CenturyLink has submitted a proposal to the FCC requesting approval to conduct technology transition trials of IP business services in 12 of its wire centers located in Las Vegas, Nevada. In early 2014, the FCC initiated its Technology Transitions proceeding in which incumbent providers can apply to conduct a trial where they will replace TDM-based “legacy” services that are provided over copper lines with services provided over new communications technologies such as fiber, with an eye toward permanently discontinuing the legacy services while preserving the existing core values of the nation’s communications networks. Trial proposals were due February 20, 2014, but the FCC indicated it would consider proposals for up to one year after the initial deadline. Through its proposed trials, CenturyLink will explore the impacts of the TDM-to-IP transition on business end users and providers exchanging VoIP traffic through commercially negotiated connectivity utilizing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Two competitive local exchange carriers – Bandwidth.com and Inteliquent – will participate with CenturyLink in the trials. Along with its proposal, CenturyLink has requested a declaratory ruling that “CenturyLink’s participation in the trials will not in any way affect its preexisting regulatory obligations related to the exchange of voice traffic with other providers or create any new obligations.” Comments on CenturyLink’s proposal are due on or before December 22, 2014. Reply comments are due January 7, 2015.
