AT&T Texas and FiberLight, LLC Seek Commission Approval for Interconnection Amendment

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is considering a joint application from AT&T Texas and FiberLight, LLC for approval of an interconnection amendment, which would implement changes to the resale discount rate and notice requirements. According to the application, the amendment aims to comply with recent FCC orders, including the UNE and Resale Forbearance Order and the Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements Order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint application submitted by AT&T Texas and FiberLight, LLC seeks the Commission's approval for an interconnection amendment, which would implement changes to the resale discount rate and notice requirements.
  • The proposed amendment would comply with recent FCC orders, including the UNE and Resale Forbearance Order and the Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements Order.
  • The amendment would not change the existing resale discount rate applied under the current agreement, with resale services purchased prior to February 2, 2020, grandfathered until August 2, 2022.
  • The applicants' affidavits, filed as attachments to the application, establish that the proposed amendment satisfies the statutory standards of review under Section 252(e) of the Act.
  • The Proposed amendment updates notices information, with FiberLight, LLC seeking to incorporate changes into the underlying agreement approved by the Commission on July 17, 2008, in Docket No. 35913.
  • AT&T Texas and FiberLight, LLC are requesting the Commission grant final approval of the application without change, suspension, or delay in its implementation, as they believe a docket or intervention by other parties is not necessary or appropriate.
  • The applicants have filed their respective affidavits, which establish that the proposed amendment satisfies the statutory standards of review under Section 252(e) of the Act.
  • The proposed amendment is procompetitive and does not discriminate against any telecommunications carrier that is not a party thereto, and is consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

Statistics:

  • The proposed amendment aims to implement changes to the resale discount rate, which would not change the existing rate applied under the current agreement.
  • The resale discount rate would remain the same until AT&T Texas provides notification of changes, which would be posted to AT&T CLEC Online and incorporated by reference upon the effective date stated therein.
  • The resale services purchased prior to February 2, 2020, would be grandfathered until August 2, 2022.
  • The applicants have requested the Commission grant final approval of the application within a short timeframe, with the goal of implementing the amendment as soon as possible.

Sources:

  • AT&T Texas and FiberLight, LLC Joint Application for Approval of an Interconnection Amendment, filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on July 28, 2023, Control Number 55295.
  • Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
  • FCC Orders, including UNE and Resale Forbearance Order (FCC-19-72) and Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements Order (FCC-20-152).
  • Affidavits of AT&T Texas Representative (Attachment II) and CLEC Representative (Attachment III).
  • Attachment I: Amended Portions of the Interconnection Agreement.
  • Attachment II: Affidavit of Peter Gallagher.
  • Attachment III: Affidavit of Roshunda Webb.