Wholesale: Products & Services

Local Number Portability (LNP) Query Service - V10.0

Product Description

Local Number Portability Query Service utilizes the Common Channel Signaling Network (CCSN) to query a Local Number Portability (LNP) database to secure network routing instructions before the completion of a call. At a minimum, the LNP database contains Location Routing Number (LRN) information about an end-user's choice of Local Service Provider (LSP). The LRN is unique to the LSPs serving switch that will complete the call.

LNP is defined as, "the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing Telephone Numbers (TNs) without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunication carrier to another." For additional information, view Local Number Portability (LNP).

When more than one network is involved in completing a call, the network prior to the termination (i.e. N-1 Network) is responsible for querying a LNP database to secure the appropriate LRN to route the call. There are three features of Local Number Portability Query Service:

• LNP End Office Default Database Query Service

  When the provider of the N-1 network forwards a non-queried call to a CenturyLink™ end office switch and the TN is a ported number, CenturyLink's switch will suspend the call processing and launch a query to CenturyLink's LNP database. The LNP database will secure the LRN of the ported number. Once the LRN is returned from the LNP database to the CenturyLink switch originating the query, call processing is resumed. The call is either processed in CenturyLink's network, or routed to the appropriate LSP network to complete the call. CenturyLink will bill the N-1 LSP a Local Number Portability Query Service Default End Office query charge.

• LNP Tandem Default Database Query Service<

  When CenturyLink's tandem is the first point of switching for terminating a non queried call to an NXX Code with one or more ported numbers, the following will take place:

  • The tandem switch will suspend the call processing, launch a query to the LNP database to determine if the called TN is ported. If the number has been ported, the LRN is secured.
  • The call is either processed in CenturyLink's network, or routed to the appropriate LSP network to complete the call
  • CenturyLink will bill the N-1 provider a Local Number Portability Query Service Default End Office query charge.
• LNP Direct Database Query Service

  When you wish to fulfill your querying responsibility yourself, and are Signaling System 7 (SS7) capable, but don't wish to invest in your own LNP database, you may interconnect with CenturyLink's SS7 network at the Local Signal Transfer Point (LSTP), and launch queries to CenturyLink's LNP databases. CenturyLink will bill you the query charge.

Technical Publications

For detailed information regarding the FCC decision to adopt the LRN architecture, view the FCC 1st Report and Order 96-286.

Design requirements are specified in Technical Publication Qwest Common Channel Signaling (CCS) Network Interface Specification - 77342.

Pricing

Rate Structure

The rate elements associated with this service are Database per Query rates. Direct Database Query Services will also include Optional Activation Charges. The current pricing, including non-recurring ordering charges for product Local Number Portability Query Service can be found in CenturyLink Operating Companies Tariff F.C.C. No. 11.

Rates

CenturyLink Local Number Portability Query Service rates are as follows:

• $0.002581 for default queries performed at the Tandem level*
• $0.002972 for default queries performed at the End Office level*
• $0.000747 per query for providers using the Common Channel Signaling Access Capability(CCSAC) to access the LNP Direct Database**

NOTE: *Tandem level and End Office level rates are filed in Section 13 of the the CenturyLink Operating Companies Tariff F.C.C. No. 11.

**Direct Database rates are filed in Section 20 of the CenturyLink Operating Companies Tariff F.C.C. No. 11.

Features/Benefits

Features	Benefits
Enables you to query LNP Database for routing end-users calls	Fulfills your LNP query responsibilities at less cost of purchasing your own LNP Database
Provisioned via the CenturyLink SS7 Network	Offer a highly reliable service on a backbone of proven and dependable performance
Connection from the CenturyLink LNP database to the NPAC	Quick access to the NPAC for routing end-users calls

Implementation

Product Prerequisites

If you are a new Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and are ready to do business with CenturyLink, view Getting Started as a Facility-Based CLEC. If you are an existing CLEC wishing to amend your Interconnection Agreement or New Customer Questionnaire, you can find additional information in the Negotiations Template Agreement.

Pre-Ordering

The following must be completed before you can order Local Number Portability Query Service:

• You must complete design specifications for your locations.
• You must have developed the associated transport facilities.
• Your CenturyLink Service Manager will arrange a pre-ordering meeting with you. The pre order meeting is also referred to as a service activation meeting.

During the pre ordering meeting you will need to complete the LINK DATA SHEET (CCSAC/SS7) PRE-ORDER INFORMATION and submit it to the CenturyLink Service Manager.

For more information regarding the pre ordering process refer to Common Channel Signaling Access Capability/Signaling System 7 (CCSAC/SS7).

Ordering

LNP Database Query Service

The CenturyLink LNP Database Query Service Product and/or Options Activation is ordered by completing an Access Service Request (ASR) and following the Access Service Request Forms guidelines. Upon completion of the ASR, submit it to your CenturyLink Service Manager.

One ASR per link set is required per LATA per CSL. The Network Signaling Management Center (NSMC) then translates the point code(s) to all link sets in the LATA based on one service request. An ASR is not required per Two Six Code (TSC). Multiple point codes can be activated on a single ASR, but all of the point codes activated must be associated with the same CSL.

For more information regarding the ordering process refer to Common Channel Signaling Access Capability/Signaling System 7 (CCSAC/SS7).

Standard intervals and critical dates are available in the Service Interval Guide (SIG) for Access Services.

LNP Default Query Service

An order is not required for LNP Default Query Service.

Provisioning and Installation

For information regarding the provisioning and installation refer to Common Channel Signaling Access Capability/Signaling System 7 (CCSAC/SS7).

Maintenance and Repair

General maintenance and repair activities are described in the Maintenance and Repair Overview.

Billing

Your bill reflects all applicable rates and charges for LNP Query Service. Applicable charges will be billed out of Billing Information - Carrier Access Billing System (CABS).

Training

View CenturyLink courses in the Course Catalog.

Contacts

For questions or additional information, contact your CenturyLink Service Manager. If you do not know who your CenturyLink Service Manager is, click here for additional information.

CenturyLink contact information is located in Wholesale Customer Contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section is being compiled based on your feedback

Last Update: January 30, 2017

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