Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996; Interconnection between Local Exchange Carriers and Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers; Implementation of Sections 3(n) and 332 of the Communications Act

The Report and Order released August 8, 1996 promulgates national rules and regulations implementing the statutory requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act) intended to encourage the development of competition in local exchange and exchange access markets. The Report and Order adopts certain national rules that are consistent with the terms and goals of the 1996 Act and adopts minimum requirements which states may augment with their own requirements that are consistent with the 1996 Act and the Commission's rules thereunder. The Report and Order also incorporates and resolves issues regarding interconnection between CMRS providers and LECs, which initially were raised in a separate docket. The Report and Order enables the states and the Commission to begin implementing the local competition provisions of the 1996 Act.