Local Interconnection Service (LIS) is a bundled trunk-side service providing switching and transport for the mutual exchange of traffic that originates and terminates within a Qwest® Local Calling Area (LCA) or an Extended Area Service (EAS) boundary. Purchasing LIS is different from purchasing Unbundled Network Elements (UNEs), although the purchase of UNEs is also correctly described generically as interconnection. Intercarrier Compensation applies to LIS but not to UNEs. The terms and conditions for LIS can vary by individual Interconnection Agreement. The information in this document describes the terms and conditions of a typical Competitive Local Exchange Carrier's (CLEC's) agreement with Qwest.
You must obtain certification from the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to provide Exchange Service (EAS/Local) in any state in which you plan to purchase LIS. Before ordering LIS, you must also request from NeuStar, a division of Lockheed Martin, at least one Numbering Plan Area (NPA) Numeric Numbering Plan (NXX) in each Local Access and Transport Area (LATA) in which you are providing Exchange Service (EAS/Local).
Qwest provisions all components necessary for complete connectivity between your chosen Point of Interconnection (POI) and any Qwest Central Office (CO) switch. Some Interconnection Agreements call for a POI in each LCA. You must establish at least one POI in each LATA in which you wish to provide Exchange Service (EAS/Local). The POI is a physical demarcation between your network and Qwest's network. The POI marks where your network repair responsibility ends and Qwest's network repair responsibility begins. Your POI must be within Qwest's 14-state local service territory.
The following subject areas provide an overview of LIS:
Methods of Interconnection
Several options are available for interconnection of your network and Qwest's network:
Trunking
In addition to the physical path between your POI and the nearest Qwest SWC, you must order trunking from your POI to a Qwest Tandem, or EO (End Office) Switch(es). Unless specifically stated otherwise in the interconnection agreement, you must have a separate trunk group for each type of traffic; local, non-local and ancillary.
Direct Trunked Transport (DTT)
Direct Trunked Transport between the Qwest SWC of your POI and a Qwest Switch allows for termination of calls destined for end-users with NXXs associated with that Qwest EO Switch. Direct Trunked Transport between the Qwest SWC of your POI and a Qwest tandem allows for termination of calls destined for end-users with NXXs associated with switches that subtend that tandem.
If Direct Trunked Transport is greater than 50 miles in length and existing facilities are not available in either Qwest’s or your network, parties may be jointly responsible for construction and cost of the requested facilities. Qwest may use a "LATA Infrastructure Mileage Initial Transport (LIMIT)" process to coordinate this form of interconnection per the terms and conditions of your Interconnection Agreement or Amendment.
For more information, download LATA Infrastructure Mileage Initial Transport (LIMIT).
End Office with Local Tandem Functionality Trunking (EOWLTF)
To the extent Qwest is using a specific EO to deliver limited tandem switching functionality to itself, another WSP, another CLEC or another ILEC; it will arrange the same trunking for you. Trunking may be ordered to Qwest EOWLTF to allow:
Two-way trunks are the most commonly requested type of trunk, however, you may request one-way trunks. The terms and conditions of your Interconnection Agreement determine the billing associated with two-way trunking. If applicable per your Interconnection Agreement, a RUF may also be applied. When actual traffic data is available, Qwest will adjust the initial billing based upon a negotiated RUF to allow for Qwest's proportionate use of the two-way trunks. In other cases, once a RUF has been agreed upon, Qwest bills you for your portion of the recurring DTT rate.
You or Qwest may select one-way trunks for traffic to be terminated to the others network. Whoever orders the one-way trunks will choose the POI location for the one-way trunks.
Qwest supports the Network Interconnection Interoperability Forum (NIIF) plan for TCIC assignments. These assignments will not be duplicated on groups between the same point codes. TCIC represents the Access Customer's trunk circuit identification code. The format is a five-digit number followed by a dash and another five-digit number. Switch limitations prevent TCICs from containing the numbers 97, 98, 99 or 00 as the last two digits. The TCIC numbering ranges to accommodate one-way trunks groups for the CLEC and Qwest are as follows:
The CLEC uses 00001 through 04996 to order trunks to Qwest.
Qwest uses 05001 through 09996 to order trunks to the CLEC.
If you would like access to the full range of TCICs (i.e., you are ordering two-way trunks and wish to use a TCIC numbering range associated with one-way trunking) a letter from you is required indicating you will not be ordering one-way trunking in the future. This ensures no duplication exists between the point codes, per industry standards.
Single Point of Presence (SPOP) in the LATA allows you to establish just one POI in each LATA. You can then deliver Exchange Service (EAS/Local), as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll, previously known as Exchange Access (IntraLATA Non-IXC Toll), and Jointly Provided Switched Access (JPSA) (InterLATA and IntraLATA IXC Switched Access (SA)) traffic, at Qwest Access Tandem (AT) Switch(es). Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and IntraLATA LEC Toll traffic are commingled on the same LIS trunk group. When volumes of traffic justify it, a trunk group to Qwest's Local Tandem (LT) or EO may be necessary. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be required before you submit orders for SPOP.
For more information, download Single Point of Presence (SPOP) in the LATA for Interconnection Trunking.
Some Interconnection Agreements allow you to utilize your IXC FGD trunk group to deliver Switched Access and Exchange Service (EAS/Local) terminating traffic to Qwest. Prior to routing Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic over FGD, you must provide Qwest your timeframe, the states and the FG D Provider's CIC, ACNA and BANs that are involved in this option. Qwest will need up to two months lead time to ensure that the appropriate mechanized billing is set up. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be necessary before you submit rearrangement orders. Qwest will bill the Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic on your LIS account.
Facility Levels
Facility connections are made at the DS1 (High Capacity 1.544 Mbit/s Service) or multiple DS1 levels for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) trunk groups and the Combined IntraLATA LEC Toll/JPSA (InterLATA and IntraLATA IXC SA) trunk groups. Trunks for Directory Assistance (DA), 911/E911, Operator Services (OS), and Mass Calling (referred to as Ancillary Services) can be ordered in Digital Signal Level 0 (DS0) formats.
Signaling Requirements
Both you and Qwest must deliver calls with Common Channel Signaling (CCS)/Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocols and the appropriate signaling parameters to facilitate full feature interoperability and accurate billing. Directory Assistance (DA), OS and Mass Calling Trunks are ordered with MF signaling only. Generally, 911/E911 is ordered with MF signaling only. State regulators may require 911/E911 to be ordered as SS7.
Trunk Groups
You may have a trunk group for each of the following types of traffic:
View your Interconnection Agreement for more information.
LIS is available throughout Qwest's 14-state local service territory.
When you execute your QWB Agreement, you will select a QWB Discount Structure. Option A has no annual volume commitment while Option B does include a required and specified annual volume commitment.
Interconnect Agreement - When trunking is established and you are ready to send and receive usage, your contract billing language becomes important. There are three different billing arrangements for Exchange Service EAS/Local) non-transit Minutes Of Use (MOU). They are:
FCC ISP Order - On April 18, 2001, the FCC adopted an order addressing the charges that carriers may bill to and collect from each other in connection with their exchange of dial-up Internet, or ISP-bound traffic. Refer to FCC 01-131 Order on Remand and Report and Order in CC Docket 99-68, Intercarrier Compensation for ISP-bound Traffic (the ISP Order). Qwest has chosen to opt into the FCC ISP Order structure in all 14 states.
The FCC Order determined that ISP-bound traffic is interstate in nature, specifically, information access traffic, and that such traffic is not subject to payment of reciprocal compensation under Section 251 (b)(5) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC also confirmed that ISP-bound traffic is not "local" traffic because a call to the Internet is one continuous call, not two separate calls.
The FCC exercised its authority under Section 201 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prescribe alternative, transitional intercarrier compensation for ISP-bound traffic. From December 14, 2001 until June 13, 2003, the rate was capped at $.001 per MOU. Starting June 14, 2003, until further FCC action (whichever is later), the rate will be capped at $.0007 per MOU. The rates are maximum rates. If a state law has previously required payment on ISP-bound traffic at a rate lower than the applicable rate caps established in the ISP Order, or has previously required a lower rate structure for ISP-bound traffic, such as "Bill and Keep," then that lower rate or rate structure will apply under the terms of the ISP Order.
The volume of compensable ISP-bound traffic in 2002 may not exceed 110% of the 2001 compensable ISP-bound traffic volume originated on Qwest's network in a given state. Year 2003 volume may not exceed the 2002 compensable volume originated on Qwest's network in that state. If you were not exchanging traffic with Qwest in the first quarter of the 2001, or if for any reason you were not entitled under an Interconnection Agreement or local interconnection tariff to compensation during that period, then you will not be entitled to compensation for ISP-bound traffic under the Order.
The quantification of ISP-bound traffic will presume traffic delivered to the other carrier that exceeds the 3 to 1 ratio of terminating to originating traffic is ISP-bound traffic. Either carrier may rebut this presumption by demonstrating the factual ratio to the state Commission.
FCC CORE Order - On October 18, 2004, the FCC released new rules associated with ISP traffic that became effective on October 8, 2004. The FCC decided that the ISP Growth Caps and the New Market rules were no longer in the public interest and therefore all ISP traffic could be subject to the ISP Rate of $.0007 per MOU depending on the language of the interconnection agreement.
Qwest offers Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit traffic at rates ordered by the FCC in its Intercarrier Compensation for ISP-bound traffic order or at the State Commission ordered rates applying to Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic. In most states you may choose one of the following two options:
Miscellaneous Charges:
In addition to LIS acceptance testing, other tests are available (e.g., additional cooperative acceptance testing, automatic scheduled testing, cooperative scheduled testing, manual scheduled testing, and non-scheduled testing) at the applicable Qwest Tariff rates. Testing fees, as referenced in your Interconnection Agreement, may apply to you when requesting this type of testing.
Cancellation charges may apply to cancelled LIS trunk orders based upon the critical dates, terms and conditions in accordance with the Access Service Tariff Section 5.2.3, and the Trunk Nonrecurring Charges referenced in your Interconnection Agreement.
Expedites for LIS trunk orders are allowed only on an exception basis with executive approval within the same timeframes as provided for other designed services. When expedites are approved, expedite charges may apply to LIS trunk orders based on rates and terms and conditions described in your Interconnection Agreement.
Construction charges may apply and are described in your Interconnection Agreement.
Additional rate structure information can be found in the state specific tariff, or your Interconnection Agreement.
A nonrecurring charge applies to the installation of service(s) and in some states a disconnect service(s) charge will apply.
Wholesale rates for this product or service, including tariff references and any applicable discounts, are provided in your current Interconnection, Resale, Commercial, or other governing agreement.
Rate Elements
The following tables illustrate elements. Terms and conditions may differ depending upon your Interconnection Agreement:
| Facility/Trunks | Non-recurring | Recurring |
| Entrance Facility | X | X |
| Expanded Interconnect Channel Termination | X | X |
| Multiplexing | X | X |
| Direct Trunk Transport Fixed and Per Mile | X | X |
| Trunks | X |
| Traffic Types | MOU Rate Elements |
| Exchange Service (EAS/Local): Interim rates are negotiated per your Interconnection Agreement and permanent rates are implemented according to state cost dockets that supercede interim/negotiated rates. |
Charges per MOU:
|
| Transit Exchange Service (EAS/Local) | Per MOU Charges |
| IntraLATA LEC Toll | Charges per MOU:
|
| IntraLATA Toll Transit | Per MOU Charges |
Other Traffic Types
LIS Agreements are available in all 14 states of Qwest's local service territory. Click here for information regarding Negotiations.
| Features | Benefits |
| Qwest provides access to a world-class network. | You get access to a highly reliable, advanced network. |
| Qwest offers multiple options for establishing a POI. | You have more flexibility for build-out strategies and schedules. |
| Qwest supports transit traffic via tandem switching. | Through Qwest's LIS product, you can reach other carriers efficiently. You may not need to connect to other carriers directly where Qwest tandems and trunking are present. |
| Qwest offers transit records. | By purchasing Qwest's transit records, you have the necessary information to bill the originating service provider. |
Through Qwest's LIS, you can terminate calls to Qwest end-users, and your end-users can receive calls from Qwest's end-users. LIS is available via Qwest LT, AT, and EO Switch(es).
It is the responsibility of the CLEC and Qwest to program and update their Switches and network systems pursuant to the Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) to recognize and exchange traffic appropriately. CLEC and Qwest will cooperate to follow established procedures (i.e., Alliance For Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) ATIS-0300046 - Recommended Notification Procedures to Industry for Changes in Access Network Architecture and ATIS-0300051 Central Office Code Assignment Guidelines) to ensure the timely activation of NXX assignments in their respective networks.
CLEC and Qwest are responsible for administering respective numbering resources, cooperating to timely rectify inaccuracies in its LERG data, identifying current homing arrangements, which includes subtending arrangements for local and access tandems and updating the LERG for NXX codes assigned to its End Office Switches. The LERG will be used for routing information in order to properly exchange traffic.
LIS to EO Switch(es)
Terminating traffic destined for the NXXs served by a specific Qwest EO may be routed directly to that Qwest EO over LIS. Alternate routing can overflow traffic via a Qwest Tandem.
LIS to LTs Switch(es)
Exchange Service (EAS/Local) calls delivered to the Qwest LT will be completed to all EOs that subtend the LT.
LIS to AT Switch(es)
As a part of SPOP, you may connect to Qwest's AT for termination of Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and/or IntraLATA LEC Toll calls to all EOs subtending that AT within a LATA. In addition, intraLATA LEC Toll and JPSA calls to all EOs subtending an AT within a LATA may be delivered to that AT. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be required.
If you are a new CLEC and are ready to enter the Interconnection business with Qwest, please view the Getting Started for Facility-Based CLECs web page. If you are an existing CLEC wishing to amend your Interconnection Agreement or your New Product Questionnaire, you can find additional information in the Interconnection Agreement.
Contact your Qwest Sales Executive approximately six months in advance to plan your anticipated market launch.
Before placing an order you need to do the following:
General pre-ordering information is available in the Pre-Ordering Overview.
Local Interconnect Service (LIS) requests are submitted using the following Access Service Ordering Guidelines (ASOG) forms:
Use the appropriate SPEC code for the service you are requesting. (See below SPEC Code Information Section.)
If you are using LNP for ordering or pooling, it is necessary to have in place all appropriate LIS trunking.
Local Number Portability (LNP) is available on Local Interconnection Service (LIS) accounts.
Alternate Routing for Location Routing Number (ARLRN) is a process that enables Qwest to route Local Number Routing (LRN) traffic to new or existing Local Interconnect Services (LIS) trunks at the end office or local tandem, with a minimum of one LRN per switch, per Local Access and Transport Area (LATA).
A Design Layout Report (DLR) provides you with a description of the facilities and services ordered. It is provided at your request and is intended to assist in designing the overall service. You can choose to view and/or retrieve the DLR information on-line through IMA or have it delivered electronically. Information about requesting DLR's is described in the Ordering Overview.
ASRs for LIS trunking can be submitted as much as six months in advance of the requested due date.
If you have access to the EXACT system you can transmit the ASR to the Carrier Center electronically. Manual ASRs can be submitted by facsimile (FAX) or mail. Qwest has two centers to serve you. If you are not certain which center to use, contact your Qwest Service Manager.
Qwest Wholesale Information Tool (QWIT) provides Customer contact information. You can obtain information by entering your business name and ACNA.Please view the ASR for more information.
Information describing service intervals is available in the Service Interval Guide (SIG).
NPA NXX Code Request Routing Form (Wireline)
The NPA NXX Code Request describes trunk-group specific routing that you desire when multiple eligible trunk groups exist between your switch location and Qwest's switch location.
SPEC Code information
Select possible entries required in the SPEC field of the ICASR screen from the following list:
General information is available in the Provisioning and Installation Overview.
Qwest uses a designed services coordinated installation provisioning process to fulfill LIS orders.
Qwest will provide the same test access for LIS as provided with any other trunking arrangement per existing testing requirements.
For details on Qwest Technical Publication 77398, click here.
Details are available in the Maintenance and Repair Overview.
The Interconnection Agreement type, i.e., Intercarrier Compensation, B&K, and TB, applies to Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs. In addition, the parties bill the originating carrier for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll non-transit and transit MOUs.
Qwest will not pay intercarrier terminating compensation on traffic, including ISP-bound traffic, when the traffic does not originate and terminate within the same Qwest Local Calling Area, regardless of the calling and called NPA-NXXs and, specifically, regardless whether an End User Customer is assigned an NPA-NXX associated with a rate center that is different from the rate center where the End User Customer is physically located (also known as "VNXX traffic").
If the Interconnection Agreement type is Intercarrier Compensation, the parties bill each other for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs originating with one party's end-user and terminating to the other party's end-user. The parties bill the originating ILEC/CLEC/WSP for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs.
If the Interconnection Agreement type is B&K or TB, you receive a Qwest-generated bill from IABS for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs, as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll non-transit and transit MOUs. Detailed information regarding the IABS bill is described in Billing Information - Integrated Access Billing System (IABS).
If the Interconnection Agreement type is B&K or TB, the Qwest-generated bill does not include charges for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs until both parties agree that the terms and conditions of the Interconnection Agreement for conversion to Intercarrier Compensation have been met.
Local Qwest 101 "Doing Business With Qwest"
View additional Qwest courses in the Course Catalog.
Qwest contact information is located in Account Team / Sales Executives and Service Managers.
Qwest's Wholesale Service Delivery contacts can be found via the QWIT. The QWIT provides you with information specific to your contact and support needs. When you use the tool, you will be able to determine your account management team information. For billing and service request questions consult the customer contact information in the QWIT.
This section is being compiled based on your feedback
Last Update: October 30, 2009
