IV. Resolution of Verizon's Collocation Rates

In accordance with the ALJ's ruling issued on November 22, 2006, in this proceeding, Verizon addressed the relevance of the settlement and related issues to its own collocation rates. Verizon states its collocation rates are interim but have never been a subject of controversy in this proceeding. It states that the settlement that would resolve AT&T California's rates has no relevance to Verizon's collocation rates because the two companies' rates structures differ substantially. Verizon states no party has approached it to negotiate changes to its collocation rates, although it would be willing to engage in discussions if any party so wishes. It states the existing record in this proceeding is stale and could not be used for the purpose of setting permanent rates. No party filed replies to Verizon's comments or otherwise contradicted its assertions. However, a number of CLECs filed comments on the ALJ's proposed decision and addressed this topic. Those parties argue that in fact Verizon's collocation rates are in dispute and, although they have not yet been the subject of settlement discussions, the CLECs intend to address the matter in the foreseeable future.

We make no substantive findings at this time with regard to Verizon's rates. Although the record developed in this proceeding addressed those rates, that record is now several years old and probably too stale for us to rely upon it. We will consider whether to modify those rates if and when a party in interest presents us with a request to consider Verizon's existing collocation rates. Because this docket has been open for many years, however, we may close it at our discretion if the active parties do not take the initiative to resolve matters in dispute.