November 9, 2004

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today granted Broadwing Communications, LLC a temporary license to provide basic local exchange service, finding it to be in the public interest. The Commission also temporarily amended the license of Talk America Inc to provide basic local exchange service.

The Broadwing Communications on Sept. 22 filed an application for a license to provide basic local exchange service in the exchanges currently served by Verizon North Inc., Verizon North Systems and SBC Michigan. At the same time, the company requested a temporary license to allow it to begin the prompt negotiation of interconnection agreements.

The Commission conditioned the temporary license on compliance with the Commission's anti-slamming procedures, the number portability provisions of the Michigan Telecommunications Act, and the Commission's number reclamation process.
Before beginning to offer service under the temporary license, Broadwing Communications LLC must submit its tariff reflecting the services it will offer and identifying the exchanges in which it will offer service.

The Commission also temporarily amended Talk America's license to provide basic local exchange service to include all exchanges currently served by SBC Michigan, Verizon North Inc. and Verizon North Systems, finding it in the public interest. The company on Oct. 13 filed an application to amend its license. Talk America's temporarily amended license is subject to the same conditions mentioned above.
Talk America is headquartered in Reston, Va.
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Cases Nos. U-14294, U-14311

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