclosed business contracts with rival phone carriers from 1999 through 2002. A settlement was agreed to last November by Qwest.