Joint Application for Approval of Interconnection Amendment under PURA and the Telecommunications Act of 1996

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has been presented with a joint application by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T Texas and CenturyLink Communications, LLC d/b/a LUMEN Technologies Group for approval of an interconnection amendment under the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The amendment aims to implement changes related to operations support systems, data connection security requirements, and resale discounts in accordance with recent FCC orders. The applicants request final approval of the amendment, ensuring that it complies with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, as well as other requirements of state law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint application seeks approval for an interconnection amendment to implement changes related to operations support systems, data connection security requirements, and resale discounts in accordance with recent FCC orders.
  • The amendment is consistent with the FCC UNE and Resale Forbearance Order issued on August 2, 2019, and the Report and Order on Remand and Memorandum Opinion and Order issued on July 12, 2019.
  • The resale discounts in the underlying interconnection agreement will apply until AT&T Texas provides notification of changes, which will be posted on AT&T CLEC Online at least three months in advance of the change.
  • The amendment does not change the existing resale discount rate applied under the agreement, but rather implements a grandfathering provision for resale services purchased prior to February 2, 2020.
  • The applicants' affidavits, filed as attachments to the application, establish that the amendment satisfies the statutory standards of review set forth in Section 252(e) of the Act and applicable Procedural Rules.
  • The applicants request the Commission grant final approval of the amendment as early as possible, without change, suspension, or delay in its implementation.

Organizations and Individuals:

  • Southwestern Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T Texas
  • CenturyLink Communications, LLC d/b/a LUMEN Technologies Group
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas
  • USTelecom
  • FCC

Sources:

  • Public Utility Commission of Texas, Commission Filing Clerk, 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701
  • CenturyLink Communications, LLC d/b/a LUMEN Technologies Group, 1025 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield, CO 80021
  • AT&T Texas, Four AT&T Plaza, 9th Floor, Dallas, TX 75202
  • FCC Orders: Petition of USTelecom for Forbearance, WC Dkt. No. 18-141; FCC-19-72; Released August 2, 2019 ("UNE and Resale Forbearance Order"); and FCC-19-66; Released July 12, 2019 ("BDS Transport Order")