Wholesale: Products & Services

Interconnection Negotiation Process - V12.0

For both Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and Resale interconnection customers, the negotiation process begins with contacting Qwest's Manager ­ Interconnection Agreements by email, by telephone at 303-965-3029 or by fax at 303-965-3527.

Prior to this initial contact, however, you must obtain certification as a telecommunications provider with the State Public Utility Commission or agency in the state(s) in which you want to interconnect with Qwest. (If you will be conducting business as a Reseller in the states of Colorado or Iowa, certification to operate as a Reseller is not necessary in these two states.) Refer to Qwest's 14-state local service territory to view our 14-state local service territory.

To get a "big picture" view of the negotiations process, take a look at this Negotiations Flow Chart. Then read on to find out more about how the negotiations process works.

The following information is detailed in this section on the Interconnection Process:

• Initial Contact
• The Negotiation Team
• The First Meeting
• Next Steps
• Getting Started as a CLEC or as a Reseller

Initial Contact

During your initial conversation, Qwest's Manager - Interconnection Agreements will gather the following information:

• Name, address, e-mail and other information using our Account Assignment Form.
• A list of the state(s) you want to do business in.
• The type of business you want to be in (Facility-Based or Resale).
• The type of agreement you would like to review.

Review the Negotiations Template Agreement and upon Qwest's receipt of CLEC legal information and decision relating to the agreement, Qwest will prepare an Interconnection Agreement for your signature.

The Negotiation Team

Upon receipt of your contact information, legal company name, and other information requested by the Manager of Interconnection Agreements and a request to negotiate, Qwest will assign a Negotiation Team to manage your interconnection negotiation process. This team includes the following members:

• Lead Negotiator: Serves as your main connection with the negotiation team and facilitates/leads the negotiation process
• Network Planner: Interfaces with the Qwest Network Business Unit and the Negotiation Team
• Contract Representative: Represents Qwest's Contract Development & Services Unit (CD&S) and maintains the integrity of the contract throughout the negotiation process.
• Legal Representative: Provides legal support as needed throughout the negotiation process.

The Lead Negotiator will provide Qwest team members as required to address issues.

The First Meeting

The lead negotiator will schedule the initial call between you and Qwest, usually within one calendar week or at the earliest time that both parties are available. Both parties in the negotiation have a duty to negotiate in good faith in accordance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Here is what you can expect during the first call:

• Introductions (team roles and responsibilities)
• Interview CLEC or Reseller
  • Listen to the CLEC or Reseller
  • Business Plan including state (priority)
  • Network architecture
  • Timeframe to enter the market
  • Preferred method of communication
• Discuss Early Ordering Opportunity whereby Qwest will offer the option for an Interim Collocation Agreement during the negotiation process
• Assignment of a Sales Executive
• Where to find information on the Qwest Wholesale Markets Web site
• Confirm information package and review confidentiality agreement
• Request redline of Qwest document to expedite process
• Discuss scheduling Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for future negotiation sessions
• Discuss Arbitration window/ Clarify date
• Moving forward / Set next meeting
• Finalization of agreement is subject to review
• Subsequent meeting(s) vary
  • Number of meeting(s)
  • Content of meeting(s)
  • Review Redline document
  • Discuss document control
  • Discuss CLEC or Reseller concerns
  • Both parties propose language resulting in acceptable solutions
  • Resolve Issues
• Open issues will be subject to arbitration. Should the negotiation result in arbitration, the Integration Manager will prepare an Arbitration Matrix. The outcome of the arbitration must be reflected in the final agreement, which is filed with the commission for approval.
• Parties will continue to negotiate throughout the arbitration process
• Hand-off to Witness Team

Next Steps

Once an agreement has been reached, and signed off by both parties, Qwest forwards the agreement to the appropriate State Public Utilities Commission. The PUC will reject any agreement if there is no certification on record for you.

Last Update: November 16, 2006