Sec. 51.509  Rate structure standards for specific elements.

    In addition to the general rules set forth in Sec. 51.507, rates for 
specific elements shall comply with the following rate structure rules.
    (a) Local loops. Loop costs shall be recovered through flat-rated 
charges.
    (b) Local switching. Local switching costs shall be recovered 
through a combination of a flat-rated charge for line ports and one or 
more flat-rated or per-minute usage charges for the switching matrix and 
for trunk ports.
    (c) Dedicated transmission links. Dedicated transmission link costs 
shall be recovered through flat-rated charges.
    (d) Shared transmission facilities between tandem switches and end 
offices. The costs of shared transmission facilities between tandem 
switches and end offices may be recovered through usage-sensitive 
charges, or in another manner consistent with the manner that the 
incumbent LEC incurs those costs.
    (e) Tandem switching. Tandem switching costs may be recovered 
through usage-sensitive charges, or in another manner consistent with 
the manner that the incumbent LEC incurs those costs.
    (f) Signaling and call-related database services. Signaling and 
call-related database service costs shall be usage-sensitive, based on 
either the number of queries or the number of messages, with the 
exception of the dedicated circuits known as signaling links, the cost 
of which shall be recovered through flat-rated charges.
    (g) Collocation. Collocation costs shall be recovered consistent 
with the rate structure policies established in the Expanded 
Interconnection proceeding, CC Docket No. 91-141.