radio station choke numbers on ISDN PRI 2

[RadioOne]

Hello,
I'm an engineer for a group of radio stations in D/FW.
I'm installing a new studio phone system (Telos Systems 2101)that requires an ISDN PRI for incoming numbers. My issue is the local telco is telling me they can't put my choke numbers on a ISDN PRI due to puc tarrifs. Choke lines are listener lines that go though a special telco switch designed to handle large number of calls so that a CO isn't shut down. (I contend that such a choke switch isn't really needed today since calls can be routed to different CO's these days that prevent CO congestion but
the phone compay doesn't see it that way). I could just get another phone number but we have had this particular one for 40 years and we would like to keep it. The telco won't foward this number to a lead number in a trunk group and just flat out don't want to help. I realize this is a long shot but I thought maybe someone here has had a simalar experience. Any thoughts are apreciated.

 

[SYQUEST]

You are correct in that SBC doesn't see it that way. They and the other Lecs also don't do it that way. The "Choke codes" are setup in special trunk groups and have special routes in the Tandem switches in class 4 and 5 offices. In California each end office (class 5) will only route two calls to "Choke codes". This is how they limit the traffic from overloading the PSTN.

Now with LNP and SS7 you do have some options! Just because the Lec, SBC/ATT, won't do it, doesn't mean you can't switch that number to another service provider that will provision the service to your needs, ie: ISDN PRI.

Try checking around and see if there are any providers that will meets your needs, but I would also ask about high traffic capacities.

Hope this helps!

....JIM....

 

[johnpoole]

syquest is right, that attitude is why secondary provideres are doing so well.. tarrif will not allow the service, that needs to read, the tarrif will not let us charge for that service.. and we are not going to apply for a varience..

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[GHTROUT]

Ever since a radio promo resulted in my 40 member COT route going ATB (1984 or so - a 2200 line SL-1 VLE with 2-port trunk cards), I have created either a two or three member route or just made use of some existing small group of trunks for a variety of "non essential" NXXs like Time, Weather, Radio, etc. That's how I choke calls




~

http://www.GHTROUT.com/

 

[ISDNman]

Sounds like the typical ILEC "we are the phone company - we don't have to care" attitude that still remains with most former Bell companies.

Have you filed a complaint with the PUC? Thank goodness state regulation still exists! Their job is to make the Telco care enough to serve the citizens and businesses of the state.

http://www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/complaints/complain.cfm

In this particular case, I'd take a "nice" tone stating that you are open to solutions, but that you have invested in a modern system to get the advantages offered by digital and don't see why you should settle for 100 year old analog technology that is available to every other user. Business users have been using PRI on PBX for over a decade. Why aren't you entitled to do so?

State that you are sure there must be a solution, but that the telco seems unwilling to work with you towards one.

Is it in the state's best interest to force businesses to use older technology? When asked in this way, even a corrupt PUC may worry about the consequences.

Also it is worth noting (as you more or less state) that since the modern SS7 network uses "Common Channel Signaling" that returns busy from the dialing central office, that your contests are unlikely to cause them trouble. (Though I should note that it does not completely eliminate the effect on the network since trunks will be *temporarily* assigned until the far end rejects the call with a cause of "user busy". No need to mention this to the PUC though).

BTW, you could port the number to a CLEC, and then port it from there back to your ILEC PRI, but it is going to be a hassle during the transition through two cutovers.

A couple of caveats. If you do decide to change numbers, or to go with a CLEC, make sure you have informed the Telco *in writing* what it is you are using the line for. Just to cover yourself - should there be problem you'll be able to prove you informed them.

Don't let them take your existing analog choke lines and deliver them over a channel bank. You'll lose the audio and signaling benefits of ISDN if you go this route.

Good luck

 

[SYQUEST]

I just came across an interesting item related to porting of choke/High Volume Call-in(HCVI) numbers. In the AT&T/SBC interconnection agreement "Limitations of Service" for LNP, they state: Porting of choke/High Volume Call-in numbers must be accomplished by mutually agreed upon and technically feasible method consistent with NANC approved processes.

The "interconnection agreement" is an operational document between the ILECs and CLECs so the PSTN will work and calls will be completed.

....JIM....