Common use of Interconnection Methods Clause in Contracts

Interconnection Methods. There are two methods of interconnection available; direct interconnection and indirect interconnection. 2.1 Direct interconnection provides for network interconnection between the Parties through, including but not limited to, one or more of the following methods: 1) lease arrangements, and 2) jointly provisioned facilities arrangements. The Parties shall designate an IP(s) within each Exchange area or tandem serving area (if applicable) to which each Party must bring its originating traffic for termination. Each Party will bear the full cost of bringing its originating traffic to the IP for termination 2.1.1 Where direct interconnection is requested in an ALLTEL Exchange or tandem serving area, Level 3 may lease from ALLTEL facilities between ALLTEL’s end office or wire center location in that Exchange or tandem serving area and Level 3’s point of presence (e.g., end office or wire center), subject to the applicable ALLTEL interstate, intrastate or local, special access or private line tariffs under which Level 3 orders service. Where ALLTEL does not have tandem capability (as defined in the LERG) in a serving area to connect multiple end offices, unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, the IP will be located at the Alltel end office or wire center location. Where ALLTEL has tandem capability (as defined in the LERG) in a serving area to connect multiple end offices, Level 3 shall establish an IP in each ALLTEL mandatory local calling area. In lieu of leasing facilities from ALLTEL, Level 3 may lease third-party facilities or provision its own facilities to interconnect with ALLTEL at the IP(s) required under this Section. 2.1.2 Jointly provisioned service arrangements provide for direct interconnection of the Parties networks at a point other than the ALLTEL and Level 3 end office or wire center and involve each Party’s partial provisioning of network facilities to interconnect the Parties networks (e.g., midspan fiber meet). Should the parities interconnect via jointly provisioned facilities, the Parties will mutually agree to an IP provided, however, that the IP will be within ALLTEL’s exchange boundary where direct interconnection is requested. 2.1.2.1 In situations where a mid-span fiber meet or third party “meet point” is utilized by the Parties pursuant to Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement, each Party is responsible for bringing its originating traffic to such “meet point” for termination by the other Party and will bear the full cost associated with transporting traffic to/from its side of the “meet point.” 2.1.3 Collocation interconnection provides for direct interconnection of the Parties’ networks through network interfaces established at Level 3’s collocation location within ALLTEL’s end office or wire center. Level 3 must have a collocation arrangement established pursuant to this Agreement or other authorized means to utilize this form of direct interconnection. If Level 3 establishes collocation at an end office or wire center, the IP will be at Level 3 collocation facility. 2.2 Indirect interconnection provides for network interconnection between the Parties through a third party tandem provider performing a transit function. Under this arrangement, the originating Party has the responsibility to pay any applicable transit or tandem switched access fees and common transport associated with traffic exchanged between the Parties.