B8ZS Charges
B8ZS is an access-related charge for maximizing the effective carrying capacity of any single channel line from 56 to 64 Kbps, and is based on the circuit’s Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) and Local Access and Transport Area (LATA). When you order T1 access you have to choose between AMI (Alternate Mark Inversion) or B8ZS for line-coding.  B8ZS is used anytime you want to use the additional 8Kpbs to get full 64Kbps per channel bandwidth.  It is typically used with data services rather than strictly analog.

Due to limitations in our invoicing system, Sprint was unable to correctly pass along these charges to the customer until the implementation of the Private Line Re-Engineering Project on 5/1/03.  Only non-special priced dedicated voice customers billing out of IPS were systematically impacted.

There have been several questions lately inquiring about the location of the B8ZS (clear channel capability) charges.  B8ZS charges can be…[researched by the ISO Billing and Customer Care Dept using the “How to open a Billing Inquiry” guidelines provided by CMS.]

·           Sprint does not charge an MRC for this functionality except where GTE is the LEC.  Where GTE is the LEC a $24 MRC applies for every T1 when B8ZS is ordered.

·           For Locations where Sprint or BellSouth is the LEC, Sprint waives the NRC if B8ZS is ordered on a new circuit.  However, if B8ZS is ordered an upgrade to existing circuits, an NRC applies.  For all other locations, an NRC applies on new circuits and upgrades to existing circuits.

To determine the actual charge for your customer, first locate the appropriate LATA/State in the matrix and then determine the appropriate LEC.  Only the MRC & NRC associated with the customers LEC apply to that particular customer.  For example, only one MRC & NRC for LATA 226 (PA) would apply depending on the LEC:

·         Bell Atlantic:  MRC = $0, NRC = $0

·         Sprint:            MRC = $0, NRC = $0 if a new circuit, $295 if an upgrade to existing

·         Contel:           MRC = $0, NRC = $800, new or existing circuit upgrade

·         GTE:              MRC = $24, NRC = $90, new or existing circuit upgrade