This site is intended to provide information to facilities-based service providers, specifically Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), and Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), providers to assist them in interconnecting with Verizon under the provisions of Sections 251 and 252 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (TA96).

If you are a service provider seeking information about Verizon's Resale or Unbundled Network Element offerings, please visit Verizon's CLEC Support Site.

Prior to TA96, regulation of the telecommunications industry was premised on the belief that telecommunications services could be provided at the lowest cost to the maximum number of consumers through a regulated monopoly network. Rather than shielding Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) from competition through regulation, TA96 requires ILECs to open their networks to competitors.

Section 251(c)(2) requires ILECs, such as Verizon, to provide for the facilities and equipment of any requesting telecommunications carrier, including CMRS providers, interconnection with the ILEC's network:

• For the transmission and routing of telephone exchange service and exchange access
• At any technically feasible point within the ILEC's network
• That is at least equal in quality to that provided by the ILEC to itself or to any subsidiary, affiliate, or any other party to which the ILEC provides interconnection
• On rates, terms, and conditions that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory

This site contains Verizon's guidelines and information regarding Section 251/252 interconnection between Verizon and other service providers. While using this site, it is important to remember that terms and conditions found in individual interconnection agreements between Verizon and a service provider may differ from information presented within this site. Where differences exist between this site and the specific interconnection agreement between Verizon and the service provider, the individual agreement will prevail.