20240312TDS Telecom Level Communications Release 0311.pdf

Case No. POT-T-23-02
Order No. 36109
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

NEWS RELEASE: Commission approves interconnection agreement between telecom utilities.

BOISE (March 11, 2024) – The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an
interconnection agreement between TDS Telecom and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

An interconnection agreement sets out the terms under which local telephone companies do
business with each other when they serve the same area. The agreement is designed to eliminate
the need for a customer to subscribe to multiple networks in order to be able to communicate
with other customers.

Under the terms of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, interconnection agreements are
required to be submitted to the commission for approval. Telecom companies that enter into
interconnection agreements can negotiate terms, prices, and conditions that do not comply with
Federal Communications Commission rules or other regulations.

The agreement spells out the terms and conditions for the interconnection of Level 3’s network
to TDS Telecom’s network, and financial compensation for the transport and termination of
telecommunications traffic between TDS Telecom and Level 3, among other items.

Additional information is available at: puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7219.