20 CLECs asked FCC Wed. to act soon on 8-month-old request by fed...
20 CLECs asked FCC Wed. to act soon on 8-month-old request by federal judge for clarification of CLECs’ rights when long distance companies refuse to pay access charges they think are too high. Hearing case brought by CLECs, Judge…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
Thomas Ellis, U.S. Dist. Court, Alexandria, Va., asked FCC in Jan. for interpretation on whether long distance carriers could refuse to accept or deliver traffic to CLECs deemed to have excessive access charges. Case involved suit for nonpayment of access charges filed last year by 14 CLECs against AT&T and Sprint. Court put case on hold pending FCC clarification but, in letter to Commission, CLECs urged action by Oct. 5 because trial was scheduled to begin Nov. 6. Letter urged FCC to find that “Communications Act prohibits carriers from engaging in self-help if they disagree with a tariffed rate.” CLECs such as Allegiance, Time Warner, Focal, Net2000 said long distance companies couldn’t refuse or block CLEC traffic without violating Communications Act. FCC reportedly has been working on order to answer judge’s questions but spokesman wouldn’t comment.