scope:

This standard describes and defines above-baseline physical threats to telecommunications links. It does not provide mitigating measures against stresses resulting from the threats. However, this standard does serve as a foundation to build specifications for concrete mitigating measures as needs arise. Such measures depend on specific stresses and are developed on a case-by-case basis. Because these are above-baseline threats, the stresses, application and methodology to mitigate them shall be negotiated by the service requester with each individual carrier. The basis for application of abovebaseline standards to specific telecommunications links will depend on the service requesters' needs for economical mitigation, as the service requesters will be responsible for costs in excess of baseline mitigation measures.

The threats characterized here are beyond those described in ANSI T1.328. The threats, however, may occur, but not in all locations. How and when they occur depends on geography, natural forces, and man-made forces. The nature of these above-baseline threats is unpredictable. As such, they can only be characterized in terms of probabilities or be based on worst-case historical occurrence. The abovebaseline threats in this standard are believed to be at the upper limit of reasonable probability, but have some chance of being exceeded in extraordinary circumstances. Threats from terrorism and war are not specifically considered in this standard but may in effect overlap with certain threats that are considered (e.g., nearby blast effects from construction activities).

Purpose

The purpose of the standard is to provide a common understanding of the nature of above-baseline physical threats that can place stress on telecommunications links. This common understanding will provide a basis for discussion and planning, to both providers and users of telecommunications links, when developing protection measures over and above those generally applied by service providers.

Application

The above-baseline physical threats described in this standard apply to telecommunications links. The application of above-baseline standards to specific telecommunications links is recognized as a rare and exceptional measure. No telecommunications carrier (regulated or unregulated) shall be expected to implement any above-baseline standard on a gratis basis. Accordingly, any requestor of such a measure shall be expected, on a case-by-case basis, to initiate and successfully conclude negotiations with respective service provider(s). These negotiations shall consider not only the feasibility, but also the additional cost of providing and maintaining above-baseline services.