GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

ACCESS LINE

A central office circuit or channel that provides access to the telephone network for local and long distance telephone services.

AIR LINE MEASUREMENT

The shortest distance between two points. A measurement for computation of mileage charges between termination points.

ANCILLARY DEVICES

All terminal equipment except telephone instruments, PBX‑PABX systems, key systems and data services.

ANSWERING EQUIPMENT

Equipment that will automatically answer incoming calls and make an announcement. It may also be equipped to record messages.

APPLICANT

Any person, partnership, corporation, or any combination thereof requesting service or action from the Company.

AUTHORIZED PROTECTIVE CONNECTING MODULE

A protective unit approved by the Company which is manufactured in accordance with the design set forth in Part 68 of the Federal Communications Commission’s Rules and Regulations.

AUTHORIZED USER

A person, firm or corporation (other than the customer) who has been authorized by the Company to communicate over a private line or channel according to these General Terms and Conditions and (1) on whose premise a station of the private line service is located or (2) who receives from or sends to the Customer over such private line or channel communications relating solely to the business of the Customer

BUILDING (Same)

A structure under one roof, or two or more structures under separate roofs but connected by passageways, in which the Company’s wires or cables can be safely run provided the plant facility requirements are not appreciably greater than would normally be required if all structures were under one roof. In those cases where there are several structures under separate roofs but connected by passageways and the plant facility requirements for furnishing telephone service are appreciably greater than would normally be required if all the structures were under one roof, the term “Same Building” applies individually to each of the separate structures.

BUSINESS SERVICE

Telecommunications service furnished to Customers where the primary or obvious use is of a business, professional, institutional or otherwise occupational nature.

CALL

An attempted communication, whether completed or not.

CALLING AREA

See “Local Service Area.”

CANCELLATION CHARGES

A charge applicable under certain conditions when the application for service and/or facilities is canceled in whole or in part prior to the completion of the work involved or before the contract period is completed.

CENTRAL OFFICE

A switching unit in a telecommunications system which provides service to the general public, having the necessary equipment and operating arrangements for the terminating and interconnecting of exchange lines and trunks or trunks only. There may be more than one central office in a building or exchange.

CHANNEL

A path, or combination of paths, for communication between two or more stations or Company offices and furnished in such a manner as the Company may elect, whether by wire, radio or a combination thereof and whether or not by means of a single physical facility or route.

CIRCUIT

A channel used for the transmission of energy in the furnishing of telephone and other communication services further described as:

(a) Two‑wire circuit: A circuit using one transmission path, which may be one carrier pair or one pair (two wires) of metallic conductors.

(b) Four‑wire circuit: A circuit using two one‑way transmission paths, which may be two carrier paths or two pairs (four wires) of metallic conductors

CLASS OF SERVICE

A description of telecommunications service furnished a Customer which denotes such characteristics such as nature of use (business or residence) or type of rate (flat or message rate). Classes of service are usually subdivided in grades, such as individual or multi‑party line.

COMMISSION

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Channels and other facilities which are capable, when not connected to exchange telecommunication service, of two-way communication between Customer‑provided terminal equipment.

COMPANY

Bright CLEC, LLC

COMPLEX SERVICE

The provision of a circuit requiring special treatment, special equipment or special engineering design.

CONDUIT

A tubular runway for cable facilities

CONNECTION

Denotes the establishment of telephone service. A move of existing service to a different premise requires a connection.

CONNECTION CHARGE

See “Service Charges.”

CONSTRUCTION CHARGE

A separate initial charge made for construction of pole lines, circuits, facilities, etc., in excess of that contemplated under the rates quoted in these General Terms and Conditions or Products and Services specific pricing.

CONTINUOUS PROPERTY

The plot of ground, together with any building thereon, occupied by the Customer, which is not divided by public highways or separated by property occupied by others. Where a Customer occupies property on both sides of a street, alley, highway, body of water, railroad right‑of‑way, etc., and the properties would otherwise be continuous, such properties are treated as continuous property, provided local wire or cable facilities are used and the Customer furnishes all local distribution pole line facilities or underground conduit required in connection therewith.

CONTRACT

The service agreement between a Customer and the Company under which service and facilities for communication between specified locations for designated periods and for the use of the Customer and its specifically named authorized users are furnished in accordance with the provisions of these General Terms and Conditions.

CONTRACT PERIOD

The length of time for which a Customer is responsible for the charges associated with the services, facilities, and equipment under contract.

COST OR COST BASIS