Inteliquent Gets Access Arbitrage Waiver for Handling Traffic Like WebEx, Zoom

The FCC Wireline Bureau gave Inteliquent waiver of access arbitrage rules through June 30, in an order Friday on docket 18-155. The company requested waiver in response to increased teleconference traffic stemming from social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic (see 2003180062). It can seek an extension as needed. The LEC terminates traffic for Cisco's WebEx, Zoom and other large clients. Access arbitrage rules targeted companies that have been "generating inflated call volumes to pad their bottom lines," Chairman Ajit Pai said: "They weren’t intended to ensnare companies that, during a national emergency, are experiencing unprecedented call volumes that would push them out of compliance.” Access arbitrage rules were updated in the fall (see 1909260055).