History Log

Product Description

Local Number Portability (LNP) is a procedure which addresses the interactions between Qwest and you in association with wireline to wireline. It also addresses the call processing impacts for other telecommunications providers in an LNP environment. Wireline to wireless is available, for detail information is described in the Wireless Local Number Portability (LNP).

Local Number Portability (LNP) is defined by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as: "the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers, without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another."

Local Number Portability (LNP) is also referred to as Service Provider Portability, because LNP enables end-users to retain the same Telephone Numbers (TNs) when the end-users change from one local service provider to another within a rate center. The North American Numbering Council (NANC) recommended industry standards to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which adopted a further definition of Service Provider Portability allowing end-users to move within a Qwest® Rate Center and retain their TN. Service Provider Portability differs from Location Portability, which is the ability to keep the same TN when moving to a new location outside the Qwest Rate Center. It also differs from Service Portability, which is the ability to keep the same TN when subscribing to new services, e.g., from Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) to Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Neither Location Portability nor Service Portability have been defined or deployed within the industry. LNP does sometimes allow end-users to subscribe to new services when they move from one local service provider to another or when their service is moved from one switch to another. LNP also allows geographic portability within a Qwest Rate Center. LNP fundamentally changes call processing in the public switched network and has been deployed in compliance with FCC and industry guidelines. LNP impacts all telecommunications providers, including Interexchange Carriers (IXCs) and wireless carriers as well as wireline local service providers.

Other processes in the LNP family are:

Port In is defined as the ability of End-Users to retain the same telephone number(s) when changing from one local service provider to another within a Rate Center. Either a new or existing Qwest end-user customer has requested that TN(s) currently provided by a different Network Service Provider to be ported into the Qwest network. These TN(s) may be established as POTS, Direct Inward Dial (DID), TNs with trunks or other types of services. Detailed information is described in the Port In PCAT

Port Within is defined as the ability of End-Users to retain the same telephone number(s) when moving from one service location to another (i.e., T&F), within a Rate Center. Port Within can also be noted as moving TNs from one switch to another, within the same Central Office, this is often done when moving DID TN(s) from one trunk group to another, when they have been established on different switches. This process may also include a conversion and a move via a single order request, with number port to a new address outside the existing switch, but within the same Rate Center. Detailed information is described in Port Within.

Background

Congress recognized the inability of end-users to retain their TNs when changing local service providers, a circumstance that would hamper the development of local competition. To address this concern, the U. S. Congress added Section 251 (b)(2) to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that requires all Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) to provide, to the extent technically feasible, LNP.

Simple Port Request (SPR)

On November 8, 2007 the FCC expanded LNP to VoIP and in the Order, FCC 07-188, they further defined LNP to include SPR.

A SPR is defined by the FCC in that order in footnote 153 as those Ports that:

• Involve a Single Line Account only
• Do not involve Unbundled Network Elements - (no Loop with Number Port);
• Do not include complex switch translations such as Centrex, DID Numbers, or Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) service
• Do not include Remote Call Forwarding numbers (for Qwest this includes Market Expansion Line (MEL) Service).
• Do not include multiple services on the Loop such as Broadband, or other Data services
• Do not include a line that has been Resold (RSID or ZCID)

The FCC's order established that a maximum of four fields can be used for validation. The fields that may be required for End User Validation are:

• Customer Account Number (includes 10 digit telephone number plus CUS Code as assigned by Qwest)
• Zip Code (not applicable (NA) for Qwest)
• Telephone Number to be Ported
• Pass Code (NA for Qwest)

Local Number Portability (LNP) Network Architecture Overview

The industry solution for long-term number portability is a Location Routing Number (LRN) architecture. Under the LRN architecture, each switch is assigned a unique 10-digit LRN that identifies the location of that switch. The first 6-digits identify an NPA and NXX code that is assigned to that switch and the last 4-digits are in line number format. It is important to note that the LRN is not a TN; it is merely the identifier of the switch to which a TN is ported. The NPA and NXX identifies a particular switch, the 4-digit line number may be assigned as a working TN in that switch.

Each ported end-user's TN is matched in a regional Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) database with the LRN for the switch that currently serves that TN. If the TN is not ported, the TN does not appear in the Local Service Management System (LSMS) number portability database and the call is routed to the switch that was originally assigned the NPA-NXX.

In a LNP environment, it can no longer be assumed that the NPA-NXX code holder actually serves the end-user. During call setup, an LNP database in the Signaling System 7 (SS7) network is queried to determine which switch actually serves the dialed TN. If the TN is ported, the Called Party Number (CdPN) field is moved into the Generic Address Parameter (GAP) field, and the LRN information is overlaid in the CdPN field so the call can be routed to the proper terminating switch. The terminating switch then completes the call to the end-user based on the data contained in the GAP.

Location Routing Number (LRN) Assignment

To assign a LRN, you must obtain an NPA-NXX from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) for each LNP capable switch.

The industry LRN Assignment Practices were developed by the Industry Numbering Committee (INC) and issued by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) on July 13, 1998 and Technical Requirements No. 2 prepared April, 1999 by the T1S1.6 Working Group on Number Portability and issued by ATIS.

Specifically, the INC practice states that an NXX will not be assigned to a service provider for the sole purpose of establishing an LRN unless that service provider's switch or Point of Interconnection (POI) does not yet have an LRN for the Local Access Transport Area (LATA) where they intend to provide service". The T1S1.6 technical requirement state: "only one NPA-NXX is needed for the first 6-digits of an LRN per LATA to identify the switch".

Qwest had previously recommended an LRN be assigned for each Qwest Rate Center that you intend to serve. All carriers, including Qwest, have concerns regarding TN conservation and in some cases assignment of new NPA-NXXs at a Qwest Rate Center level may not be necessary. To ensure conservation of numbering resources, and to comply with the INC practice, Qwest allows the ability to use one LRN to serve multiple Qwest Rate Center locations.

If you have already established a LRN for a particular Qwest Rate Center, you may continue to use that established LRN. If you do not need NPA-NXX codes that were assigned at a Qwest Rate Center level, you may notify Qwest to change from the LRN(s) assigned at a per Qwest Rate Center level to LRN(s) assigned at a per switch, per LATA level or for some lesser geographic area. Qwest will make appropriate network rearrangements to accommodate such change(s).You may return the unused NPA-NXX codes to the number administrator.

In those instances where you have not requested and have no need for an NPA-NXX for a particular Qwest Rate Center, you may notify Qwest of your desire to establish an LRN per LATA, or for some lesser geographic area. This notification must occur as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than at the time you first arrange for your POI, Local Interconnection Service (LIS) trunking, etc.

Single LRN/Alternate Routing for Location Routing Number (ARLRN)

General ARLRN activities are describes in Alternate Routing for Location Routing Number (ARLRN).

Local Number Portability (LNP) Query Services

Qwest provides Default Query Services whenever we receive unqueried calls from other telecommunications providers, including CLECs, Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), IXCs, or Wireless Service Providers (WSPs), which require a query in order to be terminated efficiently. Qwest also offers Direct Query access to the LNP database.

NPA/NXX Migration or Reassignment

When you plan to provide service for all assigned TNs in a particular NPA/NXX, you should request reassignment of that NPA/NXX in the Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) in lieu of porting. In this situation NPA/NXX migration supports network efficiency and is the preferred industry method. To rearrange for a migration of entirer NPA/NXX, contact your Qwest Service Manager.

Local Number Portability (LNP) Administration

There are seven regional databases that serve specific geographic areas. The Western Region database serves Qwest's 14-state local service area plus Alaska. A neutral third party, called the Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) administers these regional databases.

The FCC adopted the NANC recommendation that the administrative functions of the LNPA include all management tasks required to develop and administer the regional databases, called Number Portability Administration Centers (NPACs).

Number Portability Administration Centers (NPACs) responsibilities include:

• Management tasks required to run the NPAC
• Works with the users to update data tables required to route calls for ported local numbers or required for administration
• Responsible for NPAC SMS log on administration, user access, data security, user notifications, and management and is the primary contact for users who encounter problems with NPAC system features
• Provide the users with a central point of contact for reporting and resolution of NPAC problems
• Provide coordination/resolution of problems associated with system availability, communications and related capabilities
• Provide reports to regulatory bodies as required

Number Portability Administration Centers (NPACs) standard hours of business for LNP are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (CST / CDT), Monday through Friday. NPAC personnel are available outside of the LNP hours of operation on a pager/call-out basis.

North American Numbering Council information is described in the North American Numbering Council web page.

Managed Cuts
Managed Cuts are available for LNP in the following arrangements:

• Qwest Initiated Managed Cut
• CLEC Initiated Managed Cut
• LNP Coordinated Cut with Unbundled Loop

When a Qwest Initiated Managed Cut or CLEC Initiated Managed Cut is requested, Qwest will initiate a telephone call and/or arrange a meeting with you to discuss detailed information regarding the Managed Cut.

Qwest Initiated Managed Cut

Qwest will initiate a Managed Cut when the 10-digit unconditional trigger or Line Side Attribute (LSA) cannot be set or when the port request for an account exceeds 2000 TNs or 200 trunks. Qwest Initiated Managed Cuts are scheduled within the normal business hours, at no additional charge. If you request a Frame Due Time (FDT) that is outside the normal business hours, the terms, conditions and prices of the LNP Managed Cut offering will apply.

CLEC Initiated Managed Cut
A CLEC Initiated Managed Cut is available under the "LNP Managed Cut offering. If the LNP Managed Cut offering is not included in your Interconnection Agreement, contact your Qwest Service Manager to request a LNP Managed Cut amendment.

This offering allows you the ability to request coordination of a cut for LNP with a CLEC-provided loop (i.e., standalone LNP). LNP Managed Cuts are offered on a 24x7 basis. You may request any FDT when the mechanized 10-digit unconditional trigger can be set for the TNs being ported. If you request a coordinated cut for LNP with a CLEC-provided loop, even though the mechanized 10-digit unconditional trigger can be set, and/or if you request a coordinated cut outside normal business hours, the terms, conditions and prices of Qwest's LNP Managed Cut product offering will apply.

Local Number Portability (LNP) Coordinated Cut with Unbundled Loop
A LNP Coordinated Cut with Unbundled Loop is available if you request to have your LNP cut coordinated with Qwest's Unbundled Loop product. LNP Coordinated Cuts with Unbundled Loop will follow the Unbundled Loop process and charges associated with the Unbundled Loop product will apply.

Availability
The FCC addressed specific requirements for providing number portability on an interim basis, known as Interim Number Portability (INP) as well as development and deployment of the long-term solution known as LNP. Qwest has deployed LNP in nearly every end office.

To determine LNP availability for Qwest wireline switches, refer to Network Disclosure #414.

Qwest has offered INP since 1996 utilizing Remote Call Forwarding (RCF), Direct Inward Dialing (DID®) service and Directory Number Route Indexing. INP is only offered in those few locations where LNP is not deployed. You may continue to request INP in a non-LNP capable switch.

If you want LNP capability in a switch where Qwest has not deployed LNP, submit a LNP Bona Fide Request (BFR) letter to Qwest at any time, at no charge. The LNP BFR process is separate from the BFR process for interconnect services.

Any certified CLEC or WSP with an approved Interconnection Agreement may submit a LNP BFR letter to request LNP capability in a switch where LNP has not yet been deployed. The request must include the 11-digit CLLI™ code of each Qwest switch being requested to become LNP capable.

The following outlines what will take place upon Qwest's receipt of the LNP BFR letter:

• Confirm received letter within 10 business days
• Deployment dates communicated no later than 45 calendar days
• The timeline for conversion is within 180 days
• Qwest switches selected through the LNP BFR process will be posted on the network disclosure web site

Contact your Qwest Service Manager to submit a LNP BFR letter.

Terms and Conditions

If terms and conditions for LNP are included in your Interconnection Agreement, and those terms differ from those set forth in this PCAT, then the terms of the Interconnection Agreement will prevail.

Service Restrictions

Local Number Portability (LNP) Triggers are not expected to be placed on Service Codes or Service Access Codes (911, 411, 800, 866, 877, 888, 900, 500) so queries will not be performed on these call types. In addition, queries will not be performed in the originating switch for 0+, 0-, or 1+ calls routed to an IXC.

The following service restrictions apply:

• Telephone numbers may be ported only within their assigned rate center.
  
  Local number portability (LNP) is confined to Service Provider Portability, either within the area serviced by the same central office or between areas serviced by different central offices within the same rate center.
  
• Across an NPA boundary
• 555, 960 and 976 NXXs
• 500, 700, 800, 866, 877, 888, 900, 911 services
• Other N11 codes e.g., 411, 511 etc.
• Qwest Public Coin or Semi-Public Coin
• Numbers used for mass calling events - Refer to North American Numbering Council (NANC). Once displayed, click on "LNPA Working Group then select "Documents". When this page is displayed, click on "High Volume Call in Networks Report, 5/7/98".
• Reserved Numbers
  • Qwest's policy regarding the porting of reserved TNs is to allow porting if the reserved numbers are identified on the end-user service record.
  • Porting service requests will not be taken on unassigned, previously owned, disconnected, disconnected following suspension for non-payment, or vacant TNs.
• Numbers associated with Paging Services.

Technical Publications

Technical characteristics are described in Technical Publication, Qwest Common Channel Signaling (CCS) Network Interface Specification, 77342.

Pricing

Rate Structure

Rate structure information can be found in tyour Interconnection Agreement.

Charges for the LNP Managed Cut Offering

LNP Managed Cut Rates are available in your Interconnection Agreement. The charges you will incur for the LNP Managed Cut are dependent upon the FDT. The rates are based upon whether the request is within or outside Qwest's normal business hours.

Charges for LNP Managed Cuts will be based upon the actual hours worked in ½ hour increments multiplied by the number of Qwest personnel actively participating in the cut.

In those situations where Qwest determines a need to manage a cut, (e.g., the 10-digit unconditional trigger cannot be set) those LNP Managed Cuts would be scheduled during normal business hours and there would be no charge. The following matrix provides examples of when charges apply and when there is no charge.

Managed Cut Activity	(During Normal Business Hours)	After Qwest normal business hours, Sat. Sun. & Holidays (Outside Normal Business Hours)
You request a LNP Managed Cut	Charge	Charge
Qwest requires a Managed Cut for DID in the DMS™10 switches	No Charge	Charge (you request the cut outside normal business hours)
Qwest recommends a Managed Cut for more than 2000 Telephone Numbers and/or more than 200 Trunks	No Charge	Charge (you request the cut outside normal business hours)

Qwest Customer Service Inquiry and Education (CSIE) hours of operations are described in Wholesale Customer Contacts PCAT.

Qwest will schedule the appropriate number of employees for the cut, based upon information provided by you during the coordination meeting. If such information changes and requires modifications during the cut, and as a result, non-scheduled employees are required, you will be charged a three-hour minimum callout per each additional non-scheduled employee. If the cut is either cancelled, or a supplemental service request is submitted within 24 hours of the negotiated FDT to change the Due Date (DD), you will be charged a three-hour minimum.

NOTE: Charges are rounded up. For example, if a LNP Managed Cut requires 2 hours and 10 minutes, the rates will apply for five ¸ hour increments, per person.

Charges will be calculated based on actual ½ hours required for the cut, times the number of employees required for each ½ hour of the cut, multiplied by the appropriate rate based on the day and time of the cut. Managed Cuts during Qwest's normal business hours will be charged at a Standard rate. An overtime rate will be charged if the FDT is outside Qwest's normal business hours on Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays). If the FDT is on a Sunday or a Holiday, the charge will be at a Premium rate.

Example: You and Qwest preplan a 10:00 PM cut on a Monday (outside normal business hours). The cut takes 1¸ hours, and three Qwest employees participate. The applicable charges are as follows:

Overtime rate times 3 (people) times 3 (1/2 hour increments) = manual cut charges.

Rates

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.

Tariffs, Regulations, and Policies

Tariffs, regulations and policies are located in the state specific Tariffs/Catalogs/Price Lists.

Qwest's LNP deployment and federal tariff filings are available in the FCC.

Features	Benefits
End-users can retain their present TN	Easier to attract new end-users when they do not have to change their TN
Qwest has widespread deployment of LNP throughout its 14-state local service territory	Widespread deployment gives you more efficient market entry capabilities
Qwest's portability platform allows numbers to move from switch to switch within a Qwest Rate Center	Platform portability paves the way for future number conservation through number pooling

Applications section does not apply to Local Number Portability.

Porting Process Overview

When an end-user changes from one service provider to another and wants to retain their TNs, the CLEC who "wins" the end-user will "port" the end-user's number from the former service provider. Coordinated service request activity by the previous and new local service providers removes the end-user's TN from one provider's records and establishes it in the records of the other, establishing the new LRN for call routing purposes. This service request activity is electronically transmitted (uploaded) communicating the new LRN to the administrator of the relevant regional database. This will pair the end-user's original TN with the LRN for the switch of the new CLEC, allowing the end-user to retain the original TN. The regional database administrator (NPAC) will then electronically transmit (download) LRN updates to CLEC-operated Local Service Management System (LSMS). Each CLEC will distribute this information to Service Control Points (SCPs) or Signal Transfer Points (STPs) that CLECs will use to store and process data for routing calls to ported numbers.

Optional Process to Cancel Port Request

For existing LNP and Loop with NP requests to port to an alternate provider where the end-user decides not to complete the port, the original provider may utilize the following optional process to cancel the port request to the alternate provider: Send an e-mail to the Qwest Customer Service Inquiry and Education (CSIE) CSIEsup@qwest.com with a Subject Line of: Notification of Cancelled Port. Include the following information in the body of the e-mail:

• Billing Telephone Number (BTN) or Ported Telephone number of the Cancelled Port
• Date of Cancellation (must be a minimum of 2:00 PM Mountain time one day prior to the port due date)
• End-user name and address

Qwest will:

• Create one CSIE ticket for each Notification of Cancelled Port e-mail request
• Manually issue a Jeopardy notice to the porting LNP provider via IMA or Fax Gateway
• The following Jeopardy (JEP) codes will be used:
  • C05 - Design
  • SX - Non Design
• The Jeopardy notification will include the comment: End User has requested cancellation of the Port request.

If the LNP provider does not respond within the 4 business hours JEP window, the port order(s) will be canceled and the LSR will be rejected using the Reject code of 814. A confirmation of the cancellation request will then be sent via email from the CSIE.

If the LNP provider issues a SUP request within the 4 business hours JEP window, the CSIE will not cancel the pending port request and respond back to the Notification of Cancelled Port e-mail: Due to a more current request we cannot process your cancel.

NOTE: As the service provider of choice, whether to cancel a port request or issue a SUP request to continue with the port, you are responsible for obtaining the most recent Proof of Authorization (POA), either via a LOA or another method. See additional information regarding Proof of Authorization. In accordance with applicable laws and rules, if a dispute or discrepancy arises regarding your authority to act on behalf of the end-user or CLEC, you are responsible for providing Qwest evidence of the authorization within three business days.

Following is a diagram of the basic network elements that are required for all service providers, including CLECs in an LNP environment:

LNP Call Routing Descriptions

To route an interswitch telephone call to a location where number portability is available, determine the LRN for the switch that serves the terminating TN of the call. To determine whether the terminating end-user has ported TN when number portability is available for an NXX, "query" all interswitch calls to that NXX as appropriate. You will accomplish this by sending a signal over the SS7 network to retrieve from a SCP or STP the LRN associated with the called TN.

The FCC has endorsed an "N minus one" (N-1) querying protocol. Under this protocol, if you are the N-1 carrier, you will be responsible for the query, "where 'N" is the entity terminating the call to the end-user, or a network provider contracted by the entity to provide tandem access. Thus the N-1 carrier (i.e., the last carrier before the terminating carrier) for a local call will usually be the billing owner of the call. The N-1 carrier for an interexchange call will usually be the calling end-user's IXC. If you are the N-1 carrier you may perform your own querying, or you may arrange for other carriers or third parties, or for Qwest to provide querying services on your behalf.

To better understand when queries are performed, download LNP Call Flow Diagram.

Following is a simplified trunking and SS7 diagram for connections within a ported area:

North American Numbering Council information is described in the NANC web page.

Location Routing Number (LRN) Trunking, Signaling and Dialing Plans

A LRN looks just like a TN to a switch that is using the LRN for call routing purposes. It is very important to understand your signaling requirements and the result of the LERG inputs to set up your networks appropriately for LNP.

An LRN definition was provided to the industry via the NANC LNP Architecture and Administrative Plan (Issue 2, Revision 0, April 14, 1998):

"LRNs are 10-digit numbers that are assigned to the network switching elements (Central Office - Host and Remotes as required) for routing of calls in the network. The first six digits of the LRN will be one of the assigned NPA NXX of the switching element. The purpose and functionality of the last four digits of the LRN have not yet been defined but are passed across the network to the terminating switch."

This definition can potentially create some confusion regarding whether a 7-digit or 10-digit LRN is to be transmitted between Service Providers for LNP calls. A 7-digit or 10-digit LRN transmit option will work based on how the participating Service Providers have set up their trunking and signaling network. It is vital that Service Providers on both ends of a Trunk Group understand what is being sent and received. It is also important to understand that the 7-digit or 10 digits are counted from right to left.

Technically, an LRN in a signaling message looks just like a TN. The switch uses the LRN for routing purposes, and handles the LRN just like a called party TN. The switch determines where to route a call by the NPA NXX included in the LRN. This routing information provided in Section 4.6 of the LERG determines where and how (signaling) that the NPA NXX should be routed. The LERG input includes the number of digits signaled, whether SS7 or Multi-Frequency (MF), on trunk groups that are used by the complex translations routing group to complete the translations for a particular switch.

Timing and Coordination of Changes in the Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) and Switch

Changes that are entered into the LERG, intended for the network, have the potential to affect the end-user's telephone service. When signaling changes are required, it is critical that the timing considerations for LERG changes be fully understood and adhered to, including the Maintenance Window Policy.

Guidelines for timing requirements are described in Central Office Code Assignment Guidelines. You will be able to locate INC Document Number 95-0407-008, Title CO Code (NXX) Assignment Request & Confirmation Form, Part 3. Upon consideration of the timing guidelines, complete this form and submit your LERG changes.

Changes to LRNs also require this same type of planning and coordination, as well as coordination with the NPAC to perform routing changes and mass updates. Changes to LRNs may be caused by various reasons, such as switch replacement, reassignment of NPA-NXX codes from one service provider to another and/or NPA splits.

For CLECs, the interfacing company's Service Manager must be notified of the LERG updates, including 7 to 10-digit, LRN or other types of changes so they can be scheduled and coordinated with the Routing Translations groups in both companies. As a result of this coordination and planning for the minimum elapsed time, as prescribed in the Industry Guidelines, the involved Service Providers will be able to make the necessary changes to their respective networks on the "EFF DTE" shown in the LERG without disruption of end-user telephone services.

Dialing Plans

The state utilities commission determines dialing plans. The individual service provider determines signaling plan. A signaling plan differs from a dialing plan for a local calling area. The information in the previous section addresses 7-digit or 10-digit LRN Trunk Signaling in the signaling network.

Signaling changes may be required as a result of state-ordered dialing plan changes. Changes to a signaling network resulting from dialing plan changes may require coordination between CLECs, and this coordination is addressed in the ATIS Guideline referenced above.

Click here to review Dialing Plans within Qwest territory.

General Dialing Plans within the Qwest territory is described in the Dialing Plans PCAT. Following are examples of some specific Dialing Plans:

Minneapolis, MN	Seattle, WA	Denver, CO
- Multiple NPAs in the Minneapolis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA); NPAs are geographically assigned to a particular municipality and there may be multiple NPAs within a Qwest Rate Center. - Commission ordered TN porting cannot occur between NPAs. - If dialing outside of your own NPA, 10-digit dialing is mandatory but not necessarily a toll call.	- Multiple NPAs, not overlaid. - If dialing within your own NPA, 7 digit or 10-digit dialing is permissive. - If dialing outside of your own NPA, 10-digit dialing is mandatory but not necessarily a toll call. - Porting between the NPAs is not permitted.	- Multiple NPAs; this is an overlay network. - Porting between NPAs is permitted. - 10-digit local dialing is mandatory in all cases.

Product Prerequisites
If you are a new CLEC and are ready to enter the Interconnection business with Qwest, view Getting Started as a Facility-Based CLEC or Getting Started as a Reseller. If you are an existing CLEC wishing to amend your Interconnection Agreement or your New Customer Questionnaire, you can find additional information in the Interconnect Agreement.

The following are actions that must be completed by you prior to submitting a service request to port a TN:

• Provide after hours contact personnel, who will be responsible for general problem resolution
• Provide a valid FAX number that is operational Monday-Friday, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Central Time Zone
• Test LSMS and the Service Order Administration (SOA) functions

Establish Signaling System 7 (SS7) Requirements
Your SS7 network must adhere to the industry standards established for LNP. There are impacts to the Line Information Data Base (LIDB), Calling Name (CNAM), Custom Local Area Signaling Service (CLASS™), and Inter-Switched Voice Messaging services as a result of the industry standards. It is critical that each company's SS7 technical experts review the requirements and your specific deployment plans as related to SS7 message queries. The use of an independent SS7 network and/or SS7 hub provider could introduce additional requirements. If there is another provider of SS7 service involved, they should be a part of the requirement review.

Establish E911 Requirements
All Carriers are required by state or municipality to connect to the E911 network. This includes specific trunking arrangements, default routing and data generation. The state or municipality should be contacted by the CLEC to determine the requirements for the metro area or state.

All service providers must adhere to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) requirements for LNP. This requires that the Company ID be passed to the E911 database, along with the Service Provider Company ID and other data elements from the service request. There is a particular data structure that is to be followed along with specific function indicators (Unlock, Migrate, etc.) that are to be used.

Determine Testing Requirements
If you wish to perform testing to ensure that your signaling, switching, databases, systems and processes are functioning properly prior to submitting LNP requests, you may want to contact your Qwest Service Manager.

When contacting Qwest, provide information about your testing requirements:

• The serving area you plan to test within
• The switch(es) involved in the testing
• How many test numbers you need Qwest to establish and in what locations
• The timeframe you prefer to do the testing

Also, provide as much information as possible about the type of testing you intend to perform. For example, are you planning to:

• Perform call processing tests only, to ensure that your network and signaling databases are capable of delivering calls to ported and/or non-ported TNs?
• Perform intra-company tests only, to ensure your switching, signaling and databases meet the LNP operational requirements and that you have the systems and processes in place to accommodate the porting of TNs?
• Perform end-to-end, inter-company testing that includes submitting service requests to port test TNs between Qwest and your company?

Once you have provided your initial testing information to Qwest, your Qwest Sales Executive or Service Manager will establish a meeting with you to further define your testing requirements, to identify the key personnel for conducting the test, from both your company and from Qwest, and to establish the testing timeline. Additional meetings may need to occur prior to the testing, and may include identification of test scripts, if appropriate.

Qwest will initiate service request to establish test accounts, based on your testing requirements, and will provide information about the test accounts, including the account name(s), TNs, and DD of the new connect service request(s). If inter-company testing is required, critical dates will be jointly established and may include dates for:

• LSR exchange
• Firm Order Confirmation (FOC) exchange
• Porting of the TN(s)
• Disconnecting test account(s)

During inter-company testing, you will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the subscription is sent to the NPAC
• Verifying activity on subscriptions at the NPAC (i.e., T1 and T2 timers)
• Completing the provisioning on your switch for the test account(s)
• Sending the activation to the NPAC to port the TN(s) on the requested DD

Upon completion of intra-company testing, you will notify Qwest that the test accounts may be disconnected. For inter-company testing, you will need to disconnect the Qwest TNs from your switch and return them to Qwest, the original code holder. If test TNs have also been ported from your switch to Qwest, Qwest will need to disconnect the TNs and return them to you.

Pre Ordering

General pre-ordering activities are described in the Pre-Ordering Overview.

Requirements for pre-ordering are described in Local Service Ordering Guidelines (LSOG) Pre-Order.

Other activities to perform prior to submitting a service request to port a TN are:

• If your request for port activity only addresses the porting of TNs
  • Review the end-users Customer Service Record (CSR) verifying all numbers to be ported, including custom ring numbers. All services including alarm services or Exchange Service Extensions, (i.e., Off Premise Extension (OPX) or Different Premise Address (DPA)). when associated with ported TNs, will be disconnected. If you require rearrangement, prior to the port request activity, you and your end-user will contact the appropriate Qwest Department currently servicing the end-user customer to make these changes.
  • A reserved number can be identified by the RTNF FID. (e.g., NDNRN/RTNF 111 555-5555)
  • If the number you are porting is working a Centrex 21 see the Terms and Conditions section of Resale - Centrex 21.

Ordering

General ordering activities are described in the Ordering Overview.

Ordering standards are developed at the national Ordering and Billing Forum (OBF).

Local Number Portability service requests are submitted using the following LSOG forms:

• Local Service Request (LSR)
• End User (EU)
• Number Portability (NP) or
• Loop Service with Number Portability (LSNP)
• Directory Listing (DL)

Field entry requirements are described in the LSOG.

The Interconnect Mediated Access (IMA) User Guide specifically details the information available for ordering functions.

Simple Port Request (SPR) service requests are submitted via IMA GUI or XML only using the SPR Form. Field entry requirements for a SPR are described in the LSOG.

Service requests should be placed using Interconnect Mediated Access (IMA) Extensible Markup Language (XML), IMA Graphical User Interface (GUI), or faxed to (888) 796-9089.

If you are requesting NP & LSNP on telephone numbers for the same end user on the same account due the same day, you may request a disconnect of the facilities associated with the NP request on the port date by:

• RPON to LSNP request PON

Mark the request for manual handling with a remark to disconnect the facilities on the port date.

If you are requesting LSNP for a telephone number and line that has an associated custom ring number you can:

Issue a separate LSR and enter the custom ring TN in the Ported Number field on the Number Port form. IMA and FTS have been set up to accept the custom ring entry and will automatically place the appropriate port FIDs behind the custom ring USOC as requested.

Or on the LSR for the LSNP drop the request to manual handling and indicate the port request for the custom ring TN in the Remarks field on the LSR.

In all cases you are required to request the port of a custom ring number or it will be disconnected.

If the number(s) you are porting are reserved numbers, the LSR must be issued manually & faxed to Qwest.

When a Qwest account or an account owned by you has Qwest High-Speed Internet (HSI) and you want to change the HSI to a Stand Alone HSI account with a new data TN at the time of port then you need to do the following:

• Populate the Manual indicator field with the letter "Y" and in the Remarks section add "Change HSI to a Stand Alone HSI". NOTE: the same Qwest Stand Alone HSI speed must be available.

Wireless Type 1 service is a non-IMA product and is handled by the Wholesale Service Center. Wireless Type 1 to Wireline or Wireless LNP service requests should be faxed to 877 237-7149. The cover letter should indicate: Attn: Wireless Type 1 Group

When porting DID numbers associated with a VOIP service, this will not be treated as a simple port.

NOTE: The preferred method for submitting VOIP port requests is to utilize the fax gateway to submit these requests. These request(s) must include a Remark indicating that the number(s) being Ported are "associated with a VOIP service".

However, if you attempt to submit these requests through IMA, you must also mark the Manual Handling field of the LSR with a Y and add the Remark indicating that the number(s) being Ported are "associated with a VOIP service".

In addition, either the AN or ATN field of the LSR must be populated with the Telephone Number or Account Number of the End User whose service is being ported.

Hours of Operation

Qwest Customer Service Inquiry and Education (CSIE) telephone numbers and hours of operations are described in Wholesale Customer Contacts

Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC): has defined their standard hours of business for LNP as 7:00 AM. to 7:00 PM, (CST/CDT), Monday through Friday. Non-business hours/days are defined as 7:01 PM to 6:59 AM Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. NPAC holidays include New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

Normal hours of operation for activating subscription DD and FDT, submitting service requests to the NPAC, error resolution, cancellation, conflict setting and resolution will be Monday through Friday during the NPAC standard hours of business.

If you require any additional assistance, contact your Qwest Service Manager directly.

Directory Listings

You are responsible for contacting a listing service and establishing listings for your end-users.

Qwest has implemented unique entries in the LSR ACT field. To ensure end-user listings are either retained or discontinued one of the following entries is required on the request:

• An ACT entry of “Z” will retain the current listing(s) (Wireline to Wireline LNP only)
• An ACT entry of “V” and no Directory Listing Form(s) will discontinue listings associated with the port activity (all listings are removed; Wireline to Wireline LNP only)
  
• If you have entered a “V” in the ACT field of the LSR and did not include Directory Listing Form(s) and later wish to establish a new Facilities Based Directory Listing (FBDL) then the LSR, EU and DL forms should be faxed to the Listing Resource Services Managers
  
• An ACT entry of “V: with Directory Listing Form(s) will allow you to make changes to the Directory Listings.  You will be required to complete a Directory Listing form for each listing associated with the new FBDL account. (Wireline to Wireline LNP only)
  

If the LSR will port only a portion of an account, including the Qwest billing TN, the LSOG forms (LSR, EU, and DL) will be required from you.

Supplemental Input

To change due dates (DD) or cancel a service request, issue a supplement to your service request.

Note: When a DD supplement or cancel cannot be submitted due to a system outage, verbal requests will be accepted through the escalation process.  Following restoration of the system, submit a supplement for the DD change or cancel.

IF SUPPLEMENT IS SUBMITTED:	THEN:
Before 8:00 PM Mountain Time on theservice request DD	Submit a supplement to your service request via IMA or Fax
After 8:00 PM Mountain Time or before 12:00 PM Mountain Time the next business day after the service request DD	Submit a supplement your service request via IMA or Fax. (This is considered late notification.)
After 12:00 PM Mountain Time the next business day after the requested DD	Submit a supplement to your service request via IMA or Fax (This is considered late notification.)
Before 3:00 PM Mountain Time, two business days after the requested DD	Submit a supplement to your service request via IMA Fax Contact the CSIE Call Center Representative to initiate an escalation ticket (This is considered late notification.)
After 3:00 PM Mountain Time, two business days after the requested DD Note: See Failed Port Activities or End-User Out Of Service (OOS) for additional information.	Contact the CSIE Call Center Representative to initiate an escalation ticket for the late notification. Note: You may still be required to send in a supplement, the CSIE will advise you if you need a supplement or a new service request.
Three or more days after the requested DD Note: See Failed Port Activities or End-User Out of Service (OOS) for additional information	Contact the CSIE Call Center Representative to initiate an escalation ticket for the late notification. Steps of Escalation Note: You may still be required to send in a supplement to your service request, the SIC will advise you if you need a supplement or a new service request.

NOTE: You may contact the CSIE Call Center Representative at any time concerning your DD change or cancel request.

The following conditions do not apply to supplements, you must issue new service requests to:

• Add new TNs to port
• Change the New Service Provider (NSP) ID or the Old Network Service Provider (ONSP) ID

Managed Cuts

• LNP Managed Cut Scheduling
  Up-front planning and coordination with Qwest is required to establish the date and time for a LNP Managed Cut. All requests will be processed on a first come, first served basis and are subject to Qwest's ability to meet a reasonable demand. Qwest will coordinate with you for an agreed upon FDT and FOC prior to issuing the FOC. Generally the FOC date will not exceed the standard interval.
  
  
• LSR Entries for LNP Managed Cuts
  You may request a LNP Managed Cut by submitting a service request and designating the request as a "Managed Cut" in the Remarks section of the LSR. Specifically, LNP Managed Cuts require a notation in the Remarks and DFDT sections of the LSR, e.g.:

  Remarks = Managed Cut
  DFDT = Anytime 24x7

  When submitting a service request in the IMA GUI or XML, you must populate the Manual indicator field with the letter "Y".

  All negotiated requests must be scheduled on the LNP Operations schedule in 30-minute time slots.
  
  

• CLEC Responsibilities
  You will need to schedule the appropriate personnel for the negotiated FDT for the LNP Managed Cut. You are also responsible for NPAC coordination if a Managed Cut is scheduled outside the NPAC's normal business hours.

Provisioning and Installation

General Jeopardy Notification information is found in the Provisioning and Installation Overview.

General Reject Reasons are found in Ordering Overview.

There are specific resolutions for Jeopardy after FOC conditions that apply to LNP DDs. To view those resolutions, download Jeopardy after FOC Process.

Standard Intervals for LNP

Service interval guidelines are found in the Service Interval Guide (SIG).

Listed below is an example of the steps taken in the port out process for 1-5 lines, simple, standard DD request. The steps for six or more lines or complex services will be the same, however the timing intervals will be based on standard intervals for the specific product type.

Step	Process	Result
1	CLEC completes sale to new end-user, validates CSR and completes service request forms	NNSP submits service request to Qwest (Day 0)
2	Qwest receives and processes the service request.	Qwest provides FOC to NNSP and submits request. Subscription is created at NPAC. (Day 1)
3	CLEC receives FOC and sends create message to NPAC to match subscription activity	Matching subscription activity shows concurrence. NOTE: When a subscription is received at the NPAC from either the ONSP or NNSP, the t1 timer (9 business hours) begins. If the NNSP or the ONSP does not match the subscription before the t1 timer expires, then the t2 timer begins and runs 9 business hours. If there is no matching subscription from the ONSP and the t1 and t2 timers have expired on the NNSPs subscription, the NNSP may activate the port on the DD without concurrence from the ONSP. The subscription, if not activated, is cancelled by the NPAC after 30 days.
4	Qwest sets the 10-digit unconditional trigger no later than 11:59 PM the day before the DD. (Day 2)	10-digit trigger set (Day 2)
5	NNSP sends activation to NPAC to port TN on DD/FDT. NPAC broadcast sent to all Service Providers. (Day 3)	Broadcast received, number is ported to NNSP. Qwest service order is completed. (Day 3)
6	Service Order completed	Data transmitted to E911 in daily batch file after service order completion
7	Disconnect and removal of switch translations is completed in Qwest switch no earlier than 11:59 PM the next business day after the DD