Wholesale: Products & Services

Local Interconnection Service (LIS) - V28.0

History Log

Product Description

Local Interconnection Service (LIS) is a bundled trunk-side service providing switching and transport for the mutual exchange of traffic that originates and terminates within a CenturyLink™ Local Calling Area (LCA) or an Extended Area Service (EAS) boundary. Purchasing LIS is different from purchasing Unbundled Network Elements (UNEs), although the purchase of UNEs is also correctly described generically as interconnection. Intercarrier Compensation applies to LIS but not to UNEs. The terms and conditions for LIS can vary by individual Interconnection Agreement. The information in this document describes the terms and conditions of a typical Competitive Local Exchange Carrier's (CLEC's) agreement with CenturyLink.

You must obtain certification from the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to provide Exchange Service (EAS/Local) in any state in which you plan to purchase LIS. Before ordering LIS, you must also request from NeuStar, a division of Lockheed Martin, at least one Numbering Plan Area (NPA) Numeric Numbering Plan (NXX) in each Local Access and Transport Area (LATA) in which you are providing Exchange Service (EAS/Local).

CenturyLink provisions all components necessary for complete connectivity between your chosen Point of Interconnection (POI) and any CenturyLink Central Office (CO) switch. Some Interconnection Agreements call for a POI in each LCA. You must establish at least one POI in each LATA in which you wish to provide Exchange Service (EAS/Local). The POI is a physical demarcation between your network and CenturyLink's network. The POI marks where your network repair responsibility ends and CenturyLink's network repair responsibility begins. Your POI must be within CenturyLink QC.

The following subject areas provide an overview of LIS:

  • Methods of Interconnection
  • Trunking
  • Facility Levels
  • Signaling Requirements
  • Trunk Groups

Methods of Interconnection

Several options are available for interconnection of your network and CenturyLink's network:

  • Collocation
    CenturyLink offers many options. The two most common options are Physical and Virtual Collocation. With Physical Collocation, you can extend your facilities into the CenturyLink Serving Wire Center (SWC) and have a POI within the CenturyLink SWC building. With Virtual Collocation, you extend your facilities to a point just outside the CenturyLink SWC and CenturyLink provides facilities to meet you at that location. In either instance, the collocation at the CenturyLink SWC becomes your POI. Click here for additional Collocation information.

  • LIS Entrance Facility (EF)
    With the LIS EF option, CenturyLink provides the transport between your physical location and the CenturyLink SWC. The CenturyLink SWC is the CenturyLink Wire Center (WC) nearest to your chosen POI. The POI is your physical location (e.g., the location to which CenturyLink builds the EF). An EF does not extend beyond the CenturyLink SWC boundary. EFs may not be used for interconnection with UNEs. EF may be requested in Digital Signal Level 1 (DS1) or Digital Signal Level 3 (DS3) format.

    The terms and conditions of your Interconnection Agreement determine the billing associated with LIS EF for two-way trunking. If applicable per your Interconnection Agreement, a Relative Use Factor (RUF) may also be applied. When actual traffic data is available, CenturyLink will adjust the initial billing based upon a negotiated RUF to allow for CenturyLink's proportionate use of the two-way LIS EF. In other cases, once a RUF has been agreed upon, CenturyLink bills you for your portion of the recurring LIS EF rate.

  • LIS Mid Span Meet POI (MSMP) within CenturyLink QC
    A LIS Mid-Span Meet POI is a negotiated Point of Interface, limited to the Interconnection of facilities between the CenturyLink Serving Wire Center location and the location of your switch or other equipment located within the area served by the CenturyLink Serving Wire Center. The actual physical Point of Interface and fiber facilities used will be subject to negotiations between the Parties. Each Party will be responsible for its portion of the build and its portion of the costs to the Mid-Span Meet POI. You may not use remaining capability in an existing Mid-Span Meet POI to gain access to Unbundled Network Elements. These Mid-Span Meet POIs will consist of fiber facilities used for the exchange of traffic and joint provisioning of Telecommunications Services to End User Customers and other Telecommunications Carriers.

    For more information, download LIS MSMP.

  • Other Technically Feasible Methods
    While the 3 methods above are the most common, other technically feasible methods of interconnection can be requested via a Bona Fide Request (BFR).

    Click here for Bona Fide Request (BFR) information.

Trunking

In addition to the physical path between your POI and the nearest CenturyLink SWC, you must order trunking from your POI to a CenturyLink Tandem, or EO (End Office) Switch(es). Unless specifically stated otherwise in the interconnection agreement, you must have a separate trunk group for each type of traffic; local, non-local and ancillary.

Direct Trunked Transport (DTT)

Direct Trunked Transport between the CenturyLink SWC of your POI and a CenturyLink Switch allows for termination of calls destined for end-users with NXXs associated with that CenturyLink EO Switch. Direct Trunked Transport between the CenturyLink SWC of your POI and a CenturyLink tandem allows for termination of calls destined for end-users with NXXs associated with switches that subtend that tandem.

If Direct Trunked Transport is greater than 50 miles in length and existing facilities are not available in either CenturyLink�s or your network, parties may be jointly responsible for construction and cost of the requested facilities. CenturyLink may use a "LATA Infrastructure Mileage Initial Transport (LIMIT)" process to coordinate this form of interconnection per the terms and conditions of your Interconnection Agreement or Amendment.

For more information, download LATA Infrastructure Mileage Initial Transport (LIMIT).

End Office with Local Tandem Functionality Trunking (EOWLTF)

To the extent CenturyLink is using a specific EO to deliver limited tandem switching functionality to itself, another WSP, another CLEC or another ILEC; it will arrange the same trunking for you. Trunking may be ordered to CenturyLink EOWLTF to allow:

  • Termination of local calls destined for other Telecommunications Carriers' end-users connected to the same EOWLTF and interconnected to the same CenturyLink EOWLTF.
  • EOWLTF must be ordered as a direct final two-way trunk group.
  • Direct Trunked Transport (DTT) is billed from the SWC to the EOWLTF and Tandem Switched Transport (i.e., Tandem Switching and Tandem Transmission Fixed and Per Mile) applies between the EOWLTF and the terminating EO in addition to the EO Call Termination charges. When a call is terminated to another Telecommunication's Carrier, transit charges will apply.
  • Contact your Service Manager for availability of EOWLTF.

Two-way trunks are the most commonly requested type of trunk, however, you may request one-way trunks. The terms and conditions of your Interconnection Agreement determine the billing associated with two-way trunking. If applicable per your Interconnection Agreement, a RUF may also be applied. When actual traffic data is available, CenturyLink will adjust the initial billing based upon a negotiated RUF to allow for CenturyLink's proportionate use of the two-way trunks. In other cases, once a RUF has been agreed upon, CenturyLink bills you for your portion of the recurring DTT rate.

You or CenturyLink may select one-way trunks for traffic to be terminated to the others network. Whoever orders the one-way trunks will choose the POI location for the one-way trunks.

CenturyLink supports the Network Interconnection Interoperability Forum (NIIF) plan for TCIC assignments. These assignments will not be duplicated on groups between the same point codes. TCIC represents the Access Customer's trunk circuit identification code. The format is a five-digit number followed by a dash and another five-digit number. Switch limitations prevent TCICs from containing the numbers 97, 98, 99 or 00 as the last two digits. The TCIC numbering ranges to accommodate one-way trunks groups for the CLEC and CenturyLink are as follows:

The CLEC uses 00001 through 04996 to order trunks to CenturyLink.

CenturyLink uses 05001 through 09996 to order trunks to the CLEC.

If you would like access to the full range of TCICs (i.e., you are ordering two-way trunks and wish to use a TCIC numbering range associated with one-way trunking) a letter from you is required indicating you will not be ordering one-way trunking in the future. This ensures no duplication exists between the point codes, per industry standards.

Single Point of Presence (SPOP) in the LATA allows you to establish just one POI in each LATA. You can then deliver Exchange Service (EAS/Local), as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll, previously known as Exchange Access (IntraLATA Non-IXC Toll), and Jointly Provided Switched Access (JPSA) (InterLATA and IntraLATA IXC Switched Access (SA)) traffic, at CenturyLink Access Tandem (AT) Switch(es). Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and IntraLATA LEC Toll traffic are commingled on the same LIS trunk group. When volumes of traffic justify it, a trunk group to CenturyLink's Local Tandem (LT) or EO may be necessary. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be required before you submit orders for SPOP.

For more information, download Single Point of Presence (SPOP) in the LATA for Interconnection Trunking.

Some Interconnection Agreements allow you to utilize your IXC FGD trunk group to deliver Switched Access and Exchange Service (EAS/Local) terminating traffic to CenturyLink. Prior to routing Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic over FGD, you must provide CenturyLink your timeframe, the states and the FG D Provider's CIC, ACNA and BANs that are involved in this option. CenturyLink will need up to two months lead time to ensure that the appropriate mechanized billing is set up. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be necessary before you submit rearrangement orders. CenturyLink will bill the Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic on your LIS account.

Facility Levels

Facility connections are made at the DS1 (High Capacity 1.544 Mbit/s Service) or multiple DS1 levels for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) trunk groups and the Combined IntraLATA LEC Toll/JPSA (InterLATA and IntraLATA IXC SA) trunk groups. Trunks for Directory Assistance (DA), 911/E911, Operator Services (OS), and Mass Calling (referred to as Ancillary Services) can be ordered in Digital Signal Level 0 (DS0) formats.

Signaling Requirements

Both you and CenturyLink must deliver calls with Common Channel Signaling (CCS)/Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocols and the appropriate signaling parameters to facilitate full feature interoperability and accurate billing. Directory Assistance (DA), OS and Mass Calling Trunks are ordered with MF signaling only. Generally, 911/E911 is ordered with MF signaling only. State regulators may require 911/E911 to be ordered as SS7.

Trunk Groups

You may have a trunk group for each of the following types of traffic:

  • Exchange Service (Local/EAS) - The Exchange Service (Local/EAS) trunks should be ordered for the mutual exchange of Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic. This traffic originates and terminates in the same CenturyLink LCA.

    When you order LIS to a CenturyLink tandem, you may terminate traffic to every EO that subtends that CenturyLink tandem. While your Interconnection Agreement may allow you to choose to route via the CenturyLink AT, if the level of traffic reaches 512 CCS to either a combination of EOs that subtend the local tandem or directly to an EO, you will need to order a trunk group directly to that CenturyLink LT or EO.

    To terminate traffic to a third party, such as an Independent Telephone Company (ITC) CLEC, Local Exchange Carrier (LEC), or Wireless Service Provider (WSP) that lacks a trunk group to the CenturyLink tandem, you must order the trunking directly from the third party.

  • Combined IntraLATA LEC Toll and JPSA- You may order a trunk group to the CenturyLink AT for the origination and termination of IntraLATA LEC Toll and JPSA. Both parties must follow the industry standards outlined in the Multiple Exchange Carrier Access Billing (MECAB) for the billing and Multiple Exchange Carriers Ordering and Design (MECOD) for the provisioning of JPSA.
  • Directory Assistance (DA) - If CenturyLink provides DA to your end-users, you may order MF trunking to the appropriate CenturyLink DA switch. For information regarding Directory Assistance click here.

  • 911/E911 - You may order trunks to the CenturyLink 911/E911 switch in order to provide your end-users with 911/E911 service. If you offer local service, you must provide 911/E911 services. For information regarding 911/E911 click here.

  • OS - If CenturyLink provides OS for you, you must order MF trunking to the appropriate CenturyLink OS switch. For information regarding OS click here.

  • Mass Calling Trunks - If you are serving an area where CenturyLink has a Choke or Mass Calling Network, you may order Mass Calling trunks to the CenturyLink Choke Switch or install your own Choke Network. A Choke Network is a separate trunking arrangement established to protect the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by controlling or "Choking" the number of calls allowed to complete. Choke Networks consist of two basic components: a switch that has been identified to handle mass calling NXXs in the LCA, and separate direct trunking to that switch from every other EO within the LCA. Mass Calling numbers must be assigned to a unique NXX and must be identified as Mass Calling numbers. This identification allows EO translations to route the calls over the Choke Network. Also, to protect the SS7 network, all trunks associated with a Choke Network must use MF signaling.

  • Host - Remote - You may only need to establish one (1) trunk group to the Host. This single trunk group will serve the Host LCA, the Remote(s) LCA, or a combination of both regardless of whether or not they are local to each other.  If you have multiple trunks groups at the Host today that serve several different LCAs, you may reconfigure to one (1) trunk group.
    Exception:  If you want to interconnect at an EOwLTF (OG) that is a Host switch and is designated for this use, this will require a separate trunk group for each LCA involved on which to transit the traffic.

View your Interconnection Agreement for more information.

Availability

LIS is available throughout CenturyLink QC.

Technical Publications

Technical information on LIS is available at Technical Publication 77398.

Pricing

Rate Structure

Interconnect Agreement - When trunking is established and you are ready to send and receive usage, your contract billing language becomes important. There are three different billing arrangements for Exchange Service EAS/Local) non-transit Minutes Of Use (MOU). They are:

  • Intercarrier Compensation - Terminating Party bills for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) calls according to the Interconnection Agreement MOU charges which may include EO Call Termination, Tandem Switching, Tandem Transmission Fixed and Per Mile or Internet Service Providers (ISP) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered rates.
Tandem Switch Definition - Your switch may be classified as a tandem for purposes of intercarrier compensation based on your Interconnection Agreement language. In some instances, a Comparable Geographic Area Test is required to classify your switch as a tandem. CenturyLink will ask you to provide fact-based data to the Commission to pass the Comparable Geographic Area Test. Contact your CenturyLink Access Manager for additional information.
  • Bill and Keep (B&K) - Both Parties provide the Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and bill their end-users. No Exchange Service (EAS/Local) MOU monies will be transferred between the two companies.
  • Traffic Balance (TB) - If the directional balance of Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic on a LIS trunk group stays within a declared percentage (usually +/- 5% to 10%), bill and keep rules apply. Your Interconnection Agreement states how often traffic balance should be monitored, i.e., monthly, quarterly or on a six-month basis, etc. Exchange Service (EAS/Local) usage between the two Parties will not bill until an out-of-balance threshold has been exceeded. When either Party proves that the traffic balance threshold has been exceeded, a change of Interconnection Agreement type must be agreed upon between both Parties before billing can occur.

FCC ISP Order - On April 18, 2001, the FCC adopted an order addressing the charges that carriers may bill to and collect from each other in connection with their exchange of dial-up Internet, or ISP-bound traffic. Refer to FCC 01-131 Order on Remand and Report and Order in CC Docket 99-68, Intercarrier Compensation for ISP-bound Traffic (the ISP Order). CenturyLink has chosen to opt into the FCC ISP Order structure for CenturyLink QC states.

The FCC Order determined that ISP-bound traffic is interstate in nature, specifically, information access traffic, and that such traffic is not subject to payment of reciprocal compensation under Section 251 (b)(5) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC also confirmed that ISP-bound traffic is not "local" traffic because a call to the Internet is one continuous call, not two separate calls.

The FCC exercised its authority under Section 201 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prescribe alternative, transitional intercarrier compensation for ISP-bound traffic. From December 14, 2001 until June 13, 2003, the rate was capped at $.001 per MOU. Starting June 14, 2003, until further FCC action (whichever is later), the rate will be capped at $.0007 per MOU. The rates are maximum rates. If a state law has previously required payment on ISP-bound traffic at a rate lower than the applicable rate caps established in the ISP Order, or has previously required a lower rate structure for ISP-bound traffic, such as "Bill and Keep," then that lower rate or rate structure will apply under the terms of the ISP Order.

The volume of compensable ISP-bound traffic in 2002 may not exceed 110% of the 2001 compensable ISP-bound traffic volume originated on CenturyLink's network in a given state. Year 2003 volume may not exceed the 2002 compensable volume originated on CenturyLink's network in that state. If you were not exchanging traffic with CenturyLink in the first quarter of the 2001, or if for any reason you were not entitled under an Interconnection Agreement or local interconnection tariff to compensation during that period, then you will not be entitled to compensation for ISP-bound traffic under the Order.

The quantification of ISP-bound traffic will presume traffic delivered to the other carrier that exceeds the 3 to 1 ratio of terminating to originating traffic is ISP-bound traffic. Either carrier may rebut this presumption by demonstrating the factual ratio to the state Commission.

FCC CORE Order - On October 18, 2004, the FCC released new rules associated with ISP traffic that became effective on October 8, 2004. The FCC decided that the ISP Growth Caps and the New Market rules were no longer in the public interest and therefore all ISP traffic could be subject to the ISP Rate of $.0007 per MOU depending on the language of the interconnection agreement.

CenturyLink offers Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit traffic at rates ordered by the FCC in its Intercarrier Compensation for ISP-bound traffic order or at the State Commission ordered rates applying to Exchange Service (EAS/Local) traffic. In most states you may choose one of the following two options:

  1. The charges applicable to Exchange Service (EAS/Local) 251(b)(5) traffic between you and CenturyLink shall be the FCC-ordered rates for ISP-bound traffic in lieu of the EO Call Termination and Tandem Switched Transport (i.e., Tandem Switching and Tandem Transmission Fixed and Per Mile) charges.

  2. Compensation for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) 251(b)(5) traffic shall be as established by the State Commission.

Miscellaneous Charges:

In addition to LIS acceptance testing, other tests are available (e.g., additional cooperative acceptance testing, automatic scheduled testing, cooperative scheduled testing, manual scheduled testing, and non-scheduled testing) at the applicable CenturyLink Tariff rates. Testing fees, as referenced in your Interconnection Agreement, may apply to you when requesting this type of testing.

Cancellation charges may apply to cancelled LIS trunk orders based upon the critical dates, terms and conditions in accordance with the Access Service Tariff Section 5.2.3, and the Trunk Nonrecurring Charges referenced in your Interconnection Agreement.

Expedites for LIS trunk orders are allowed only on an exception basis with executive approval within the same timeframes as provided for other designed services. When expedites are approved, expedite charges may apply to LIS trunk orders based on rates and terms and conditions described in your Interconnection Agreement.

Construction charges may apply and are described in your Interconnection Agreement.

Additional rate structure information can be found in the state specific tariff, or your Interconnection Agreement.

Rates

A nonrecurring charge applies to the installation of service(s) and in some states a disconnect service(s) charge will apply.

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.

Rate Elements

The following tables illustrate elements. Terms and conditions may differ depending upon your Interconnection Agreement:

Facility/Trunks Non-recurring Recurring
Entrance Facility X X
Expanded Interconnect Channel Termination X X
Multiplexing X X
Direct Trunk Transport Fixed and Per Mile X X
Trunks X  
Traffic Types MOU Rate Elements
Exchange Service (EAS/Local):
Interim rates are negotiated per your Interconnection Agreement and permanent rates are implemented according to state cost dockets that supersede interim/negotiated rates.
Charges per MOU:
  • Tandem Transmission (fixed and per mile)
  • Tandem Switching
  • End Office Call Termination
  • ISP FCC Ordered Rate
Transit Exchange Service (EAS/Local) Per MOU Charges
IntraLATA LEC Toll Charges per MOU:
  • Local Switching
  • Tandem Transmission (fixed and per mile)
  • Tandem Switching
  • Carrier Common Line
IntraLATA Toll Transit Per MOU Charges

Other Traffic Types

  • Ancillary Service
    Ancillary Services such as Directory Assistance Service and Operator Services are all transported on dedicated MF Groups, not on groups using SS7. Ancillary services do not bill with the regular LIS usage in the Carrier Access Billing System (CABS). For each type of service, a separate agreement must be included in the Interconnection Agreement in order for CenturyLink to supply those services.

  • Transit
    CenturyLink accepts Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and IntraLATA LEC Toll traffic originated by you and terminated to another CLEC, Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC), or WSP. Terminating traffic routed through the CenturyLink tandem will be delivered on a common trunk group. CenturyLink can provide records to the terminating company, for a charge, to facilitate billing the originator of the call. Transit will always bill regardless of the Interconnection Agreement type and will bill according to the applicable rates in your Interconnection Agreement. The provision of transiting services is not required pursuant to Section 251 of the Telecommunications Act. CenturyLink has chosen to offer this service as part of its interconnection agreement, but this service is not required to be priced according to a TELRIC methodology.

  • JPSA (InterLATA and IntraLATA IXC SA)
    Both parties must follow the national standards outlined in MECAB guidelines for the billing and MECOD for the provisioning of JPSA. This is also referred to as Meet Point Billing (MPB). Examples are as follows:

    Your end-user originated traffic destined for an IXC is delivered over LIS trunking to a CenturyLink AT and then routed to the IXC via FGD trunking. Billing for this traffic follows MECAB guidelines, per the Order and Billing Forum (OBF). These guidelines require that you, as the originating company, create access records and supply CenturyLink with a copy of those records. This allows you and CenturyLink to bill the appropriate IXC in accordance with the applicable Switched Access Tariff.

    For traffic originating from an IXC received over FGD trunking at a CenturyLink AT and destined for your end-user via LIS trunking MECAB guidelines, per OBF, are to be followed. These guidelines require that CenturyLink, as the FGD terminating company, create access records and supply you with a detailed copy. This allows you and CenturyLink to bill the appropriate IXC in accordance with the applicable Switched Access Tariff.

    Click here for information on Meet Point Billing.

Negotiations

LIS Agreements are available in all of CenturyLink QC. Click here for information regarding Negotiations.

Features/Benefits

Features Benefits
CenturyLink provides access to a world-class network. You get access to a highly reliable, advanced network.
CenturyLink offers multiple options for establishing a POI. You have more flexibility for build-out strategies and schedules.
CenturyLink supports transit traffic via tandem switching. Through CenturyLink's LIS product, you can reach other carriers efficiently. You may not need to connect to other carriers directly where CenturyLink tandems and trunking are present.
CenturyLink offers transit records. By purchasing CenturyLink's transit records, you have the necessary information to bill the originating service provider.

Applications

Through CenturyLink's LIS, you can terminate calls to CenturyLink end-users, and your end-users can receive calls from CenturyLink's end-users. LIS is available via CenturyLink LT, AT, and EO Switch(es).

It is the responsibility of the CLEC and CenturyLink to program and update their Switches and network systems pursuant to the Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) to recognize and exchange traffic appropriately. CLEC and CenturyLink will cooperate to follow established procedures (i.e., Alliance For Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) ATIS-0300046 - Recommended Notification Procedures to Industry for Changes in Access Network Architecture and ATIS-0300051 Central Office Code Assignment Guidelines) to ensure the timely activation of NXX assignments in their respective networks.

CLEC and CenturyLink are responsible for administering respective numbering resources, cooperating to timely rectify inaccuracies in its LERG data, identifying current homing arrangements, which includes subtending arrangements for local and access tandems and updating the LERG for NXX codes assigned to its End Office Switches. The LERG will be used for routing information in order to properly exchange traffic.

LIS to EO Switch(es)

Terminating traffic destined for the NXXs served by a specific CenturyLink EO may be routed directly to that CenturyLink EO over LIS. Alternate routing can overflow traffic via a CenturyLink Tandem.

LIS to LTs Switch(es)

Exchange Service (EAS/Local) calls delivered to the CenturyLink LT will be completed to all EOs that subtend the LT.

LIS to AT Switch(es)

As a part of SPOP, you may connect to CenturyLink's AT for termination of Exchange Service (EAS/Local) and/or IntraLATA LEC Toll calls to all EOs subtending that AT within a LATA. In addition, intraLATA LEC Toll and JPSA calls to all EOs subtending an AT within a LATA may be delivered to that AT. An amendment to your Interconnection Agreement may be required.

Implementation

Product Prerequisites

If you are a new CLEC and are ready to enter the Interconnection business with CenturyLink, please view the Getting Started for Facility-Based CLECs web page. If you are an existing CLEC wishing to amend your Interconnection Agreement or your New Product Questionnaire, you can find additional information in the Interconnection Agreement.

Contact your CenturyLink Sales Executive approximately six months in advance to plan your anticipated market launch.

Pre-Ordering

Before placing an order you need to do the following:

  • Determine your method of interconnection
  • Determine the local calling area and NXXs
  • Determine use of CenturyLink tandem and/or CenturyLink direct EO routing

General pre-ordering information is available in the Pre-Ordering Overview.

Ordering

Local Interconnect Service (LIS) requests are submitted using the following Access Service Ordering Guidelines (ASOG) forms:

  • Access Service Request
  • Trunking Request
  • Additional Circuit Information
  • Translation Questionnaire

Use the appropriate SPEC code for the service you are requesting. (See below SPEC Code Information Section.)

If you are using LNP for ordering or pooling, it is necessary to have in place all appropriate LIS trunking.

Local Number Portability (LNP) is available on Local Interconnection Service (LIS) accounts.

Alternate Routing for Location Routing Number (ARLRN) is a process that enables CenturyLink to route Local Number Routing (LRN) traffic to new or existing Local Interconnect Services (LIS) trunks at the end office or local tandem, with a minimum of one LRN per switch, per Local Access and Transport Area (LATA).

A Design Layout Report (DLR) provides you with a description of the facilities and services ordered. It is provided at your request and is intended to assist in designing the overall service. You can choose to view and/or retrieve the DLR information on-line through EASE-LSR or have it delivered electronically. Information about requesting DLR's is described in the Ordering Overview.

ASRs for LIS trunking can be submitted as much as six months in advance of the requested due date.

If you have access to the EXACT system you can transmit the ASR to the Carrier Center electronically. Manual ASRs can be submitted by facsimile (FAX) or mail. CenturyLink has two centers to serve you. If you are not certain which center to use, contact your CenturyLink Service Manager.

CenturyLink Wholesale Team Tool (CWTT) provides Customer contact information. You can obtain information by entering your business name and ACNA.

Please view the ASR for more information.

Information describing service intervals is available in the Service Interval Guide (SIG).

NPA NXX Code Request Routing Form (Wireline)

The NPA NXX Code Request describes trunk-group specific routing that you desire when multiple eligible trunk groups exist between your switch location and CenturyLink's switch location.

SPEC Code information

Select possible entries required in the SPEC field of the ICASR screen from the following list:

  • MSMEETP- Mid Span Meet POI
  • SPOLATA - Single Point of Presence (SPOP) in the LATA
  • LEOWLTF - End Office With Local Tandem Functionality

Provisioning

General information is available in the Provisioning and Installation Overview.

CenturyLink uses a designed services coordinated installation provisioning process to fulfill LIS orders.

CenturyLink will provide the same test access for LIS as provided with any other trunking arrangement per existing testing requirements.

For details on CenturyLink Technical Publication 77398, click here.

Maintenance and Repair

Details are available in the Maintenance and Repair Overview.

Billing

The Interconnection Agreement type, i.e., Intercarrier Compensation, B&K, and TB, applies to Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs. In addition, the parties bill the originating carrier for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll non-transit and transit MOUs.

CenturyLink will not pay intercarrier terminating compensation on traffic, including ISP-bound traffic, when the traffic does not originate and terminate within the same CenturyLink Local Calling Area, regardless of the calling and called NPA-NXXs and, specifically, regardless whether an End User Customer is assigned an NPA-NXX associated with a rate center that is different from the rate center where the End User Customer is physically located (also known as "VNXX traffic").

If the Interconnection Agreement type is Intercarrier Compensation, the parties bill each other for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs originating with one party's end-user and terminating to the other party's end-user. The parties bill the originating ILEC/CLEC/WSP for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs.

If the Interconnection Agreement type is B&K or TB, you receive a CenturyLink-generated bill from CABS for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) transit MOUs, as well as IntraLATA LEC Toll non-transit and transit MOUs. Detailed information regarding the CABS bill is described in Billing Information - Carrier Access Billing System (CABS).

If the Interconnection Agreement type is B&K or TB, the CenturyLink-generated bill does not include charges for Exchange Service (EAS/Local) non-transit MOUs until both parties agree that the terms and conditions of the Interconnection Agreement for conversion to Intercarrier Compensation have been met.

Training

Local CenturyLink 101 "Doing Business With CenturyLink"

  • This introductory web-based training course is designed to teach the Local CLEC and Local Reseller how to do business with CenturyLink. It will provide a general overview of products and services, CenturyLink billing and support systems, processes for submitting service requests, reports, and web resource access information. Click here for Course detail and registration information.

View additional CenturyLink courses in the Course Catalog.

Contacts

CenturyLink contact information is located in Account Team / Sales Executives and Service Managers.

CenturyLink's Wholesale Service Delivery contacts can be found via the CWIT. The CWIT provides you with information specific to your contact and support needs. When you use the tool, you will be able to determine your account management team information. For billing and service request questions consult the customer contact information in the CWTT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section is being compiled based on your feedback

Last Update: January 30, 2017