Local Switching 4.1.1 BellSouth shall provide non-discriminatory access to local circuit switching capability, and local tandem switching capability, on an unbundled basis, except as set forth below in Section 4.1.
Switching System Hierarchy and Trunking Requirements For purposes of routing ECI traffic to Verizon, the subtending arrangements between Verizon Tandem Switches and Verizon End Office Switches shall be the same as the Tandem/End Office subtending arrangements Verizon maintains for the routing of its own or other carriers’ traffic (i.e., traffic will be routed to the appropriate Verizon Tandem subtended by the terminating End Office serving the Verizon Customer). For purposes of routing Verizon traffic to ECI, the subtending arrangements between ECI Tandem Switches and ECI End Office Switches shall be the same as the Tandem/End Office subtending arrangements that ECI maintains for the routing of its own or other carriers’ traffic.
Switching All of the negotiated rates, terms and conditions set forth in this Section pertain to the provision of local and tandem switching.
Tandem Switching 4.5.1 The Tandem Switching capability Network Element is defined as:
(i) trunk-connect facilities, which include, but are not limited to, the connection between trunk termination at a cross-connect panel and switch trunk card; (ii) the basic switch trunk function of connecting trunks to trunks; and (iii) the functions that are centralized in the Tandem Switches (as distinguished from separate end office switches), including but not limited to call recording, the routing of calls to operator services and signaling conversion features.
4.5.2 Where <<customer_short_name>> utilizes portions of the BellSouth network in originating or terminating traffic, the Tandem Switching rates are applied in call scenarios where the Tandem Switching Network Element has been utilized. Because switch recordings cannot accurately indicate on a per call basis when the Tandem Switching Network Element has been utilized for an interoffice call originating from a UNE port and terminating to a BellSouth, Independent Company or Facility-Based CLEC office, BellSouth has developed, based upon call studies, a melded rate that takes into account the average percentage of calls that utilize Tandem Switching in these scenarios. BellSouth shall apply the melded Tandem Switching rate for every call in these scenarios. BellSouth shall utilize the melded Tandem Switching Rate until BellSouth has the capability to measure actual Tandem Switch usage in each call scenario specifically mentioned above, at which point the rate for the actual Tandem Switch usage shall apply. The UNE Local Call Flows set forth on BellSouth's website, as amended from time to time and incorporated herein by this reference, illustrate when the full or melded Tandem Switching rates apply for specific scenarios.
Local Circuit Switching Capability, including Tandem Switching Capability 4.1.3.1 Definition
4.1.3.2 Notwithstanding BellSouth’s general duty to unbundle local circuit switching, BellSouth shall not be required to unbundle local circuit switching for <<customer_name>> when <<customer_name>> serves end-users with four (4) or more voice-grade (DS-0) equivalents or lines in locations served by BellSouth’s local circuit switches, which are in the following MSAs: Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC; Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, NC; Nashville, TN; and New Orleans, LA, and BellSouth has provided non-discriminatory cost based access to the Enhanced Extended Link (EEL) throughout Density Zone 1 as determined by NECA Tariff No. 4 as in effect on January 1, 1999.
4.1.3.3 In the event that <<customer_name>> orders local circuit switching for a single end user account name at a single physical end user location with four (4) or more 2-wire voice-grade loops from a BellSouth central office in an MSA listed above, BellSouth shall charge <<customer_name>> the market based rate in Exhibit C for use of the local circuit switching functionality for the affected facilities.
4.1.3.4 A featureless port is one that has a line port, switching facilities, and an interoffice port. A featured port is a port that includes all features then capable or a number of then capable features specifically requested by <<customer_name>>. Any features that are not currently then capable but are technically feasible through the switch can be requested through the NBR/BFR process.
4.1.3.5 BellSouth will provide to <<customer_name>> customized routing of calls: (i) to a requested directory assistance services platform; (ii) to an operator services platform pursuant to Section 10 of Attachment 2; (iii) for <<customer_name>>’s PIC’ed toll traffic in a two (2) PIC environment to an alternative OS/DA platform designated by <<customer_name>>. <<customer_name>> customers may use the same dialing arrangements as BellSouth customers.
4.1.3.6 Remote Switching Module functionality is included in Switching Capability. The switching capabilities used will be based on the line side features they support.
4.1.3.7 Switching Capability will also be capable of routing local, intraLATA, interLATA, and calls to international customer’s preferred carrier; call features (e.g. call forwarding) and Centrex capabilities.
4.1.3.8 Where required to do so in order to comply with an effective Commission order, BellSouth will provide to <<customer_name>> purchasing local BellSouth switching and reselling BellSouth local exchange service under Attachment 1, selective routing of calls to a requested directory assistance services platform or operator services platform. <<customer_name>> customers may use the same dialing arrangements as BellSouth customers, but obtain a <<customer_name>> branded service.
Switching and Tagging Rules Each Party shall provide the other Parties a copy of its switching and tagging rules that are applicable to the other Parties’ activities. Such switching and tagging rules shall be developed on a non-discriminatory basis. The Parties shall comply with applicable switching and tagging rules, as amended from time to time, in obtaining clearances for work or for switching operations on equipment.
Bandwidth the amount of data (quantified as “Mbps” or “Gbps”) made available to Customer as specified in a Service Order.
Network Upgrades The Transmission Owner shall design, procure, construct, install, and own the Network Upgrades described in Attachment 6 of this Agreement. If the Transmission Owner and the Interconnection Customer agree, the Interconnection Customer may construct Network Upgrades that are located on land owned by the Interconnection Customer. Unless the Transmission Owner elects to pay for Network Upgrades, the actual cost of the Network Upgrades, including overheads, shall be borne initially by the Interconnection Customer.
COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 161.0085(c), Contractor certifies that it does not require its customers to provide any documentation certifying the customer’s COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the Contractor’s business. Contractor acknowledges that such a vaccine or recovery requirement would make Contractor ineligible for a state-funded contract.
Scheduled Downtime For the purposes of this Agreement, Scheduled Downtime will mean those hours, as determined by us but which will not occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday without your authorization or unless exigent circumstances exist, during which time we will perform scheduled maintenance or adjustments to the Environment. We will use our best efforts to provide you with at least twenty-four (24) hours of notice prior to scheduling Scheduled Downtime.
