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Agenda

Session Overview (9:45 am - 10:15 am) Stephanie Cowart, Bell South Megan Campbell, ATIS The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Due to the New Competitive Environment (10:15 am - 12:30 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint

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Agenda

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  1. Session Overview(9:45 am - 10:15 am) Stephanie Cowart, Bell South Megan Campbell, ATIS The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Due to the New Competitive Environment (10:15 am - 12:30 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint TecForum Luncheon (12:30 pm - 2:00 pm) Solutions to the Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Panel Discussion:The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (3:00 pm - 3:30 pm) Megan Campbell, ATIS Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Tami Spocogee, MCI WorldCom Rebecca Mitchell, U S WEST Randall Reeves, BellSouth Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Ken Havens, Sprint Networking Break (3:30 pm - 3:45 pm) Truth in Billing (3:45 pm - 4:15 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Future Products and Services and the Resulting Billing Challenges (4:15 pm - 4:45 pm) Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Randall Reeves, BellSouth Ken Havens, Sprint Agenda

  2. Billing Challenges in the Age of Converged Networks Solutions to the Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Betty Cockrell Industry Relations Liaison Billing Concepts Andrew Darcy Project Development Manager Sprint Tami Spocogee Senior Manager, Financial Operations MCI WorldCom Senior Management Consultant United Information Technologies

  3. Basic Problems (Review) • Telephone Numbers No Longer Are Carrier Specific • Telephone Numbers Are Losing Geographic Significance • Numbering Information is Needed, Near-Real Time, at the Individual Telephone Number Level • Existing Industry Databases Do Not Support These Needs

  4. Activities At ATIS Sponsored Committees • 13 Sponsored Committees/Forums • www.atis.org

  5. T1S1 • Local Number Portability • Number Pooling • Local Service Provider Identification

  6. INC • Local Number Portability • Number Pooling

  7. NIIF/NIAC Issues • #131 - Identification of Service Providers for Circuit Switched Calls • Issue Statement - In a multi-service provider environment (e.g. resale, unbundling, interconnection) there is a need for a defined architecture(s) to identify entities (companies) that are involved in circuit-switched calls to facilitate billing and auditing. • Status

  8. Toll Fraud Prevention Committee • Due to the sensitive nature of topics discussed by this committee, the TFPC works under mandatory non-disclosure agreements. • TFPC Activities • Issue 057 - LNP Fraud • Issue 058 - Fraud Prevention for Local Resale

  9. OBF • Billing Committee • Issue 1182 - Unique Identifier for Each Industry Segment Representative • Issue 1783 - National Repository for Notification Information • Message Processing Committee • Issue 1496 - Line Level Database

  10. Previous Analyses • Information is Required at a 10 Digit, Line Level Degree of Detail • Network Signaled vs Database Lookup Approaches were Studied • Pros and Cons were Highlighted and Debated

  11. Network Pros • Information is available real time • Branding • Call blocking • Information is available from all network elements that are capable • Internal ordering processes can be used • Information remains proprietary

  12. Network Cons • Cost to implement may be prohibitive • All network providers must participate • All signaling is not technically capable • One weak link destroys the integrity • Increases call setup/response times • T1S1 did not approve the LSPI signaling standard

  13. Network Cons (cont.) • Requires full forward and backward signaling on every call; on every “leg” • Requires compatible interaction with other network dB’s (i.e.:BVDB’s) that may not be UNE or Resale compliant • Requires all/multiple carrier values to be signaled and recorded by the network (switch owner, account owner, billing provider)

  14. Network Cons (cont.) • Facility providers would have to bear the costs & maintenance efforts without cost recovery potential • If not available from the network, the information is not available at all • Signal/Recording failures • Only recording company has the information, all other carriers are dependent • No historical data is available to anyone else

  15. Database Pros • Several models already exist and could be enhanced • LNP dB’s • Telcordia Traffic Routing Admin Products • Billing Validation dB’s • More timely to implement short and long term solutions

  16. Database Pros (cont.) • Call processing (routing) not impacted • Implementation timeline and the exact solution is not Carrier specific • No network impact • cost to load • call setup degradation

  17. Database Pros (cont.) • Real time update is not required • Information is available to all providers • Solution is effective for non-network issues • Other information services • Directory Listings • Carrier PIC Issues

  18. Database Pros (cont.) • Historical is available for • Delayed implementation • Fraud investigation • Recovery purposes

  19. Database Cons • Funding for development and maintenance • To be thoroughly effective all code owners must participate • Data update and maintenance • Who • How • Cost recovery

  20. Database Cons (cont) • May not be viable “real-time” • Internal lookups required to acquire data for: • Message processing • Call Blocking

  21. Recent Events • Consensus was reached to pursue a database solution • A joint work team was established to identify detailed requirements • A RFI document was circulated to the vendor community & received very positive response

  22. Recent Events (cont) • Responses indicate an overall interest from the vendor community • Responses available on the ATIS Web at http://www.atis.org/clc/obf/rfi.htm • OBF has approved working towards the creation of a RFP, scheduled completion - 4Q00

  23. Vendor Feedback • Different phased approaches were suggested: • Phasing of Exception vs. All-Inclusive database • Phasing of TN-level vs. other levels of detail. The Switch-level, Company-level, and NPANXX-levels would be later phases. • Detailed responses also indicated the database could be scaled to the upper-limits of the required size.

  24. Design Considerations • Population Mechanism/Source • New fields may need to be added but suggested data sources include: • Service Orders • CARE process • Existing Industry Databases (e.g. NPAC, TRA, LIDB, NECA, etc.) • Direct Company Input • While no concrete methods were recommended to integrate the information from various sources into the database, some responses contained initial data source diagrams.

  25. Design Considerations • The OBF and other industry sources will need to cooperate in order to obtain all of the necessary data elements • Vendor responses addressed a wide range of access methods, including: • Online, Real-Time Query • Internet-Based • Batch Download, Batch Query

  26. Design Considerations • A variety of output formats were also supported in the vendor responses, including: • Initial database loads • Transactional updates • Historical information • Adhoc queries & reports

  27. Funding • Market-Driven vs. Industry Mandated approaches were discussed. • Responses suggested several cost recovery mechanisms for both startup and ongoing operational costs. A sample of what was received included: • Membership Fees • Contractual Fees • Transactional or Usage-Sensitive Fees • Flat-Rate Fees • Input Cost Recovery • View-Only Fees

  28. Implementation Timelines • Although more information was required for detailed responses, illustrative timelines ranged from a 6-month timeframe (2Q2000), to a 3-year timeframe (1Q2003), depending on the phased approach selected. • The full set of refined OBF requirements will determine the availability of all or phased data elements, download options, etc.

  29. Key Issues • Will everyone participate? • Is FCC involvement needed? • Sizing • How many database entries • Query and Transaction volumes • Input & Output • Historical data requirements • Volume of users • Number of companies utilizing the database • Funding Mechanisms • Initial & Ongoing • Should a network-based solution continue to be pursued? • What are the Company legal considerations?

  30. Conclusions • The National Repository Database is technically viable • Vendors are interested in providing a solution • Requirements need refinement & clarification • The OBF will move forward with the next steps towards a RFP

  31. Access Billing Solutions • Notification • Current process includes manual notification. National Repository will allow electronic notification to be performed • Bill Rendering • National Repository will provide information required to identify correct billing parties. However, a network solution would allow identification at call set up

  32. Access Billing Solutions • Bill Verification • National Repository will assist in the identification of the vendor that will be rendering access invoices. • A network solution would allow the identification to be passed with the call records to accomplish a “Real Time” solution.

  33. Contact Information Betty Cockrell Billing Concepts 7411 John Smith Drive Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 949-7170 betty.cockrell@billingconcepts.com Andrew Darcy UIT/Sprint 9225 Indian Creek Parkway Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 433-8268 andrew.p.darcy@mail.sprint.com Tami Spocogee MCI WorldCom 6929 N. Lakewood Ave. MO3.1-107I Tulsa, OK 74117 (918) 590-5321 tami.spocogee@wcom.com

  34. Session Overview(9:45 am - 10:15 am) Stephanie Cowart, Bell South Megan Campbell, ATIS The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Due to the New Competitive Environment (10:15 am - 12:30 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint TecForum Luncheon (12:30 pm - 2:00 pm) Solutions to the Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Panel Discussion:The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (3:00 pm - 3:30 pm) Megan Campbell, ATIS Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Tami Spocogee, MCI WorldCom Rebecca Mitchell, U S WEST Randall Reeves, BellSouth Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Ken Havens, Sprint Networking Break (3:30 pm - 3:45 pm) Truth in Billing (3:45 pm - 4:15 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Future Products and Services and the Resulting Billing Challenges (4:15 pm - 4:45 pm) Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Randall Reeves, BellSouth Ken Havens, Sprint Agenda

  35. Billing Challenges in the Age of Converged Networks Panel Discussion: The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Jill Blakeley Time Warner Telecom Megan Campbell ATIS Betty Cockrell Billing Concepts Andrew Darcy Sprint Dean Grady MCI WorldCom Ken Havens Sprint Rebecca Mitchell U S WEST Randall Reeves BellSouth Tami Spocogee MCI WorldCom

  36. Contact Information Jill Blakeley Time Warner Telecom 10475 Park Meadows Drive Littleton, CO 80124 (303) 566-5830 jill.blakeley@twtelecom.com Megan Campbell ATIS 1200 G Street NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 434-8847 mcampbel@atis.com Betty Cockrell Billing Concepts 7411 John Smith Drive Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 949-7170 betty.cockrell@billingconcepts.com Andrew Darcy Sprint 9225 Indian Creek Parkway Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 433-8268 andrew.p.darcy@mail.sprint.com Dean Grady MCI WorldCom 22001 Loudoun County Parkway Ashburn, VA 20147 (703) 886-1220 dean.grady@wcom.com Ken Havens Sprint 9225 Indian Creek Parkway Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 433-8012 ken.r.havens@mail.sprint.com Rebecca Mitchell U S WEST 1801 California Room 450 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 965-3796 ramitch@uswest.com Randall Reeves BellSouth 600 North 19th Street 28th Floor Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 321-4016 randall.e.reeves@bridge.bellsouth.com Tami Spocogee MCI WorldCom 6929 N. Lakewood Ave. MO3.1-107I Tulsa, OK 74117 (918) 590-5321 tami.spocogee@wcom.com

  37. Session Overview(9:45 am - 10:15 am) Stephanie Cowart, Bell South Megan Campbell, ATIS The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence Due to the New Competitive Environment (10:15 am - 12:30 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint TecForum Luncheon (12:30 pm - 2:00 pm) Solutions to the Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Panel Discussion:The Loss of NPA-NXX Intelligence (3:00 pm - 3:30 pm) Megan Campbell, ATIS Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Andrew Darcy, UIT/Sprint Tami Spocogee, MCI WorldCom Rebecca Mitchell, U S WEST Randall Reeves, BellSouth Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Ken Havens, Sprint Networking Break (3:30 pm - 3:45 pm) Truth in Billing (3:45 pm - 4:15 pm) Betty Cockrell, Billing Concepts Dean Grady, MCI WorldCom Future Products and Services and the Resulting Billing Challenges (4:15 pm - 4:45 pm) Jill Blakeley, Time Warner Telecom Randall Reeves, BellSouth Ken Havens, Sprint Agenda

  38. Billing Challenges in the Age of Converged Networks Truth In Billing Dean Grady Senior Manager-Mass Markets Billing Systems, Information Technology Group MCI WorldCom Betty Cockrell Industry Relations Liaison Billing Concepts

  39. What is “Truth in Billing?” • CC Docket No. 98-170 (Document FCC 99-072) • “The importance of clear and informative bills in competitive telecommunications markets”

  40. Purpose of the Order • “To ensure that consumers receive thorough, accurate, and understandable bills from their telecommunications carriers.”

  41. Three Broad Principles • Consumer telephone bills be clearly organized, clearly identify the service provider, and highlight any new providers; • Bills contain full and non-misleading descriptions of charges that appear therein; and, • Bills contain clear and conspicuous disclosure of any information the consumer may need to make inquiries about, or contest charges, on the bill.

  42. Other Directives • Carriers must identify on bills charges for which failure to pay will not result in disconnection of the customer's basic, local service • Adopted: April 15, 1999 • Released: May 11, 1999

  43. Cramming and Slamming • The Telecommunications Act of 1996, while opening up local phone markets to competition, is alleged to have led to an increase in Slamming and Cramming complaints • Cramming vs. Slamming • Slamming occurs when a company changes a subscriber's carrier selection without that subscriber's knowledge or explicit authorization • Cramming refers to the practice of causing unauthorized, misleading, or deceptive charges to be placed on consumers' telephone bills

  44. Problems for the Customer • Slamming • Cramming • Misleading charges on phone bills • Unclear contact information • Examples of problems cited in the Truth in Billing Order

  45. Problems & Challenges for Companies • Disclosure of Federally mandated fees • Fair, competitive access to Billing arrangements and data for Telephone-Number based billing. (Cramming Concerns) • Disclosure of new service provider information • (Subscribed vs. non-Subscribed Services)

  46. Problems & Challenges for Companies (cont.) • Organization of Billing Information • Disclosure of Deniable vs. Non-deniable Charges • Highlighting of New Service Providers • Sorting by Service Providers • Disclosure of Long-Distance (and Local) Resale Information • No Universal Numbering Scheme for LD Resellers (No Reseller “CIC”) • Carrier Identification Not Always Available

  47. Ordering and Billing Forum Role in Dealing with Truth in Billing OBF Committees Dealing with These Issues

  48. Message Processing Committee • Role of Committee • Defines Record Exchange guidelines for End-User Billing • Technical Guidelines • EMI (Exchange Message Interface Document) • The EMI is a guideline used for the interexchange of telecommunications message information between Exchange Carriers (ECs) and Interexchange Carriers (ICs). Data is provided between companies via a unique record layout that contains customer billing information, account summary and tracking analysis.

  49. Subscription Committee • Role of Committee • Provides a forum for customers and providers to develop common definitions and recommendations for resolution of national subscription issues and maintains the Equal Access Subscription, Customer Account Record Exchange (CARE) document. • Technical Guidelines • CARE • Guidelines and recommendations include but are not limited to: • Carrier selection • Account maintenance • End user information • Resulting recommendations are intended to promote uniformity and should not be considered a mandatory standard.

  50. OBF Issues and Guidelines OBF Issues & Guidelines that help companies resolve “Truth-In-Billing” Concerns: • Deniable/Non-Deniable, Regulated/Non-Regulated Charges • Issue #1067: Denial/Non Denial Determination

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