The FCC has streamlined the equipment authorization procedures for Telephone Terminal Equipment (TTE) by privatizing significant portions of the approval process for the connection of customer premises equipment to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and certain private-line services. The FCC has privatized both the standards development and terminal equipment approval processes.

To provide for the management of the technical and administrative requirements as well as the management of the equipment authorization program, the FCC recognized the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA). ACTA was formed through the co-sponsorship and support of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

TTE connected to the public network and private-line services, must comply with the Part 68 and with the applicable ACTA-adopted technical criteria, labeling requirements, and customer information requirements.

There are two approval methods recognized by the FCC:

• Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) - Subject to the FCC Rules governing the TCB Program.
• Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) - SDoC is a procedure where the Responsible Party makes measurements or takes other necessary steps to ensure that the terminal equipment complies with the appropriate technical standards

Questions regarding TTE requirements and equipment authorization should be addressed to ACTA. (www.part68.org)

For a list of TCBs recognized to Certify TTE see Attachment 784838 D01 TCB Scope C v01r012