scope:

GENERAL

This document outlines Access Service Customer (ASC) and Access Service Provider (ASP) responsibilities for the Signaling System 7 (SS7) interface between carriers. It deals with the physical interconnecting trunks and link(s) as well as the software necessary to support the use of the link(s) to transport SS7 messages between carriers. It is intended to be a living document to aid operations work forces. It does not replace or supersede Tariffs, Contracts or any other legally binding documents. It is limited to procedures relating to the installation and maintenance of the SS7 trunks and link(s) and associated software used to interconnect and provide services between Interexchange and Access Service Providers. All networks which connect to ASCs and ASPs via SS7, should be expected to recognize these operational guidelines, as providers of public switched services regardless of whether or not they provide Public Switched Telephone Network services. For the purpose of this document, the terms, SS7 and CCS are interchangeable.