Federal Communications Commission 
Washington, D.C. 20554
DA 98-1291 
June 30, 1998
Philip R. Aldridge, President
Columbia Energy Telecommunications Company
12355 Sunrise Valley Drive
Suite 300
Reston, VA 20191-3420
Re: Columbia Energy
Telecommunications Company 
File No. ETC 98-5
Dear Mr. Aldridge:
On May 29, 1998, Columbia Energy Telecommunications Company filed an 
application for a determination of exempt telecommunications company status, pursuant to 
Section 34(aXO of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA), as added by 
Section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Columbia Energy Telecommunications 
Company's application was placed on public notice for comment on the adequacy and 
accuracy of the representations contained therein on June 3, 1998. Application of Columbia 
Energy Telecommunications Company, Public Notice, DA No. 98-1039 (OGC rel. June 3, 
1998). No comments were filed in response to the public notice.
Based on the information set forth in the application, we find that Columbia Energy 
Telecommunications Company is an exempt telecommunications company, as that term is 
defined in PUHCA Section 34(a)(l), as amended. As such, the application of Columbia 
Energy Telecommunications Company for a determination of ETC status is therefore granted. 
A copy of this letter will be sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
avid H. Solomon 
Deputy General Counsel
17345