Sec.  51.509   Rate structure standards for specific elements.

   In addition to the general rules set forth in  Sec. 51.507, rates for specific
   elements shall comply with the following rate structure rules.

   (a)  Local loop and subloop. Loop and subloop costs shall be recovered
   through flat-rated charges.

   (b) Local switching. Local switching costs shall be recovered through a
   combination of a flat-rated charge for line ports and one or more flat-rated
   or per-minute usage charges for the switching matrix and for trunk ports.

   (c) Dedicated transmission links. Dedicated transmission link costs shall be
   recovered through flat-rated charges.

   (d) Shared transmission facilities between tandem switches and end offices.
   The costs of shared transmission facilities between tandem switches and end
   offices may be recovered through usage-sensitive charges, or in another
   manner consistent with the manner that the incumbent LEC incurs those costs.

   (e)  Tandem switching. Tandem switching costs may be recovered through
   usage-sensitive charges, or in another manner consistent with the manner
   that the incumbent LEC incurs those costs.

   (f) Signaling and call-related database services. Signaling and call-related
   database service costs shall be usage-sensitive, based on either the number
   of queries or the number of messages, with the exception of the dedicated
   circuits known as signaling links, the cost of which shall be recovered
   through flat-rated charges.

   (g) Collocation. Collocation costs shall be recovered consistent with the
   rate  structure  policies  established in the Expanded Interconnection
   proceeding, CC Docket No. 91–141.

   (h) Network interface device. An incumbent LEC must establish a price for
   the  network  interface  device when that unbundled network element is
   purchased on a stand-alone basis pursuant to  Sec. 51.319(c).

   [ 61 FR 45619 , Aug. 29, 1996, as amended at  68 FR 52306 , Sept. 2, 2003]