Source: https://smsgov.com/2013/11/05/breaking-history-sms800-to-be-restructured-centralized-database-system-to-allow-toll-free-customers-to-change-their-service-providers-without-having-to-change-their-numbers/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 06:29:55+00:00

Document:
By the Commission: Acting Chairwoman Clyburn and Commissioner Pai issuing separate statements.
In this Order, we approve the plan proposed by SMS/800, Inc., which oversees the toll free Service Management System (SMS), to assume tariffing authority and responsibility for SMS services, to change its membership and governance structure to be more representative of the community of SMS users, and to make other changes to the administration of the SMS.1 Currently, SMS/800, Inc.’s membership and governance consists of the three remaining regional Bell Operating Companies (BOCs), who are responsible for governing SMS/800, Inc. and for filing and enforcing the SMS/800 tariff.2 SMS/800, Inc. seeks to assume direct responsibility for filing and enforcing the tariff and to expand its membership and restructure its Board to include representatives from Responsible Organizations (RespOrgs) and Service Control Point (SCP) Owner/Operators,3 as well as independent non-industry members.4 We find that SMS/800, Inc.’s proposal is in the public interest because it will broaden participation in management of the SMS to better represent the community of users and will allow the provision of SMS services to be more responsive to the needs of toll free users. We also anticipate that the new corporate structure will reduce the cost of providing SMS service due to greater administrative efficiencies of the restructured corporation—in particular, once the restructuring and transition period are complete, SMS/800, Inc. employees will directly perform most of the necessary functions. Because our rules require the tariffed rates charged to RespOrgs to be based on the cost of providing SMS service, any savings realized as a result of SMS/800, Inc.’s corporate restructuring is likely to be reflected in lower tariffed rates for RespOrgs, which should in turn lead to lower charges for toll free subscribers.
The Commission grants these SMS/800, Inc. requests subject to Commission oversight and other requirements set forth below. These requirements will ensure that SMS/800, Inc. will administer the SMS equitably and without interruption.
SMS Administrator. The BOCs formed the SMS Management Team (SMT), which comprises a representative of each of the BOCs, to manage all aspects of SMS service.19 In response to the Commission’s 1993 mandate to create a centralized database system, the SMT selected Database Service Management, Inc. (DSMI) to serve as the SMS administrator.
On September 13, 2012, SMS/800, Inc. filed a request to change its membership and governance.30 SMS/800, Inc. proposes to change control of the corporation by (1) expanding its membership beyond the BOCs, and (2) restructuring its Board to include representatives from RespOrgs and SCP Owner/Operators, as well as independent non-industry members.31 As part of its Petition, SMS/800, Inc. further requests to take over tariff filing responsibilities from the BOCs, and later to assume the role of neutral SMS administrator once its membership and governance structure have been altered.32 We discuss each element of the SMS/800, Inc. Petition below.
Corporate Membership. SMS/800, Inc. is organized as a nonprofit membership corporation with the three BOCs as the only members.33 Under the proposed plan, any RespOrg in good standing with SMS/800, Inc.34 and each of the eight SCP Owner/Operators in good standing with SMS/800, Inc.35 would be eligible for membership in the corporation.
We grant SMS/800, Inc.’s request to expand its corporate membership and restructure its Board to include representatives from RespOrgs, SCP Owner/Operators, and independent non-industry members, subject to modifications and oversight requirements discussed below.75 We also grant SMS/800, Inc.’s request to assume tariff filing responsibility from the BOCs upon release of this Order.76 We further grant SMS/800, Inc.’s request to assume the role of neutral SMS administrator once the new twelve-member Board is in place.
We find that expanding membership and control of SMS/800, Inc. from the three BOCs to the broader toll free industry will make the entity more representative of and responsive to the industry as a whole.77 Moreover, industry interests will be balanced by a more diversified Board that will include independent, non-industry members as well as the SMS/800, Inc.’s CEO.
To ensure that SMS/800, Inc. continues to provide high quality toll free service without disruption, and consistent with the Commission’s responsibilities under section 251(e) to make numbers available on an “equitable basis,”83 the Bureau will oversee the Board selection process as well as SMS/800, Inc. The protections identified below will help us execute this statutory responsibility. Specifically, the pool of potential candidates for Board membership is increasing to include hundreds of RespOrgs, some of which are not carriers and thus may not currently be subject to the same Commission oversight and enforcement authority. Therefore, we impose the following requirements on SMS/800, Inc. These requirements apply during the three-year transition and on an ongoing basis.
SMS/800, Inc. must confirm to the Bureau that each nominee to the Board is not an entity that is currently connected – or connected during the previous three years – to a matter before the Commission that would call into question the nominee’s fitness to serve on the Board.85 Such matters would include violations of Commission rules, like hoarding, warehousing, or brokering numbers. SMS/800, Inc. (and subsequently the Bureau) should take into account a potential candidate’s overall past performance when determining eligibility to serve on the Board.86 The Bureau has the discretion to identify concerns about a nominee’s fitness to serve and may raise those with the SMS/800, Inc. Board or members thereof.87 Based on the above criteria, the Bureau may reject the membership of any candidate it deems unfit to serve upon the Board. Once nominated and selected, each Board member must retain fitness for membership during his or her time on the Board.
In order for an employee of an entity to obtain a position on the Board, the employee of the entity must provide the Bureau with the entity’s Federal Registration Number (FRN) prior to requesting membership.88 The Bureau will use this FRN to review the status of any delinquent debts owed by any RespOrg and SCP Owner/Operator requesting membership to the SMS/800, Inc. Board.
Board members may not access proprietary information in the SMS database except under extraordinary circumstances where such information is necessary to execute Board decisions. Board members may not convey proprietary information to non-Board members.
SMS/800, Inc. will provide to the Bureau information on any proposed independent director that has any relationship with other industry members or telecommunications providers prior to announcing the director’s names to the public. That information must include any current or recent associations with other industry members and the candidate’s involvement in areas relevant to providing SMS service, general telecommunications, and technology. When requested, SMS/800, Inc. must provide the Bureau with any information involving SMS/800, Inc.’s membership or governance.
The Commission is committed to ensuring that SMS service continues during the transition without disruption and that the new Board will meet the needs of all members of the toll free industry. We balance the need to ensure integrity in the process of distributing toll free numbers with our commitment to avoid unnecessary regulation. Therefore, during the transition, we include some additional requirements to ensure a seamless transition. SMS/800, Inc. must provide the Bureau a timeline for selecting candidates for the Board, inform the Bureau of its progress at each step, provide the Bureau the criteria used in appointing independent directors, and identify the officials overseeing the election process and the procedure for tallying votes. These requirements will remain in effect for three years.
We direct SMS/800, Inc. to modify the definition of “good standing” in its relevant corporate documents so that a RespOrg that does not currently have its service suspended will be deemed to be in good standing with SMS/800, Inc. for purposes of being a Board member.90 According to the Petition, any RespOrg that has not had its service suspended pursuant to the terms of the SMS Tariff and any SCP Owner/Operator that is not in breach of its contract with SMS/800, Inc. is considered to be in good standing with the company.91 As described in the Petition, a RespOrg that had service suspended at any time would not be in good standing, regardless of how substantive the violation was, how recently it occurred, or whether the same management of the RespOrg remains in place. We find that our modification of the definition of “good standing” will provide adequate assurance of fitness to serve, without unnecessarily eliminating a RespOrg from being a potential Board member.
As described above, SMS/800, Inc. will expand its membership to all RespOrgs and SCP Owner/Operators.101 We expect that this action will result in the current members relinquishing 50 percent or more of their membership interests in SMS/800, Inc., with the result that SMS/800, Inc. will have significantly different membership control soon after it commences its transition plan. To the extent that section 214(a) of the Act is applicable, as the parties suggest, this membership change constitutes a “transfer of control” under our rules102 and a “transfer of lines” under section 214(a) of the Act.103 To the extent necessary, we waive the standard 214 approval process104 and instead address this proposal in a consolidated manner through this Order. We find that doing so is in the public interest because SMS/800, Inc.’s governance petition and proposed assumption of the tariff present a unique situation. The Commission has provided notice of the proposed transaction, and parties had the opportunity to comment in a manner consistent with our notice and comment procedures under section 63.03(a) of our rules.105In addition, we have already undertaken a broad-based review consistent with section 214(a) of the Act to determine whether the proposed transaction will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.106 To this end, we find that SMS/800, Inc.’s request to expand its corporate membership and restructure its Board to include representatives from RespOrgs, SCP Owner/Operators, and independent non-industry members will result in the tariff being held by an entity that is more representative of and responsive to the industry as a whole. We also subject the proposed expansion to specific modifications and oversight requirements. It is therefore unnecessary for SMS/800, Inc. to comply with section 63.03 of our rules regarding procedures for the filing, public notice, and review period associated with a domestic section 214 transfer of control application in order for us to evaluate the proposed transition we approve in this Order. We emphasize that SMS/800, Inc. is not relieved of any future section 214 obligations or rules to the extent that section applies to its activities,107 and we direct it to notify the Commission of any deviations from the proposed governance structure specified in its petition.
Upon assuming tariff filing responsibility from the BOCs, we require SMS/800, Inc. to follow certain procedures. For one, SMS/800, Inc. must file within 35 days from the grant date its initial tariff adopting the SMS Tariff on not less than 15 days’ notice.108 SMS/800, Inc. may not make changes to the tariff other than the name change and must simultaneously cancel the SMS Tariff, pursuant to sections 61.87(a)(ii) and 61.171 of the Commission’s rules.109 Currently, the BOCs file each January 31 the SMS/800 tariff revisions on 15 days’ notice. These revisions provide updated rates for SMS services based on a cost of service study, pursuant to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules, filed with the Commission as part of its Description and Justification.110 We require that SMS/800, Inc. continue this procedure.
Because SMS/800, Inc. will provide a non-competitive translation service for exchange access providers, it will be treated as dominant, subject to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules, and must file subsequent tariff revisions pursuant to the applicable Part 61 rules for a dominant carrier and be subject to the tariff filing requirements and enforcement provisions in the Act and the Commission’s rules. Since SMS/800, Inc. is a nonprofit membership corporation, we require it, in its initial filing adopting the SMS Tariff, to include an explanation of how it plans to utilize or refund at the end of each calendar year any surplus retained after provisions have been made to cover its operating expenses. After the initial adopted tariff is filed and becomes effective, SMS/800, Inc. must continue to file tariff revisions once each calendar year on January 31 that update the rates for the service. Such filing must contain an updated cost of service study pursuant to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules. These tariff revisions must be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice. In addition to the once a year tariff filing, as with any carrier, SMS/800, Inc. must file tariff revisions with the Commission and these revisions must become effective before SMS/800, Inc. is permitted to modify any rates, terms, or conditions. If SMS/800, Inc. files such tariff revisions, these revisions should also be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice.
Applying the section 52.12 criteria used to evaluate neutrality below, we find that once the membership of SMS/800, Inc. has been expanded pursuant to the first year transition, SMS/800, Inc. would be impartial and therefore eligible to serve as neutral SMS administrator, provided that it offers service pursuant to the SMS Tariff and in accordance with the tariff’s terms and conditions and complies with the transitional and ongoing requirements set forth herein.118 Moreover, we find that allowing SMS/800, Inc. to assume the role of neutral SMS administrator will streamline the provision of SMS service and facilitate “efficient access to numbering resources”119 by eliminating the need to contract administrative services out to a third party.120 We thus grant SMS/800, Inc.’s request to assume the role of neutral SMS administrator, once the new twelve-member Board is in place, provided that it restructures its membership and governance as discussed above, files and maintains the SMS Tariff, and adheres to its terms and conditions in administering SMS service.121 SMS/800, Inc. must continue its contract with DSMI until the new twelve-member Board is in place.
First Criterion: Affiliate Relationship. We are not convinced that SMS/800, Inc. satisfies the first neutrality criterion under section 52.12 of our rules. Commission rules provide that the SMS administrator “may not be an affiliate of any telecommunications service providers(s).”122 SMS/800, Inc. argues that, because the company is structured as a nonprofit membership corporation, it has no equity or securities.123 SMS/800, Inc. also argues that, as restructured under the Petition, it would not be an “affiliate” of any telecommunications service providers or interconnected VoIP providers, because no one entity would hold an equity interest in the company or be able to exercise control over it.124 While we agree with SMS/800, Inc. that no single entity will be able to control the actions of the restructured corporation or its Board, its membership will be comprised of individuals that represent companies, including telecommunications service providers, with a direct interest in access to toll free numbers. SMS/800, Inc. asserts, and we rely on its assertion, that it will not have stocks, securities, or other equity interests and thus does not meet the definition of an affiliate under section 52.12(a)(1)(i)(A) or (B). We note, however, that our definition also looks to whether a person possesses the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the SMS administrator by way of voting rights or some other means.125 In this case, once the board is expanded, there will be twelve Board members, so none will have voting power of 10 percent or more. However, at the end of the three year transition period, each of the ten Board members will have 10 percent voting power on the Board and might have an incentive, acting alone or in concert, to use that power to “direct or cause the direction of the management and policies” for the benefit of his or her company’s interests.126 Thus, the potential exists that some Board members would constitute an “affiliate” under section 52.12(a)(1)(i)(C).127 Although we do not find that SMS/800, Inc. will satisfy the first neutrality criterion, we have flexibility to consider whether to determine, in a particular instance, the SMS administrator will be subject to “undue influence by parties with a vested interest in the outcome of numbering administration and activities.”128 In this case, following the first year transition, no Board member will have more than a 10 percent voting interest on the Board and the rates and practices will be tariffed. We find that these protections are sufficient to address concerns regarding the first neutrality criterion.
Second Criterion: Debt or Revenues From a Provider. We find that SMS/800, Inc. satisfies the second neutrality criterion of section 52.12. SMS/800, Inc. argues that it will not “issue a majority of its debt to” or “derive a majority of its revenues from” any telecommunications service provider.129 SMS/800, Inc. further states that while the company will derive “revenues” in connection with the operation of SMS from the user fees paid by RespOrgs and SCP Owner/Operators, no individual RespOrg or SCP Owner/Operator constitutes a majority of that customer segment. SMS/800, Inc. asserts that the company does not issue debt, and we rely on that assertion.130 Moreover, we find that the company will not derive a majority of its revenues from any single telecommunications service provider. Therefore, since SMS/800, Inc. meets both of these requirements and is consistent with the Commission’s application of the section 52.12 neutrality criteria to DSMI in the Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, we find that SMS/800, Inc. satisfies the second neutrality criterion under section 52.12 of our rules.
The third criterion gives the Commission flexibility to consider the ability of one or more industry members to unduly influence the administrator’s decisions. On the one hand, as we acknowledged in discussing the first neutrality criterion, Board members may have an incentive to influence SMS/800, Inc.’s management and policies for the benefit of their representative companies. Moreover, RespOrgs may comprise half of the Board and thus, if they vote as a block, could prevent SMS/800, Inc. from taking action. On the other hand, there are hundreds of RespOrgs with diverse business plans.135 We have no reason to believe that the RespOrgs share a particular common goal or interest sufficient to cause them to create a voting block.136 We find that the diverse nature of the Board, along with SMS/800, Inc.’s and all its members’ obligations to adhere to the terms of the SMS Tariff, will serve to eliminate any undue influence.
Under the neutrality criteria set forth in section 52.12, the Commission may exercise its discretion to determine whether the SMS administrator will be subject to undue influence by parties with a vested interest in the outcome of numbering administration and activities. If this criterion is met, the entity may be deemed “impartial,” notwithstanding its failure to meet the requirements of criterion one and/or two.137 We find on balance that SMS/800, Inc. will not be subject to undue influence once it has restructured, in accordance with the terms of this Order. We also find that the restructured SMS/800, Inc., governed by the terms and conditions of the tariff, will qualify as an impartial administrator under section 52.12 of our rules and section 251(e) of the Act.
We find that allowing SMS/800, Inc. to restructure its corporate membership and governance structure and assume the role of the neutral administrator is in the public interest because both actions will broaden participation in the management of the SMS and streamline the operation of the database to better respond to the needs of all toll free users. Moreover, for the reasons discussed above, we expect that the added administrative efficiencies of the restructured corporation is likely to result in lower tariffed rates for RespOrgs and, in turn, lower toll free service charges to subscribers.
Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), and 251(e), of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151, 154(i), and 251(e), and 47 C.F.R. §§ 52.9, 52.101–.111, the Petition of SMS/800, Inc. IS GRANTED to the extent set forth herein and subject to the requirements detailed above.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 251(e) and 408 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151, 154(i), 251(e) and 408, that this action is EFFECTIVE UPON RELEASE.
For all elected seats, no company can hold more than one seat; provided, however, that a company can hold a RespOrg-elected and a SCP Owner/Operator-elected seat.
SMS/800, Inc., WC Docket No. 12-260.
The Commission’s action today broadens the membership of the organization that oversees distribution of toll free numbers. This change reflects that a wide array of entities have a direct stake in obtaining toll free numbers, and the order will ensure that toll free numbers continue to be distributed on a fair and impartial basis, which benefits consumers and the public interest. More significantly, our action demonstrates that the Commission understands that toll free numbers play an increasingly critical role in the success of businesses, non-profit organizations and others, and that access to numbers offers opportunities for economic growth. The way that toll free numbers are used has changed dramatically since the Commission first implemented toll free numbering rules nearly 15 years ago. This order represents one step in incorporating those changes into our regulations so that they more closely reflect the current marketplace.
Re: Toll Free Service Access Codes, CC Docket No. 95-155; Petition to Change the Composition of SMS/800, Inc., WC Docket No. 12-260.
Today the Commission takes another step to modernize our regulatory framework for telephone services—in this case the management of 800 numbers (in industry jargon: “toll free service access codes”). Twenty years ago, the Commission decided the toll free numbering system would be run by the regional Bell Operating Companies and tariffed as a common carrier service to ensure impartiality.138 With the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the revolution in technology and competition we’ve seen in the communications marketplace, it’s past time to reexamine those decisions. So I am pleased to support this item, which takes the first step down that path.
Looking ahead, there is still more to be done. For instance, we do not revisit here the pre-1996 decision that toll free numbering services must be tariffed.139 Given that tariffs are going the way of the dodo and the Commission has other authority to ensure impartial numbering administration,140 the underpinnings of that decision have eroded. We also reserve the question of whether transferring control of toll free numbering services even triggers section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.141 In my reading, it does not. Section 214 does not prescribe for us a role over each and every transfer of control affecting the telephone system. It only applies to transfers of “lines,”142 and no one has identified a single “line” that would be transferred here. Nevertheless, I agree with my colleagues that we need not resolve either of these issues today because nobody raised the tariffing question and the parties specifically invoked section 214 in their application. In the appropriate context, however, we should be willing to wrestle with these thorny issues and restructure our rules to better reflect our statutory authority and marketplace realities.
1 Petition to Change the Composition of SMS/800, Inc., CC Docket 95-155, WC Docket No. 12-260 (filed Sept. 13, 2012) (SMS/800 Petition).
2 When the Commission required SMS access to be tariffed, the Commission directed the seven regional BOCs to file the tariff and oversee operation of the SMS. See generally Provision of Access for 800 Service, CC Docket No. 86-10, Order, 8 FCC Rcd 1423, 1426-27, paras. 25-31, 1429, Appendix A (1993) (Comptel Declaratory Ruling). These companies—Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, NYNEX, Pacific Telesis, Nevada Bell, and US West later consolidated into the three current regional BOCs: AT&T, Inc., Verizon Communications, and CenturyLink. SMS/800 Petition at 2-3; see also Margaret Rouse, Regional Bell Operating Company, Unified Communications (March 2008), http://searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com/definition/regional-Bell-operating-company (last visited Apr. 22, 2013); RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company), Tech-FAQ (2012), http://www.tech-faq.com/rboc.html (last visited Nov. 1, 2013).
3 SMS services are provided to both RespOrgs and SCP Owner/Operators. RespOrgs are companies that have access to the SMS to perform number management functions for toll free customers. RespOrgs obtain numbers from the SMS upon request from toll free subscribers and then charge those subscribers reservation fees (i.e., tariffed service charges) for the use of such numbers. They were initially established in 1993 as part of the Order that mandated the creation of the SMS. See Toll Free Service Access Codes; Database Services Management, Inc. Petition for Declaratory Ruling; Beehive Telephone Company Petition for Declaratory Ruling, CC Docket No. 95-155, NSD File Nos. L-99-87, L-99-88, Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd 11939, 11941, para. 3 (2000) (Toll Free Fifth Report and Order); Comptel Declaratory Ruling 8 FCC Rcd at 1423; see also What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work?, Federal Communications Commission (2013), http://www.fcc.gov/guides/toll-free-numbers-and-how-they-work (last visited Nov. 1, 2013). RespOrgs manage every individual toll free number and may be long distance carriers, resellers, end users, or independent companies that offer an outsourced service. See Toll-Free Numbers And How They Work, Federal Communications Commission (May 26, 2011), http://www.fcc.gov/guides/toll-free-numbers-and-how-they-work (last visited Apr. 22, 2013). There are approximately 300 RespOrgs. RespOrg Information, Level 3 Communications (2012), http://www.etollfree.net/resporg-information/resporg-information.html (last visited Nov. 1, 2013). SCP Owner/Operators operate real-time database systems that contain instructions for routing toll free calls. See Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11941, paras. 2–3.
4 SMS/800 Petition at 1, 5, 8.
5 SMS/800 asks to assume the role of neutral SMS administrator once its corporate membership and governance have been restructured. SMS/800 Petition at 1, 10, 16.
6 SMS/800, Inc. asks to acquire tariff filing responsibility from the BOCs. See SMS/800 Functions Tariff F.C.C. No. 1 (SMS Tariff).
7 See Appendix A for a description of the transition over a three-year period.
8 47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(1). The NANP is the basic numbering scheme for communications networks located in the United States and its territories, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. See 47 C.F.R. § 52.5(c).
9 Toll Free Service Access Codes; Petition to Modify 888 Number Allocation Plan filed by LCI International, Inc.; Petition to Modify 888 Number Allocation Plan filed by UniDial, Inc.; Petition to Modify 888 Number Allocation Plan filed by Consolidated Communication Telecom Services Inc., CC Docket No. 95-155, NSD File Nos. 97-10, 97-15, 97-16, Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 12 FCC Rcd 11162, 11176, para. 18 (1997) (Toll Free Second Report and Order); see also 47 U.S.C. §§ 151, 251(e). Toll free service is an interexchange service in which subscribers agree in advance to pay for all calls made to them using a predesignated toll free telephone number. See Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11940, para. 2.
10 Comptel Declaratory Ruling, Order, 8 FCC Rcd 1423 (1993). For a detailed discussion of the toll free administration system, see Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11941-44, paras. 3-9.
11 Comptel Declaratory Ruling, 8 FCC Rcd at 1426-27.
12 See Toll-Free Service Access Codes, CC Docket No. 95-155, Order on Reconsideration, 22 FCC Rcd 22188, 22188, para. 2 (2007).
13 The tariffed service is described as “a system which is used to update deployed databases,” and is the “focal point for initial service provisioning and all subsequent changes to the toll-free subscriber’s service.” It “supports number administration, creation and modification of customer records.” SMS Tariff at 47.
14 SMS/800 Petition at 2-3. The SMS Tariff also sets forth the regulations, rates, and charges applicable to the toll free services offered to RespOrgs. See SMS Tariff § 1.1. By detailing the criteria for which RespOrgs may gain access to the SMS system, the tariff seeks to ensure that toll free numbers are administered in a competitively neutral manner. See generally id. § 2.
17 See 800 Data Base Access Tariffs and the 800 Service Management System Tariff and Provision of 800 Services, CC Docket Nos. 93-129, 86-10, Report and Order, 11 FCC Rcd 15227, 15233, para. 10 (1996).
18 SMS/800 Petition at 2; see also Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11941, para. 2.
19 See Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11941, para. 3.
20 See 47 U.S.C. § 251(e).
21 See 47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(1). We use the term “neutral SMS administrator” when discussing the neutrality requirement imposed on the SMS administrator.
22 See Toll Free Second Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 11162.
23 See Toll Free Access Codes, CC Docket No. 95-155, Third Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 23040 (1997) (Third Report and Order).
24 Letter from Alan C. Hasselwander, Chairman, North American Numbering Council, to A. Richard Metzger, Jr., Chief, Common Carrier Bureau, CC Docket No. 95-155 (filed Mar. 25, 1998).
25See Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11939.
26 See SMS/800, Inc., History of SMS/800, SMS/800 (2011), http://www.sms800.com/Controls/NAC/Historyofsms800.aspx (last visited Nov. 1, 2013).
27 See SMS/800 Petition at 3.
28 See SMS/800, Inc., Who is SMS/800?, SMS/800 (2011), http://www.sms800.com/Controls/NAC/Whoissms800.aspx (last visited Nov. 1, 2013).
29 DSMI is responsible for performing four primary functions. First, it monitors toll free number utilization data to determine if sufficient toll free numbers are available to meet market needs. Second, DSMI ensures that the mainframe of the SMS database, as well as the associated servers and other hardware and software components, are maintained and upgraded as needed to promote efficiency. Third, DSMI helps to ensure the neutral distribution of toll free numbers by reviewing, inter alia, software enhancements, vendor contracts, and proposed amendments to the SMS Tariff to ascertain whether any issues exist that may compromise neutrality. Finally, DSMI acts as an interface with the Commission and other regulatory bodies by responding to agency subpoenas, inquiries from RespOrgs or other interested parties, and communicating with the Commission where appropriate. See DSMI Comments at 1-2.
30 See generally SMS/800 Petition.
33 See id. at 4.
34 In the Petition, a RespOrg is considered to be in “good standing” if it has not ever had service suspended pursuant to the terms of the SMS Tariff. See SMS/800 Petition at 5 n.10. But see para. We direct SMS/800, Inc. to modify the definition of “good standing” in its relevant corporate documents so that a RespOrg that does not currently have its service suspended will be deemed to be in good standing with SMS/800, Inc. for purposes of being a Board member.90 According to the Petition, any RespOrg that has not had its service suspended pursuant to the terms of the SMS Tariff and any SCP Owner/Operator that is not in breach of its contract with SMS/800, Inc. is considered to be in good standing with the company.91 As described in the Petition, a RespOrg that had service suspended at any time would not be in good standing, regardless of how substantive the violation was, how recently it occurred, or whether the same management of the RespOrg remains in place. We find that our modification of the definition of “good standing” will provide adequate assurance of fitness to serve, without unnecessarily eliminating a RespOrg from being a potential Board member., infra, for further discussion.
35 In the Petition, an SCP Owner/Operator is considered to be in “good standing” if it is not in breach of its contract with SMS/800, Inc. See SMS/800 Petition at 5 n.11.
36 See Appendices A and B for diagrams of the proposed Board structure and election cycle and SMS/800 Petition at Exhibit A, pp. 28-29.
37 See SMS/800 Petition at 5.
38 A “large” RespOrg is defined as one that controls more than the mean number of toll free numbers as of the most recent report preceding in a given nomination period. See id. at 5 n.13.
39 A “small” RespOrg is defined as one that controls fewer than the mean number of toll free numbers as of the most recent report preceding in a given nomination period. See id. at 5 n.14.
40 See id. at 5.
42 See id. at 6. The three BOCs will remain eligible to compete for the at-large Board seats and the seats reserved for RespOrgs, even after the guaranteed BOC seats are eliminated. However, following the restructure, the BOCs could not constitute a majority of the proposed ten-person Board since there will only be five elected seats on the proposed Board.
46 See id. at 7.
48 No Nominating Committee member would be eligible for nomination in an election for which that member participated in selecting the slate of candidates. Id.
58 See supra notes 13-14.
59 SMS/800 Petition at 2-3.
60 See SMS Tariff at § 1.1. By detailing the criteria for which RespOrgs may gain access to the SMS system, the tariff seeks to ensure that toll free numbers are administered in a competitively neutral manner. See generally id. at § 2.
61 Id. at § 4.2.
62 When the Commission decided that SMS service must be tariffed, it assigned tariff filing responsibility to the BOCs because they “control[led] all fundamental aspects of SMS/800 access.” Comptel Declaratory Ruling, 8 FCC Rcd at 1427, para. 31.
63 SMS/800 Petition at 10.
64 47 U.S.C. § 214; 47 C.F.R. § 63.03; see also infra paras. We grant SMS/800, Inc.’s request to assign responsibility for filing and maintaining the tariff, and operating authority for SMS services from the BOCs to SMS/800, Inc.92 As discussed above, the BOCs have offered access to the SMS through the SMS Tariff since 1993.93 In the CompTel Declaratory Ruling, the Commission concluded that the BOCs should file a tariff for SMS services.94 SMS/800, Inc. now seeks to assign the tariff from the BOCs to SMS/800, Inc. to reflect the proposed broader composition of SMS/800, Inc. No one objected to or raised concerns about assigning the existing tariff and operating authority for these services. We agree with commenters that allowing the restructured SMS/800, Inc. to assume responsibility for filing and maintaining the SMS Tariff will help streamline the provision of SMS service and will assist in holding SMS/800, Inc. accountable for the SMS services it will be providing.95 In addition, SMS/800, Inc. will be subject to enforcement under our section 251(e) authority regarding number administration. Thus, SMS/800, Inc. will have the same authority, responsibility, and obligations for filing and enforcing the tariff, and for providing SMS access on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and rates that the BOCs currently have.96-As described above, SMS/800, Inc. will expand its membership to all RespOrgs and SCP Owner/Operators.101 We expect that this action will result in the current members relinquishing 50 percent or more of their membership interests in SMS/800, Inc., with the result that SMS/800, Inc. will have significantly different membership control soon after it commences its transition plan. To the extent that section 214(a) of the Act is applicable, as the parties suggest, this membership change constitutes a “transfer of control” under our rules102 and a “transfer of lines” under section 214(a) of the Act.103 To the extent necessary, we waive the standard 214 approval process104 and instead address this proposal in a consolidated manner through this Order. We find that doing so is in the public interest because SMS/800, Inc.’s governance petition and proposed assumption of the tariff present a unique situation. The Commission has provided notice of the proposed transaction, and parties had the opportunity to comment in a manner consistent with our notice and comment procedures under section 63.03(a) of our rules.105 In addition, we have already undertaken a broad-based review consistent with section 214(a) of the Act to determine whether the proposed transaction will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.106 To this end, we find that SMS/800, Inc.’s request to expand its corporate membership and restructure its Board to include representatives from RespOrgs, SCP Owner/Operators, and independent non-industry members will result in the tariff being held by an entity that is more representative of and responsive to the industry as a whole. We also subject the proposed expansion to specific modifications and oversight requirements. It is therefore unnecessary for SMS/800, Inc. to comply with section 63.03 of our rules regarding procedures for the filing, public notice, and review period associated with a domestic section 214 transfer of control application in order for us to evaluate the proposed transition we approve in this Order. We emphasize that SMS/800, Inc. is not relieved of any future section 214 obligations or rules to the extent that section applies to its activities,107 and we direct it to notify the Commission of any deviations from the proposed governance structure specified in its petition. for a discussion of the Commission’s treatment of the transfer of responsibility for filing and maintaining the tariff and operating authority for SMS services from the BOCs to SMS/800, Inc.
66 Id.; see also CLEC Commenters Comments at 4.
67 SMS/800 Petition at 16.
68 Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on SMS/800, Inc. Petition to Change the Composition of SMS/800, Inc., CC Docket No. 95-155, WC Docket No. 12-260, Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 11105 (2012) (SMS/800, Inc. Public Notice). The following parties filed comments in this proceeding: DSMI; HyperCube Telecom, LLC, Americatel Corporation, Matrix Telecom, Inc., Excel Telecommunications, Inc., and U.S. TelePacific Corporation d/b/a TelePacific Communications (CLEC Commenters); ICIM Corporation d/b/a Indatus (Indatus); OneStream Networks, LLC (OneStream); Signal One; Single One, Call-Em-All, LLC, MessageVision, FaxCore, Inc. SIPxchange, Forethought, ComAudit Services, FreeConferenceCall.com, Telecentris, Global Convergence Solutions, Cardinal Point Communications, Computer Telephony Innovations, CallSource, Fractel, LLC, EC Data Systems, Inc., ExpectMedia, L2Networks, Corporation, Dial 800, Telecompute Corporation, Natural Networks, Mongoose Metrics, MessageVision, Baltimore-Washington Telephone Company, IDictate, Easy Link, Communikateco, Selloxx, Inc., Nexxphase, Sandler Partners, iBasis, BinFone Telecom, Conference America, Inc., Network Enhanced Telecom, LLP, YourTel America, Midcontinent Communications, and Rick Sanchez (Joint Commenters); Disaster Recovery Center, Inc. d/b/a/ Telecom Recovery (Telecom Recovery); and the SMS/800, Inc. Transition Committee (Transition Committee). The Transition Committee consists of representatives from ATL Communications, Grande Communications, Verizon, Windstream Corporation, Telesmart Networks, 800 Response Information Services, Hawaiian Telcom, and Level 3 Communications, LLC.
69 See Indatus at 1; Joint Commenters Comments at 1; Signal One Comments at 1; Telecom Recovery Comments at 1; see also CLEC Commenters Comments at 1; OneStream Comments at 1; Transition Committee Comments at 1.
70 CLEC Commenters Comments at 2.
72 See DSMI Comments at 1-2; see also Letter from William T. O’Brien, Counsel for DSMI, to Ann Stevens, Deputy Chief, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, Docket No. 12-260, at 2 (filed Apr. 23, 2013) (stating that while DSMI has been honored to serve as SMS administrator, it wishes to be relieved of that responsibility as soon as possible.).
73 Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on SMS/800, Inc. Proposal to Become Toll Free Database Neutral Administrator and to Transfer Tariffing Responsibilities, CC Docket No. 95-155, WC Docket No. 12-260, Public Notice, 28 FCC Rcd 2569 (2013). The following parties filed comments in response to the second Public Notice: Hypercube Telecom, LLC, Americatel Corporation, Matrix Telecom, Inc., Excel Telecommunications, Inc., and U.S. TelePacific Corp. d/b/a TelePacific Communications (Joint Commenters); and COMPTEL.
74 Joint Commenters Comments at 2-3; COMPTEL Comments at 2-5.
75 See SMS/800 Petition at 4-6.
76 47 U.S.C. § 214; 47 C.F.R. § 63.03.
77 CLEC Commenters Comments at 2.
79 See Indatus Comments at 1; Joint Commenters Comments at 1; Signal One Comments at 1; Telecom Recovery Comments at 1. See also CLEC Commenters Comments at 1; OneStream Comments at 1; Transition Committee Comments at 1.
80 47 U.S.C. § 155(c); see also 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.91 and 0.291. For example, the Bureau was delegated authority to oversee several limited toll free reassignment proceedings, specifically involving 1-800-RED-CROSS and three suicide prevention hotlines. See Toll Free Service Access Codes, CC Docket No. 95-155, Order, 21 FCC Rcd 9925, 9925-26, paras. 203 (2006); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Petition for Permanent Reassignment of Three Toll Free Suicide Prevention Hotline Numbers; Toll Free Service Access Codes, WC Docket No. 07-271, CC Docket No. 95-155, Order, 27 FCC Rcd 2965, 2967, para. 5 (2012). In addition, the Commission delegated authority to the Bureau to review NANC recommendations relating to local number portability, and to take actions to select the next local number portability administrator. See Local Number Portability Porting Interval and Validation Requirements; Telephone Number Portability, WC Docket No. 07-224, CC Docket No. 95-116, Report and Order, 25 FCC Rcd 6953, 6965, para. 22 (2010); see generally Petition of Telcordia Technologies Inc. to Reform or Strike Amendment 70, to Institute Competitive Bidding for Number Portability Administration and to End the NANPM LLC’s Interim Role in Number Portability Administration Contract; Telephone Number Portability, WC Docket No. 09-109, CC Docket No. 95-116, Order and Request for Comment, 26 FCC Rcd 3685 (2011). See also 47 C.F.R. § 52.12 (discussing the Commission oversight of the NANP Administrator (NANPA)); Administration of the North American Numbering Plan; Toll Free Service Access Codes, CC Docket Nos. 99-237, 95-155, Third Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 23040, 23049, para. 15 (1997) (delegating authority to the Office of the Managing Director, the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and the Office of General Counsel to select the NANPA based on a competitive bidding process).
81 These requirements are consistent with section 251(e)(1) of the Act, which gives the Commission exclusive jurisdiction over telephone number administration in the United States, including administration of toll free numbers. 47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(1).
82 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 52.9 (general requirements that numbers be distributed equitably); 52.101 (toll free definitions); 52.103 (status categories of toll free numbers); 52.105 (warehousing prohibition); 52.107 (hoarding and brokering prohibition); 52.109 (cap on toll free number reservations); 52.111 (first-come, first-served toll free number assignment).
83 47 U.S.C. § 251(e).
84 SMS/800, Inc. may seek confidential treatment of this submission, pursuant to section 0.459 of the Commission’s Rules. See 47 C.F.R. § 0.459.
85 The Commission has used a three-year period in other contexts as an appropriate period to cure past bad behavior. See, e.g., Bay Springs Communications, Inc., EB File No. EB-11-IH-0610, Order, 27 FCC Rcd 2029 (2012) (requiring a three-year compliance plan as part of a consent decree); see also CBS Radio East Inc., Licensee of Station KDKA(AM), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, EB File No. EB-07-IH-9488, Order, 25 FCC Rcd 4390 (2010); 47 CFR § 54.8(g) (three-year time period for debarment from involvement with the schools and libraries support mechanism, the high-cost support mechanism, the rural health care support mechanism, and the low-income support mechanism); Letter from Theresa Z. Cavanaugh, Chief of the Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, FCC, to Ms. Denisa Babcock, Notice of Debarment, EB File No. EB-12-IH-1396, 28 FCC Rcd 1123 (2013) (notice of a three-year debarment from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism for conviction of criminal conduct).
86 See SMS/800 Petition at 6. The Nominating Committee may consider relevant factors not only of the individual candidate, but also of the candidate’s employer, such as the employer’s past performance. Id.
87 The Bureau, for example, may be aware of pending enforcement action that is not public.
88 This requirement only applies if the entity is required by Commission rules to have an FRN. See 47 C.F.R. § 1.8002 for a list of the entities that are obligated to obtain an FRN (requiring “anyone doing business with the Commission” to obtain an FRN). Note that candidates for the four independent seats are not required to register and obtain an FRN prior to serving on the Board. FRNs may be obtained through the Commission Registration System (CORES) at https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do.
89 We do not expect the proposed restructuring of the SMS/800, Inc.’s membership and Board to affect the net cost of operating that entity or providing SMS service. While the five elected directors will receive no compensation for their service on the Board, SMS/800, Inc. will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses related to Board activities. In addition, the four independent, non-industry directors will receive “appropriate compensation” as determined by the remaining Board members. See SMS/800 Petition at 7-8. These compensation and reimbursement provisions are consistent with the approach used today. See Letter from Melanie L. Bostwick, Counsel, SMS/800, Inc., to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, WC Docket No. 12-260 (filed Oct. 31, 2012). Despite the increase in Board expenses, SMS/800, Inc. expects to see operational cost reductions because SMS/800, Inc., rather than DSMI, the BOCs, or outside consultants, will be performing most necessary operations. In addition, the company does not expect the proposed restructuring to affect net costs for data center operations or software support. Id. The confidential financial projections filed with the Commission demonstrate no increase in SMS/800, Inc.’s administrative and operational costs for the first year following the implementation of the expanded Board structure. Based on these representations, the Commission does not expect that the proposed expansion of SMS/800, Inc.’s corporate membership and Board will materially alter its operational and administrative costs or the price that toll free customers pay for SMS service. On the contrary, we anticipate that the added administrative efficiencies resulting from the restructured SMS/800, Inc. may in fact decrease expenses. Because section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules requires the tariffed rates charged to RespOrgs to be based on the cost of providing SMS service, any savings realized as a result of SMS/800, Inc.’s corporate restructuring is likely to be reflected in lower tariffed rates for RespOrgs. See 47 C.F.R. § 61.38 (requiring supporting information for tariff changes).
90 See SMS/800 Petition at 5.
91 Id. at notes 10-11.
92 Petition at 3-4. SMS/800, Inc. states that it is a separate corporate entity that is a non-profit membership organization.
93 See supra para. In 1993, the Commission mandated that the BOCs develop a centralized database system to allow toll free customers to change their service providers without having to change their numbers.10 The Commission also required the BOCs to offer the service as a common carrier service, under tariff, to ensure that they offer it on a non-discriminatory basis and at reasonable rates.11 In response, the BOCs created the SMS. Since its creation in 1993, the SMS has contained all toll free numbers in the NANP, along with electronic records for those numbers.12 Moreover, the BOCs have offered access to the database through the SMS Tariff.13 The tariff sets forth the regulations, rates, and charges applicable to SMS services. It describes the features and functions of the SMS, establishes RespOrg responsibilities and eligibility criteria, and prohibits unlawful use of the system.14 The tariff also lists both the monthly and non-recurring charges for database access and other SMS services.15.
94 Comptel Declaratory Ruling, 8 FCC Rcd at 1427, para. 31; see also COMPTEL Comments at 4. The Commission previously determined that the service should be tariffed. No one has suggested that this service should not be tariffed, and we do not disturb the Comptel Declaratory Ruling’s findings here.
95 COMPTEL Comments at 4-5; Joint Commenters Comments at 2-3.
96 Once SMS/800, Inc. alters its membership and governance structure as proposed, control over the company will pass from the BOCs to the RespOrgs, SCP Owner/Operators, and independent non-industry members on the company’s restructured Board. The BOCs state that none of these entities will individually have control over SMS/800, Inc.
98 Letter from Aaron Panner to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, WC Docket No. 12-260, CC Docket No. 95-155 (filed Sept. 4, 2013).
99 47 C.F.R. § 63.24(d) (“Transfers of control or assignments that do not result in a change in the actual controlling party are considered non-substantial or pro forma.”). In the Comptel Declaratory Ruling, the Commission had directed the BOCs to file a single tariff, see Comptel Declaratory Ruling, 8 FCC Rcd at 1427, para. 31. Because the service will now be tariffed by the nonprofit entity of which they will be the sole members initially, we view the matter as pro forma, but we do not suggest that other transactions involving joint activities would be so treated.
100 47 C.F.R. § 63.03(d).
102 47 C.F.R. § 63.24(c) (“A change from 50 percent or more ownership to less than 50 percent ownership shall always be considered a transfer of control.”). Entities typically have to file a section 214 application with the Commission when transfer of control occurs, including when owners relinquish or significantly reduce their interests in an entity. See Notice of Streamlined Domestic 214 Applications Granted, Domestic Section 214 Application Filed for Transfer of Control of Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. and Iowa Telecom Communications, Inc., WC Docket No. 04-157, Public Notice, 19 FCC Rcd 9704 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2004); Domestic Section 214 Application Filed for Transfer of Control of Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. and Iowa Telecom Communications, Inc., WC Docket No. 04-157, Public Notice, 19 FCC Rcd 8114 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2004).
103 47 U.S.C. § 214(a). Because the parties proposed to comply with the requirements of section 214 here, we assume without deciding that they would apply.
104 Section 63.03 of our rules sets out filing, notice, and review procedures for an application to approve a proposed domestic transfer of control. 47 C.F.R. § 63.03. We waive this rule on our own motion. Section 1.3 of our rules authorizes the Commission to suspend, revoke, amend, or waive a Commission rule for good cause shown. 47 C.F.R. § 1.3 (“Any provision of the rules may be waived by the Commission on its own motion or on petition if good cause therefore is shown.”); see also Northeast Cellular Telephone Co v. FCC, 897 F.2d 1164, 1166 (D.C. Cir. 1969) (citing WAIT Radio v. FCC, 418 F.2d 1153, 1159 (D.C. Cir. 1969) (waivers must show special circumstances warranting a deviation from the general rule and show such a deviation will serve the public interest)).
105 See SMS/800, Inc. Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 11105.
106 47 U.S.C. § 214(a); see Applications of Softbank Corp, Starburst II, Inc., Sprint Nextel Corporation, and Clearwire Corporation for Consent to Transfer Control of Licenses and Authorizations, IB Docket No. 12-343, Memorandum Opinion and Order, Declaratory Ruling and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 13-92, paras. 23-25 (2013) (stating the standard of review under section 214 of the Act for proposed transfers of control and explaining that, under this standard, the Commission determines whether a proposed transfer complies with specific provisions of the Act and Commission rules, and whether, on balance, any public interest harms outweigh any potential public interest benefits, including whether the public interest requires us to impose and enforce narrowly-tailored, transaction specific conditions) (internal citations omitted). We determine here that the proposed transfer of tariffing authority to a restructured SMS/800, Inc. complies with specific provisions of the Act and Commission rules, including the numbering impartiality requirements in section 251(e) of the Act and section 52.12 of the Commission’s rules. We do not find any harms and find that the benefits of SMS/800’s assumption of tariffing authority will broaden participation in management of the SMS and allow SMS service provisioning to be more responsive to the needs of toll free users while reducing costs. We also condition our approval for the SMS/800, Inc. transition process on specific requirements related to Board member qualifications and potential reporting requirements for the accounting of Board compensation and expenses.
107 See supra note 103.
108 Although SMS/800, Inc. is permitted to file on 15 days’ notice, we note that because it does not meet the definition of local exchange carrier pursuant to section 61.3(w) of the Commission’s rules, its tariff is not eligible to receive “deemed lawful” status pursuant to section 204(a)(3) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. § 204(a)(3).
109 47 C.F.R. §§ 61.87(a)(ii), 61.171.
110 See 47 C.F.R. § 61.38; see also SMS/800, Inc. Tariff F.C.C. No. 1, Transmittal No. 39 (filed Jan. 31, 2013).
111 See 47 U.S.C. § 251(e).
112 See 47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(1).
113 See 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i)-(ii).
114 See 47 U.S.C. § 153(1); see also 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i).
115 See 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i)(A)-(C).
116 See 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(iii).
117 See Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11948-49, paras. 23-25.
118 After the first year of the transition period there will be twelve Board members, four of which will be BOC designated seats. At this time, no Board member will have a 10 percent or greater voting interest. See infra Appendix A.
119 Id. at 11946, para. 17.
120 See CLEC Commenters Comments at 2; Joint Commenters Comments at 3.
121 See supra paras. Requirements for Corporate Restructuring. We grant SMS/800, Inc.’s Petition, subject to the requirements described below to ensure a smooth transition and efficient administration of toll free numbers consistent with section 251(e).81 – Because SMS/800, Inc. will provide a non-competitive translation service for exchange access providers, it will be treated as dominant, subject to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules, and must file subsequent tariff revisions pursuant to the applicable Part 61 rules for a dominant carrier and be subject to the tariff filing requirements and enforcement provisions in the Act and the Commission’s rules. Since SMS/800, Inc. is a nonprofit membership corporation, we require it, in its initial filing adopting the SMS Tariff, to include an explanation of how it plans to utilize or refund at the end of each calendar year any surplus retained after provisions have been made to cover its operating expenses. After the initial adopted tariff is filed and becomes effective, SMS/800, Inc. must continue to file tariff revisions once each calendar year on January 31 that update the rates for the service. Such filing must contain an updated cost of service study pursuant to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules. These tariff revisions must be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice. In addition to the once a year tariff filing, as with any carrier, SMS/800, Inc. must file tariff revisions with the Commission and these revisions must become effective before SMS/800, Inc. is permitted to modify any rates, terms, or conditions. If SMS/800, Inc. files such tariff revisions, these revisions should also be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice..
122 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i).
123 See SMS/800 Petition at 18; see also Letter from Aaron M. Panner, Counsel to SMS/800, Inc., to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, CC Docket No. 95-155, WC Docket No. 12-260 at 4 (filed Nov. 20, 2012) (SMS/800 Nov. 20, 2012 Ex Parte Letter).
124 SMS/800 Petition at 17.
125 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i)(C).
127 By definition, the independent Board members are not affiliates with an industry member, but the SCP Owner/Operators and RespOrgs might be.
128 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(iii).
129 See SMS/800 Petition at 19; see also SMS/800 Nov. 20, 2012 Ex Parte Letter at 5; 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1).
130 See SMS/800 Petition at 19.
131 See supra paras. Requirements for Corporate Restructuring. We grant SMS/800, Inc.’s Petition, subject to the requirements described below to ensure a smooth transition and efficient administration of toll free numbers consistent with section 251(e).81-Because SMS/800, Inc. will provide a non-competitive translation service for exchange access providers, it will be treated as dominant, subject to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules, and must file subsequent tariff revisions pursuant to the applicable Part 61 rules for a dominant carrier and be subject to the tariff filing requirements and enforcement provisions in the Act and the Commission’s rules. Since SMS/800, Inc. is a nonprofit membership corporation, we require it, in its initial filing adopting the SMS Tariff, to include an explanation of how it plans to utilize or refund at the end of each calendar year any surplus retained after provisions have been made to cover its operating expenses. After the initial adopted tariff is filed and becomes effective, SMS/800, Inc. must continue to file tariff revisions once each calendar year on January 31 that update the rates for the service. Such filing must contain an updated cost of service study pursuant to section 61.38 of the Commission’s rules. These tariff revisions must be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice. In addition to the once a year tariff filing, as with any carrier, SMS/800, Inc. must file tariff revisions with the Commission and these revisions must become effective before SMS/800, Inc. is permitted to modify any rates, terms, or conditions. If SMS/800, Inc. files such tariff revisions, these revisions should also be filed on not less than 15 days’ notice..
132 Toll Free Fifth Report and Order, 15 FCC Rcd at 11948, para. 24. The Commission further explained that “[u]nder the tariff, the administration of toll free numbers is impartial because DSMI does not determine which RespOrgs may access or manage which toll free numbers. Rather, RespOrgs retrieve toll free numbers themselves, via computer interface.” Id. at para. 25.
133 SMS/800 Petition at 19.
134 See supra note 29 (explaining that DSMI acts as an interface with the Commission); see also DSMI Apr. 23, 2013 Ex Parte Letter at 2 (stating that one of its primary functions is to report to the Commission).
135 See Letter from Aaron M. Panner, Counsel to SMS/800, Inc., to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, CC Docket No. 95-155, WC Docket No. 12-260 (filed Apr. 4, 2013) (stating that “RespOrgs are a diverse group with diverse interests. Moreover, at least one board member will be elected by SCP Owner/Operators, and, even if the individual elected is affiliated with an entity that is also a RespOrg, that member would be expected to reflect SCP Owner/Operators’ interests.”).
136 To the extent our predictive judgment is wrong, we can correct such concentration of power, for example, by changing the Board structure or composition.
137 See 47 C.F.R. § 52.12(a)(1)(i)-(iii).
138 See Provision of Access for 800 Service, CC Docket No. 86-10, Order, 8 FCC Rcd 1423, 1426–27, 1429, paras. 25–31 & App. A (1993).
139 See Order at note 94.
140 See 47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(1) (added by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, § 101(a), 110 Stat. 56, 61).
141 See Order at note 103.
142 See 47 U.S.C. § 214(a) (“No carrier . . . shall acquire or operate any line, or extension thereof, or shall engage in transmission over or by means of such additional or extended line, unless and until there shall first have been obtained from the Commission a certificate that the present or future public convenience and necessity require or will require the . . . operation . . . of such additional or extended line . . . .”); see also id. (“As used in this section the term ‘line’ means any channel of communication established by the use of appropriate equipment, other than a channel of communication established by the interconnection of two or more existing channels . . . .”).

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