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INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT

Interconnection Agreement

INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT | Document Parties: CORTELCO SYSTEMS PUERTO RICO INC | Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc You are currently viewing:
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CORTELCO SYSTEMS PUERTO RICO INC | Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc

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Title: INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT
Date: 3/16/2007

INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT, Parties: cortelco systems puerto rico inc , puerto rico telephone company  inc
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INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT

 

 

by and between

 

 

Cortelco Systems Puerto Rico, Inc.

 

and

 

Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.

 

FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF

 

PUERTO RICO

 

 


 

 

INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT

PREFACE

 

This Interconnection Agreement (“Agreement”) shall be deemed effective on the date it is approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Puerto Rico (the “Effective Date”), between Cortelco Systems Puerto Rico, Inc.. (“CSPR”) a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, with offices at Parque Industrial Valle Tolima, Carr. 156 km 58.1, Valle Tolima, Caguas PR 00725 and Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc. (“PRTC”), a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with offices at 1515 Roosevelt Avenue, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00921. (PRTC and CSPR may be referred to hereinafter, each, individually as a “Party”, and, collectively, as the “Parties”).

 

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, pursuant to Section 252 of the Act, PRTC and CSPR hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

The Agreement

 

 

1.1

This Agreement includes the Principal Document. The Principal Document includes the Attachments hereto.

 

 

1.2

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties on the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreement, understanding, or representation, on the subject matter hereof, provided, however, that all monetary and confidentiality obligations of the Parties to one another that arose under any prior interconnection or resale agreements or any other agreements prior to the Effective Date shall remain in full force and effect until properly discharged in accordance with the terms of such prior agreements.

 

 

1.3

Except as otherwise provided in the Principal Document, the terms of the Principal Document may not be waived or modified except by a written document that is signed by the Parties. Subject to the requirements of Applicable Law, a Party shall have the right to add to, modify, or withdraw any of its Tariff(s) at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the other Party. In the event of an inconsistency between the Agreement and the Tariff(s), the Agreement controls.

 

 

1.4

To the extent that a service is offered under both this Agreement and a Party’s Tariff(s), any order for such service shall be governed by the rates, terms, and conditions provided in this Agreement, unless otherwise specified by the ordering Party. To the extent a service is ordered under this Agreement, the order will be governed by the rates, terms, and conditions of this Agreement. To the extent a service is ordered under a Tariff, the order will be governed by the rates, terms, and conditions in the Tariff.

 

2.

Term and Termination

 

 

2.1

This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless cancelled or terminated earlier in accordance with the terms hereof, shall continue in effect until November 22, 2007

 

 

 

 


 

 

3.

Glossary and Attachments

The Glossary and the following Attachments are a part of this Agreement:

Additional Services Attachment

Interconnection Attachment

Resale Attachment

Network Elements Attachment

Collocation Attachment

911 Attachment

Pricing Attachment

 

4.

Applicable Law

 

 

4.1

The construction, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by (a) the laws and regulations of the United States of America (federal law), including, but not limited to the rules and orders of the Federal Communications Commission, and (b) the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including, but not limited to the rules and orders of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Puerto Rico, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules. All disputes relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through the application of such laws and regulations.

 

 

4.2

Each Party shall remain in compliance with Applicable Law in the course of performing this Agreement.

 

 

4.3

Subject to Section 4.5 below, neither Party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance by it that results from requirements of Applicable Law, or acts or failures to act of any governmental entity or official.

 

 

4.4

If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable under Applicable Law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if it did not contain such invalid or unenforceable provision; provided, that if the invalid or unenforceable provision is a material provision of this Agreement, or the invalidity or unenforceability materially affects the rights or obligations of a Party hereunder or the ability of a Party to perform any material provision of this Agreement, the Parties shall promptly renegotiate in good faith and amend in writing this Agreement in order to make such mutually acceptable revisions to this Agreement as may be required in order to conform the Agreement to Applicable Law. To the extent reasonably possible, each Party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement until amended by the Parties as provided herein.

 

 

4.5

If any legislative, regulatory, judicial or other governmental decision, order, determination or action, or any change in Applicable Law, materially affects any material provision of this Agreement, the rights or obligations of a Party hereunder, or the ability of a Party to perform any material provision of this Agreement, the Parties shall promptly renegotiate in good faith and amend in writing this Agreement in order to make such mutually acceptable revisions to this Agreement as may be required in order to conform the Agreement to Applicable Law. If within thirty (30) days after one Party provides notice to the other Party of such decision, determination, action or change, the Parties are unable to agree in writing upon mutually acceptable revisions to this Agreement,

 

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either Party may pursue any remedies available to it under this Agreement, at law, in equity, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, instituting an appropriate proceeding before the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Puerto Rico (the “Board”), the FCC, or a court of competent jurisdiction, without first pursuing dispute resolution in accordance with Section 14 of this Agreement. Each Party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement until amended by the Parties as provided herein.

 

4.6

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if, as a result of any legislative, judicial, regulatory or other governmental decision, order, determination or action, or any change in Applicable Law, PRTC is not required by Applicable Law to provide any Service, payment or benefit, otherwise required to be provided to CSPR hereunder, or CSPR is entitled by Applicable Law to receive any Service, payment or benefit, not otherwise required to be provided to CSPR hereunder, then (1) if the decision, order, determination, or action establishes a time frame after which such Service, payment or benefit may be discontinued or provided, PRTC may discontinue the provision of, or must provide, any such Service, payment or benefit following the specified time frame, or (2) if the decision, order, determination, or action does not establish such a time frame, the parties will negotiate in good faith for up to thirty (30) days in an effort to agree on a schedule for discontinuance or provision; provided that, if the parties have been unable to agree on such a schedule, either party may invoke the Expedited Dispute Resolution procedures set forth in Section 14.4 of these General Terms and Conditions. In all cases, PRTC may discontinue the provision of, or must provide, any such Service, payment or benefit only to the extent and after the parties have agreed to, or resolved through the Expedited Dispute Resolution procedures set forth in Section 14.4 of these General Terms and Conditions, the substance and scope of such discontinuation or additional provisioning authorized or required by the decision, order, determination, or action at issue.

 

5.

Assignment

Neither Party may assign this Agreement or any right or interest under this Agreement, nor delegate any obligation under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 5 shall be void and ineffective.

6.

Assurance of Payment

 

 

6.1

Upon request by PRTC, CSPR shall provide to PRTC adequate assurance of payment of amounts due (or to become due) to PRTC in accordance with the terms provided in this Section 6.

 

 

6.2

Assurance of payment of charges may be requested by PRTC only if CSPR (a) after the Effective Date, and in the past six (6) months, fails, for two (2) consecutive months, to pay within forty-five (45) days or the applicable Due Date, whichever is later, the undisputed portions of bills rendered to CSPR by PRTC; (b) after the Effective Date and in the past six (6) months, fails to pay within fifty (50) days or the applicable Due Date, whichever is later, the undisputed portions of bills rendered to CSPR by PRTC; (c) admits its inability to pay its debts as such debts become due, has commenced a voluntary case (or has had a case commenced against it) under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, composition or adjustment of debts or the like, has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors or is subject to a receivership or similar proceeding; or (d) has been the subject of a

 

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formal court or Board proceeding initiated by PRTC within the four (4) years preceding the Effective Date in which PRTC sought to recover sums owed for services provided by PRTC.

 

6.3

The Parties shall mutually agree to an assurance of payment that shall consist of either (a) an unconditional, irrevocable standby letter of credit naming PRTC as the beneficiary thereof and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to PRTC from a financial institution duly authorized by the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions to do business in Puerto Rico; or (b) a bond payable to PRTC. The letter of credit or bond shall be the greater of $100,000 or an amount equal to one (1) month’s anticipated charges (including, but not limited to, both recurring and non-recurring charges), as determined by using the average monthly, undisputed charges for the preceding twelve month period, for the Services to be provided by PRTC to CSPR in connection with this Agreement.

 

 

6.4

PRTC may (but is not obligated to) draw on the letter of credit or bond, as applicable, upon fifteen (15) days’ written notice to CSPR in respect of any undisputed amounts to be paid by CSPR hereunder that are not paid within thirty (30) days of the date that payment of such amounts is required by this Agreement. PRTC shall immediately credit any amounts drawn on the letter of credit or bond to the outstanding balance of undisputed CSPR amounts due. No later than the day following the day that PRTC draws on the letter of credit or bond, as applicable, PRTC will notify CSPR in writing of the corresponding credit to CSPR’s outstanding balance and will not, from such date forward, impose any interest or late payment charges on such credited amounts. All credits applied by PRTC will be applied to CSPR’s account within ten (10) business days after PRTC draws on the letter of credit or bond, as applicable, or by the next billing cycle thereafter, which ever occurs later.

 

 

6.5

If PRTC draws on the letter of credit or bond, upon request by PRTC, CSPR shall provide a replacement or supplemental letter of credit or bond conforming to the requirements of Section 6.3 or, if CSPR is unable to secure such replacement or supplemental letter of credit or bond, provide a secured lien on CSPR accounts receivable in an equivalent amount, provided that CSPR files a UCC-1 covering the secured lien.

 

 

6.6

Notwithstanding anything else set forth in this Agreement, if PRTC makes a request for assurance of payment in accordance with the terms of this Section 6, and CSPR does not provide the assurance of payment required by this Section within fifteen (15) days of CSPR’s receipt of such request in writing, then PRTC shall, upon fifteen (15) days’ notice to CSPR and the Board, have no obligation thereafter to perform under this Agreement until such time as CSPR has provided PRTC with such assurance of payment. The Parties agree that this section does not waive or in any way prejudice any right CSPR may otherwise have to seek injunctive and/or other emergency relief.

 

 

6.7

The fact that a letter of credit or bond is requested by PRTC hereunder shall in no way relieve CSPR from compliance with the requirements of this Agreement (including, to the extent expressly incorporated by reference herein, the requirements of PRTC’s Tariffs) as to advance payments and payment for Services, nor constitute a waiver or modification of the terms herein pertaining to the discontinuance of Services for nonpayment of any amounts payment of which is required by this Agreement.

 

 

6.8

Once CSPR is subject to the Bond or Letter of Requirements under 6.3 and subsequently demonstrates good payment history by paying undisputed amounts

 

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by the Due Date for six (6) consecutive months, then CSPR shall be released from its obligations under Section 6.3 covering a Bond or Letter of Credit by the seventh month. However, thereafter, CSPR will remain subject to the requirements of this Section 6 in the event that, subsequent to its release under this Section 6.8, CSPR again satisfies any of the conditions providing PRTC with the right to demand an assurance of payment under Section 6.3.

 

6.9

If, before PRTC has exercised the right to require and/or draw on an assurance of payment in accordance with this Section 6, CSPR has paid in full the amount outstanding giving rise to PRTC’s exercise of such right pursuant to this Section 6, PRTC shall no longer be entitled to the exercise of such right based upon such previously outstanding amount.

 

7.

Audits

 

 

7.1

Except as may be otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, either Party (“Auditing Party”) may audit the other Party’s (“Audited Party”) books, records, documents, facilities and systems for the purpose of evaluating the accuracy of the Audited Party’s bills. Such audits may be performed once in each Calendar Year; provided, however, that audits may be conducted more frequently (but no more frequently than once in each Calendar Quarter) if the immediately preceding audit found previously uncorrected net inaccuracies in billing in favor of the Audited Party having an aggregate value of at least one hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars.

 

 

7.2

The audit shall be performed by an auditor selected by the Audited Party who is an independent certified public accountant and member of the Certified Public Accountants Society of Puerto Rico (Colegio de Contadores Publicos de Puerto Rico). Prior to commencing the audit, the auditor shall execute a confidentiality agreement with the Audited Party, such agreement shall include a provision that information disclosed by the Audited Party shall be treated as Confidential Information in accordance with Section 10 of the General Terms and Conditions of this Agreement. The audit shall take place at a time and place agreed upon by the Parties; provided, that the Auditing Party may require that the audit commence no later than thirty (30) days after the Auditing Party has given notice of the audit to the Audited Party.

 

 

7.3

Each Party shall cooperate fully in any such audit, providing reasonable access (without unreasonable delay) to any and all employees, books, records, documents, facilities and systems, reasonably necessary to assess the accuracy of the Audited Party’s bills.

 

 

7.4

Audits shall be performed at the Auditing Party’s expense, provided that there shall be no charge for reasonable access to the Audited Party’s employees, books, records, documents, facilities and systems necessary to assess the accuracy of the Audited Party’s bills. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an audit finds uncorrected net inaccuracies in billing in favor of the Auditing Party having an aggregate value for the entire period audited of at least 8% of the total amount billed for that period, the Audited Party shall, within thirty (30) days of receiving a written demand from the Auditing Party, provide to the Auditing Party a credit in an amount equal to the Auditing Party’s reasonable expenses, including, but not limited to, any and all payments made to the auditors in connection with the audit.

 

 

7.5

Any inaccuracies or system processes resulting in such inaccuracies uncovered by an audit must be corrected by PRTC so that such inaccuracies do not recur. PRTC shall make any and all such corrections within ninety (90) days of the

 

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conclusion of the audit or, if not reasonable within such period, within a timeframe mutually agreed to by the Parties, with such timeframe not to exceed six (6) months from the conclusion of the audit. Within such timeframe, the Audited Party shall also provide to the Auditing Party a written description of the measures taken by the Auditing Party to correct such inaccuracies and provide notification of when such corrections will be effective.

8.

Authorization

 

 

8.1

PRTC represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

 

8.2

CSPR represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

 

8.3

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, a Party shall have no obligation to perform under this Agreement for any such periods in which the other Party is not authorized in accordance with Applicable Law to conduct business in Puerto Rico. The Party not so authorized will notify the other Party of any such periods and will not place any orders under this Agreement until it regains authorization and notifies the other Party of that fact.

 

9.

Billing and Payment; Disputed Amounts

 

 

9.1

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party shall submit to the other Party on a monthly basis in an itemized form, statement(s) of charges incurred by the other Party under this Agreement.

 

 

9.1.1

At the same time as the invoices are delivered to CSPR, PRTC will plainly identify, and if reasonably necessary, explain each of the services and the corresponding charges for which it bills CSPR for all charges listed as “Maintenance.” Such identification shall include, but is not limited to, the appropriate USOC code and must identify with particularity the services PRTC provided, including the specific equipment, product and location involved. Further, within 30 days of request, PRTC will comply monthly with the same procedure for any other charges invoiced to CSPR.

 

 

9.1.2

Where PRTC purports to bill CSPR for federal subscriber line charges, PRTC will identify the particular line(s) for which PRTC is assessing the charge and the particular amount assessed for each such line.

 

 

9.1.3

Where PRTC purports to bill CSPR for federal or state universal service charges, PRTC will explain in detail how it has calculated such charges.

 

 

9.1.4

PRTC will invoice all usage charges accurate to the 4 th decimal point for Local Usage (Servicio Medido) and intraisland long distance services. For example, if PRTC’s cost is $0.13 per unit and CSPR has

 

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a 25% discount, PRTC will invoice to CSPR local usage equal to number of units multiplied by $0.0975. PRTC will invoice all other usage charges in like manner within ninety (90) days of a CSPR request to do so.

 

 

9.1.5

For Resale billing, PRTC will provide to CSPR electronic billing in a standardized EMI format.

 

 

9.1.5.1

For local usage and Intra-Island Toll Resale billing, PRTC will include the following call detail on each bill provided to CSPR, as and to the extent applicable:

 

 

Originating Number

 

 

Terminating Number

 

 

Time of origination

 

 

Duration of call

 

 

 

9.1.6

For UNEs that are billed at a flat rate per month, PRTC will provide sufficient information to identify each UNE used and charged for

 

 

 

9.1.7

PRTC must provide CSPR with written notice of any material changes to its billing system at least ninety (90) days before such changes are implemented by PRTC. PRTC will, in turn, provide all data and instruction reasonably necessary for CSPR to adapt its billings systems to account for such changes within at least forty-five (45) days before such changes are implemented by PRTC . PRTC must provide CSPR with written notice of any material changes to its billing format at least forty-five (45) days before such changes are implemented by PRTC. PRTC will, in turn, provide all data and instruction reasonably necessary for CSPR to adapt its billings systems to account for such changes within at least thirty (30) days before such changes are implemented by PRTC.

 

 

9.2

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, payment of amounts billed for Services provided under this Agreement, whether billed on a monthly basis or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall be due, in immediately available U.S. funds thirty (30) days after the date the invoice is received by the billed Party (“Due Date”). Payments shall be transmitted by electronic funds transfer, company check, or other mutually acceptable means.

 

 

9.3

If any portion of an amount billed by a Party under this Agreement, including liquidated damage amounts billed, is subject to a good faith dispute between the Parties, the billed Party shall give written notice to the billing Party of the amounts it disputes (“Disputed Amounts”) and include in such notice the specific details and reasons for disputing each item. If a Party desires to withhold Disputed Amounts, the Party must provide notice of its dispute to the other Party by the Due Date on which the Disputed Amount, if not disputed, would have been due. If however, a Party pays an amount that it later wishes to dispute, the Party may do so without waiving its right to dispute such Disputed Amounts later, but must provide the other Party notice of its dispute within ninety (90) days of either

 

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the Due Date of the Disputed Amounts or the date it first reasonably discovers the basis for its dispute, whichever occurs later. Within thirty (30) days after a Party provides notice of a Disputed Amount, such Party shall provide the other Party with the appropriate documentation and detail upon which its dispute is based (“Dispute Documentation”). Once such Dispute Documentation is received, the other Party shall, within thirty (30) days, provide to the disputing Party substantive documentation supporting or rejecting the disputing Party’s claim (including detailed documentation explaining the investigation (in electronic format, if available), an itemized detail of the results for each claim, a description of formulas, methodology and source of data used in those calculations, and an explanation of how such formulas, methodology, or source data resulted in the conclusion reached) (“Defense Documentation”).

 

 

9.4

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

9.5

Charges due to the billing Party, excluding Disputed Amounts, that are not paid by the Due Date, shall be subject to a late payment charge. The late payment charge shall be in an amount specified by the billing Party, which shall not exceed a rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the overdue amount (including any unpaid previously billed late payment charges) per month and will be calculated on a daily basis. Such late payment charges may also be applied to Disputed Amounts to the extent it is ultimately determined through formal dispute resolution that Disputed Amounts were improperly withheld by the disputing Party. In addition, to the extent that a billed Party pays an amount to the billing Party that is later determined through formal dispute resolution to have been improperly billed, the billed Party shall be entitled to receive from the billing Party interest on such overpayment in an amount equal to the rate assessed for late payment charges.

 

 

9.6

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, failure by either Party to present billing invoices to the other Party in a timely manner shall not constitute a breach or default, or a waiver of the right to payment of the incurred charges, by the billing Party under this Agreement, and, except for assertion of a provision of Applicable Law that limits the period in which a suit or other proceeding can be brought before a court or other governmental entity of appropriate jurisdiction to collect amounts due, the billed Party shall not be entitled to dispute the billing Party’s statement(s) based on the billing Party’s failure to submit them in a timely fashion.

 

 

9.7

The Parties agree to hold a monthly billing meeting to address Disputed Amounts. The form and procedures for the meeting will be the same as those applicable on the Effective Date unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise.

 

 

9.8

In the event that a Party is obligated to issue a credit to the other Party under this Agreement, such credit shall be issued, identified, and itemized in a separate schedule provided to the other Party within thirty (30) days of the date that the right to such credit arises under this Agreement. The separate schedule provided by the crediting Party shall include an attachment providing all information reasonably necessary for the credited Party to identify the specific billed charge(s) for which the credit is being issued (“Credited Charge(s)”). Such information shall, at a minimum, include identification of the specific invoice (by cycle) upon which the credit has been applied, identification of the specific invoice (by cycle) upon which the Credited Charge(s) appeared, and a

 

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breakdown of the total Credited Charge(s) by customer account, service, and (if applicable) USOC. Any credit information provided on an invoice will include enough detail to enable the credited party to reconcile the credited amount with at least the sum of credited amounts provided on the separate schedule required by this Section.

 

9.9

In the event the resolution of a Disputed Amount reveals an error in billing that is capable of repetition in future billings with regard to the same or different accounts or end user customers (“Billing Error”), the billing Party shall make any and all necessary modifications in its billing systems to ensure that such Billing Error does not recur within thirty (30) days of the resolution of the Disputed Amount. In the event that a billing Party fails to correct a Billing Error in this time frame, the billed Party, thereafter, shall have no liability for the resulting erroneously billed amounts and may, in good faith, upon notice to the other Party, and without treating such amount as a Disputed Amount, deduct such erroneously billed amounts from its payment to the other Party. As of the Effective Date, the Parties agree that, without limitation, the following constitute Billing Errors that need not be treated as Disputed Amounts under this Section:

 

 

9.9.1

Inflating the quantities of recurring charges (e.g., an account with two ANI’s and 6 Tel Touch features)

 

 

9.9.2

Resale charges on UNE invoices

 

9.9.3

UNE charges on Resale invoices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.9.4

Cut over date from CSPR Resale to CSPR UNE not uniform (e.g., billing will appear on resale through Sept 15 and begin on UNE Sept 10)

 

 

9.9.5

USOC 1065 applied to UNE Loops instead of USOC 1062

 

 

9.9.6

Charges for Non-Regulated items (e.g., CPE, Maintenance, etc.)

 

9.9.7

Dummy number (“67”) accounts

 

 

 

9.9.8

FCC Subscriber Line Charge on UNE invoice

 

 

9.9.9

USOC’s with incorrect or missing discount

 

 

9.9.10

Nonrecurring charges without discount on both UNE and Resale invoices

 

 

9.9.11

Incorrect rates applied (e.g., for Intra-Island Usage)

 

 

9.9.12

Rounding-up of per unit rates (e.g., $0.0975 per unit to $0.1000)

 

 

9.9.13

Long Distance charges from other carriers

 

 

9.9.14

Charges for services transferred to another carrier

 

 

9.9.15

Charges for canceled, suspended, or blocked lines and services

 

 

9.9.16

FCC charges not detailed per item

 

 

9.9.17

Failure to invoice in accordance with Section 9.1.1 or 9.1.4 above

 

 

9.9.18

Billing for services not ordered

 

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9.10

Intentionally left blank.

 

 

9.11

For resale and unbundled network element services provided by PRTC to CSPR, the Parties acknowledge that PRTC has nine billing cycles per month while CSPR has one billing cycle per month. The Parties agree that PRTC will make available CSPR’s billing statements for each billing cycle within four (4) business days of PRTC’s cycle date, unless the cycle date falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case the statement will be made available within four (4) business days from the next business day following the weekend or holiday (in either event, the day by which the statement is supposed to be made available shall be the “Bill Date”). In addition, the Parties agree that the Due Date for all resale and unbundled network element services billed to CSPR by PRTC in a month shall, subject to Section 9.7, be thirty (30) days after the date that all nine cycles of billing statements for a month have been made available to CSPR. If, however, the last of the nine cycles for a month is not made available to CSPR within four (4) business days after the 22nd calendar day of such month (or, if the 22nd calendar day is not a business day, after the next calendar day which is a business day), the Due Date for such cycle shall, subject to Section 9.7, be sixty (60) days after the date that such cycle was made available to CSPR. Moreover, in the event that any of the other eight cycles for a month is not made available to CSPR by the relevant Bill Date, the Due Date for payment of such late cycle shall be the Due Date as calculated in the third sentence of this Section 9.11, plus the number of days that the cycle was late. For example, if a cycle other than the last billing cycle for a month is received two business days after the Bill Date for that cycle, the Due Date for that cycle shall be two business days after the Due Date for the remaining cycles in that month. For purposes of this Section 9.11, a statement that is made available to CSPR after 3:00 p.m. shall be considered to have been made available to CSPR on the next business day.

 

 

9.12

In the event that PRTC fails to bill CSPR for a service under this Agreement more than ninety (90) days after such service is provided, CSPR will only be liable to pay fifty (50%) percent of such charges to PRTC, with such charges due sixty (60) days after CSPR’s receipt of the PRTC invoice reflecting such charges. Moreover, in the event that PRTC fails to bill CSPR for a service more than one hundred and fifty (150) days after such service is provided, CSPR shall have no liability for such charges and PRTC will issue a credit to CSPR in the amount of the charges upon notice by CSPR.

 

 

9.13

PRTC shall apply to CSPR’s invoices a monthly credit equal to the pro-rata cost of any PRTC service purchased by CSPR that is not properly functioning and provided that (1) CSPR has reported to PRTC as in need of repair; (2) the problem is caused on PRTC’s side of the line; and (3) PRTC has completed the repair. Such credit shall not apply if the problem is caused by CSPR’s equipment or is on CSPR’s side of the line. Such credit shall be calculated daily from the date the needed repair was reported to the date the needed repair is completed. Such credit shall also be calculated and applied by PRTC upon request from CSPR and shall include the PRTC USOC a detail of the service, the time waiting for repair and the amount of the credit by item.

 

 

9.14

When an end user has changed from CSPR to either another service provider or to PRTC, CSPR will not be charged or responsible for any payment for wholesale services from PRTC after PRTC receives a change request order from another service provider or itself. If the change request is received by PRTC after 3:00 p.m., the effective date of the change will be the next business day.

 

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9.15

In the event that the Parties are unable to resolve a billing dispute through the processes outlined in this Section 9, either Party may seek to have any such billing dispute resolved using EDR as provided in Section 14.4 of the General Terms and Conditions of this Agreement.

 

 

9.16

Upon written request, PRTC will respond to all written CSPR billing inquiries regarding resale local usage detail and USOC meanings within ten (10) business days and all other billing inquiries within twenty (20) business days. In its response, PRTC will provide to CSPR in writing all clarifications, explanations, and supporting data reasonably required to respond to CSPR’s billing inquiry. The parties acknowledge that CSPR already receives (1) local usage detail for calls from UNE-P lines and (2) usage detail for resold intra-island toll, and PRTC shall have no additional obligation under this Section 9.16 to provide such detail for such calls. In addition, if PRTC begins providing local usage detail for calls from resale lines, PRTC shall no longer be obligated to provide such detail under this Section 9.16.

 

10.

Confidentiality

 

 

10.1

As used in this Section 10, “Confidential Information” means the following information that is disclosed by one Party (“Disclosing Party”) to the other Party (“Receiving Party”) in connection with, or anticipation of, this Agreement:

 

 

10.1.1

Books, records, documents and other information disclosed in an audit pursuant to Section 7;

 

 

10.1.2

Any forecasting information provided pursuant to this Agreement;

 

 

10.1.3

Customer Information (except to the extent that (a) the Customer information is published in a directory, (b) the Customer information is disclosed through or in the course of furnishing a Telecommunications Service, such as a Directory Assistance Service, Operator Service, Caller ID or similar service, or LIDB service, or (c) the Customer to whom the Customer Information is related has authorized the Receiving Party to use and/or disclose the Customer Information);

 

 

10.1.4

Information related to specific facilities or equipment (including, but not limited to, cable and pair information);

 

 

10.1.5

Any information that is in written, graphic, electromagnetic, or other tangible form, and marked at the time of disclosure as “Confidential” or “Proprietary;” and

 

 

10.1.6

Any information that is communicated orally or visually and declared to the Receiving Party at the time of disclosure, and by written notice with a statement of the information given to the Receiving Party within ten (10) days after disclosure, to be “Confidential or “Proprietary”.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, a Party shall have the right to refuse to accept receipt of information which the other Party has identified as Confidential Information pursuant to Sections 10.1.5 or 10.1.6.

 

10.2

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall:

 

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10.2.1

use the Confidential Information received from the Disclosing Party only in performance of this Agreement;

 

 

10.2.2

use the same degree of care that it uses with similar confidential information of its own (but in no case a degree of care that is less than commercially reasonable), hold Confidential Information received from the Disclosing Party in confidence and restrict disclosure of the Confidential Information solely to those of the Receiving Party’s Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, Agents and contractors of the Receiving Party and the Receiving Party’s Affiliates, that have a need to receive such Confidential Information in order to perform the Receiving Party’s obligations under this Agreement. The Receiving Party’s Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, Agents and contractors of the Receiving Party and the Receiving Party’s Affiliates, shall be required by the Receiving Party to comply with the provisions of this Section 10 in the same manner as the Receiving Party. The Receiving Party shall be liable for any failure of the Receiving Party’s Affiliates or the directors, officers, employees, Agents or contractors of the Receiving Party or the Receiving Party’s Affiliates, to comply with the provisions of this Section 10;

 

 

10.2.3

not share Confidential Information with any person engaged in the sales or marketing of retail services of the Receiving Party or the Receiving Party’s Affiliates; and

 

 

10.2.4

not use Confidential Information to solicit the Disclosing Party’s customers.

 

 

10.3

The Receiving Party shall return or destroy all Confidential Information received from the Disclosing Party, including any copies made by the Receiving Party, within thirty (30) days after a written request by the Disclosing Party is delivered to the Receiving Party, except for (a) Confidential Information that the Receiving Party reasonably requires to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and (b) one copy for archival purposes only.

 

 

10.4

Unless otherwise agreed, the obligations of Sections 10.2 and 10.3 do not apply to information that:

 

 

10.4.1

was, at the time of receipt, already in the possession of or known to the Receiving Party free of any obligation of confidentiality and restriction on use;

 

 

10.4.2

is or becomes publicly available or known through no wrongful act of the Receiving Party, the Receiving Party’s Affiliates, or the directors, officers, employees, Agents or contractors of the Receiving Party or the Receiving Party’s Affiliates;

 

 

10.4.3

is rightfully received from a third person having no direct or indirect obligation of confidentiality or restriction on use to the Disclosing Party with respect to such information;

 

 

10.4.4

is independently developed by the Receiving Party and the Receiving Party provides the Disclosing Party with the information used to develop such information;

 

 

10.4.5

is approved for disclosure or use by written authorization of the Disclosing Party (including, but not limited to, in this Agreement); or

 

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10.4.6

is required to be disclosed by the Receiving Party pursuant to Applicable Law, provided that the Receiving Party shall have made commercially reasonable efforts to give at least thirty (30) days’ written notice (unless a shorter period is required by Applicable Law) of the requirement to the Disclosing Party in order to enable the Disclosing Party to seek protective arrangements.

 

 

10.5

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 10.1 through 10.4, the Receiving Party may use and disclose Confidential Information received from the Disclosing Party to the extent necessary to enforce the Receiving Party’s rights under this Agreement or Applicable Law. In making any such disclosure, the Receiving Party shall make reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality and restrict the use of the Confidential Information while it is in the possession of any person to whom it is disclosed, including, but not limited to, by requesting any governmental entity to whom the Confidential Information is disclosed to treat it as confidential and restrict its use to purposes related to the proceeding pending before it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Receiving Party may not share Confidential Information with any person engaged in the sales or marketing of retail services of the Receiving Party or the Receiving Party’s Affiliates and shall not use Confidential Information to solicit the Disclosing Party’s customers.

 

 

10.6

The Disclosing Party shall retain all of the Disclosing Party’s right, title and interest in any Confidential Information disclosed by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no license is granted by this Agreement with respect to any Confidential Information (including, but not limited to, under any patent, trademark or copyright), nor is any such license to be implied solely by virtue of the disclosure of Confidential Information.

 

 

10.7

The provisions of this Section 10 shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any provisions of Applicable Law, including, but not limited to, 47 U.S.C. § 222, and are not intended to constitute a waiver by a Party of any right with regard to the use, or protection of the confidentiality of, CPNI provided by Applicable Law.

 

 

10.8

Each Party’s obligations under this Section 10 shall survive expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

 

11.

Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

12.

Default

If either Party (“Defaulting Party”) materially breaches a material provision of this Agreement, and such failure or breach continues, or reasonable efforts to cure have not been taken by the Defaulting Party, for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof is provided by the other Party, the other Party may, by written notice to the Defaulting Party, (a) suspend the provision of any or all Services hereunder, or (b) cancel this Agreement and terminate the provision of all Services hereunder. For the purposes of this Section 12, a CSPR failure to pay undisputed amounts shall not constitute a material breach of a material provision of this Agreement to the extent that PRTC obtains assurance of payment in accordance with Section 6 of this Agreement.

13.

Discontinuance of Service by CSPR

 

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13.1

If CSPR proposes to discontinue, or actually discontinues, its provision of service to all or substantially all of its Customers, whether voluntarily, as a result of bankruptcy, or for any other reason, CSPR shall send written notice of such discontinuance to PRTC. CSPR shall provide such notice such number of days in advance of discontinuance of its service as shall be required by Applicable Law. Unless the period for advance notice of discontinuance of service required by Applicable Law is more than thirty (30) days, to the extent commercially feasible, CSPR shall send such notice at least thirty (30) days prior to its discontinuance of service.

 

 

13.2

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

13.3

If, upon CSPR’s discontinuation of service, a CSPR Customer becomes a PRTC Customer, CSPR shall provide PRTC with all information reasonably necessary for PRTC to establish service to the CSPR Customer, including, but not limited to, the CSPR Customer’s billed name, listed name, service address, and billing address, and the services being provided to the CSPR Customer upon written request within seven (7) days. PRTC shall reimburse CSPR its reasonable costs for providing such information.

 

 

13.4

Nothing in this Section 13 is intended to limit any express right otherwise provided in this Agreement for PRTC to cancel or terminate this Agreement or suspend provision of Services under this Agreement.

 

14.

Dispute Resolution

 

 

14.1

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any dispute between the Parties regarding the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement or any of its terms shall be addressed by good faith negotiation between the Parties for a minimum period of thirty (30) days. To initiate such negotiation, a Party must provide to the other Party written notice of the dispute that includes both a detailed description of the dispute or alleged nonperformance and the name of an individual who will serve as the initiating Party’s representative in the negotiation.

 

 

14.2

If the Parties have been unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days of the date of the initiating Party’s written notice, either Party may pursue any remedies available to it under this Agreement, at law, in equity, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, instituting an appropriate proceeding before the Board, the FCC, or a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

14.3

The minimum negotiation period provided for in Section 14.1 shall not apply where immediate and/or emergency relief is reasonably warranted under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, disputes involving the possible discontinuation of service to end user customers.

 

 

14.4

Expedited Dispute Resolution (“EDR”). EDR shall be available as a dispute resolution mechanism for the provisions of this Agreement in which EDR is made expressly available. In EDR, either Party may seek to have a dispute arbitrated pursuant to the then-prevailing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Parties agree that the arbitration will be binding. The Parties will select a mutually agreeable arbitrator and the arbitrator’s fees will be split equally by the Parties. If the dispute primarily concerns a legal issue (including changes in Applicable Law), the arbitrator must have expertise in telecommunications law. The Parties will agree on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after one party notifies the other of its desire to seek arbitration, and the Parties will work with the arbitrator to set a schedule to resolve the issues between them as quickly as possible while accommodating the Parties’ needs to

 

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present their cases. If the dispute concerns factual issues, the Parties shall agree to limited written discovery sufficient to enable each Party to prepare its case, and the arbitrator shall be empowered to resolve all discovery disputes and, where necessary, to compel production of documents, answers to interrogatories, and other necessary relief. The Parties will attempt to set a schedule to complete any arbitration under this section sixty (60) days after the arbitrator is selected. The Parties will require that the arbitrator issue a decision within fifteen (15) days after the final pleadings have been submitted or as soon as possible depending upon the number of issues subject to arbitration.

 

15.

Force Majeure

 

 

15.1

Neither Party shall be responsible for any delay or failure in performance which results from causes beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Events”), whether or not foreseeable by such Party. Such Force Majeure Events include, but are not limited to, extraordinary adverse weather conditions, flood, fire, explosion, hurricane, earthquake, volcanic action, power failure, embargo, boycott, war, revolution, civil commotion, act of public enemies, strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, picketing or boycotts, acts or omissions of the other Party, and acts of God.

 

 

15.2

If a Force Majeure Event occurs, the non-performing Party shall notify the other Party of its inability to perform as promptly as is reasonably possible. During the period that the non-performing Party is unable to perform, the other Party shall also be excused from performance of its obligations to the extent such obligations are reciprocal to, or depend upon, the performance of the non-performing Party that has been prevented by the Force Majeure Event. The non-performing Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid or remove the cause(s) of its non-performance and both Parties shall proceed to perform once the cause(s) are removed or cease.

 

 

15.3

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

15.4

Nothing in this Agreement shall require the non-performing Party to settle any labor dispute except as the non-performing Party, in its sole discretion subject to Applicable Law, determines appropriate.

 

16.

Forecasts

Intentionally omitted.

17.

Fraud

For resale lines, PRTC will, upon request by CSPR, monitor CSPR’s lines for possible fraud under the same conditions and same procedures that PRTC uses for its own customers. The price for such monitoring appears in the Pricing Attachment and shall apply only to the extent that PRTC is permitted by Applicable Law to charge for such activity. Upon notification by PRTC to CSPR of possible fraud, CSPR shall retain responsibility to PRTC for payment of all charges on its Customers and accounts affected by the fraud, and PRTC shall bear no responsibility for, and shall have no obligation to investigate or make adjustments to CSPR’s account in cases of, fraud by CSPR’s Customers or other third parties, except to the extent that PRTC’s negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of this Agreement contributed to and/or facilitated such fraud.

18.

Good Faith Performance

 

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The Parties shall act in good faith in their performance of this Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this Agreement (including, but not limited to, where consent, approval, agreement or a similar action is stated to be within a Party’s sole discretion), where consent, approval, mutual agreement or a similar action is required by any provision of this Agreement, such action shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

19.

Headings

The headings used in the Principal Document are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning of the Principal Document.

20.

Indemnification

 

 

20.1

Each Party (“Indemnifying Party”) shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other Party (“Indemnified Party”), the Indemnified Party’s Affiliates, and the directors, officers and employees of the Indemnified Party and the Indemnified Party’s Affiliates, from and against any and all Claims that arise out of bodily injury to or death of any person, or damage to, or destruction or loss of, tangible real and/or personal property of any person, to the extent such injury, death, damage, destruction or loss, was proximately caused by the grossly negligent or intentionally wrongful acts or omissions of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party’s Affiliates, or the directors, officers, employees, Agents or contractors (excluding the Indemnified Party) of the Indemnifying Party or the Indemnifying Party’s Affiliates, in connection with this Agreement.

 

 

20.2

Indemnification Process .

 

 

20.2.1

As used in this Section 20, “Indemnified Person” means a person whom an Indemnifying Party is obligated to indemnify, defend and/or hold harmless under Section 20.1.

 

 

20.2.2

An Indemnifying Party’s obligations under Section 20.1 shall be conditioned upon the following:

 

 

20.2.3

The Indemnified Person: (a) shall give the Indemnifying Party notice of the Claim promptly after becoming aware thereof (including a statement of facts known to the Indemnified Person related to the Claim and an estimate of the amount thereof); (b) prior to taking any material action with respect to a Third Party Claim, shall consult with the Indemnifying Party as to the procedure to be followed in defending, settling, or compromising the Claim; (c) shall not consent to any settlement or compromise of a Third Party Claim without the written consent of the Indemnifying Party; (d) shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim (including, except as provided below, the compromise or settlement thereof) at the Indemnifying Party’s own cost and expense, provided, however, that the Indemnified Person shall have the right to approve the Indemnifying Party's choice of legal counsel.

 

 

20.2.4

If the Indemnified Person fails to comply with Section 20.2.3 with respect to a Claim, to the extent such failure shall have a material adverse effect upon the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall be relieved of its obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Indemnified Person with respect to such Claim under this Agreement.

 

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20.2.5

Subject to 20.2.6 and 20.2.7, below, the Indemnifying Party shall have the authority to defend and settle any Third Party Claim.

 

 

20.2.6

With respect to any Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to participate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense of the Claim if the Claim requests equitable relief or other relief that could affect the rights of the Indemnified Person. In so participating, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to employ separate counsel for the defense at the Indemnified Person’s expense. The Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of any Claim, as to any portion of the Claim as to which it is not entitled to be indemnified, defended and held harmless by the Indemnifying Party.

 

 

20.2.7

In no event shall the Indemnifying Party settle a Third Party Claim or consent to any judgment with regard to a Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. In the event the settlement or judgment requires a contribution from or affects the rights of an Indemnified Person, the Indemnified Person shall have the right to refuse such settlement or judgment with respect to itself and, at its own cost and expense, take over the defense against the Third Party Claim, provided that in such event the Indemnifying Party shall not be responsible for, nor shall it be obligated to indemnify or hold harmless the Indemnified Person against, the Third Party Claim for any amount in excess of such refused settlement or judgment.

 

 

20.2.8

The Indemnified Person shall, in all cases, assert any and all provisions in applicable Tariffs and Customer contracts that limit liability to third persons as a bar to, or limitation on, any recovery by a third-person claimant.

 

 

20.2.9

The Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Person shall offer each other all reasonable cooperation and assistance in the defense of any Third Party Claim.

 

 

20.3

Each Party agrees that it will not implead or bring any action against the other Party, the other Party’s Affiliates, or any of the directors, officers or employees of the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliates, based on any claim by any person for personal injury or death that occurs in the course or scope of employment of such person by the other Party or the other Party’s Affiliate and that arises out of performance of this Agreement, unless such claim arises out of the negligent act or omission or willful misconduct of the other Party.

 

 

20.4

Each Party’s obligations under this Section 20 shall survive expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

 

21.

Insurance

 

 

21.1

The Parties shall maintain during the term of any collocation arrangement provided to CSPR pursuant to this Agreement all insurance and/or bonds required to satisfy their obligations under this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the obligations set forth in Section 20 hereof) and all insurance and/or bonds required by Applicable Law. The insurance and/or bonds shall be obtained from an insurer having an A.M. Best insurance rating of at least A-, financial size category VII or greater. At a minimum and without limiting the foregoing undertaking, each Party shall maintain the following insurance:

 

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21.1.1

Commercial General Liability Insurance, on an occurrence basis, including but not limited to, premises-operations, broad form property damage, products/completed operations, contractual liability, independent contractors, and personal injury, with limits of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit for each occurrence.

 

 

21.1.2

Commercial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance covering all owned, hired and non-owned vehicles, with limits of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit for each occurrence.

 

 

21.1.3

Coverage for workmen’s compensation provided by the Puerto Rico State Insurance Fund. If a non-PRTC employee performs work in a PRTC Premises for CSPR, CSPR or the contractor will coordinate and obtain the necessary workmen’s compensation certificates from the Puerto Rico State Insurance Fund prior to the commencement of work.

 

 

21.1.4

All risk property insurance on a full replacement cost basis for all of the insured party’s real and personal property located at any Collocation site or otherwise located on or in any PRTC premises (whether owned, leased or otherwise occupied by PRTC), facility, equipment or right-of-way.

 

 

21.2

Any deductibles, self-insured retentions or loss limits (“Retentions”) for the foregoing insurance must be disclosed on the certificates of insurance to be provided pursuant to Sections 21.4 and 21.5, and each Party reserves the right to reject any such Retentions in its reasonable discretion. All Retentions shall be the responsibility of the insured Party.

 

 

21.3

Each Party shall name the other Party and the other Party’s Affiliates as additional insureds on the foregoing liability insurance.

 

 

21.4

Each Party shall, two (2) weeks prior to commencing construction of any collocation arrangement, at the time of each renewal of, or material change in, its insurance policies, and at such other times as the other Party may reasonable specify, furnish certificates or other proof of the foregoing insurance reasonably acceptable to the other Party. The certificates or other proof of the foregoing insurance shall be sent to the persons designated for notices under this Agreement.

 

 

21.5

Each Party shall require its contractors, if any, that may enter upon the premises or access the facilities or equipment of the other Party or the other Party’s affiliates to maintain insurance in accordance with Sections 21.1 through 21.3 and, if requested, to furnish certificates or other adequate proof of such insurance acceptable to the other Party in accordance with Section 21.4.

 

 

21.6

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

21.7

Certificates furnished by the insured Party and its contractors shall contain a clause stating that the other Party: “shall be notified in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to cancellation of, or any material change in, the insurance.”

 

 

21.8

The insurance required in this section must be provided by an insurance company authorized by the Insurance Commission of Puerto Rico to do business in Puerto Rico.

 

22.

Intellectual Property

 

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22.1

Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed as granting a license with respect to any patent, copyright, trade name, trademark, service mark, trade secret or any other intellectual property, now or hereafter owned, controlled or licensable by either Party. Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, neither Party may use any patent, copyrightable materials, trademark, trade name, trade secret or other intellectual property right, of the other Party except in accordance with the terms of a separate license agreement between the Parties granting such rights.

 

 

22.2

Except as stated in Section 22.4, neither Party shall have any obligation to defend, indemnify or hold harmless, or acquire any license or right for the benefit of, or owe any other obligation or have any liability to, the other Party or its Affiliates or Customers based on or arising from any Third Party Claim alleging or asserting that the provision or use of any service, facility, arrangement, or software by either Party under this Agreement, or the performance of any service or method, either alone or in combination with the other Party, constitutes direct, vicarious or contributory infringement or inducement to infringe, or misuse or misappropriation of any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, or any other proprietary or intellectual property right of any Party or third person. Each Party, however, shall offer to the other reasonable cooperation and assistance in the defense of any such claim.

 

 

22.3

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE, AND THAT THERE DOES NOT EXIST, ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT THE USE BY EACH PARTY OF THE OTHER’S SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT GIVE RISE TO A CLAIM OF INFRINGEMENT, MISUSE, OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT.

 

 

22.4

CSPR agrees that the Services provided by PRTC hereunder shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions contained in any applicable agreements (including, but not limited to software or other intellectual property license agreements) between PRTC and PRTC’s vendors. PRTC agrees to advise CSPR, directly or through a third party, of any such terms, conditions or restrictions that may limit any CSPR use of a Service provided by PRTC that is otherwise permitted by this Agreement. At CSPR’s written request, where necessary, PRTC will attempt to obtain intellectual property rights from PRTC’s vendor to allow CSPR to use the Service in the same manner as PRTC that are coextensive with PRTC’s intellectual property rights, on terms and conditions that are equal in quality to the terms and conditions under which PRTC has obtained PRTC’s intellectual property rights. CSPR shall reimburse PRTC for the cost of obtaining such rights.

 

23.

Joint Work Product

The Principal Document is the joint work product of the Parties, has been negotiated by the Parties, and shall be fairly interpreted in accordance with its terms. In the event of any ambiguities, no inferences shall be drawn against either Party.

24.

Law Enforcement

 

 

24.1

Each Party may cooperate with law enforcement authorities and national security authorities to the full extent required or permitted by Applicable Law in matters related to Services provided by it under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the production of records, the establishment of new lines or the installation of new services on an existing line in order to support law enforcement and/or

 

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national security operations, and, the installation of wiretaps, trap-and-trace facilities and equipment, and dialed number recording facilities and equipment.

 

24.2

A Party shall have the obligation to inform the other Party of actions taken in cooperating with law enforcement or national security authorities, except to the extent required by Applicable Law or to the extent such actions do not affect the other Party or its Customers.

 

 

24.3

Where a law enforcement or national security request relates to the establishment of lines (including, but not limited to, lines established to support interception of communications on other lines), or the installation of other services, facilities or arrangements, a Party may, to the extent required by Applicable Law, act to prevent the other Party from obtaining access to information concerning such lines, services, facilities and arrangements, through operations support system interfaces.

 

25.

Liability

 

 

25.1

As used in this Section 25, “Service Failure” means a failure to comply with a direction to install, restore or terminate Services under this Agreement, a failure to provide Services under this Agreement, and failures, mistakes, omissions, interruptions, delays, errors, defects or the like, occurring in the course of the provision of any Services under this Agreement.

 

 

25.2

Except as otherwise stated in Section 25.5, the liability, if any, of a Party, a Party’s Affiliates, and the directors, officers and employees of a Party and a Party’s Affiliates, to the other Party, the other Party’s Customers, and to any other person, for Claims arising out of a Service Failure shall not exceed an amount equal to the pro rata applicable monthly charge for the Services that are subject to the Service Failure for the period in which such Service Failure occurs.

 

 

25.3

Except as otherwise stated in Section 25.5, a Party, a Party’s Affiliates, and the directors, officers and employees of a Party and a Party’s Affiliates, shall not be liable to the other Party, the other Party’s Customers, or to any other person, in connection with this Agreement (including, but not limited to, in connection with a Service Failure or any breach, delay or failure in performance, of this Agreement) for special, indirect, incidental, consequential, reliance, exemplary, punitive, or like damages, including, but not limited to, damages for lost revenues, profits or savings, or other commercial or economic loss, even if the person whose liability is excluded by this Section has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

 

25.4

The limitations and exclusions of liability stated in Sections 25.1 through 25.3 shall apply regardless of the form of a claim or action, whether statutory, in contract, warranty, strict liability, tort (including, but not limited to, negligence of a Party), or otherwise.

 

 

25.5

Nothing contained in Sections 25.1 through 25.4 shall exclude or limit liability:

 

 

25.5.1

under Sections 20, Indemnification, or 40, Taxes.

 

 

25.5.2

for any obligation to indemnify, defend and/or hold harmless that a Party may have under this Agreement.

 

 

25.5.3

for damages arising out of or resulting from bodily injury to or death of any person, or damage to, or destruction or loss of, tangible real and/or personal property of any person, or Toxic or Hazardous Substances, to

 

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the extent such damages are otherwise recoverable under Applicable Law;

 

 

25.5.4

for a claim for infringement of any patent, copyright, trade name, trade mark, service mark, or other intellectual property interest;

 

 

25.5.5

under Section 258 of the Act or any order of FCC or the Board implementing Section 258; or

 

 

25.5.6

under the financial incentive or remedy provisions of any service quality plan required by the FCC or the Board.

 

 

25.5.7

for liquidated damages or other remedies otherwise made expressly applicable in the Performance Standards Attachment of this Agreement.

 

 

25.6

In the event that the liability of a Party, a Party’s Affiliate, or a director, officer or employee of a Party or a Party’s Affiliate, is limited and/or excluded under both this Section 25 and a provision of an applicable Tariff, the applicable limitation or exclusion shall be determined by whether the relevant Service was ordered under this Agreement or under the Tariff.

 

 

25.7

Intentionally omitted.

 

26.

Network Management

 

 

26.1

Cooperation . The Parties will work cooperatively in a commercially reasonable manner to install and maintain a reliable network. CSPR and PRTC will exchange appropriate information ( e.g. , network information, maintenance contact numbers, escalation procedures, and information required to comply with requirements of law enforcement and national security agencies) to achieve this desired reliability. In addition, the Parties will work cooperatively in a commercially reasonable manner to apply sound network management principles to alleviate or to prevent traffic congestion and subject to Section 17, to minimize fraud associated with third number billed calls, calling card calls, and other services related to this Agreement.

 

 

26.2

Responsibility for Following Standards . Each Party recognizes a responsibility to follow the standards that may be agreed to between the Parties and to employ characteristics and methods of operation that will not interfere with or impair the service, network or facilities of the other Party or any third parties connected with or involved directly in the network or facilities of the other.

 

 

26.3

Interference or Impairment . If a Party (“Impaired Party”) reasonably determines that the services, network, facilities, or methods of operation, of the other Party (“Interfering Party”) will or are likely to interfere with or impair the Impaired Party’s provision of services or the operation of the Impaired Party’s network or facilities, the Impaired Party may interrupt or suspend any Service provided to the Interfering Party only to the extent necessary to prevent such interference or impairment, subject to the following:

 

 

26.3.1

Except in emergency situations (e.g., situations involving a risk of bodily injury to persons or damage to tangible property, or an interruption in Customer service) or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Impaired Party shall have given the Interfering Party at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice and documentation of the interference or impairment or potential interference or impairment and

 

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the need to correct the condition within said time period; and taken other actions, if any, required by Applicable Law; and,

 

26.3.2

Upon correction of the interference or impairment, the Impaired Party will promptly restore the interrupted or suspended Service. The Impaired Party shall not be obligated to provide an out-of-service credit allowance or other compensation to the Interfering Party in connection with the suspended Service.

 

 

26.4

Outage Repair Standard . In the event of an outage or trouble in any Service being provided by a Party hereunder, the Providing Party will follow the other Party’s standard procedures for isolating and clearing the outage or trouble, provided, however, that such standard procedures are reasonable, nondiscriminatory, and have been provided to the other Party in writing prior to the relevant outage or trouble.

 

27.

Non-Exclusive Remedies

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each of the remedies provided under this Agreement is cumulative and is in addition to any other remedies that may be available under this Agreement or at law or in equity.

28.

Notices

 

 

28.1

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, notices given by one Party to the other Party under this Agreement:

 

 

28.1.1

shall be in writing;

 

 

28.1.2

shall be delivered (a) personally, (b) by express delivery service with next Business Day delivery, (c) by First Class, certified or registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or (d) by facsimile telecopy, with a copy delivered in accordance with (a), (b) or (c), preceding; and

 

 

28.1.3

shall be delivered to the following addresses of the Parties:

 

 

To CSPR:

Mr. Juan Carlos Ramos

General Manager

Cortelco Systems Puerto Rico, Inc.

PO Box 363665

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3665

Telephone Number: (787) 758-0000

Internet Address: jcramos@cortelcopr.com ,

 

Or for overnight delivery:

 

Mr. Juan Carlos Ramos

Parque Industrial Valle Tolima

Lote 14 A-4 Carr. 156 Km 58.1, Valle Tolima

Caguas PR 00725

 

 

 

With a copy to:

Lcda. Nancy Gonzalez

Human Resources Director

Cortelco Systems Puerto Rico, Inc.

 

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Parque Industrial Valle Tolima

Caguas PR 00725

Telephone Number: (787) 281 1756

Facsimile: (787) 281-1775

Internet Address: ngonzalez@cortelcopr.com

 

 

 

To PRTC:

Mr. Omar Acevedo

Director Wholesale Service

Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.

P.O. Box 360998

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-0998

Telephone Number: 787-775-7600

Facsimile: 787-273-1797

Internet Address: oacevedo@prtcmail.prtc.net

 

Or for overnight delivery:

 

Mr. Omar Acevedo

Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.

1515 Roosevelt Avenue

Guaynabo, PR 00921

 

 

With a copy to:

Lcda. Sandra Torres

 

 

Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.

1515 Roosevelt Avenue

Guaynabo, PR 00921

 

Telephone Number: 787-792-9570

 

 

Internet Address: storres@prtcmail.prtc.net

 

or to such other address as either Party shall designate by proper notice.

Notices will be deemed given as of the earlier of (a) where there is personal delivery of the notice, the date of actual receipt, (b) where the notice is sent via express delivery service for next Business Day delivery, the next Business Day after the notice is sent, (c) where the notice is sent via First Class U.S. Mail, three (3) Business Days after mailing, (d) where notice is sent via certified or registered U.S. mail, the date of receipt shown on the Postal Service receipt, and (e) where the notice is sent via facsimile telecopy, if the notice is sent on a Business Day and before 5 PM in the time zone where it is received, on the date set forth on the telecopy confirmation, or if the notice is sent on a non-Business Day or if the notice is sent after 5 PM in the time zone where it is received, the next Business Day after the date set forth on the telecopy confirmation.

29.

Ordering and Maintenance

PRTC shall provide as part of its Operations Support System nondiscriminatory electronic access to submit Orders and requests for maintenance and repair of Services, and to engage in other pre-ordering, ordering, provisioning, maintenance and repair transactions. Additionally, methods and procedures of interaction will be written and delivered at the time of signing of this Agreement for order submissions and requests for maintenance and repair of Services, and to engage in pre-ordering, ordering, provisioning, maintenance and repair transactions. Neither party will deviate from such written procedures except upon ninety (90) days’ written notice and all necessary information, cooperation and testing ability with enough time in advance to reasonably

 

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accommodate the change. For other changes, CSPR will be provided thirty (30) days’ advance notice, including a detailed written description detailing the differences the change will make to procedure.

30.

Performance Standards

 

 

30.1

PRTC shall provide Services under this Agreement in accordance with the performance standards required by this Agreement and by Applicable Law, including, but not limited to, Section 251(c) of the Act.

 

 

30.2

CSPR shall provide Services under this Agreement in accordance with the performance standards required by Applicable Law.

 

31.

Point of Contact for CSPR Customers

 

 

31.1

CSPR shall establish telephone numbers and mailing addresses at which CSPR Customers may communicate with CSPR and shall advise CSPR Customers of these telephone numbers and mailing addresses.

 

 

31.2

When either Party receives a communication from a customer of the other Party, it shall give the customer a phone number at which he or she may contact the other Party directly.  The phone number for PRTC to provide to CSPR customers is 787-281-1790.  The phone number for CSPR to provide to PRTC customers is 611.  Either party may change the contact phone number upon thirty (30) days' prior notice.

 

32.

Predecessor Agreements

 

 

32.1

Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties:

 

 

32.1.1

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

32.1.2

Any Services that were purchased by one Party from the other Party under a prior interconnection or resale agreement between the Parties for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico pursuant to Section 252 of the Act and in effect prior to the Effective Date, shall as of the Effective Date be subject to and purchased under this Agreement.

 

 

32.2

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

32.3

Intentionally omitted.

 

33.

Publicity and Use of Trademarks or Service Marks

 

 

33.1

A Party, its Affiliates, and their respective contractors and Agents, shall not use the other Party’s trademarks, service marks, logos or other proprietary trade dress, in connection with the sale of products or services, or in any advertising, press releases, publicity matters or other promotional materials, unless the other Party has given its written consent for such use, which consent the other Party may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

 

33.2

Neither Party may imply any direct or indirect affiliation with or sponsorship or endorsement of it or its services or products by the other Party.

 

 

33.3

Any violation of this Section 33 shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement.

 

34.

References

 

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34.1

All references to Sections, Appendices and Exhibits shall be deemed to be references to Sections, Appendices and Exhibits of this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require.

 

 

34.2

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any reference to a Tariff, agreement, technical or other document (including PRTC or third party guides, practices or handbooks), or provision of Applicable Law, is to such Tariff, agreement, or document, or provision of Applicable Law, as amended and supplemented from time to time (and, in the case of a Tariff or provision of Applicable Law, to any successor Tariff or provision).

 

35.

Relationship of the Parties

 

 

35.1

The relationship of the Parties under this Agreement shall be that of independent contractors and nothing herein shall be construed as creating any other relationship between the Parties.

 

 

35.2

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall make either Party the employee of the other, create a partnership, joint venture, or other similar relationship between the Parties, or grant to either Party a franchise, distributorship or similar interest.

 

 

35.3

Except for provisions herein expressly authorizing a Party to act for another Party, nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a Party as a legal representative or Agent of the other Party, nor shall a Party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against, in the name or on behalf of the other Party unless otherwise expressly permitted by such other Party in writing, which permission may be granted or withheld by the other Party in its sole discretion.

 

 

35.4

Each Party shall have sole authority and responsibility to hire, fire, compensate, supervise, and otherwise control its employees, Agents and contractors. Each Party shall be solely responsible for payment of any Social Security or other taxes that it is required by Applicable Law to pay in conjunction with its employees, Agents and contractors, and for withholding and remitting to the applicable taxing authorities any taxes that it is required by Applicable Law to collect from its employees.

 

 

35.5

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no Party undertakes to perform any obligation of the other Party, whether regulatory or contractual, or to assume any responsibility for the management of the other Party's business.

 

 

35.6

The relationship of the Parties under this Agreement is a non-exclusive relationship.

 

36.

Reservation of Rights

 

 

36.1

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither Party waives, and each Party hereby expressly reserves, its rights: (a) to appeal or otherwise seek the reversal of and changes in any arbitration decision associated with this Agreement; (b) to challenge the lawfulness of this Agreement and any provision of this Agreement; (c) to seek changes in this Agreement (including, but not limited to, changes in rates, charges and the Services that must be offered) through changes in Applicable Law; (d) to challenge the lawfulness and propriety of, and to seek to change, any Applicable Law, including, but not limited to any rule, regulation, order or decision of the Board, the FCC, or a court of applicable jurisdiction; and (e) to collect debts owed to it under any prior interconnection or resale agreements. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit or

 

25

 

 


 

prejudice any position a Party has taken or may take before the Board, the FCC, any other Commonwealth or federal regulatory or legislative bodies, courts of applicable jurisdiction, or industry fora. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement. Subject to Section 4 above, the provisions of this Section do not, however, relieve either Party of its obligations to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

37.

Subcontractors

A Party may use a contractor of the Party (including, but not limited to, an Affiliate of the Party) to perform the Party’s obligations under this Agreement; provided, that a Party’s use of a contractor shall not release the Party from any duty or liability to fulfill the Party’s obligations under this Agreement.

38.

Successors and Assigns

This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective legal successors and permitted assigns.

39.

Survival

The rights, liabilities and obligations of a Party for acts or omissions occurring prior to the expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement, the rights, liabilities and obligations of a Party under any provision of this Agreement regarding confidential information (including but not limited to, Section 10), indemnification or defense (including, but not limited to, Section 20), or limitation or exclusion of liability (including, but not limited to, Section 25), and the rights, liabilities and obligations of a Party under any provision of this Agreement which by its terms or nature is intended to continue beyond or to be performed after the expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement, shall survive the expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

40.

Taxes

 

 

40.1

With respect to any purchase hereunder of Services, if any federal, Commonwealth, state or local tax, fee, surcharge or other specific regulatory assessment (a “Tax”) is required or permitted by Applicable Law to be collected from the Purchasing Party by the Providing Party, and such Tax is not or has not been remitted to the applicable taxing authority through other means or parties, then (a) the Providing Party shall properly bill the Purchasing Party for such Tax only as a dollar for dollar pass through charge, (b) the Purchasing Party shall timely remit such Tax to the Providing Party and (c) the Providing Party shall timely remit such collected Tax to the applicable taxing authority. Unless otherwise ordered by a regulatory authority or court with jurisdiction, each Party shall collect from its own end users, and shall provide to the relevant authority, the Universal Service surcharge and any other federal or Commonwealth regulatory fee imposed on a carrier.

 

 

40.2

Taxes Imposed on the Providing Party . With respect to any purchase hereunder of Services, if any federal, Commonwealth, state or local Tax is imposed by Applicable Law on the receipts of the Providing Party, and such Applicable Law permits the Providing Party to exclude certain receipts received from sales for resale to a public utility, distributor, telephone company, local exchange carrier, telecommunications company or other communications company (“Telecommunications Company”), such exclusion being based solely on the fact that the Purchasing Party is also subject to a tax based upon receipts (“Receipts Tax”), then the Purchasing Party (a) shall provide the Providing Party with notice

 

26

 

 


 

in writing in accordance with Section 40.6 of this Agreement of its intent to pay the Receipts Tax and (b) shall timely pay the Receipts Tax to the applicable tax authority.

 

40.3

Taxes Imposed on Customers. With respect to any purchase hereunder of Services that are resold to a third party, if any federal, state, Commonwealth or local Tax is imposed by Applicable Law on the subscriber, end-user, Customer or ultimate consumer (“Subscriber”) in connection with any such purchase, which a Telecommunications Company is required to impose and/or collect from a Subscriber, then the Purchasing Party (a) shall be required to impose and/or collect such Tax from the Subscriber and (b) shall timely remit such Tax to the applicable taxing authority.

 

 

40.4

Liability for Uncollected Tax, Interest and Penalty . If the Providing Party has not received an exemption certificate from the Purchasing Party and the Providing Party fails to bill the Purchasing Party for any Tax as required by Section 40.1, then, as between the Providing Party and the Purchasing Party, (a) the Purchasing Party shall remain liable for such unbilled Tax and (b) the Providing Party shall be liable for any interest assessed thereon and any penalty assessed with respect to such unbilled Tax by such authority. If the Providing Party properly bills the Purchasing Party for any Tax but the Purchasing Party fails to remit such Tax to the Providing Party as required by Section 40.1, then, as between the Providing Party and the Purchasing Party, the Purchasing Party shall be liable for such uncollected Tax and any interest assessed thereon, as well as any penalty assessed with respect to such uncollected Tax by the applicable taxing authority. If the Providing Party does not collect any Tax as required by Section 40.1 because the Purchasing Party has provided such Providing Party with an exemption certificate that is later found to be inadequate by a taxing authority, then, as between the Providing Party and the Purchasing Party, the Purchasing Party shall be liable for such uncollected Tax and any interest assessed thereon, as well as any penalty assessed with respect to such uncollected Tax by the applicable taxing authority. If the Purchasing Party fails to pay the Receipts Tax as required by Section 40.2, then, as between the Providing Party and the Purchasing Party, (x) the Providing Party shall be liable for any Tax imposed on its receipts and (y) the Purchasing Party shall be liable for any interest assessed thereon and any penalty assessed upon the Providing Party with respect to such Tax by such authority. If the Purchasing Party fails to impose and/or collect any Tax from Subscribers as required by Section 40.3, then, as between the Providing Party and the Purchasing Party, the Purchasing Party shall remain liable for such uncollected Tax and any interest assessed thereon, as well as any penalty assessed with respect to such uncollected Tax by the applicable taxing authority. With respect to any Tax that the Purchasing Party has agreed to pay, or is required to impose on and/or collect from Subscribers, the Purchasing Party agrees to indemnify and hold the Providing Party harmless on an after-tax basis for any costs incurred by the Providing Party as a result of actions taken by the applicable taxing authority to recover the Tax from the Providing Party due to the failure of the Purchasing Party to timely pay, or collect and timely remit, such Tax to such authority. In the event either Party is audited by a taxing authority, the other Party agrees to cooperate fully with the Party being audited in order to respond to any audit inquiries in a proper and timely manner so that the audit and/or any resulting controversy may be resolved expeditiously.

 

 

40.5

Tax Exemptions and Exemption Certificates . If Applicable Law clearly exempts a purchase hereunder from a Tax, and if such Applicable Law also provides an exemption procedure, such as an exemption-certificate requirement, then, if the

 

27

 

 


 

Purchasing Party complies with such procedure, the Providing Party shall not collect such Tax during the effective period of such exemption. Such exemption shall be effective upon receipt of the exemption certificate or affidavit in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 40.6. If Applicable Law clearly exempts a purchase hereunder from a Tax, but does not also provide an exemption procedure, then the Providing Party shall not collect such Tax if the Purchasing Party (a) furnishes the Providing Party with a letter signed by an officer requesting such an exemption and citing the provision in the Applicable Law which clearly allows such exemption and (b) supplies the Providing Party with an indemnification agreement, reasonably acceptable to the Providing Party (e.g., an agreement commonly used in the industry), which holds the Providing Party harmless on an after-tax basis with respect to its forbearing to collect such Tax.

 

40.6

All notices, affidavits, exemption-certificates or other communications required or permitted to be given by either Party to the other, for purposes of this Section 40, shall be made in writing and shall be delivered in person or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or registered mail, or a courier service providing proof of service, and sent to the addressees set forth in Section 28.

 

Either Party may from time to time designate another address or other addressees by giving notice in accordance with the terms of this Section. Any notice or other communication shall be deemed to be given when received.

41.

Technology Upgrades

Subject to the requirements of this Agreement and of Applicable Law, PRTC shall have the right to deploy, upgrade, migrate and maintain its network at its discretion. In doing so, PRTC will comply with the requirements of 47 C.F.R. Secs. 51.325-51.335. PRTC will notify CSPR in writing of any public notices filed in accordance with 47 C.F.R. Secs. 51.325-51.335 within five (5) business days of such filing(s).

42.

Territory

 

 

42.1

This Agreement applies to the territory in which PRTC operates as an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. PRTC shall be obligated to provide Services under this Agreement only within this territory.

 

 

42.2

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, PRTC may terminate this Agreement as to a specific operating territory or portion thereof if PRTC sells or otherwise transfers its operations in such territory or portion thereof to an unaffiliated third-person.

 

43.

Third Party Beneficiaries

Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Parties and their permitted assigns, and nothing herein shall create or be construed to provide any third-persons (including, but not limited to, Customers or contractors of a Party) with any rights (including, but not limited to, any third-party beneficiary rights) hereunder. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, a Party shall have no liability under this Agreement to the Customers of the other Party or to any other third person.

44.

252(i) Obligations

 

 

44.1

To the extent required by Applicable Law, each Party shall comply with Section 252(i) of the Act and 47 C.F.R. § 51.809.

 

28

 

 


 

 

 

44.2

Intentionally omitted.

 

45.

Use of Service

Intentionally omitted.

46.

Waiver

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, a failure or delay of either Party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any right or remedy available under this Agreement or at law or in equity, or to require performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or to exercise any option which is provided under this Agreement, shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions, rights, remedies or options.

47.

Warranties

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY MAKES OR RECEIVES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED, OR TO BE PROVIDED, UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE PARTIES DISCLAIM ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WARRANTIES AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, AND WARRANTIES ARISING BY TRADE CUSTOM, TRADE USAGE, COURSE OF DEALING OR PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE.

48.

Withdrawal of Services

 

 

48.1

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

48.2

Intentionally omitted.

 

 

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SIGNATURE PAGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

 

CORTELCO SYSTEMS PUERTO RICO, INC.

PUERTO RICO TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Juan Carlos Ramos

By: /s/ Cristina Lambert

 

 

 

 

Printed: Juan Carlos Ramos

Printed: Cristina Lambert

 

 

 

 

Title: General Manager , Cortelco Systems Puerto Rico, Inc.

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer, Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GLOSSARY

1.

General Rule

 

 

1.1

The provisions of Sections 1.2 through 1.4 and Section 2 apply with regard to the Principal Document. Terms used in a Tariff shall have the meanings stated in the Tariff.

 

 

1.2

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, when a term listed in this Glossary is used in the Principal Document, the term shall have the meaning stated in this Glossary. A defined term intended to convey the meaning stated in this Glossary is capitalized when used. Other terms that are capitalized, and not defined in this Glossary or elsewhere in the Principal Document, shall have the meaning stated in the Act. Additional definitions that are specific to the matters covered in a particular provision of the Principal Document may appear in that provision. To the extent that there may be any conflict between a definition set forth in this Glossary and any definition in a specific provision, the definition set forth in the specific provision shall control with respect to that provision.

 

 

1.3

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, any term defined in this Glossary which is defined or used in the singular shall include the plural, and any term defined in this Glossary which is defined or used in the plural shall include the singular.

 

 

1.4

The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably throughout the Principal Document and the use of either indicates a mandatory requirement. The use of one or the other shall not confer a different degree of right or obligation for either Party.

 

 

1.5

Any ambiguity in the definition and/or meaning of a term used herein will be resolved in the first instance in accordance with such term’s usage, definition, and/or interpretation in the Act and by the FCC.

 

2.

Definitions

 

 

2.1

Act .

The Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. §151 et seq.), as from time to time amended (including, but not limited to, by the Telecommunications Act of 1996).

 

2.2

Advanced Services .

As a general matter, shall have the meaning set forth by the FCC.

 

2.3

Affiliate .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.4

Agent .

An agent or servant.

 

2.5

Agreement .

This Agreement, as defined in Section 1 of the General Terms and Conditions.

 

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2.6

Ancillary Traffic .

All traffic that is destined for ancillary services, or that may have special billing requirements, including but not limited to the following: Directory Assistance, 911/E911, Operator Services (IntraLATA call completion), IntraLATA third party, collect and calling card, 800/888 database query, LIDB, and Voice Information Services Traffic as described in Section 5 of the Additional Services Attachment.

 

2.7

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) .

The signaling parameter that refers to the number transmitted through the network identifying the billing number of the calling party.

 

2.8

Applicable Law .

All effective laws, government regulations and government orders, applicable to each Party’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

2.9

ASR (Access Service Request) .

An industry standard form, which contains data elements and usage rules used by the Parties to add, establish, change or disconnect services or trunks for the purposes of interconnection.

 

2.10

Board

Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Puerto Rico.

 

2.11

Business Day .

Monday through Friday, except for holidays observed by PRTC.

 

2.11a

Business Line

 

 

The term “business line” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.5.

 

 

2.12

Calendar Quarter .

January through March, April through June, July through September, or October through December.

 

2.13

Calendar Year .

January through December.

 

2.14

CCS (Common Channel Signaling) .

A method of transmitting call set-up and network control data over a digital signaling network separate from the public switched telephone network facilities that carry the actual voice or data content of the call.

 

2.15

Central Office .

A switching entity within the public switched network, including, but not limited to, end office switches and tandem office switches, as well as a building or space within a building which serves as an aggregation point on a given carrier’s network, where transmission facilities and circuits are connected or switched.

 

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2.16

Central Office Switch .

A switch used to provide Telecommunications Services, including, but not limited to, an End Office Switch or a Tandem Switch. A Central Office Switch may also be employed as a combination End Office/Tandem Office Switch.

 

2.17

Claims .

Any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, settlements, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, injuries, damages, losses, costs (including, but not limited to, court costs), and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees).

 

2.18

CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) .

Any Local Exchange Carrier other than PRTC that is operating as a Local Exchange Carrier in the territory in which PRTC operates as an ILEC in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

 

2.19

CLLI Codes .

Common Language Location Identifier Codes.

 

2.20

CMDS (Centralized Message Distribution System) .

The billing record and clearing house transport system that LECs use to exchange out collects and in collects as well as Carrier Access Billing System (CABS) records.

 

2.21

Commingle .

The term “commingle” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.5.

 

 

2.22

Copper Loop .

The term “copper loop” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(1).

 

2.23

Copper Subloop .

The term “copper subloop” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(b).

 

2.24

CPN (Calling Party Number) .

A CCS parameter that identifies the calling party's telephone number.

 

2.25

CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information ).

Shall have the meaning set forth in Section 222 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. § 222.

 

2.26

Cross Connection .

For a Collocation arrangement, the facilities between the collocating Party’s equipment and the equipment or facilities of the housing Party (such as the housing Party’s digital signal cross connect, Main Distribution Frame, or other suitable frame or panel).

 

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2.27

Customer .

A third party residence or business end-user subscriber to Telephone Exchange Services provided by either of the Parties.

 

2.28

Dark Fiber .

The term “dark fiber” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(6).

 

2.28a

Dark Fiber Transport .

The term “dark fiber transport” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(e)(2)(iv).

 

2.29

Dedicated Transport .

The term “dedicated transport” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(e).

 

2.29a

Dedicated DS1 Transport .

The term “dedicated DS1 transport” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(e)(2)(ii).

 

2.29b

Dedicated DS3 Transport .

The term “dedicated DS3 transport” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(e)(2)(iii).

 

 

2.30

Digital Loop Carrier Terminal – Remote Terminal (DLC-RT)

 

Network transmission equipment used to provide pair gain on local distribution plant connected to the host central office. DLC-RTs come in two varieties, “Universal” or “Integrated”.

 

2.31

Digital Signal Level .

One of several transmission rates in the time-division multiplex hierarchy.

 

2.32

DS0 (Digital Signal Level 0) .

The 64kbps zero-level signal in the time-division multiplex hierarchy.

 

2.33

DS1 (Digital Signal Level 1) Loop .

The term “DS1 Loop” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(4). [Jeff: I think this definition needs to be in here because the term is used in this contract. We realize it is provided under the commercial agreement, but if it is referred to here, it should be defined in this contract]

 

2.33a

DS3 (Digital Signal Level 3) Loop .

The term “DS3 loop” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(5).

 

2.34

EMI (Exchange Message Interface) .

Standard acceptable to both Parties used for the interexchange of

 

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telecommunications message information between local exchange carriers and interexchange carriers for billable, non-billable, sample, settlement and study data. Data is provided between companies via a unique record layout that contains Customer billing information, account summary and tracking analysis. EMI format is contained in document SR-320 published by the Alliance for Telcom Industry Solutions.

 

2.35

End Office Switch or End Office .

A switching entity that is used to terminate Customer station Local Loops for the purpose of interconnection to each other and to trunks.

 

2.36

Entrance Facility .

The facilities between a Party's designated premises and the Central Office serving that designated premises.

 

2.37

Exchange Access .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.38

FCC Internet Order .

Order on Remand and Report and Order, In the Matter of Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Intercarrier Compensation for ISP Bound Traffic , FCC 01-131, CC Docket Nos. 96-98 and 99-68, (adopted April 18, 2001).

 

2.39

FCC .

The Federal Communications Commission.

 

2.40

FCC Interim UNE Order .

 

Order and Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking, In the Matter of Unbundled Access To Network Elements, Review Of The Section 251 Unbundling Obligations Of Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers, WC Docket No. 04-313, CC Docket No. 01-338, FCC 04-179 (released Aug. 20, 2004).

 

 

2.41

FCC Regulations .

The unstayed, effective regulations promulgated by the FCC, as amended from time to time.

 

 

2.42

Feeder - Distribution Interface (FDI)

 

Any point in the Local Loop where the trunk line or feeder leading back to the ILEC’s central office and the distribution plant branching out to the subscribers meet and interface.

 

2.42a

Fiber-based collocator .

The term “fiber-based collocator” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.5.

 

 

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2.43

Fiber-to-the-Home Loop .

The term fiber-to-the-home loop shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(3).

 

2.44

House and Riser Cable .

A two-wire or four-wire metallic distribution facility in PRTC’s network between the minimum point of entry for a building where a premises of a Customer is located (such a point, an “MPOE”) and the Rate Demarcation Point for such facility (or NID) if the NID is located at such Rate Demarcation Point).

 

2.45

Hybrid Loop .

The term “hybrid loop” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(2).

 

2.46

IDLC (Integrated Digital Loop Carrier) .

A subscriber Local Loop carrier system that integrates within the switch at a DS1 level, which is twenty-four (24) Local Loop transmission paths combined into a 1.544 Mbps digital signal.

 

2.47

ILEC (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier) .

Shall have the meaning stated in the Act.

 

2.48

Information Access .

The provision of specialized exchange telecommunications services in connection with the origination, termination, transmission, switching, forwarding or routing of telecommunications traffic to or from the facilities of a provider of information services, including a provider of Internet access or Internet transmission services.

 

2.49

Inside Wire or Inside Wiring .

All wire, cable, fiber, terminals, hardware, and other equipment or materials, on the Customer's side of the Rate Demarcation Point.

 

 

2.50

Internet Service Provider (ISP) .

 

An entity that offers computer processing, information storage, protocol conversion, and routing with transmission to enable users to access Internet content and services.

 

2.51

Internet Traffic .

Any traffic that is transmitted to or returned from the Internet at any point during the duration of the transmission.

 

2.52

InterLATA Service .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.53

IntraLATA .

Telecommunications that originate and terminate within the same LATA.

 

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2.54

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) .

A switched network service providing end-to-end digital connectivity for the simultaneous transmission of voice and data. Basic Rate Interface-ISDN (BRI-ISDN) provides for digital transmission of two (2) 64 kbps bearer channels and one (1) 16 kbps data and signaling channel (2B+D). Primary Rate Interface-ISDN (PRI-ISDN) provides for digital transmission of twenty-three (23) 64 kbps bearer channels and one (1) 64 kbps data and signaling channel (23B+D).

 

2.55

IXC (Interexchange Carrier) .

A Telecommunications Carrier that provides, directly or indirectly, InterLATA or IntraLATA Telephone Toll Services.

 

2.56

LATA (Local Access and Transport Area) .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.57

LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.58

LERG (Local Exchange Routing Guide) .

A Telcordia Technologies reference containing NPA/NXX routing and homing information.

 

2.59

LIDB (Line Information Data Base) .

Line Information databases which provide, among other things, calling card validation functionality for telephone line number cards issued by PRTC and other entities and validation data for collect and third number-billed calls(e.g., data for billed number screening).

 

2.60

Line Side .

An End Office Switch connection that provides transmission, switching and optional features suitable for Customer connection to the public switched network, including loop start supervision, ground start supervision and signaling for BRI-ISDN service.

 

2.61

Local Loop .

The term “local loop” has the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a).

 

2.62

MDF (Main Distribution Frame) .

The primary point at which outside plant facilities terminate within a Wire Center, for interconnection to other Telecommunications facilities within the Wire Center. The distribution frame used to interconnect cable pairs and line trunk equipment terminating on a switching system.

 

2.63

Measured Internet Traffic .

Dial-up, switched Internet Traffic originated by a Customer of one Party on that Party’s network at a point in a PRTC local calling area, and delivered to a Customer or an Internet Service Provider served by the other Party, on that other

 

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Party’s network at a point in the same PRTC local calling area. PRTC local calling areas shall be as defined by PRTC. Calls originated on a 1+ presubscription basis, or on a casual dialed (10XXX/101XXXX) basis, are not considered Measured Internet Traffic. For the avoidance of any doubt, Virtual Foreign Exchange Traffic (i.e., V/FX Traffic) (as defined in the Interconnection Attachment) does not constitute Measured Internet Traffic.

 

2.64

MECAB (Multiple Exchange Carrier Access Billing) .

A document prepared by the Billing Committee of the Ordering and Billing Forum (OBF), which functions under the auspices of the Carrier Liaison Committee (CLC) of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). The MECAB document, published by Telcordia Technologies as Special Report SR-BDS-000983, contains the recommended guidelines for the billing of an Exchange Access Service provided by two or more LECs, or by one LEC in two or more states, within a single LATA.

 

2.65

MECOD (Multiple Exchange Carriers Ordering and Design Guidelines for Access Services - Industry Support Interface) .

A document developed by the Ordering/Provisioning Committee under the auspices of the Ordering and Billing Forum (OBF), which functions under the auspices of the Carrier Liaison Committee (CLC) of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). The MECOD document, published by Telcordia Technologies as Special Report SR-STS-002643, establishes methods for processing orders for Exchange Access Service that is to be provided by two or more LECs.

 

2.65a

Mobile wireless service .

 

The term “mobile wireless service” shall have the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.5.

 

2.66

Subloop for Access to Multi-Unit Premises Wiring .

The term “subloops for access to multi-unit premises wiring” has the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(b)(2).

 

2.67

NANP (North American Numbering Plan) .

The system of telephone numbering employed in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and certain Caribbean islands. The NANP format is a 10-digit number that consist of a 3-digit NPA Code (commonly referred to as the area code), followed by a 3-digit NXX code and 4 digit line number.

 

2.68

Network Element .

Shall have the meaning stated in the Act.

 

2.69

NID (Network Interface Device) .

The term “NID” or “Network Interface Device” has the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(c).

 

2.70

NPA (Numbering Plan Area) .

Also sometimes referred to as an area code, is the first three-digit indicator of

 

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each 10-digit telephone number within the NANP. There are two general categories of NPA, "Geographic NPAs" and "Non-Geographic NPAs". A Geographic NPA is associated with a defined geographic area, and all telephone numbers bearing such NPA are associated with services provided within that geographic area. A Non-Geographic NPA, also known as a "Service Access Code" or "SAC Code" is typically associated with a specialized Telecommunications Service that may be provided across multiple geographic NPA areas. 500, 700, 800, 888 and 900 are examples of Non-Geographic NPAs.

 

2.71

NXX, NXX Code, Central Office Code or CO Code .

The three-digit switch entity indicator (i.e. the first three digits of a seven-digit telephone number).

 

2.72

Order .

An order or application to provide, change or terminate a Service (including, but not limited to, a commitment to purchase a stated number or minimum number of lines or other Services for a stated period or minimum period of time).

 

2.73

Originating Switched Access Detail Usage Data .

A category 1101XX record as defined in the EMI Telcordia Practice BR-010-200-010 and in an industry standard acceptable to both Parties.

 

2.74

Packet Switching

The term “packet switching” has the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(a)(2)(i).

 

2.75

POI (Point of Interconnection) .

The physical location where the Parties' respective facilities physically interconnect for the purpose of mutually exchanging their traffic. As set forth in the Interconnection Attachment, a Point of Interconnection shall be at (i) technically feasible points on PRTC’s network in Puerto Rico, and/or (ii) a fiber meet point to which the Parties mutually agree under the terms of this Agreement; and/or (iii) one or more collocation arrangements as provided for in the Collocation Attachment of this Agreement. By way of example, a technically feasible Point of Interconnection on PRTC’s network would include an applicable PRTC End Office Wire Center.

 

2.76

Point of Technically Feasible Access .

The term “point of technically feasible access” has the meaning given in 47 C.F.R. § 51.319(b)(1)(i) and 51.319(b)(2)(i).

 

2.77

Port .

A line card (or equivalent) and associated peripheral equipment on an End Office Switch that interconnects individual Local Loops or individual Customer trunks with the switching components of an End Office Switch and the associated switching functionality in that End Office Switch. Each Port is typically associated with one (or more) telephone number(s) that serves as the Customer's network address.

 

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2.78

Premises .

PRTC Central Offices and serving Wire Centers; all buildings or similar structures owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by PRTC that house its network facilities; all structures that house PRTC facilities on public rights-of-way, including, but not limited to, vaults containing loop concentrators or similar structures; and all land owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by PRTC that is adjacent to these Central Offices, Wire Centers, buildings, and structures.

 

2.79

Principal Document .

This document, including, but not limited to, the Title Page, the Table of Contents, the Preface, the General Terms and Conditions, the signature page, this Glossary, the Attachments, and the Appendices to the Attachments.

 

2.80

Providing Party .

A Party offering or providing a Service to the other Party under this Agreement.

 

2.81

Purchasing Party .

A Party requesting or receiving a Service from the other Party under this Agreement.

 

2.82

Rate Center Area .

The geographic area that has been identified by PRTC and approved by the Board (if such approval is required) as being associated with one or more NPA-NXX codes for its provision of Telephone Exchange Services. The Rate Center Area is the exclusive geographic area that PRTC has identified as the area within which it will provide Telephone Exchange Services bearing the particular NPA-NXX designation associated with the specific Rate Center Area.

 

2.83

Rate Center Point .

A specific geographic point, defined by a V&H coordinate, located within the Rate Center Area and used to measure distance for the purpose of billing for distance-sensitive Telephone Exchange Services and Toll Traffic. Pursuant to Telcordia Practice BR-795-100-100, the Rate Center Point may be an End Office location, or a "LEC Consortium Point Of Interconnection."

 

2.84

Rate Demarcation Point .

The physical point in a PRTC provided network facility at which PRTC’s responsibility for maintaining that network facility ends and the Customer’s responsibility for maintaining the remainder of the facility begins.

 

2.85

Reciprocal Compensation .

The arrangement for recovering, in accordance with Section 251(b)(5) of the Act, the FCC Internet Order, and other applicable FCC orders and FCC Regulations, costs incurred for the transport and termination of Reciprocal Compensation Traffic originating on one Party’s network and terminating on the other Party’s network (as set forth in Section 5 of the Interconnection Attachment).

 

2.86

Reciprocal Compensation Traffic .

 

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Telecommunications traffic originated by a Customer of one Party on that Party’s network and terminated to a Customer of the other Party on that other Party’s network, except for Telecommunications traffic that is interstate or intrastate Exchange Access, Information Access, or exchange services for Exchange Access or Information Access. The determination of whether Telecommunications traffic is Exchange Access or Information Access shall be based upon PRTC’s local calling areas as defined by PRTC. Reciprocal Compensation Traffic does not include the following traffic (it being understood that certain traffic types may fall into more than one (1) of the categories below that do not constitute Reciprocal Compensation Traffic): (1) any Internet Traffic; (2) traffic that does not originate and terminate within the same PRTC local calling area as defined by PRTC and as approved by the Board (if such approval is required), and based on the actual originating and terminating points of the complete end-to-end communication; (3) Toll Traffic, including, but not limited to, calls originated on a 1+ presubscription basis, or on a casual dialed (10XXX/101XXXX) basis; (4) special access, private line, Frame Relay, ATM, or any other traffic that is not switched by the terminating Party; (5) Tandem Transit Traffic; (6) Voice Information Service Traffic (as defined in Section 5 of the Additional Services Attachment); or, (7) Virtual Foreign Exchange Traffic (or V/FX Traffic) (as defined in the Interconnection Attachment).

 

2.87

Retail Prices .

The prices at which a Service is provided by PRTC at retail to subscribers who are not Telecommunications Carriers.

 

2.88

Routing Point .

A specific geographic point identified by a specific V&H coordinate. The Routing Point is used to route inbound traffic to specified NPA-NXXs.

 

2.89

Service .

Any Interconnection arrangement, Network Element, Telecommunications Service, Collocation arrangement, or other service, facility or arrangement, offered by a Party under this Agreement.

 

2.90

SS7 (Signaling System 7) .

The common channel out-of-band signaling protocol developed by the Consultative Committee for International Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). PRTC and CSPR currently utilize this out-of-band signaling protocol.

 

2.91

Subloop .

A Copper Subloop or Subloop for Access to a Multi-Unit Premises Wiring.

 

2.92

Subsidiary .

A corporation or other person that is controlled by a Party.

 

2.93

Sub-Loop Distribution Facility .

A two-wire or four-wire metallic distribution facility in PRTC’s network between a PRTC feeder distribution interface ("FDI") and the Rate Demarcation Point for

 

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such facility (or NID if the NID is located at such Rate Demarcation Point).

 

2.94

Sub-Loop Feeder Facility .

A DS1 or DS3 transmission path over a feeder facility in PRTC’s network between a PRTC End Office and either a PRTC remote terminal equipment enclosure (an “RTEE”) that subtends such End Office or a PRTC FDI that subtends the End Office.

 

2.95

Switched Exchange Access Service .

The offering of transmission and switching services for the purpose of the origination or termination of Toll Traffic. Switched Exchange Access Services include but may not be limited to: Feature Group A, Feature Group B, Feature Group D, 700 access, 800 access, 888 access and 900 access.

 

2.96

Tandem Switch.

A switching entity that has billing and recording capabilities and is used to connect and switch trunk circuits between and among End Office Switches and between and among End Office Switches and carriers' aggregation points, points of termination, or points of presence, and to provide Switched Exchange Access Services.

 

2.97

Tariff .

 

 

2.97.1

Any applicable Federal or Commonwealth tariff of a Party filed with and subject to the review of the FCC or the Board, as amended from time-to-time; or

 

 

2.97.2

Any document filed or posted in accordance with applicable regulations, as amended from time-to-time, that sets forth the generally available terms, conditions and prices under which a Party offers a Service.

 

 

2.98

Telcordia Technologies .

Telcordia Technologies, Inc., formerly known as Bell Communications Research, Inc. (Bellcore).

 

2.99

Telecommunications Carrier .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.100

Telecommunications Services .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.101

Telephone Exchange Service .

Shall have the meaning set forth in the Act.

 

2.102

Terminating Switched Access Detail Usage Data .

A category 1101XX record as defined in the EMI Telcordia Practice BR-010-200-010 and acceptable to both Parties.

 

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2.103

Third Party Claim .

A Claim where there is (a) a claim, demand, suit or action by a person who is not a Party, (b) a settlement with, judgment by, or liability to, a person who is not a Party, or (c) a fine or penalty imposed by a person who is not a Party.

 

2.104

Toll Traffic .

Traffic that is originated by a Customer of one Party on that Party’s network and terminates to a Customer of the other Party on that other Party’s network and is not Reciprocal Compensation Traffic, Measured Internet Traffic, or Ancillary Traffic. Toll Traffic may be either “IntraLATA Toll Traffic” or “InterLATA Toll Traffic”, depending on whether the originating and terminating points are within the same LATA.

 

2.105

Toxic or Hazardous Substance .