Federal Communications FCC 97-270 (Part 68) Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network

The FCC published in the Federal Register of November 19, 1997 (62 FR 61649), final rules to Part 68 of Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations. Those rules govern the terms and conditions under which customer-provided terminal equipment may be connected to the telephone network without causing harm to the public switched network.

On March 9. 1995, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) filed a Petition for Rulemaking (Petition) to amend Sections 68.300 - 68.318 and portions of Section 68.2 of the Commission's rules to harmonize United States network protection standards and corresponding Canadian CS-03 certification regulations. Subpart D of Part 68, which includes Sections 68.300 through 68.318, addresses Conditions for Registration. including requirements for environmental simulation (simulation mimics stresses that terminal equipment undergoes in shipment and handling that could potentially damage it), leakage current limitations, hazardous voltage limitation, signal power limitations, longitudinal balance limitations, on hook impedance limitations, billing protection, and hearing aid compatibility. Section 68.2 addresses the scope of the Commission's rules for terminal attachment.

Part 68 of the FCC rules (47 C.F.R. Part 68) governs the direct connection of Terminal Equipment (TE) to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and to wireline carrier-owned facilities used to provide private line services. Part 68 also contains rules concerning Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control (HAC/VC) for telephones, dialing frequency for automated dialing machines, source identification for fax transmissions, and technical criteria for inside wiring.

Many technical and administrative functions mandated by Part 68 have been privatized. However, the FCC retains the responsibility to enforce Part 68 rules.

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