Wholesale: Products & Services

Open Product/Process CR PC030204-1 Detail

Description Of Change

Expected Deliverable:

Qwest will offer a block to block local directory assistance calls only without requiring additional blocks that a customer may not need.

Project Meetings

Summary of Change: On April 27, 2004, Qwest will post updates to its Wholesale Product Catalog that includes new/revised documentation for Wholesale Interconnection Agreements & Amendments - SGATs. This material becomes effective on April 27, 2004.

SGATs: Qwest is replacing the Wyoming Exhibit A with the correct version dated 10-16-02. Redline SGAT documents are found at URL: http://www.qwest.com/about/policy/sgats/ Actual updates are found on the Qwest Wholesale Web site at this URL: http://www.qwest.com/wholesale/clecs/sgatswireline.html

You are encouraged to provide feedback to this notice through our web site. We provide an easy to use feedback form at http://www.qwest.com/wholesale/feedback.html. A Qwest representative will contact you shortly to discuss your suggestion.

Sincerely, Qwest

-- 04/21/04 April CMP Meeting Sandy Foster, Qwest explained that when this CR was opened it was thought that Directory Blocking might be a software option in the switch. This was later found not to be true. Since CustomNet blocks other items along with directory assistance the only other alternative was found to be Customized Routing. If this did not meet the need of the CLECs then a new product would be needed. The CR on that basis was denied. Bonnie commented on the length of time it took to get this denial since it was obvious to her a current product did not exist. Sandy stated it was felt Qwest needed to do due diligence on the CR. Connee Mofffatt, Qwest also stated that she had hoped the software option would have been true. She also added that if it is a product that can be purchased that poses different problem from a translation that needs to be done on each switch. Bonnie asked how to handle this type of request in the future. Kit Thomte, Qwest stated that generally going forward such requests should start with the Special Request Process. Bonnie said that if a product is not currently offered a Special Request is needed, but she understands that on this CR Qwest was looking for an alternative. The CR is denied.

-- 03/17/04 March CMP Meeting Bonnie Johnson, Eschelon presented this CR that requests a block for directory assistance. She is aware that Qwest offers a block through CustomNet but that this product blocks direct dial LD at the same time. Bonnie said long distance blocks can be managed through account codes by the customer. She said she knows the feature is available on the DMS 100 and 5E switches. Connee Moffatt, Qwest stated that this is not a software feature. Bonnie and Connie agreed that the need is for a translation capability rather than an existing software feature. The status will be moved to Presented.

- Clarification Meeting 9:30 a.m. (MDT) Thursday March 11, 2003 1-877-521-8688 1456160# PC030204-1 Qwest to develop and implement a Directory Assistance only block.

Attendees: Kim Isaacs, Eschelon Stephanie Prull, Eschelon Connee Moffatt, Qwest Nancy Sanders, Comcast Emily Baird, POP Communications Doug Andreen, Qwest Sandy Foster, Qwest Bonnie Johnson, Eschelon Carla Pardee, AT&T

1.0 Introduction of Attendees Introduction of participants on the conference call was made and the purpose of the call discussed.

2.0 Review Requested (Description of) Change Doug Andreen, Qwest read the full description of the CR as follows: Eschelon requests Qwest develop a block that allows blocking for local directory assistance (411 and 555-1212). Qwest currently only offers the ability to block 411 and 555-1212 through the Custom-net block. Customers do not always want to block direct dial long distance but do have a need to block local directory assistance. Custom-net forces the End User Customer to use an alternate billing method for long distance. Alternate billing for long distance is difficult to use because it requires a calling card or third party billing and can be very costly. Eschelon’s customers are often forced to absorb the cost of unauthorized directory assistance calls because the consequence of fraud or misuse on a calling card can be catastrophic to a business owner. Qwest should provide a blocking in a manner that meets customers needs. Qwest should not package directory assistance blocking so that a customer is forced to have additional blocks they do not need. The functionality does exist in at least the DMS100 and 5E switch to block only local directory assistance without requiring a customer use alternate billing for long distance.

Doug asked Bonnie Johnson, Eschelon if she was asking for one identifier across the region. Bonnie said this would be preferable but Eschelon is not opposed to more if there are differences in switches or regions.

Sandy Foster, Qwest asked if by not blocking long distance is Eschelon leaving themselves open to misuse in that area.

Bonnie answered that there has been a long-standing need for a directory assistance block only without having to use alternate billing for long distance.

Sandy stated that she has not witnessed a need from Qwest customers and wondered why the need from Eschelon customers. Bonnie answered that she does recognize a need among Qwest customers also.

Connee Moffatt, Qwest asked if Eschelon is asking for this on the DMS10 or Erickson switches. Bonnie answered no, not specifically that she had put these two in because she knows the functionality exists.

Emily Baird, POP Telecom said they have several customers who would like to block directory assistance but who need long distance capabilities and use/have codes that manage that inside the line. Bonnie echoed that this is an important point.

It was noted that Comcast and AT&T also support this CR.

3.0 Confirm Areas & Products Impacted All services that have Qwest switch translations

4.0 Confirm Right Personnel Involved Yes

5.0 Identify/Confirm CLEC’s Expectation Qwest will offer a block for directory assistance calls only without requiring additional blocks that customer may not need.

6.0 Identify any Dependent Systems Change Requests None identified.

7.0 Establish Action Plan (Resolution Time Frame) Eschelon will present the CR at the March CMP meeting with a response being in the April timeframe.

CenturyLink Response

For Review by the CLEC Community and Discussion at the April 21, 2004 CMP Meeting

Bonnie Johnson Director Carrier Relations Eschelon Telecom

SUBJECT: Qwest’s Change Request Response - PC030204-1 Qwest to develop and implement a Directory Assistance only block.

This letter is in response to CLEC Change Request PC030204-1. This CR is a request by Eschelon for Qwest to develop and implement a local service Directory Assistance (411) only block.

Qwest does not currently offer a 411 block on a standalone basis. We have analyzed our existing product offerings and, other than CustomNet, found one option, Customized Routing that Eschelon might be interested in: Customized Routing http://www.qwest.com/wholesale/pcat/customrouting.html

CustomNet http://www.qwest.com/wholesale/clecs/features/customnet.html

If this product offering does not meet Eschelon’s customers’ needs, a request should be submitted using the SRP (Special Request Process) as detailed in your ICA. SRP http://www.qwest.com/wholesale/preorder/bfrsrprocess.html

On this basis Qwest respectfully denies this request as being out of the scope of the CMP process.

Sincerely,

Sandy Foster Product Manager Qwest

-- April 8, 2004