Switched Access Services, Qwest's most basic group of services, enables access customers, i.e., Interexchange Carriers (IXC), to complete end-user requests for intrastate or interstate long-distance calls.
To understand how Switched Access Service works, it is important to understand how the entire switching network operates. Below is a brief explanation.
End Office
The end office is the Central Office that serves the end-user(s). This is where the first point of switching will occur in originating calls. The end office provides a connection to and from the Qwest switch via a local loop to the end-user.
Depending on how it is used, the local loop may be a 2-wire or a 4-wire connection terminating at the Central Office main distribution frame, which provides the physical cross-connections (lineside and trunkside).
Tandems (Also Called Access Tandems)
Tandems are switches that consolidate traffic, reduce trunk group requirements, and switch interoffice traffic. Qwest has 57 digital tandems in 27 LATAs throughout its 14-state local service territory. Information on Qwest Access Tandems can be located in the LERG (Local Exchange Routing Guide). Contact Telcordia for access to the LERG as well as to the ASOG (Access Service Order Guide).
More detailed Switched Access information, including diagrams, can be found in the FCC Tariff #1, Section 6, and applicable state tariffs.
How the Service is Offered
Switched Access Service is available in several different serving arrangements and technical characteristics, e.g., services for lineside or trunkside connections, as well as in different Feature Group arrangements. The services are offered to Interexchange Carriers according to the terms and conditions of FCC Tariff #1, Sections 6 and 16, and applicable state tariffs.
Switched Access Service is available where facilities exist throughout Qwest's 14-state local service territory.
Terms and conditions for the ordering, billing and provisioning of Switched Access Services are contained in Qwest's FCC Tariff #1 (Link blue text to: http://tariffs.uswest.com:8000/) and applicable state tariffs.
Feature Group D
Feature Group A
Feature Group B
More Information:
The Switched Access Service rate structure is complex, and includes MOU (Minutes of Use) and flat recurring charges. Rates depend on the type of service requested.
| Major rate categories for Switched Access Service: | |
| Switched Transport | Month to Month Switched Transport Pricing Plan (STPP) may reduce monthly payments. See Switched Transport Pricing Plans - Description to view some of the various features associated with the Plan. |
| Local Switching | |
| Common Line (CL) | Presubscribed Interexchange Carrier Charge (PICC) or Carrier Common Line |
Further information about these rate categories can be obtained in the FCC Tariff #1; Section 6 or state access tariffs.
| Rate Element | Explanation | Type of charge |
| Rate Category: Switched Transport | ||
| Entrance Facility (EF) | Dedicated switched transport facility from carrier's POP to Qwest Serving Wire Center (SWC) | Monthly fixed rate, based on facility provided, e.g., DS0, DS1, or DS3 |
| Direct Trunk Transport (DTT) | Transport from the SWC of the customer's premises to an end office on dedicated circuits, and from the SWC to the Access Tandem | Monthly fixed rate, plus monthly per mile rate based on facility provided, e.g., DS0, DS1, or DS3 |
| Tandem Transmission (TT) | Transport to/from end offices via common transport circuits | Tandem MOU and per tandem MOU per mile, based on V&H coordinates |
| Tandem Switching (TS) | Charge for all minutes switched by Qwest-owned Access Tandems | Tandem MOU |
| Common Transport Multiplexing (CT MUX) | Transport of all MOUs between Access Tandems and subtending end offices via common facilities | Tandem MOU |
| Access Tandem Trunk Port charge (ATTP) | Fee per trunk terminated on the SWC side of the Access Tandem | Flat rate per trunk |
| Rate Category: Local Switching | ||
| Local Switching (LS) | Switching for all minutes performed at the end office, host, RSS or RSM | MOU |
| End Office Shared Port (EOSP) | Transport charge for MOUs between the Access Tandem and end office | MOU |
| End Office Dedicated Trunk Port (DED TP) | Port connection linking the SWC of the POP to end offices | Flat recurring per trunk |
| Rate Category: Common Line | ||
| Presubscribed Interexchange Carrier Charge (PICC) | PICC is a flat rate, per line charge assessed by price cap LECs on an end user's presubscribed IXC. If no presubscribed carrier is selected, PICC is charged to the end user. | Flat recurring assessed on business-type presubscribed lines |
| Carrier Common Line (CCL) | Carrier Common Line Access Service provides for the use of Telephone Company common lines by customers for access to end-users. | MOU (in AZ, CO, ID, IA, MN, NM, ND, SD and UT. In MT, CCL Recovery Charge is bulk billed based upon market share. |
| Interconnection Charge (IC)(In AZ and SD only) | Interconnection charge is a recovery of subsidies that were formerly included in the local transport charges. | MOU |
| Rate Category: Nonrecurring Charges | ||
| Including, but not limited to: Installation of Service Installation of Optional Features Service Rearrangements Moves |
One time charge for installation or change of services. | flat rated |
To aid in better understanding recurring rate elements, following is a picture depicting the Switched Access rate structure:
A customer can realize a discount on their transport rate elements by committing to certain terms and conditions. The current discounted transport plan is displayed in the following matrix:
Switched Transport Pricing Plan – Description
| PLAN NAME | Switched Transport Pricing Plan (STPP) | |
| PRODUCT | DS1 | DS3 |
| WHERE AVAILABLE | In 9 states where QWEST has met the FCC'S definition of viable transport competition: AZ,CO,IA,,MN,NE,NM,OR,UT,WA | |
| PROVISIONED AS | BOTH PURE SWITCHED AND SHARED USE | |
| RATE ELEMENTS | EF, DTT, DS1-0 MUX | Optical EF, Electrical EF, DTT, DS3-DS1MUX |
| TYPES OF DISCOUNT | Term Discount only for all elements. | Volume & Term Discount for EF. Term discount for DTT& MUX |
| HOW DISCOUNT IS OFFERED | Specific term rates with built-in discounts. | Specific term rates with built-in discounts. |
| MINIMUM PURCHASE TO QUALIFY FOR DISCOUNT | None | None |
| ANY SHORT-FALL CHARGES | None | None |
| TERM LENGTH [Months] | PROVISIONED AS PURE SWITCHED | |
| 36, 60 (EF,DTT & MUX) | 36, 60 (EF Elect. Cap. of 1, DTT & MUX) | |
| PROVISIONED AS SHARED USE | ||
| 36, 60 (EF,DTT & MUX) | 12, 24, 36, 60, 120 (DTT, MUX & EF Cap. => 2 Opt. & Elect.) | |
| TRANSPORT MILEAGE STRUCTURE | 4 mile bands - fixed & per mile charge within each band. | 4 mile bands - fixed & per mile charge within each band. |
| PORTABILITY | None | None |
| NRC % DISCOUNT | PROVISIONED AS PURE SWITCHED - APPLICABLE TO SWITCHED RATE ELEMENTS & TRUNK WORK | |
| 25% for 36 mos. Plan when the access order is received within 90 days of plan establishment date. 50% for 60 mos. or 120 mos. plans when the access order is received within 180 days of the plan establishment date. | ||
| PROVISIONED AS SHARED USE - APPLICABLE TO TRUNK WORK | ||
| 25% for 36 mos. plan when the access order is received within 90 days of plan date. 50% for 60 mos. or 120 mos. plans when the access order is received within 180 days of the plan establishment date. | ||
| TERMINATION LIABILITY | PROVISIONED AS PURE SWITCHED | |
| DISCONTINUE BEFORE COMPLETING 12 MOS. MSP (RECURRING) | ||
| (100% x balance of MSP x current switched monthly rates) plus 40% x current monthly rates x (term length less MSP). | (100% x balance of MSP x current switched monthly rates) plus 40%x current monthly rates x (term length less MSP). | |
| DISCONTINUE AFTER COMPLETING 12 MOS. MSP (RECURRING) | ||
| 40% x current switched monthly rates x balance of term length. | 70% x current switched monthly rates x balance of term length. | |
Tariffs, regulations and policies are located in the FCC Tariff #1, Section 6 or state access tariffs.
Carrier Identification Parameter (CIP)
Carrier Identification Parameter, or CIP, is an optional switching feature which identifies and transmits the Carrier Identification Code (CIC) of the presubscribed carrier or the Access Code (101XXXX) dialed by the calling party to the customer as part of the Initial Address Message (IAM). CIP is available with originating CST3 and Feature Group D Switched Access Service from suitably equipped SS7 end offices and tandems on a per trunk basis.
CIP functionality allows the IXC to combine individual carriers or services on one trunk group between the End Office or Access Tandem and the IXC switches. The CIP allows the IXC to consolidate trunk groups by having the ability to identify the carrier or traffic type on the other end.
CIP is an optional SS7 parameter that supports Interexchange Carrier Interconnection using Integrated Services Digital User Part (ISUP) call signaling. The CIP is included in the SS7 Initial Address Message (IAM) used in ISUP connections. The ability to include the CIP must be present in Access Tandems and Equal Access End Offices that terminate on the IXC.
CIP functionality will not be available in the Ericsson offices. Depending upon the type of access tandem and the signaling used between the access tandem and the end office, CIP may or may not be available. In some instances the access tandem can create the CIP even when it is not passed by the end office. See table below:
| Carrier Connection | Access Tandem Type | End Office Type | Signaling between tandem and end office | CIP available? |
| DTT to End Office | N/A | Ericsson | SS7 | No |
| DTT to End Office | N/A | Ericsson | MF | No |
| DTT to End Office | N/A | Nortel or Lucent | MF | No |
| DTT to End Office | N/A | Nortel or Lucent | SS7 | Yes |
| DTT to Access Tandem | 5ESS | Ericsson | MF | Yes |
| DTT to Access Tandem | 5ESS | Ericsson | SS7 | Yes |
| DTT to Access Tandem | DMS200 | Ericsson | MF | Yes |
| DTT to Access Tandem | DMS200 | Ericsson | SS7 | No |
| DTT to Access Tandem | DMS200 | Nortel or Lucent | MF | Yes |
| DTT to Access Tandem | DMS200 | Nortel or Lucent | SS7 | Yes |
There are other optional features available for Switching, Transport Termination and Line Termination. These optional features are described in FCC Tariff #1, Section 6.3.
| Service | Features | Benefits |
| Feature Group A |
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| Feature Group B |
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| Feature Group C |
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| Feature Group D |
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Qwest Switched Access Service enables the carrier to offer the high quality voice connections that long-distance users expect from the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), at reasonable rates. For example ABC Carrier offers a host of products to end-user customers, including 1+ interstate long-distance service, and wants a low MOU rate that enables access to multiple end-users within selected LATAs.
Interexchange Carriers that plan to originate or terminate intra or interstate traffic must determine if they need to apply to the local Public Utilities Commission or Corporation Commission to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The carrier must obtain an ACNA (Access Customer Name Abbreviation) and CIC (Carrier Identification Code) from Telcordia, and set up an account with the Qwest Wholesale Center for Customer Service. They must also submit a Letter of Intent to the Qwest Sales Executive or Service Manager on their company's letterhead.
The IXC's first point of contact is your Qwest Sales Executive or Service Manager.
Switched Access Services are ordered using the Access Service Ordering Guidelines (ASOG) forms.
If Qwest, through its own fault, fails to meet the Company committed Service Date, the customer's bill shall be adjusted to reflect a Service Guarantee credit of 100% of the total nonrecurring charge for certain rate elements. See FCC 1, Section 5.2.1 C.1.
Feature Group B and D (FG B-D) services provide a trunkside termination and are provided at Qwest-designated end office switches routed either directly to an end office or via Qwest Access Tandem switches.
When trunked directly from the carrier's point of termination (POP) to the end office, FG B-D services provide originating and/or terminating service to only the NXXs served by that end office.
When trunked to an Access Tandem, FG B-D services provide originating and/or terminating service to all end offices that subtend that tandem.
When FG B-D services are directly routed to an end office, the Switched Transport configuration is composed of an Entrance Facility (EF) and Direct Trunked Transport (DTT) facility to an end office. When it is switched through an Access Tandem, the configuration is composed of an EF, a DTT facility between the Serving Wire Center and the Access Tandem, and Tandem Switched Transport (TST) from the Access Tandem to the end offices subtending the access tandem. For additional flat and usage elements see diagram FCC 6.1.2 and our diagram.
FG B-D services can also be provided jointly with other telecommunication providers. If you have questions about jointly provided Switched Access, see the Jointly Provided Access Services PCAT.
When Switched Access facilities are out of service for 30 minutes or more, a credit of 1/1440 of the monthly charge for each 30 minute period or major fraction thereof, is allowed.
When usage sensitive rate elements are out of service for 24 hours or more, a credit of 1/30 of the monthly charge for each 24 hour period or major fraction thereof, is allowed.
An IXC can initiate a report of trouble by calling the Account Maintenance Support Center (AMSC).
Feature Group service is a usage sensitive service. The Telephone Company at either the end office switch or the Access Tandems records Minutes of Use (MOU). All Feature Group usage is billed on the Qwest Integrated Access Billing System (IABS) bill on a Switched Billing Account Number. These charges are in addition to the flat, recurring charges that are billed for Switched Transport elements, such as Entrance Facility, Direct Trunked Transport, and Multiplexing (MUX) that are billed on the IABS Facility Billing Account Number.
Jointly provided Switched Access billing arrangements are discussed in the Jointly Provided Access Services PCAT.
Feature Group usage sensitive elements are billed on the Switched Access Bill, as well as the flat-rated trunk port charge(s).
Feature Group flat-rated elements are billed on the Facility bill:
Access Service Request (ASR) Switched Access Customer Training
Understanding Switched Access
Qwest contact information is located in Wholesale Customer Contacts.
For existing Customers operating in Qwest territory, please contact your Service Manager for all questions. If you do not know who your Qwest Service Manager is, click here for additional information.
1. Can an Interexchange Carrier order 950 (Feature Group B) over Feature Group D?
Per FCC1, Section 6.3.1.S.1, FG B (950) can be provisioned over FG D only if the FG B and D Carrier Identification Codes (CIC) are identical.
2. What are the current PICC charges?
See FCC1, Section 4.7.2. As of July 2001, PICC no longer applies to residence, single line business or ISDN BRI services.
3. If an Interexchange Carrier orders tandem routed service can they request blocking to one or more of the subtending End Offices?
No, per the tariff, service is routed to/from all the End Offices which subtend the tandem when service is ordered as tandem versus direct routed.
4. What is Qwest's FG D blocking policy?
Qwest will not provide blocking on Feature Group D trunks based on the line class of service (e.g., coin, multiparty, hotel/motel), or service prefix indicator (e.g., 00+, 00-, 0+, 0-, or 1+). The exceptions to this policy are International DDD service, multiparty calls from 900 Access, and for calls dialed 101XXXX from inmate service.
5. What is Pricing Flexibility?
On 8/5/99, FCC issued the Pricing Flexibility Order. Allows competitive pricing on Interstate Private Line and Switched Transport services in specific MSA's.
Phase I: Allows Volume Term and Discounts, Contract Tariffs
Competitors have Collocated in wire centers accounting for 30% of the entrance facility and transport revenue
Competitors have Collocated in wire centers accounting for 65% of the end users channel terminations
Phase II: Service no longer subject to rate structure or price cap rules; able to file tariffs on one day's notice, but offerings must still be generally available*
Competitors have Collocated in wire centers accounting for 65% of the entrance facility and transport revenue
Competitors have Collocated in wire centers accounting for 85% of the end users channel terminations
* To be eligible for Phase II flexibility, these MSAs automatically have to reach, and surpass, the Phase I triggers so in addition to the Phase II flexibility described above they also have Phase I relief.
Please contact your Qwest Account Representative for information
Last Update: June 13, 2006
