Commission Document

• Print
• Email

PUBLIC NOTICE

Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th St., S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D.C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

DA 12-1619

Released: October 10, 2012

COMMENTS INVITED ON APPLICATION OF VERIZON SELECT SERVICES INC. TO 

DISCONTINUE DOMESTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

WC Docket No. 12-298

Comp. Pol. File No. 1055

Comments Due: October 25, 2012

Section 214 Application
Applicant: Verizon Select Services Inc.

On 

September 21, 2012, Verizon Select Services Inc. 

(VSSI or Applicant), located at 

One 

Verizon Way, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

, filed an application with the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC or Commission) requesting authority, under section 214 of the Communications Act 
of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 214, and section 63.71 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 63.71, to 
discontinue certain domestic telecommunications services in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, 
Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (collectively Service Areas).1
VSSI indicates that it currently offers TDM-based interstate long distance private line services at 
DS-3 (44.736 Mbps) bandwidth and below (Private Line services) in the Service Areas.  VSSI describes 
its Private Line services as long distance point-to-point communications channels that offer voice, video 
and data services over non-switched, non-usage sensitive dedicated facilities.  VSSI explains that it 
provides these services between its Points of Presence, and that the services offer two-way simultaneous 
transmission at various bandwidths that the customer can select.  VSSI states, however, that it plans to 
discontinue these services because demand is declining as the marketplace moves to next generation 
technologies that provide higher bandwidths, a wider range of applications and greater value.  In its notice 
to customers, VSSI specifies that the Private Line services it plans to discontinue include the following 
services as referenced in VSSI’s product guide: Long Distance Private Line Service, Long Distance 
Private Line Service II, Direct Line Service, Digital Private Line Service II and Global Private Line 
Service.  VSSI also specifies that, on or after November 21, 2012 and subject to Commission 
authorization, it plans to no longer offer its Private Line services to the public subject to certain 
grandfathering restrictions.  VSSI explains that, on or after November 21, 2012, existing customers will 
be able to retain their service in accordance with the terms and conditions of their existing contracts, but 
VSSI plans to no longer accept new orders or orders for moves, adds, or changes to existing Private Line 
services except as required by contract.  VSSI further explains that, upon expiration of existing contracts, 
it will ask customers to transition to alternative services, but it will continue to provide Private Line 
services on a month-to-month basis as remaining customers transition, until it discontinues the services 
entirely.  VSSI maintains that the public convenience and necessity will not be impaired by the proposed 
 
 
1 The application was subsequently received in the Competition Policy Division of the Wireline Competition Bureau 
on September 26, 2012.

---

discontinuance because VSSI’s affiliates will continue to provide newer, more advanced alternatives like 
Private IP and Ethernet, and many other providers offer similar services.  VSSI indicates that it notified 
affected customers of the proposed discontinuance by letters sent via first class U.S. mail on 
September 21, 2012.  VSSI states that it is considered non-dominant with respect to the services to be 
discontinued.
In accordance with section 63.71(c) of the Commission’s rules, VSSI’s application will be 
deemed to be granted automatically on the 31st day after the release date of this public notice, unless the 
Commission notifies VSSI that the grant will not be automatically effective.  In its notice to customers, 
VSSI indicates that on or after November 21, 2012 and subject to Commission authorization, it plans to 
no longer offer its Private Line services to the public subject to certain grandfathering restrictions 
governing the wind down and eventual termination of VSSI’s Private Line services.  Accordingly, 
pursuant to section 63.71(c) and the terms of VSSI’s notice, absent further Commission action, VSSI may 
cease to offer and may discontinue Private Line services in the Service Areas on or after 

November 21, 
2012

, in accordance with VSSI’s filed representations.  The Commission normally will authorize 
proposed discontinuances of service unless it is shown that customers or other end users would be unable 
to receive service or a reasonable substitute from another carrier, or that the public convenience and 
necessity would be otherwise adversely affected.
Comments objecting to this application must be filed with the Commission on or before 

October 25, 2012

.  Such comments should refer to 

WC Docket No. 12-298 and Comp. Pol. File 
No. 1055

.  Comments should include specific information about the impact of this proposed 
discontinuance on the commenter, including any inability to acquire reasonable substitute service.  
Comments may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing 
paper copies.  See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).  
Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: 
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.  Filers should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for 
submitting comments.  Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed.  In completing 
the transmittal screen, filers should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the 
applicable docket or rulemaking number.
Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.  Filings can 
be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight 
U.S. Postal Service mail.  All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the 
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.  All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper 
filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th Street, S.W., 
Room TW-A325, Washington, D.C. 20554.  The filing hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 
7:00 p.m.  All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners.  Any envelopes and 
boxes must be disposed of before entering the building.  Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. 
Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol 
Heights, MD 20743.  U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 
12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.
Two copies of the comments should also be sent to the Competition Policy Division, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Room 5-C140, 
Washington, D.C. 20554, Attention: Carmell Weathers.  In addition, comments should be served upon the 
Applicant.  Commenters are also requested to fax their comments to the FCC at (202) 418-1413, 
Attention: Carmell Weathers.
2

---

This proceeding is considered a “permit but disclose” proceeding for purposes of the 
Commission’s ex parte rules.2  Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written 
presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the 
presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies).  Persons making oral 
ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all 
persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, 
and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation 
consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter’s 
written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to 
such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant 
page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them 
in the memorandum.  Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are 
deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b).  In 
proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of 
electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, 
and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that 
proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf).  Participants in 
this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules.
People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities 
(Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (tty).
For further information, contact Carmell Weathers, (202) 418-2325 (voice), 
carmell.weathers@fcc.gov, or Rodney McDonald, (202) 418-7513 (voice), rodney.mcdonald@fcc.gov, of 
the Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau.  The tty number is (202) 418-0484.  For 
further information on procedures regarding section 214 please visit 
http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/cpd/other_adjud.
– FCC –
 
 
2 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200 et seq.
3

---