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Agreement [Attachment 18] - Liberty Telecom LLC and Nevada Bell

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ATTACHMENT 18 INTERCONNECTION – NV

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NEVADA/LIBERTY TELECOM LLC

ATTACHMENT 18

INTERCONNECTION

ATTACHMENT 18 INTERCONNECTION – NV

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NEVADA/LIBERTY TELECOM LLC

LOCAL INTERCONNECTION TRUNK ARRANGEMENTS

General

The Parties will establish Local Interconnection Trunks to exchange local and intraLATA toll traffic. All Local Interconnection Trunk Groups established directly with the other Party’s network including facilities and Points of Interconnection (“POIs”) will conform with Section 1 of this Attachment. All traffic exchanged over Local Interconnection Trunk Groups is subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Neither Party shall terminate Switched Access traffic over Local Interconnection Trunks. Separate two-way Meet Point trunks will be established for the joint provisioning of Switched Access traffic. Local Interconnection will be provided via two-way trunks unless both Parties agree to implement one-way trunks on a case-by-case basis.

Wherever a tariffed rate is cited or quoted, it is understood that said cite incorporates any changes to said tariffs as required by the Act.

1.1

Interconnection in LATA 720

1.1.1.

The Parties will establish a Local Interconnection Trunk Group with NEVADA’s Access Tandem. Currently only one (1) Access Tandem is deployed in LATA 720. The Parties agree that direct trunking to an end office from either Party’s end office or Access Tandem is permitted under the terms of this section.

1.1.2.

In addition to the tandem interconnection described above, either Party may establish end office-to-end office or end office-to-tandem or tandem-to-tandem trunk groups. In the case of host-remote end offices, such interconnection shall occur at the location of the host or remote, at the option of the Party deploying the host-remote end office.

1.1.3.

CLEC and NEVADA agree to interconnect their networks through existing and/or new facilities between CLEC end offices and/or Access Tandem, and the corresponding NEVADA end office and/or NEVADA’s Access Tandem set forth in Appendix A. The Parties will establish logical trunk groups referencing the appropriate CLC Central Office or CLEC Routing Point and NEVADA Central Office. In addition, where necessary, and as mutually agreed to, the Parties will define facilities between their networks to permit trunk group(s) to be established between the points listed in Appendix A. CLEC has initially populated Appendix A. Either Party may populate Appendix A further under Section 1.1.4 below.

1.1.4.

Nothing in the foregoing restricts either Party from ordering and establishing CLEC/ NEVADA Local Interconnection Trunk Groups

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in addition to the initial combinations described above. Amendment to Appendix A may be made by either Party, upon 30 days written notice and acceptance by the other Party. Acceptance will not be unreasonably withheld. Such amendments may be made without the need to renegotiate the terms of the rest of this Attachment.

1.2.

Interconnection in LATA 721.

At CLEC’s request for interconnection in LATA 721, the Parties agree to meet and negotiate in good faith to reach agreement on interconnection arrangements in LATA 721. However, both Parties recognize that the Act places an equal burden on each party to facilitate the interconnections between NEVADA and CLEC.

1.3.

Single POI Model

For each interconnection between the Parties for the exchange of local, intraLATA toll, and meet point Switched Access traffic, the Parties agree that CLEC will designate a single Point of Interconnection between any two switching entities.

1.4.

Sizing and Structure of Interconnection Facilities.

1.4.1.

The Parties will mutually agree on the appropriate sizing for facilities based on the standards set forth below. The capacity of interconnection facilities provided by each Party will be based on mutual forecasts and sound engineering practice, as mutually agreed to by the Parties during planning and forecasting meetings. The interconnection facilities provided by each Party shall be formatted using either Alternate Mark Inversion Line Code or Superframe Format Framing. DS3 facilities will be optioned for C-bit Parity.

1.4.2.

When interconnecting at NEVADA’s tandem, the Parties agree to establish Bipolar 8 Zero Substitution Extended Super Frame (“B8ZS ESF”) two-way trunks, where technically feasible, for the purpose of transmitting 64K CCC data calls. In no case will these trunks be used for calls for which the User Service Information parameter (also referred to as “Bearer Capability”) is set for “speech” unless all available non-64K Clear Channel Capable (“CCC”) circuits are busy. If all such circuits are busy, The Parties agree to use network management control (including, inter alia, rerouting to 64K CCC trunk groups) pursuant to Section 12 of this Attachment, to relieve network congestion temporarily. Where additional equipment is required, such equipment would be obtained, engineered, and installed on the same basis and with the

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same intervals as any similar growth job for IXC, CLC, or NEVADA internal customer demand for 64K CCC trunks,

1.4.3.

When interconnecting at NEVADA’s digital end offices, the Parties have a preference for use of B8ZS ESF two-way trunks for all traffic between their networks. Where available, such trunk equipment will be used for these Local Interconnection Trunk Groups and Meet Point Trunk Groups. Where AMI trunks are used, either Party may request upgrade to B8ZS ESF when such equipment is available.

1.5.

Combination Interconnection Trunks.

1.5.1.

The Parties agree to work cooperatively to combine all functionalities of Local Interconnection Trunk Groups and Meet Point Trunk Groups on a single Combination Interconnection Trunk Group at any feasible Point Of Interconnection which CLEC designates.

1.5.2.

The Parties agree to make the initial decision as to whether the use of Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups is feasible, including a determination of switched software compatibility, ordering procedures and billing procedures, no later than four months from the effective date of this Agreement.

1.5.3.

If the Parties find the use of Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups not to be feasible at that time, the Parties will undertake a review of such feasibility and a further decision on the use of Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups at six month intervals, at either Party’s option, through the term of the Agreement.

1.5.4.

Until the Parties find Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups to be feasible, Local Interconnection will be provided via one-way and/or two-way trunks.

1.5.5.

Whenever the use of Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups is determined to be feasible, and ordering and billing procedures have been established:

Any new trunk groups may be ordered using the Combination Interconnection Trunk Group option; and

The Parties will work together in good faith to complete the conversion from the use of separate Local Interconnection Trunk Groups and Meet Point Trunk Groups to the use of Combination Interconnection Trunk Groups within six months from that time.

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1.6.

Signaling Protocol

The Parties will interconnect their networks using SS7 signaling as defined in GR-317 and GR-394, including ISDN User Part (“ISUP”) for trunk signaling and Transaction Capabilities Application Part (“TCAP”) for CCS-based features in the interconnection of their networks. Either Party may establish CCS interconnections either directly and/or through a third party. Whether direct or by third party, CCS interconnection shall be pursuant to PUB L-780023-PB/NB and in accordance with the rates, terms and conditions of the Parties’ respective tariffs. The Parties will cooperate in the exchange of TCAP messages to facilitate full interoperability of CCS-based features between their respective networks, including all CLASS features and functions, to the extent each carrier offers such features and functions to its own end users. All CCS signaling parameters will be provided including CPN. All privacy indicators will be honored. The Parties will interconnect their networks using SS7 signaling as defined in PUB L-780023 PB/NB Issue 3 or later.

1.7.

Transit Signaling

CLEC may choose to route SS7 signaling information (e.g., ISUP, TCAP) from CLEC’s signaling network to another carrier’s signaling network via NEVADA’s signaling network for the purpose of exchanging call processing and/or network information between CLEC and the other party’s network, whether or not NEVADA has a trunk to the terminating switch, provided that, where NEVADA does not have such a trunk, CLEC furnishes NEVADA through the “CCS\SS7 Interconnect Questionnaire” the necessary information, including:

1.7.1.

the destination point codes (“DPCs”) of all the switches to which CLEC wishes to send transit signaling;

1.7.2.

the identity of the STPs in NEVADA’s network in which each DPC will be translated;

1.7.3.

the identity of the STPs in the other signaling network to which such transit signaling will be sent; and

1.7.4.

a letter from the other party authorizing NEVADA to send such signaling messages.

1.7.5.

The rates for Transit Signaling are as specified in Attachment 8.

1.8.

Either Party may opt at any time to terminate, i.e., overflow, to the other Party some or all local exchange traffic and intraLATA toll traffic originating on its network, together with Switched Access traffic, via Feature Group D or Feature Group B Switched Access Services. Either Party may otherwise purchase these Switched Access Services from the

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other Party subject to the rates, terms and conditions specified in its standard intrastate access tariffs.

1.9

Each Party shall deliver to the other Party over the Local Interconnection Trunk Group(s) only such traffic which is destined for those publicly dialable NPA NXX codes served by end offices that directly subtend the Access Tandem or to those LECs, CLCs and Wireless Service Providers that directly subtend the Access Tandem.

1.10.

Unless otherwise agreed to, each Party shall deliver all traffic destined to terminate at either Party’s end office or tandem in accordance with the serving arrangements defined in the LERG.

1.11.

Where the Parties deliver over the Local Interconnection Trunk Group miscellaneous calls (e.g., time, weather, NPA-555, Nevada 900, Mass Calling Codes) destined for each other, they shall deliver such traffic in accordance with the serving arrangements defined in the LERG.

1.12

N11 codes (e.g., 611, & 911) shall not be sent between CLEC’s and NEVADA’s network over the Local Interconnection Trunk Groups.

1.13.

Maintenance of Service

1.13.1.

A Maintenance of Service charge applies whenever either Party requests the dispatch of the other Party’s personnel for the purpose of performing maintenance activity on the interconnection trunks, and any of the following conditions exist:

1.13.1.1.

No trouble is found in the interconnection trunks; or

1.13.1.2.

The trouble condition results from equipment, facilities or systems not provided by the Party whose personnel were dispatched; or

1.13.1.3.

Trouble clearance did not otherwise require dispatch and, upon dispatch requested for repair verification, the interconnection trunk did not exceed Maintenance Limits.

1.13.2.

If a Maintenance of Service initial charge has been applied and trouble is subsequently found in the facilities of the Party whose personnel were dispatched, the charge will be canceled.

1.13.3.

Billing for Maintenance of Service is based on each half-hour or fraction thereof expended to perform the work requested. The

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time worked is categorized and billed at one of the following three rates:

i. basic time;

ii. overtime; or

iii. premium time,

as defined for billing by NEVADA in NEVADA’s PSCN Tariff No. C, Section 13 and in CLEC’s Exchange tariff.

Third Party Traffic

2.1.

NEVADA shall terminate traffic from third-party LECs, CLCs, or Wireless Service Providers delivered to NEVADA’s network through an CLEC tandem. Prior to the routing of such traffic, the Parties agree to negotiate the issues of network capacity, forecasting, third–party routing arrangements; information required to satisfy the reporting, auditing and verification requirements including the calculation and verification of PLU. In addition the Parties agree they will require from the underlying LEC, CLC, or WSP the information required to satisfy the forecasting, reporting, auditing and verification requirements including calculation and verification of PLU, as well as the exchange of billing records where requested by the terminating party, herein established for the Parties. The Parties agree to exchange all such information under appropriate non-disclosure agreements. The Parties shall conduct such negotiations in good faith and shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the routing of such traffic.

2.2.

NEVADA BELL shall complete traffic delivered from CLEC destined to third-party LECs, CLCs or WSPs in the LATA. NEVADA BELL shall have no responsibility to ensure that any third–party LEC, CLC or WSP will accept such traffic.

2.3.

NEVADA shall accept, from any third-party LEC, CLC, or WSP in the LATA, traffic destined for an CLEC end office subtending the NEVADA tandem, or a LEC, CLC or WSP subtending CLEC’s end office if NEVADA has a provision in an interconnection agreement with such LEC, CLC or WSP permitting such an arrangement.

2.4.

NEVADA in its role as Designated Carrier for LATA 720, as established by the Nevada PSCN in Docket 86-711, has the responsibility to transport originating and terminating traffic for embedded independent local exchange carriers under special compensation arrangements. The independent LECs that participate in the Designated Carrier Plan (DCP) are Churchill County Telephone & Telegraph, Continental Telephone Company of Nevada (GTE), C.P. National Corporation (Citizens Telecom), Lincoln County Telephone Company, Humboldt Telephone, and Rural Telephone Company. NEVADA is bound to continue this arrangement until such time as NEVADA has interconnection agreements

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with all of the embedded ILECs and the NEVADA PSCN agrees to discontinue the DCP. All traffic under this plan is ILEC IntraLATA Toll traffic. Under the DCP, the ILECs bill NEVADA for both originating and terminating access at rates designed to recover their relevant costs NEVADA does not bill the ILECs any access for originating or terminating their traffic. The ILECs pass the toll revenue associated with their originating traffic to NEVADA as compensation to NEVADA for the transport of their traffic. To meet the requirements of the DCP, CLEC agrees to the following stipulations for compensation as it pertains to both originating and terminating traffic from the participating ILECs.

2.4.1.

All traffic for the participating ILECs that transit NEVADA’s network will be treated for compensation (rating) as if the call originated or terminated in NEVADA’s network, using the methods and rates as defined in 3 below and as specified in Attachment 8. At such time that the DCP is discontinued, this Section 2.4.1. will no longer apply and the compensation and rating defined in Section 3 of this Attachment and as specified in Attachment 8 will be used without exception.

2.4.2.

CLEC will not be required to establish an appropriate billing relationship directly with the ILECs for traffic under the DCP. At such time as the DCP is discontinued, CLEC will establish billing relationships as defined in 3.7.2. below.

Compensation for Call Termination

3.1.

In all cases, resale lines (whether purchased by CLEC or a third party) in NEVADA’s switches will be treated in the same manner as NEVADA’s end user customers for the purposes of call termination charges.

3.2.

For calls that originate from or terminate to an CLEC Local Switching Network Element (“LSNE”) purchased from NEVADA, bound for or terminated from a third party LEC, the Parties agree that NEVADA shall make arrangements directly with that third party for any compensation owed in connection with such calls on CLEC’s behalf.

3.3.

NEVADA agrees to bill any facilities-based third party referred to in Section 3.2, above, unless, after thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to NEVADA, CLEC requests otherwise. To compensate NEVADA for this service, CLEC agrees to pay $ .005 (one-half cent) per message.

3.4.

For calls that originate from a facilities-based third party and terminate to an CLEC LSNE purchased from NEVADA, NEVADA will compensate CLEC on behalf of that third party. For calls that terminate to a facilities-based third party from an CLEC LSNE purchased from NEVADA,

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NEVADA has agreed to charge CLEC as if the call terminated in NEVADA’s network, using NEVADA’s rates as described below. In the event CLEC elects not to use NEVADA’s billing service described in Section 3.3, above, CLEC shall deal directly with third parties regarding compensation for call termination.

3.5.

The following compensation terms shall apply in all cases where CLEC purchases NEVADA’s LSNE. All prices for LSNE are as specified in Attachment 8 to this Agreement.

3.5.1.

For Local intra-switch calls where CLEC has purchased NEVADA’s LSNE, the Parties agree to impose no call termination charges on each other. Where the call is:

3.5.1.1.

Originated by CLEC’s end user customer and completed to a NEVADA customer:

3.5.1.1.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

3.5.1.2.

Originated by CLEC’s end user customer and completed to the customer of a third party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) using NEVADA’s LSNE:

3.5.1.2.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

3.5.1.3.

Originated by CLEC’s end user customer and completed to another of CLEC’s end user customers using NEVADA’s LSNE:

3.5.1.3.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

3.5.1.4.

Originated by a NEVADA customer and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

•

No Local Switching Capacity charge will apply.

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3.5.1.5.

Originated by the customer of a third party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) using NEVADA’s LSNE and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

•

No Local Switching Capacity charge will apply to CLEC.

•

The Local Switching Capacity charge on the originating end will be imposed on the third-party carrier.

3.5.2.

For Local inter-switch calls where CLEC has purchased NEVADA’s LSNE, the Parties agree to impose no call termination charges on each other. Unless otherwise specified, NEVADA’s charges will apply to CLEC as described below where the call is:

3.5.2.1.

Originated from CLEC’s LSNE and completed to a NEVADA end user:

3.5.2.1.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

3.5.2.2.

Originated from CLEC’s LSNE and completed to the LSNE of a third party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC):

3.5.2.2.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

3.5.2.3.

Originated from CLEC’s LSNE and completed to the interconnected network of a third party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC):

3.5.2.3.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport, and mileage shall be measured between the originating office and the POI with the third party’s network.

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3.5.2.3.2.

For call termination:

•

Tandem Transit Switching rate if applicable.

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office. (This charge will not apply if CLEC elects to settle directly with the third-party.)

3.5.2.4.

Originated from CLEC’s LSNE and completed to CLEC’s LSNE:

3.5.2.4.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

3.5.2.5.

Originated by a NEVADA end-user customer and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

3.5.2.5.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity Charge at the terminating office.

3.5.2.6.

Originated by a customer of a third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) using NEVADA’s LSNE and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

3.5.2.6.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

3.5.2.7.

Originated by an end-user customer on the interconnected network of a third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

3.5.2.7.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

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3.5.2.7.2.

For call termination, if CLEC selects the option specified in Section 3.3:

•

CLEC charges to NEVADA NEVADA’s Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office. (These charges do not apply if CLEC elects to settle call termination charges directly with the third party.)

3.5.3.

For intraLATA toll calls where CLEC has purchased NEVADA’s LSNE:

3.5.3.1.

Originated by CLEC’s end-user customer and completed to a NEVADA end user customer:

3.5.3.1.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge between the two offices will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

3.5.3.1.2.

For call termination at the terminating office, Switched Access Charges shall apply as follows:

•

Local Switching

•

NIC

3.5.3.2.

Originated by CLEC’s end-user customer and completed to the customer of a third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) using NEVADA’s LSNE in a distant end office:

3.5.3.2.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge between the two offices will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

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3.5.3.2.2.

For call termination if CLEC elects to have NEVADA pay third party CLC on CLEC’s behalf pursuant to Section 3.3:

•

Local Switching at the terminating office

•

NIC

3.5.3.3.

Originated by CLEC’s end-user customer and completed to the network of third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) interconnected with NEVADA’s network:

3.5.3.3.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport, and mileage shall be measured between the originating office and the POI with the third party’s network.

•

Tandem Transit rate (if applicable)

3.5.3.3.2.

For call termination, if CLEC elects to have NEVADA pay the third party CLC on CLEC’s behalf pursuant to Section 3.3:

•

Switched Access charges will apply as follows:

•

Local Switching

•

NIC

•

Tandem Switching (if charged by the third party)

3.5.3.4.

Originated by CLEC’s end-user customer and completed to another of CLEC’s customers being served through NEVADA’s LSNE in a distant office:

3.5.3.4.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

•

A mileage-based transport charge between the two offices will apply when CLEC uses NEVADA’s transport.

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For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

3.5.3.5.

Originated by a NEVADA customer and terminated to CLEC’s end-user customer.

3.5.3.5.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

3.5.3.5.2.

For call termination CLEC will charge to NEVADA, NEVADA’s Switched Access Charges per NEVADA’s PSCN Tariff No. C, Section 6 at the terminating office:

•

Local Switching

•

NIC

3.5.3.6.

Originated by the customer of a third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) using NEVADA’s LSNE in a distant end office and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE:

3.5.3.6.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

3.5.3.6.2.

For call termination:

•

if NEVADA is acting as an agent for the third party CLC CLEC will charge to NEVADA CLEC’s Local Switching charge and NIC at the terminating office;

•

if NEVADA is not an agent for the originating CLC, CLEC will charge the originating CLC.

3.5.3.7.

Originated by a customer on the network of a third-party carrier (not affiliated with CLEC) interconnected with NEVADA’s network and terminated to CLEC’s LSNE.

3.5.3.7.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

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3.5.3.7.2.

For call termination:

•

if NEVADA is acting as an agent for the third party CLC CLEC will charge to NEVADA CLEC’s Local Switching charge and NIC at the terminating office;

•

if NEVADA is not an agent for the originating CLC, CLEC will charge the originating CLC.

3.5.4.

For intrastate Switched Access calls where CLEC is using NEVADA’s LSNE for calls originated from or terminated to an IXC for completion:

3.5.4.1.

For calls originated from CLEC’s end-user customer to CLEC’s own IXC switch (or that of an affiliate) for completion:

3.5.4.1.1

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

NEVADA and CLEC (if applicable) will charge CLEC’s IXC affiliate appropriate Switched Access elements on a meet point basis per Attachment 13.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable)

CLEC will charge the affiliate (if applicable):

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

NIC (at the originating office)

3.5.4.2.

For calls originated from CLEC’s end-user customer to an IXC’s switch not affiliated with CLEC.

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3.5.4.2.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

NEVADA and CLEC shall charge the IXC for originating Switched Access on a meet point basis per Attachment 13 of this Agreement.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable)

CLEC will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

NIC (at the originating office)

3.5.4.3.

For calls terminating to CLEC’s end-user customer from CLEC’s own IXC switch (or that of an affiliate) for completion.

3.5.4.3.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

NEVADA and CLEC will charge CLEC’s IXC affiliate appropriate Switched Access elements on a meet point basis per Attachment 13.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable)

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CLEC will charge the affiliate (if applicable):

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

NIC (at the terminating office)

3.5.4.4.

For calls terminating to CLEC’s end-user customer from an IXC switch not affiliated with CLEC.

3.5.4.4.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

NEVADA and CLEC shall charge the IXC terminating Switched Access on a meet point basis per Attachment 13, Section 4 of this Agreement.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable)

CLEC will charge the IXC:

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

NIC (at the terminating office)

3.5.5.

For interstate Switched Access calls where CLEC is using NEVADA’s LSNE for calls originated from or terminated to an IXC for completion:

3.5.5.1.

For calls originated from CLEC’s end-user customer to CLEC’s own IXC switch (or that of an affiliate) for completion.

For use of the local switch: Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

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NEVADA and CLEC will charge CLEC’s IXC affiliate appropriate Switched Access elements on a meet point basis per Attachment 13.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable

CLEC will charge the affiliate (if applicable):

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

RIC

•

CCLC

3.5.5.2.

For calls originated from CLEC’s end-user customer to an IXC’s switch not affiliated with CLEC.

3.5.5.2.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the originating office.

NEVADA and CLEC shall charge the IXC for originating Switched Access on a Meet-Point basis per Attachment 13 of this Agreement.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable

CLEC will charge the IXC:

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

RIC

•

CCLC

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3.5.5.3.

For calls terminating to CLEC’s end-user customer from CLEC’s own IXC switch (or that of an affiliate) for completion.

3.5.5.3.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

NEVADA and CLEC will charge CLEC’s IXC affiliate appropriate Switched Access elements on a meet point basis per Attachment 13.

Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable

CLEC will charge the affiliate (if applicable):

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

RIC

•

CCLC

3.5.5.4.

For calls terminating to CLEC’s end-user customer from an IXC’s switch not affiliated with CLEC.

3.5.5.4.1.

For use of the local switch:

•

Local Switching Capacity charge at the terminating office.

NEVADA and CLEC shall charge the IXC for terminating Switched Access on a Meet Point basis per Attachment 13, Section 4 of this Agreement.

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Since the parties have chosen the multiple bill single tariff option the appropriate charges are as follows:

Nevada Bell will charge the IXC

•

Transport (from the IXC to the meet point)

•

Tandem Switching (if applicable

CLEC will charge the affiliate (if applicable):

•

Transport (from the meet point to the end office)

•

Local Switching

•

RIC

•

CCLC

3.6.

The following terms apply where CLEC and NEVADA interconnect using their own networks, pursuant to Section I of this Attachment.

3.6.1.

The following call termination rates shall apply for intraLATA traffic terminated from CLEC to NEVADA, or from NEVADA to CLEC. CLEC and NEVADA agree to the mutual exchange of Local Calls without explicit compensation (“bill and keep”) where traffic flows between CLEC and NEVADA are in balance, as defined in 3.6.1.1, below. Where such traffic is not in balance, CLEC and NEVADA agree to call termination at the rates set out in 3.6.1.3, below, for that portion of the traffic that is out of balance.

3.6.1.1.

The Parties will measure Local Call traffic between them and will use such measure to determine the balance of traffic between them and the compensation due, if any. The Parties will make measurements and report the results to each other on a calendar-quarter basis (i.e., January - March, April-June, July-September, October-December). Each Party will be responsible for the measurement of its originating traffic transmitted to the other. The Parties will undertake traffic measurements on a LATA-Wide basis in each LATA where the Parties interconnect. The Parties will report measurements to each other no later than the end of the month following the completion of the quarter. The provisions of this Section and of 3.6.1.2 and 3.6.1.3, below, will not apply until the first full year after the effective date of this Agreement. The reported measurements will determine the requirement for payments, if any, for the subsequent full calendar quarter. In determining whether any amount for call termination is owing under this section, neither Party shall be obligated to pay the other unless, on a LATA-Wide basis, the net usage differential (i.e., the difference between the respective Parties’ usage levels, calculated by subtracting

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the lower total number of minutes of use in a quarter from the higher total number) exceeds the following percentages of the total volume of local traffic exchanged between the Parties in the LATA:

The applicable percentage for 0 to 2,000,000 minutes of use will be 20%;

ii.

The applicable percentage for 2,000,001 through 5,000,000 minutes of use will be 15%;

iii.

The applicable percentage for greater than 5,000,000 minutes of use will be 5%.

3.6.1.2.

The Parties agree that any calculation of net usage differential for local traffic volumes less than the percentages set out immediately above shall demonstrate the Parties’ traffic to be in balance for purposes of this Section. The Parties will base calculation under this Section on AMA recordings, which shall be made, where possible, in both the originating and terminating Parties’ network. The Parties agree to report to each other on a quarterly basis the total monthly local minutes of use each terminates to the other Party.

3.6.1.3.

Where the Parties’ traffic is not in balance, as determined in the immediately preceding Section, the Party terminating the greater amount of local traffic to the other (the “out-of-balance Party”) will pay the other Party, for all the minutes of use in excess of the number of minutes terminated to it by the other Party, call termination rates based on the following rate elements, per minute of use. The out-of-balance Party will continue to make such payments through the end of the quarter in which it is determined that its traffic is no longer out of balance. Upon such a determination, the payments shall cease until the Parties’ traffic is again determined to be out of balance. When traffic exchanged is out of balance, the out-of-balance Party shall pay

Local Switching Capacity,

ii.

Tandem Switching (where used), and

iii.

Common Transport (where used).

3.6.1.4.

Rates specified in Attachment 8 shall apply.

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3.6.2.

For Local and intraLATA Toll traffic originated by CLEC (or CLCs subtending its network) to NEVADA, CLEC agrees to pay NEVADA the following:

3.6.2.1.

Local calls:

Bill and Keep shall apply unless the Parties’ traffic is out of balance per Section 3.6.1.1, above. In the latter event, the provisions of Section 3.6.1.3 shall apply.

3.6.2.2.

Toll calls

The following rate elements are applicable to intraLATA toll calls, based on NEVADA’S intrastate Switched Access rates.

3.6.2.2.1.

For common switched transport where NEVADA’S tandem is used:

•

Fixed - per minute of use.

•

Variable - per mile per minute of use. Mileage shall be calculated based on the airline miles between the Vertical and Horizontal (“V&H”) coordinates of the POI, and the NEVADA end office routing point.

•

Tandem Switching.

3.6.2.2.2.

Local switching

3.6.2.2.3.

NIC

3.6.3.

For Local and intraLATA Toll traffic originated from NEVADA to CLEC, NEVADA agrees to pay CLEC the following:

3.6.3.1.

Local calls

Bill and Keep: shall apply unless the Parties’ traffic is out of balance per Section 3.6.1.1. above. In the latter event, the provisions of Section 3.6.1.3. shall apply.

3.6.3.2.

Toll calls

The following rate elements from CLEC’s intrastate Access tariff will apply when a toll call routes over Local Interconnection Trunk Groups:

3.6.3.2.1.

For common switched transport where CLEC’s tandem is used:

•

Fixed - per minute of use.

•

Variable - per mile per minute of use. Mileage shall be calculated based on the airline miles between the Vertical and

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Horizontal (“V&H”) coordinates of the POI, and the CLEC end office or CLEC routing point.

•

Tandem Switching

3.6.3.2.2.

Local Switching

3.6.3.2.3.

NIC

3.7.

Tandem Transit Switching rate:

Tandem Transit Switching rate shall be equal to the Tandem Switching rate plus two times the Common Transport Fixed rate element as specified in Attachment 8.

3.7.1.

The transit rate provides for Access Tandem switching when either Party uses the other Party’s Access Tandem to originate a call to a third party such as another LEC, CLC, or Wireless Service Provider.

3.7.2.

If either Party receives a call through the other Party’s Access Tandem that originates from another LEC, CLC or wireless service Provider, the Party receiving the transited call will not charge the other Party any rate element for this call regardless of whether the call is local or toll. The Parties will establish appropriate billing relationships directly with the Wireless Service Provider, other CLC or LEC with the exception of the ILECs listed in Section 2.4 of this Attachment 18 or unless CLEC selects the billing option specified in Section 3.3 of this Attachment 18.

3.8.

For intraLATA Toll Free Service calls where such service is provided by one of the Parties, the compensation set forth in Section 3 above, shall be charged by the Party originating the call, rather than the Party terminating the call. This includes originating charges listed in Section 3 as well as a database query charge as specified in NEVADA’s intrastate access tariff or CLEC’s local exchange tariff.

3.9.

Each Party will calculate terminating interconnection minutes of use based on standard Automatic Message Accounting (“AMA”) recordings made within each Party’s network. These recordings are the basis for each Party to generate bills to the other Party. Either Party may request the exchange of originating EMR records in order to bill the other Party terminating minutes of use. The Parties agree to cooperate in the exchange of the records if so requested.

3.10.

Measurement of minutes of use over Local Interconnection Trunk Groups shall be in actual conversation seconds. The total conversation seconds

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over each individual Local Interconnection Trunk Group will be totaled for the entire monthly bill and then rounded to the next whole minute.

3.11.

Each Party will provide the other, within thirty (30) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, a usage report with the following information regarding traffic it sent to (.i e., terminated over) the Local Interconnection Trunk arrangements:

3.11.1.

Total traffic volume described in terms of minutes and messages and by call type (local, toll and other) terminated to each other over the Local Interconnection Trunk Groups; and

3.11.2.

Percent Local Usage (PLU)

3.12.

CLEC will pay the rates for SS7 CCS interconnection as specified in Attachment 8. The Parties will exchange TCAP messages to facilitate full interoperability of CCS-based features and functions, to the extent each carrier offers such features and functions to its own end users. All CCS signaling parameters will be provided, including CPN. All privacy indicators will be honored

Compensation For Use Of Local Interconnection Facilities

4.1.

Interconnection facilities include the facility that connect the Parties’ respective switching networks.

4.2.

The Parties will specify the end office and/or the Access Tandem at which the two networks will interconnect for exchange traffic.

4.3.

The Parties agree to amend this Agreement when new facilities are established pursuant to Appendix A of this Agreement.

4.4.

The Parties agree that each has an equal obligation to interconnect their network infrastructure to the other’s network. To accomplish this the Parties can decide to jointly own the interconnection facility or each can provide facilities to deliver traffic to the other. If the choice is to build the interconnection facilities, both Parties will agree on a desired capacity and performance characteristics and then both Parties may bid to install the facilities. The Party with the lowest bid will construct the facilities and bill the other Party 50% of the construction costs. The constructing Party will charge a monthly maintenance charge for maintaining the facilities. This charge is to be based upon the TELRIC (as defined by the First Interconnection Order) of maintaining the facility. If the Parties decide not to jointly build and operate the interconnecting facility, they may choose the following options listed in Section 4.4.1 and Section 4.4.2.

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The Parties agree to the following terms based on consideration of the generally balanced use of the Parties’ respective facilities for interconnection. Such consideration is based on relative facility length, the capacity provided to each other, determined by the comparison of facility deployment behind the POIs associated with CLEC collocation arrangements and NEVADA’s network. This compensation is contingent on a balanced facility interconnection as defined in the table of interconnections attached as Appendix A of this Attachment.

4.4.1.

Where the POI for the Local Interconnection Trunk Group is located other than in the same Wire Center as the NEVADA switch where the Local Interconnection Trunk Group terminates, CLEC will pay a monthly charge for a percentage of the NEVADA provided facility according to NEVADA’s intrastate tariff in addition to any usage rate elements in Section 3 above. CLEC may, at its option, choose to pay Nevada Bell either 50% of the applicable Nevada Bell tariffed unbundled transport or 50% of the unbundled interoffice facility rates for DS-1 rates for those DS-1(s) used for Local Interconnection Trunks in a DS-3 facility, or pay 50% of the applicable tariffed or unbundled interoffice facility rates for DS-3 for each DS-3 facility, used for Local Interconnection between the Parties.

4.4.2.

Where the POI for the Local Interconnection Trunk Group is at a collocation arrangement in the same Wire Center as the NEVADA switch where the Local Interconnection Trunk Group terminates, NEVADA will pay CLEC a monthly charge for a percentage of the CLEC provided facility according to CLEC’s intrastate tariff in addition to any usage rate elements in Section 3 above. NEVADA may, at its option, choose to pay CLEC either 50% of the applicable CLEC tariffed DS-1 rate for those DS-1(s) used for Local Interconnection Trunks in a DS-3 facility, or pay 50% of the applicable CLEC tariffed DS-3 rate for each DS-3 facility used for Local Interconnection Trunks between the Parties.

4.4.3.

Where the POI for the Local Interconnection Trunk Group is at a Mid Span Meet and the POI is at the mid-point of the facility between the Parties, there shall be no compensation between the Parties for the Local Interconnection facility used.

MEET-POINT TRUNKING ARRANGEMENTS

5.1.

Two-way trunks will be established to enable CLEC and NEVADA jointly to provide Feature Group B and D (“FGB and FGD”) Switched Access Services via NEVADA’s Access Tandem switch.

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5.2.

CLEC may use Meet Point Trunks to send and receive FGB and FGD calls from Switched Access customers connected to NEVADA’s Access Tandem.

5.3.

The Parties will use separate facilities and separate two-way trunk groups to the NEVADA Access Tandem under which CLEC’s NXXs home using DS-1 or DS-3 facilities other than the facilities used for Local Interconnection Trunk Groups except as provided in Section 1.4 above. Neither Party will charge the other any amount for any Meet Point facilities.

5.4.

In the case of Switched Access Services provided through NEVADA’s Access Tandem, NEVADA will not offer blocking capability for Switched Access customer traffic delivered to NEVADA’s tandem for completion on CLEC’s network. The Parties understand and agree that Meet Point Trunking arrangements are available and functional only to/from Switched Access customers who directly connect with NEVADA’s tandem that CLEC subtends in LATA 720. In no event will NEVADA be required to route such traffic through more than one tandem for connection to/from Switched Access customers. NEVADA shall have no responsibility to ensure that any Switched Access customer will accept traffic that CLEC directs to the Switched Access customer. NEVADA also agrees to furnish CLEC, upon request, a list of those IECs which also interconnect with NEVADA’s tandem.

5.5.

The Parties will provide CCS to one another, where and as available, in conjunction with Meet Point two-way trunk groups. CLEC may establish CCS interconnections (either directly or through a third party) provided such third-party is interconnected with NEVADA pursuant to PUB L 780023-PB/NB and in accordance with NEVADA’s inter- and intrastate access tariffs. The Parties will cooperate in the exchange of TCAP messages to facilitate full inter-operability of CCS-based features between their respective networks, including all CLASS features and functions, to the extent each carrier offers such features and functions to its own end users. CLEC will provide all CCS signaling including, without limitation, Charge Number, and originating line information (“OLI”). For terminating FGD, NEVADA will pass all CCS signaling including, without limitation, CPN if it receives CPN from FGD carriers. All privacy indicators will be honored. Network signaling information such as Transit Network Selection (“TNS”) parameter, Carrier Identification Codes (“CIC”), (CCS platform) and CIC/OZZ information (non-CCS environment) will be provided at no charge by CLEC wherever such information is needed for call routing or billing. The Parties will follow all OBF adopted standards pertaining to TNS and CIC/OZZ codes.

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5.6.

The Parties shall use CCS in conjunction with Meet-Point Trunks, provided that they must use multifrequency (“MF”) signaling on a separate Meet Point Trunk group for originating FGD access to Switched Access customers that use MF FGD signaling protocols and may use such signaling due to equipment constraints. The Parties shall not provide MF and CCS trunk within a DS-1 facility. They must use a separate DS-1 facility for each signaling type.

5.7.

All originating Toll Free Service calls for which CLEC requests that NEVADA perform the Service Switching Point (“SSP”) function (e.g. perform the database query) shall be delivered using GR-394 format over the Meet Point Trunk Group. Carrier Code “0110” and Circuit Code of “08” shall be used for all such calls.

5.8.

When CLEC performs the SSP function for Toll Free service calls, and if such calls are destined for an IEC, if CLEC delivers such calls to NEVADA BELL it shall do so over Meet Point Trunk Groups using GR-394 format. When CLEC performs the SSP function for Toll Free service calls, and if such calls are destined for NXXs within the LATA, if CLEC delivers such calls to NEVADA BELL, it shall do so over the Local Interconnection Trunk Group using GR-317 format.

5.9.

Originating Feature Group B calls delivered to NEVADA’s tandem shall use GR-317 signaling format unless the associated FGB carrier employs GR-394 signaling for its FGB traffic at the serving Access Tandem.

5.10.

NEVADA and CLEC shall Meet Point bill jointly provided Switched Access as set forth in Attachment 13, Section 4 of this Agreement.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES

6.1.

CLEC and NEVADA agree to exchange such reports and/or data as provided in this Agreement to facilitate the proper billing of traffic. Either Party may request an audit of such usage reports on no fewer than ten (10) business days written notice and any audit shall be accomplished during normal business hours at the office of the Party being audited which shall be (Reno, Nevada for CLEC and Reno, Nevada for NEVADA). Such audit must be performed by a mutually agreed-to independent auditor paid for by the Party requesting the audit and may include review of the data described above. Such audits shall be requested within six months of having received the PLU factor and usage reports from the other Party, and may not be requested more than twice per year.

6.2.

CLEC and NEVADA BELL will review engineering requirements on a semi-annual basis and establish guidelines for forecasts of trunk and facilities utilization provided under this Attachment. New trunk groups will

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be implemented as dictated by engineering requirements of either NEVADA or CLEC.

6.3.

CLEC and NEVADA shall share responsibility for all Control Office functions for Local Interconnection Trunks and Trunk Groups, and both Parties shall share the overall coordination installation, and maintenance responsibilities for these trunks and trunk groups.

6.4.

CLEC is responsible for all Control Office functions for the Meet Point Trunks and Trunk Groups, and shall be responsible for the overall coordination, installation, and maintenance responsibilities for these trunks and trunk groups.

6.5.

CLEC and NEVADA shall:

6.5.1.

Provide trained personnel with adequate and compatible test equipment to work with each other’s technicians.

6.5.2.

Notify each other when there is any change affecting the service requested, including the due date.

6.5.3.

Coordinate and schedule testing activities of their own personnel, and others as applicable, to ensure its interconnection trunks/trunk groups are installed per the interconnection order, meet agreed upon acceptance test requirements, and are placed in service by the due date.

6.5.4.

Perform sectionalization to determine if a trouble is located in its facility or its portion of the interconnection trunks prior to referring the trouble to each other.

6.5.5.

Advise each other’s Control Office if there is an equipment failure that may affect the interconnection trunks.

6.5.6.

Provide each other with a trouble reporting number that is readily accessible and available 24 hours/7 days a week.

6.5.7.

Provide to each other test-line numbers and access to test lines, including a test-line number that returns answer supervision in each NPA-NXX opened by a Party.

6.6.

CLEC and NEVADA will provide their respective billing contact numbers to one another on a reciprocal basis.

6.7.

The Parties will conduct cooperative testing for the proper recording of AMA records in each carrier switch(es) before establishing service.

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6.8.

Each Party shall establish procedures whereby its operator bureau will coordinate with the operator bureau of the other Party in order to provide Busy Line Verification (“BLV”) and Busy Line Verification and Interrupt (“BLVI”) services on calls between their respective end users on or before the Due Dates of the first Local Interconnection Trunk Group(s).

BLV and BLVI inquiries between operator bureaus shall be routed using network-routable access codes published in the LERG over the Local Interconnection Trunks.

6.9.

Prior to the time of interconnection, CLEC shall provide to NEVADA BELL, to the extent mutually agreed to be applicable to NEVADA Bell, CLEC’s references or internal standards governing each topic in the Bilateral Agreement Template/Worksheet attached as Appendix B, for which there is a corresponding NEVADA BELL reference.

INSTALLATION OF TRUNKS

Due dates for the installation of Local Interconnection Trunk Groups and Meet Point Trunks covered by this Agreement shall be based on NEVADA’s intrastate Switched Access intervals.

TRUNK FORECASTING

8.1.

The Parties shall work towards the development of joint forecasting responsibilities for traffic utilization over trunk groups. The provisions of Attachment 17 related to forecasting shall not apply to forecasts pursuant to this Section 8. Orders for trunks that exceed forecasted quantities for forecasted locations will be accommodated as facilities and/or equipment becomes available. Parties shall make all reasonable efforts and cooperate in good faith to develop alternative solutions to accommodate orders when facilities are not available. Intercompany forecast information must be provided by the Parties to each other twice a year. The semi-annual forecasts shall include:

8.1.1.

Yearly forecasted trunk quantities (which include measurements that reflect actual tandem Local Interconnection and Meet Point trunks and tandem-subtending Local Interconnection end office equivalent trunk requirements) for a minimum of three (current and plus-1 and plus-2) years;

8.1.2.

The use of Common Language Location Identifier (CLLI-MSG), which are described in Bellcore documents BR 795-100-100 and BR 795-400-100; and

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8.1.3.

A description of major network projects anticipated for the following six months. Major network projects include trunking or network rearrangements, shifts in anticipated traffic patterns, or other activities that are reflected by a significant increase or decrease in trunking demand for the following forecasting period.

8.2.

If differences in semi-annual forecasts of the Parties vary by more than 48 additional DS0 two-way trunks for each Local Interconnection Trunk Group, the Parties shall meet to reconcile the forecast to within 48 DS0 trunks. If the Parties are unable to reach such a reconciliation, the Local Interconnection Trunk Groups shall be provisioned to the higher forecast. At the end of three months, the utilization of the Local Interconnection Trunk Groups will be reviewed and if the average centum call seconds (“CCS”) utilization for the third month is under seventy-five percent (75%) of capacity, either Party may issue an order to resize the trunk group, which shall be left with not less than twenty-five percent (25%) excess capacity.

8.3.

If a trunk group is under 75 percent (75%) of CCS capacity on a monthly average basis for each month of any six month period, either Party may request the issuance of an order to resize the trunk group, which shall be left with not less than 25 percent excess capacity. In all cases, grade of service objectives identified in Section 9 following shall be maintained.

8.4.

Each Party shall provide a specified point of contact for planning, forecasting and trunk servicing purposes.

GRADE OF SERVICE

A blocking standard of one half of one percent (.005) during the average busy hour, for final trunk groups between the Parties networks carrying Meet Point traffic shall be maintained. All other final trunk groups shall be engineered with a blocking standard of one percent (.01).

10.

LOCAL INTERCONNECTION TRUNK SERVICING

10.1

Orders between the Parties to establish, add, change or disconnect trunks shall be processed by use of an Access Service Request (“ASR”), once the national release of ASR supports ASR for ordering of local interconnection trunks, and this release is adopted and implemented in Nevada, or upon implementation of ASR at Pacific Bell, whichever is earlier.

10.2

As discussed in this Agreement, both Parties will jointly manage the capacity of Local Interconnection Trunk Groups. NEVADA’s Circuit Provisioning Assignment Center (“CPAC”) and CLEC’s equivalent center

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will send a Trunk Group Service Request (“TGSR”) to the other Party to trigger changes to the Local Interconnection Trunk Groups based on capacity assessment. Either Party upon receipt of the TGSR will issue an ISR/ASR to the other Party:

10.2.1.

Within 10 business days after receipt of the TGSR, upon review of and in response to the TGSR received; or

10.2.2.

At any time as a result of either Party’s own capacity management assessment, in order to begin the provisioning process. The intervals used for the provisioning process will be based on NEVADA’s intrastate switched access intervals.

10.3.

Orders that comprise a major project shall be submitted at the same time, and their implementation shall be jointly planned and coordinated. Major projects are those that require the coordination and execution of multiple orders or related activities between and among NEVADA and CLEC work groups, including but not limited to the initial establishment of Local Interconnection or Meet Point trunk groups and service in an area, NXX code moves, re-homes, facility grooming, or network rearrangements.

10.4

The Parties will cooperate to establish separate trunk groups for the completion of calls to high volume customers, such as radio contest lines.

10.5

CLEC will be responsible for engineering its network on its side of the POI. NEVADA will be responsible for engineering its network on its side of the POI.

11.

TROUBLE REPORTS

CLEC and NEVADA will cooperatively plan and implement coordinated repair procedures for the Meet Point and Local Interconnection Trunks and facilities to ensure that trouble reports are resolved in a timely and appropriate manner consistent with procedures referenced in the maintenance section of this Agreement.

12.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

12.1

Protective Control

Either Party may use protective network traffic management controls such as 7-digit and 10-digit code gaps on traffic toward each other’s network, when required to protect the public switched network from congestion due to facility failures, switch congestion or failure or focused overload. CLEC and NEVADA will immediately notify each other of any protective control action planned or executed.

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12.2

Expansive Controls

Where the capability exists, originating or terminating traffic reroutes may be implemented by either Party to temporarily relieve network congestion due to facility failures or abnormal calling patterns. Reroutes will not be used to circumvent normal trunk servicing. Expansive controls will be used when mutually agreed to by the Parties.

12.3

Mass Calling

CLEC and NEVADA shall cooperate and share pre-planning information regarding cross-network call-ins expected to generate large or focused temporary increases in call volumes.

13.

OTHER FORMS OF INTERCONNECTION

Either Party will make available any form of interconnection requested by the other Party that is consistent with the Act and the regulations thereunder. Requests for interconnection using a technology not deployed in NEVADA’s network as of the Effective Date of this Agreement shall be processed according to the process described in Attachment 6, Section 1.6.