FCC said Verizon Thurs. proposed ’significant reduction’ in its R...
FCC said Verizon Thurs. proposed “significant reduction” in its R.I. switching rates and agency asked for comments by Feb. 19 on proposal. Reduction came as FCC was reviewing Verizon’s Sec. 271 request to enter long distance business in R.I.…
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FCC said parties had raised concern about switching rates Verizon charged to competitors in R.I. and whether they fell within “reasonable range” of total element long-range incremental cost (TELRIC) standards. Verizon’s R.I. application relied in part on benchmark comparison of switching rates in N.Y. and Mass., FCC said. However on Jan. 28, N.Y. PSC adopted new rates, “which are 50% lower than Verizon’s previous N.Y. switching rates,” thus changing that benchmark, FCC notice said. As result, Verizon must file to reduce switching rates it used in its application. FCC asked for comment on whether new rates “fall within the reasonable range that correct application of TELRIC principles would produce.” It emphasized that its issuance of public notice didn’t represent decision to use new rates in its deliberations. FCC said it expected Sec. 271 application to stand as filed but, if new material were submitted, it “retains the discretion” to consider it, start new 90-day review period or to give new material no weight. FCC is scheduled to act on Verizon’s R.I. petition by Feb. 24.