CG-STUG-001 Issue 1.28-August 4, 2006

The forms or actions described in this section must be completed as described before the CLEC can establish a "Q" account. The "Q" Account is used by BellSouth to bill the CLEC for the service ordered.

Note:
The time interval for Q account establishment is 30 days. Please be advised that BellSouth cannot accept requests for, or issue service orders before the effect date of the contract.

After the contract is signed, submit the necessary information and completed forms to the following address:
BellSouth Interconnection Services Advisory Team
10th Floor
600 N 19th ST
Birmingham, AL 35203
888-560-CLEC (888-560-2532)

Expect to receive a response in approximately 10 business days. An example of each form described, along with any accompanying instructions, can be found in Appendix A of this guide.

Proof of PSC/PUC Certification

Certification is the process by which the state Public Service/Utilities Commission (PSC/PUC) authorizes a CLEC to conduct business in a particular state. Since each state commission in BellSouth's nine-state region requires CLECs to be certified (licensed), the CLEC should contact the PSC/PUC in each state that it intends to offer service to determine certification requirements. Proof of such certification is required for the CLEC to complete BellSouth's Master Account Application.

Proof of Tax Exempt Status (if applicable)

CLECs must provide tax exemption certificates, as applicable, for federal, state, county, local, or other taxes. If proof is not provided, applicable taxes will be billed.

The letter referencing this requirement can be found in Appendix A of this guide. An example of the Certificate of Continuing Exemption from Federal Excise Tax on Telecommunications Services is also in Appendix A of this guide.

Credit and Deposit Policy

Before a new account can be established or orders can be submitted for processing, the CLEC must provide BellSouth with information to determine the CLEC's satisfactory credit and any deposit requirements. CLECs must provide proof of PSC/PUC certification and, if applicable, proof of tax-exempt status before submitting the credit profile.

The CLEC will need to complete the BellSouth Credit Profile. An example of this form is located in Appendix A of this guide. The form can be found on the Web at: Forms

Note:
Download the Acrobat Reader, if necessary, from the link, on this page, then click the PDF icon next to the form description to proceed to the form.

Deposits

A deposit is a sum of money or security obtained by BellSouth from the CLEC to ensure payment of an account. Deposits may be requested in connection with either new or existing service as a means of protection against lost revenue.

Accounts will be reviewed routinely and larger deposits will be requested on accounts when appropriate.

Deposits for CLEC accounts cannot be combined with, precluded by, or covered by deposits for other BellSouth services. Additional deposits may apply for additional services. Each deposit applies to only one individual "Q" Account.

Deposits should only be paid after state/PSC certification has been completed.

BellSouth will accept a Surety Bond or an Irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit in lieu of a cash deposit.

Surety Bonds

A Surety Bond is a legal obligation stating that a security company guarantees payment of accounts in the event of default by the bonded CLEC. The bond must be obtained from a security company meeting the requirements described on the BellSouth "Surety Bond" form, and it must be submitted on that form. An example of the BellSouth "Surety Bond" form is located in Appendix A of this guide.

Bank Letter Of Credit

A Bank Letter of Credit is a legal document issued by a financial institution guaranteeing a specific amount of money for a specific period of time. An example of the BellSouth "Standby Letter of Credit" is found in Appendix A of this guide.

Master Account Application (i.e., "Q" Account)

After completing the previous steps, the CLEC must complete the Master Account Application, which establishes a "Q" Account. The "Q" account is used to bill the CLEC for the services it orders for its customers.

Note:
Separate "Q" Accounts must be established for Resale, LNP, UNE Loops, and UNE Port Combos.

The CLEC will need the BellSouth Master Account Application - Competitive Local Exchange Carrier form. See Appendix A of this guide for a copy of this form.