That’s right, just when you thought the FCC’s terminating switched access reforms to a bill-and -keep regime would make your life simpler, it turns out things are much more complex – and error prone – than ever. For example, in one New York state Local Access and Transport Area (LATA) terminating switched access cost per minute (CPM) can range from $0.00070000 to $0.00883148, that’s over twelve times higher! We’ll share the gory details later in the blog, but first some background.

The July 1, 2017 access filings added a brand-new twist to terminating access rate management, the notion of “affiliation”. Simply put, if the access tandem (AT) and the terminating end office (EO) are owned by the same incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) , i.e. affiliated and are price cap regulated - one set of rate elements apply; if the access tandem and the terminating end office are owned by two different ILECs, i.e. non-affiliated, another set of rate element apply.

Topics: CCMI, FCC, switched access, LATA, CPM, ILECs, rate and tariff data, telecom rate research tools, access charges, NetExpress, Net Express, terminating switched access

We have been busy lately covering the FCC’s decision to make switched access a non-dominant service.  However, a couple of recent orders are too important to let slip through the cracks. On July 15, 2016, the Commission released two orders regarding AT&T’s special access tariff pricing plans (TPPs). Specifically, the Commission found that AT&T’s proposed revisions to its All-or-Nothing TPPs are unlawful and thus rejected them.  In a separate Order, the Commission found that AT&T’s proposed revisions to its special access “Early Termination” and “Shortfall” TPPs raised significant questions and were suspended for one day with an investigation into their lawfulness initiated.  Here is the background that led to these Orders.

Topics: FCC, regulatory updates, rate and tariff data, special access

Since our last Intrastate Access Filing Report on June 11th, there has been increased activity most notably for IL, MD & PA. CCMI has published almost 400 transmittals with over 8,000 rate changes so far this access season. Be sure to log into TelView for the latest tariff and transmittal updates. Check out the map and top carrier filings for more detail and continue to monitor CCMI’s blog for the latest updates on this season’s access filing activity.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2015

Since our Intrastate Access Filing Report last week, CCMI has seen an increase in access filing activity in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Please refer to the map and chart below for additional details.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2015

Over the past few weeks, the Access filings have continued to come in with moderate increases in AL, CO, KY, NM & SC.  Please take a look at the map and chart for the total counts.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014

This year’s compliance filing has proven to be an interesting one, and CCMI, as always, is right in the thick of it. As of July 14^th, CCMI has filings for every state, amongst our supported carrier list, with Massachusetts finally filing this past week.

As stated in a previous post, many PUCs allowed carriers to submit changes effective July 31^st and so far we have pending filings from carriers in MD, AZ, WV and more.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014

The busy 2014 Access Filing season is well underway. CCMI analysts have been monitoring each state very carefully and here are the 5 things you should know about this year’s filings:

• 2013 vs 2014 Volume -  On July 7th, 2013, CCMI had processed 1,568 initial transmittals, whereas on July 7th, 2014, we processed 1,189 initial transmittals. While this is a 24% decline, please keep in mind the filing requirements for 2013 and 2014 are different which impacts the total number of filings.
• Filings effective PRIOR to July 1, 2014 - About 21 states filed early and they include CT, KS and NY with June effective dates.
• Filings effective July 1, 2014 - A good number of states filed on time including TX, AL and IL.
• Filings effective July 31, 2014 - Many CLEC carriers petitioned the various state commissions (PUCs and PSCs) for an extension. The purpose of the extension was to adjust their rate changes in response to the posted interstate rates. These states include PA, MD and OH.
• Carriers who Already Concur - Some carriers indicated they concur with the Federal rate in their 2013 filings. Going forward, they are not required to file again this year.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014

July 1^st is here and the 2014 Access compliance filings continue to roll in. CCMI has published over 1,020 filings so far and continues to monitor and acquire the filings throughout the country. In the past week, we’ve seen an increase in filings for KS, MI, SC and WI. We’ve also seen a handful of states issue their first filings for the year.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014

With a week to go before all intrastate access charges become effective, it appears many carriers are holding their changes until the last minute. Based on supported CCMI carriers, MN, PA and IA continue to be the front runners. Eleven states have five or less filings and ten states have not filed any access transmittals within their respected PUC’s.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014

Since our Intrastate Access Filing Report last week, CCMI has seen a notable increase in access filing activity in Minnesota and Maryland. Please refer to the map and chart below for additional details.

Topics: carrier access rates, intercarrier compensation, LECs, TelView, rate and tariff data, Intrastate Access Filings 2014