[Asterisk-biz] Large volume inbound US provider request

[alex at pilosoft.com]

On Thu, 21 Jul 2005, Michael Welter wrote:

> As a CLEC i would have the authority to connect to a tandem switch in
> the PSTN.  Aside from that, are there any other advantages for an ITSP
> to file a CLEC tariff? 
If by saying "file a CLEC tariff" you mean "become a CLEC", it depends. 

For example, Vonage is not a CLEC in any of the states they operate (or at
least they weren't few months ago) - they simply buy from CLECs.

You want to be a CLEC if you 

a) depending on state, tax reasons (i.e. exemption from certain taxes)

b) legal reasons (again, depends on the state)

c) SS7 interconnection (which is probably what you are asking about): 
Instead of buying PRIs, you can buy IMTs. If you connect to a tandem, it 
will be an IMT. IMTs are much cheaper than PRI. You need proper SS7 gear).

d) getting your own 1000 blocks, porting the numbers yourself, etc.

Mainly, CLEC makes sense if you are planning to have lots of local traffic
in a given area (but then again, Vonage decided they don't need to). If
you are primarily IXC doing resale, then you probably don't want it.