Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of Consumers' Long Distance Carriers

In this document we clarify certain issues pertaining to the Third Order on Reconsideration and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Reconsideration Order), regarding Unauthorized Changes of Consumers' Long Distance Carriers. In the Reconsideration Order, we stated that, given the proliferation of customers that are now or may soon be served by LECs that also provide interexchange services, it was necessary to require verification of long distance carrier change requests that occur when a customer initiates a call to a LEC. We clarify here that such verification by a LEC is required only when the carrier change involves the LEC or an affiliate of the LEC. In-bound customer requests to change long distance carriers, made directly to a LEC, remain exempted in cases where the LEC or its long distance affiliate is not the subject of the long distance carrier change.