II. Jurisdiction

Covad filed its petition for arbitration pursuant to Section 252(b) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) and Rule 3 of the Commission's Resolution ALJ-178. Section 252(b) of the Act allows a party to petition a State commission to arbitrate any unresolved issues in negotiations for an interconnection agreement. Resolution ALJ-178, dated November 23, 1999, sets forth the Commission rules to assist negotiating parties in reaching agreements through mediation and compulsory arbitration.