Common use of Tandem Switching Clause in Contracts

Tandem Switching. 2.1 The Tandem Switching Capability Network Element is defined as: (1) an unbundled Network Element in Ameritech's Class 4 non-TOPS digital Tandem Switches, which includes Interconnection with the trunk at the Tandem Distribution Frame (TDF) and the Tandem Switch trunk ports; (2) the basic switching function of creating a temporary transmission path that connects CLEC's trunks to the trunks of Ameritech, IXCs, ICOs, CMRS, and other LECs interconnected to the Tandem Switch. 2.2 Interconnecting trunk types which can be switched include FGB, FGC, FGD and Type II. Signaling support includes Rotary, MF, and SS7 and any signaling conversions between these signaling formats. 2.3 Variations in Tandem Switching equipment used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of certain features. 2.4 The unbundled Tandem Switching Network Element will provide to CLEC all available basic Tandem Switching functions and basic capabilities that are centralized in the Tandem Switch (and not in End Office Switches), including the following functions Ameritech makes available to its Customers: 1. Routing of calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on destination digits. 2. Routing of Equal Access or Operator Service calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on the CIC forwarded by the inbound trunk. 2.5 Translations, screening, blocking, and route indexing are provided if technically feasible under the standard switching translations and screening in use in that switch. A request for translations, screening, blocking, route indexing other than what is available (i.e., features that the switch is capable of providing) in that switch will be provided where technically feasible as a Bona Fide Request. Ameritech will provide these features if technically feasible and upon agreement by CLEC to pay the applicable recurring and nonrecurring costs of developing, installing, providing and maintaining the capability. Variations in the Tandem Switching equipment or translation and screening used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of the element. (13) Schedule 9.2.4 has been replaced with the following language:

Tandem Switching. 2.1 The Tandem Switching Capability Network Element is defined as: (1) an unbundled Network Element in Ameritech's Class 4 non-TOPS digital Tandem Switches, which includes DS1-level Interconnection with the trunk at the Tandem Distribution Frame (TDF) and the Tandem Switch trunk ports;ports at the Digital Signal Cross-Connect (DSX) frame. (2) the basic switching function of creating a temporary transmission path that connects CLECRequesting Carrier's trunks to the trunks of Ameritech, IXCs, ICOs, CMRS, and other LECs interconnected to the Tandem Switch. 2.2 Interconnecting trunk types which can be switched include FGB, FGCFGD, FGD IMT, Access Toll Connecting Trunks and Type IIOS/DA. Signaling support includes Rotary, MF, MF and SS7 and any signaling conversions between these signaling formats. 2.3 Variations in Tandem Switching equipment used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of certain features. 2.4 The unbundled Tandem Switching Network Element will provide to CLEC Requesting Carrier all available basic Tandem Switching functions and basic capabilities that are centralized in the Tandem Switch (and not in End Office Switches), including the following functions Ameritech makes available to its Customers: (1. ) Routing of calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on destination digits. (2. ) Routing of Equal Access or Operator Service calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on the CIC forwarded by the inbound trunk. (3) Routing of calls based on queries to Ameritech's databases (e.g., 800, AIN and LRN). 2.5 Translations, screening, blocking, and route indexing are provided if technically feasible under the standard switching translations and screening in use in that switch. A request for translations, screening, blocking, route indexing other than what is available (i.e., features that the switch is capable of providing) in that switch will be provided where technically feasible as a Bona Fide Request. Ameritech will provide these features if technically feasible and upon agreement by CLEC Requesting Carrier to pay the applicable recurring and nonrecurring costs of developing, installing, providing and maintaining the capability. Variations in the Tandem Switching equipment or translation and screening used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of the element. (13) Schedule 9.2.4 has been replaced with the following language:

Tandem Switching. 2.1 The 4.3.1 Tandem Switching Capability Network Element is defined as: (1) an unbundled Network Element in Ameritech's Class 4 non-TOPS digital Tandem Switches, which includes Interconnection with the trunk at the Tandem Distribution Frame (TDF) and the Tandem Switch trunk ports; (2) the basic switching function of creating creates a temporary transmission path between interoffice trunks that connects CLEC's trunks are interconnected at a switch for the purpose of routing a call or calls. Unbundled Tandem Switching is ordered using electronic interfaces. Trunk-side ports are ordered using the Access Service Request (“ASR”) which provides for electronic ordering based on industry standards adopted through OBF. ASR is the process used as of the Effective Date to the trunks of Ameritechorder Exchange Access Services. Both pre-ordering and ordering functions and access to associated Operations Support Systems functions are supported electronically through these interfaces. 4.3.2 Ameritech will service, IXCs, ICOs, CMRSoperate, and other LECs interconnected to maintain the Tandem Switch. 2.2 Interconnecting trunk types which can be switched include FGB, FGC, FGD and Type II. Signaling support includes Rotary, MF, and SS7 and any signaling conversions between these signaling formats. 2.3 Variations in Tandem Switching equipment used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of certain features. 2.4 The unbundled Tandem Switching Network Element for requesting carrier at parity with the service, operation, and maintenance Ameritech provides to itself, its subsidiaries, Affiliates and any other person. Unless requested otherwise, where applicable and technically feasible, Ameritech will provide to CLEC all available basic unbundled Tandem Switching functions using the same specifications, interfaces, parameters, intervals, procedures and basic capabilities that are centralized practices it uses to provide comparable Tandem Switching for all other Customers and carriers. Any feature or function existing in the Tandem Switch (and not in End Office Switches), including the following functions Ameritech makes available to its Customers: 1. Routing of calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on destination digits. 2. Routing of Equal Access or Operator Service calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on the CIC forwarded by the inbound trunk. 2.5 Translations, screening, blocking, and route indexing are provided if technically feasible under the standard switching translations and screening in use in that switch. A request for translations, screening, blocking, route indexing other than what is available (i.e., features that the switch is capable of providing) in that switch will be provided where technically feasible as to requesting carrier on a Bona Fide Requestnon-discriminatory basis. Congestion control and overflow routing will be provided on a non-discriminatory basis. 4.3.3 Tandem Switching performance will be measured to ensure parity with all other Telecommunications Carriers that are interconnected with Ameritech. Performance will be measured on switching, call recording, and network management controls. 4.3.4 Switch downtime will be measured through FCC reportable incidents report. CPI Index will be measured calls blocked and customer out of service incidents. 4.3.5 Electronic Billing Accuracy Centers (EBAC) measures billing errors from the CABS error hold file report. Ameritech employs RAVE/A&T which enables on-line investigation of AMA volumes and will provide these features if technically feasible and upon agreement by CLEC alert EBAC to pay the applicable recurring and nonrecurring costs of developing, installing, providing and maintaining the capability. Variations in the Tandem Switching equipment or translation and screening used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of the elementpossible AMA recording failures. (13) Schedule 9.2.4 has been replaced 4.3.6 Congestion Control and overflow criteria are set by the use of NTMOS Surveillance system which polls EDAS and NMA data on call volumes and make busy standards. Ameritech sets automatic thresholds with the following language:preplan routing and overflow selection. The system is also monitored via a manual surveillance system early recognition of performance problems.

Tandem Switching. 2.1 The Tandem Switching Capability Network Element is defined as: (1) an unbundled Network Element in Ameritech's Class 4 non-TOPS digital Tandem Switches, which includes Interconnection with the trunk at the Tandem Distribution Frame (“TDF”) and the Tandem Switch trunk ports; (2) the basic switching function of creating a temporary transmission path that connects CLECrequesting carrier's trunks to the trunks of Ameritech, IXCs, ICOs, CMRS, and other LECs interconnected to the Tandem Switch. 2.2 Interconnecting trunk types which can be switched include FGB, FGC, FGD and Type II. Signaling support includes Rotary, MF, and SS7 and any signaling conversions between these signaling formats. 2.3 Variations in Tandem Switching equipment used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of certain features. 2.4 The unbundled Tandem Switching Network Element will provide to CLEC requesting carrier all available basic Tandem Switching functions and basic capabilities that are centralized in the Tandem Switch (and not in End Office Switches), including the following functions Ameritech makes available to its Customers: 1. Routing of calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on destination digits. 2. Routing of Equal Access or Operator Service calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on the CIC forwarded by the inbound trunk. 2.5 Translations, screening, blocking, and route indexing are provided if technically feasible under the standard switching translations and screening in use in that switch. A request for translations, screening, blocking, route indexing other than what is available (i.e., features that the switch is capable of providing) in that switch will be provided where technically feasible as a Bona Fide Request. Ameritech will provide these features if technically feasible and upon agreement by CLEC requesting carrier to pay the applicable recurring and nonrecurring costs of developing, installing, providing and maintaining the capability. Variations in the Tandem Switching equipment or translation and screening used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of the element. (13) Schedule 9.2.4 has been replaced with the following language:

Tandem Switching. 2.1 The Tandem Switching Capability Network Element is defined as: (1) : an unbundled Network Element in Ameritech's ’s Class 4 non-TOPS digital Tandem Switches, which includes Interconnection with the trunk at the Tandem Distribution Frame (“TDF”) and the Tandem Switch trunk ports; (2) ; the basic switching function of creating a temporary transmission path that connects CLEC's trunks to the trunks of Ameritech, IXCs, ICOs, CMRS, and other LECs interconnected to the Tandem Switch.other 2.2 Interconnecting trunk types which can be switched include FGB, FGC, FGD and Type II. Signaling support includes Rotary, MF, and SS7 and any signaling conversions between these signaling formats. 2.3 Variations in Tandem Switching equipment used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of certain features. 2.4 The unbundled Tandem Switching Network Element will provide to CLEC QST all available basic Tandem Switching functions and basic capabilities that are centralized in the Tandem Switch (and not in End Office Switches), including the following functions Ameritech makes available to its Customers: 1. 2.4.1 Routing of calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on destination digits. 2. 2.4.2 Routing of Equal Access or Operator Service calls from an inbound trunk to an outbound trunk based on the CIC forwarded by the inbound trunk. 2.5 Translations, screening, blocking, and route indexing are provided if technically feasible under the standard switching translations and screening in use in that switch. A request for translations, screening, blocking, route indexing other than what is available (i.e., features that the switch is capable of providing) in use in that switch will be provided where technically feasible as a Bona Fide Request. Ameritech will provide these features if technically feasible and and, upon agreement by CLEC QST to pay the applicable recurring and nonrecurring non-recurring costs of developing, installing, providing and maintaining the capability. Variations in the Tandem Switching equipment or translation and screening used to provide service in specific locations may cause differences in the operation of the element. (13) Schedule 9.2.4 has been replaced with the following language: