Establishing Interconnection
Establishing Interconnection
Overview
This section summarizes the process to be followed in order to connect the CLEC and AT&T Southwest networks for the expressed purpose of exchanging traffic.
Once an agreement is signed, and prior to ordering Interconnection Trunks, Network Architecture and Implementation Planning meetings may be held with the CLEC. These meetings are for the purpose of establishing the architecture, interconnection method, hand-off level, facility availability, and serving plans for the exchanges in which the CLEC plans to transmit and route Telephone Exchange Service traffic and Exchange Access traffic. Items that may be discussed in the Network Architecture meeting include:
· Types of architecture
· Methods of interconnection
· Trunk forecasts and trunk types to each Common Language Location Identifier (CLLI)
· Network Information Sheet (NIS)
· Request for Information (RFI), used to gather details on the CLEC network
· Calling scopes
· NXX requirements (where and how many codes are required)
Ordering Process For Trunks and Facilities
For interconnection, AT&T Southwest and the CLEC will order facilities and trunks utilizing a complete and accurate Access Service Request (ASR). The CLEC can submit ASRs manually or electronically to the LSC. The AT&T Southwest Region’s 'Ordering Guidelines for Local Interconnection Form Preparation Guide' will provide detailed guidelines for filling out the required fields on an ASR and will contain due date interval information.
For more information about ASRs:
Refer to Ordering Guidelines For Local Interconnection-Form Preparation
Changes to Service Requests
If the need arises to make additions, changes, or deletions to a service request, a new ASR will need to be initiated with the 'SUP' field completed using the appropriate code to indicate the reason for the new iteration. The modification to the original request should be noted in the 'REMARKS' field. Changes may result in delays in working the service order.
Trunk Forecasting / Servicing Responsibilities
Both parties will provide an initial forecast for establishing the interconnection facilities. Subsequent forecasts will be provided at a minimum on a semi-annual basis, no later than January 1 and July 1, in order to meet the semi-annual publication of the AT&T Southwest General Trunk Forecast, including yearly forecasted trunk quantities for all trunk groups for a minimum of three (3) years. Trunk servicing will also be outlined in the Interconnection Agreement. This information will be communicated through your Account Manager.
Trunk Group Service Request (TGSR)
The TGSR is a document that will be sent by the Trunk Planning and Engineering (TP&E) to the CLEC; or from the CLEC to TP&E.
The TGSR serves as a communication tool between AT&T Southwest and the CLEC. There are three major reasons for a TGSR to be issued:
· To recommend that the CLEC/AT&T Southwest add capacity to a trunk group
· To notify the CLEC/AT&T Southwest that spare capacity exists
· To notify the CLEC/AT&T Southwest of changes, including circuit ID changes or office rehomes in the CLEC/AT&T Southwest network that will affect the CLEC's/AT&T Southwest Region’s trunk groups
A reply to the request is required by the CLEC as noted in the Response Requested Date (RRD) on the TGSR.
CLECs in the Southwest Region should utilize the following e-mail address when submitting a TGSR to TP&E: