Frequently asked questions
Choose any link to get answers to your questions about SRP Telecom.
Ethernet and Wavelength services
Map requests
The quote process
Scope changes
Decibel loss (dB)
Project completion timeline
Contract, license and billing options
Pricing
What is the wireless site process and time frame?
What contracts do I need?
What forms do I need?
What else do I need to know?
Ethernet and Wavelength services
What bandwidth is available for Ethernet and Wavelength services?
SRP Telecom offers flexible data rates from 1 to 40 Gbps. Specific data rates will vary depending on the desired protocol (i.e. Ethernet 1G, 10G, 40G, FibreChannel 2G, 4G, 8G, etc). For a complete selection of data rates and protocols, feel free to contact us to begin the process for a Service Order request to discuss your specific bandwidth and network requirements.
What is your physical route?
SRP Telecom offers a unique fiber-optic footprint. Since it is routed primarily along SRP's high-voltage electric system and uses SRP's private rights-of-way and easements, as much as 90% of our network is distinct from other networks.
Do you offer card protection?
SRP can offer card protection at specific nodes on the SRP Metro Transport Services network. Please contact us with your specific business scope and network requirements and we will be happy to provide a quote that is based on your needs.
Do you offer route protection?
Route protection is available on the SRP Metro Transport Services network. Route protection is a premium service which can be requested on the Service Order Quote Request form.
Could you describe your NOC? 24x7, active monitoring, etc.)
When you are making a long-term network decision to protect your sensitive subscriber services, the stability of your network provider is important consideration. Therefore, SRP offers a 24x7x365 NOC service around our Metro Network Transport Services products.
What is your Service Level Agreement (SLAs)?
99.999% for protected routes, 99.9% with unprotected service.
Do you offer QoS?
SRP believes that business continuity is extremely important therefore, we focus on availability. We enable the customer to manage, control and monitor their data traffic according to their network requirements seamlessly. Therefore, SRP provides a transparent connection and allows the customer to manage quality of service. SRP will pass through the traffic as it is received from the customer.
If I tag my traffic with packet priority? Will you honor and pass my tags?
The SRP metropolitan transport network offers ultra-bandwidth with network transparency. The customer is responsible for managing service, traffic protocols and network topology. SRP will pass through the traffic as it is received from the customer.
When can you deliver the service?
While every business case is unique SRP has a long honored tradition around a commitment to top-notch customer service and delivery practice around standard intervals. For an on-net location for existing services, we've modeled best practices and typically can deliver service within 30 days depending on the customer's business requirements. For more specific scope and delivery requirements around the project, please contact us.
How long does it take to provision service once the order is submitted?
Each customer and each project is unique. Typically, from receipt of a confirmed service order and contingent on an executed Master Services Agreement SRP can provide existing service for on-net transport locations within 15 to 30 days.
Where is this service available (i.e. on-net or off-net locations)?
SRP Telecom's ultra-high bandwidth Phoenix metro data center transport network connects the valley's most critical aggregation nodes including IO Phoenix, IO Scottsdale and PhoenixNAP. A strength of SRP Telecom is that our fiber-optic network spans from one end of the valley to the other. If we currently do not have Transport Services to a customer's location, chances are high that we have dark fiber running in close proximity. Therefore, we would be happy to look into the specific needs of your project, feel free to begin the process by filling out a Non-Disclosure agreement and we can share additional network information to better assess your needs.
What is the price?
Each customer's solution is based on the customer's unique CAPEX and OPEX needs. Therefore, each project's pricing is case-based. Price factors include overall project size, data rates, and make-ready work, as well as any lateral construction requirements and costs, if applicable. These vary and affect the overall MRC and NRC of the Metro Transport Services.
What term options are available?
SRP can provide flexible term options to meet your CAPEX and OPEX requirements. We have terms ranging from 12 months to 60 months on metro transport services.
Map requests
Can I get an electronic map of SRP's fiber network?
SRP Telecom uses a proprietary application that documents our fiber network as it resides, collocated with our mission-critical electric system. Once a Non Disclosure Agreement has been executed for the benefit of each organization, we are happy to share a high-level fiber network map in a format compatible with a geographic information system (GIS).
Also, we will furnish documentation of the fiber network as it relates to a given customer project, via the dark fiber quote process.
Can I get detailed network maps sent to my office?
Once the appropriate legal contracts (Non-Disclosure Agreement and/or Master Fiber License Agreement) have been executed, customers may submit a request for high-level network maps that identify SRP's fiber backbone.
Detailed street-level maps for a specific location in relation to SRP's fiber backbone may also be provided as it relates to a specific project through the quote process.
The quote process
What is the quote process for dark fiber services?
Our quote process is highly collaborative and adapted to fit each customer's project needs and requirements. The process has three steps:
- Initial Quote — The quote process begins when a customer submits a Customer Quote Request Form. The Initial Quote is a nonbinding desktop price quote.
- Formal Quote — The Formal Quote response is a firm, fixed-price quote for the project.
- Product Order — If the Formal Quote meets a customer's business case and the customer chooses to move forward with the dark fiber network solution, the Product Order is executed. The Product Order is a legally binding agreement and lives under the Master Fiber License Agreement.
If the Initial Quote is acceptable, can I go directly to Product Order?
SRP has a well-defined formal process, so we cannot allow an Initial Quote to go directly to the contractually binding Product Order.
The Initial Quote is a nonbinding desktop quote based on project information provided by the customer. The purpose is to provide the customer with a budgetary number for the sake of expediency, and it is intended to be used for business case analysis and decision-making regarding the proposed solution.
The Formal Quote cost can vary by +/- 30%, although historical performance data has demonstrated our accuracy to be within a smaller percentage range.
Can we have firm pricing as part of the Initial Quote?
The Initial Quote is meant to be used only as a budgetary number for business case analysis and feasibility. The turnaround time is short because the quote is based on project information provided by the customer to determine project viability.
The analysis required to complete the firm, fixed-price Formal Quote takes more time to prepare (i.e., field engineering work, site visits, fiber and interconnection inspections, rights-of-way assessment, etc).
What is the difference between an Initial Quote and a Formal Quote?
The Initial Quote is a quick desktop quote based on project information provided by the customer. It is intended for used as a budgetary number in business case analysis regarding the proposed solution.
The Formal Quote follows the Initial Quote and provides the customer with a firm, fixed-price quote for the solution, as well as a delivery timeline and additional project-specific granularity. The quote is prepared following detailed field engineering work, site visits, inspections and rights-of-way clearance.
This tried-and-true method ensures accuracy in the solution SRP provides to the customer.
After submitting an Initial Quote request, how soon can I expect a response?
SRP Telecom strives to return quotes as quickly as possible. When we receive your quote request, we will confirm receipt via e-mail and provide an estimated response date. Our general response time is 10 to 15 business days, depending on the scope of the project.
During this time, we are looking at the best possible way to create and route your dark fiber-optic network solution based on the criteria provided in the Customer Quote Request Form.
What is the response interval on a Formal Quote request?
The response interval for a Formal Quote process ranges from 30 to 45 days, depending on the project size and complexity. The firm, fixed-price quote is based on detailed analysis and fieldwork, including site walks, field engineering work and internal reviews.
When you receive your Formal Quote response, you can rely on the pricing and time frames identified for your project (barring any scope changes from you or your customer).
Why is there a Formal Quote administration fee?
If a customer decides to move forward with the Formal Quote after reviewing the Initial Quote response, a nominal administration fee is paid to SRP.
The administration fee amount is stated in the pricing section of the Initial Quote and pays for the engineering, design and fieldwork completed by SRP Engineering to prepare the Formal Quote.
The fee is credited to the customer if the customer executes a Product Order.
Is the administration fee refundable?
The fee is nonrefundable. However, if a customer wishes to execute a Product Order with SRP after reviewing the Formal Quote, then the administration fee paid will be credited toward the connection nonrecurring charge (NRC).
Scope changes
Changes have occurred since we submitted the Initial Quote. How do I give these to SRP?
To ensure that our proposed solution meets your exact specifications, SRP requires a revised Customer Quote Request Form detailing the changes and/or revised scope to be submitted.
The completed form can be submitted to SRP Telecom via e-mail to srpnet.com or fax to (602) 914-8721.
Our requirements have changed since the execution of the Product Order. Can these changes be rolled into the scope of network construction?
Because the Product Order is a legally binding contract, scope changes cannot be rolled into the scope of network construction.
Scope changes can affect pricing, completion timelines and maintenance. Therefore, a revised Product Order will need to be executed to capture these changes and ensure that no disparities occur at a later date.
For more information, please contact the Wireline manager at (602) 236-5201 or (602) 236-8777.
Decibel loss (dB)
Why do I need to provide maximum node-to-node dB loss requirements when I submit a Customer Quote Request Form?
Maximum node-to-node dB loss requirements are necessary to ensure that the solution we provide will meet equipment requirements. It is in your best interest to provide as much information as possible related to the desired performance characteristic.
Can we have precise dB loss documentation with the Formal Quote?
SRP works to provide the most precise information available for estimating dB loss for a particular solution.
At the Formal Quote level, SRP engineering will provide calculated dB losses based on a number of network components that make up the end-to-end solution. Estimated dB loss for fiber segment and span distances, fusion splices at patch panels and splice points are based on the characteristics of the fiber type used and accepted industry standards. The calculated dB loss considers the loss characteristics of the system components, including the number of splices.
The actual dB loss is provided as a part of the Acceptance Package once the system is built.
Project completion timeline
How soon will the Product Order be completed?
SRP Telecom typically delivers newly constructed dark fiber projects anywhere from 90 to 120 days. The delivery interval is determined by several factors, including:
- Project size and scope
- Construction of laterals
- Access right acquisitions from building owners
- Right-of-way permit acquisitions
Why do timeline estimates for project completion vary?
Each project timeline is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Some projects may include backbone upgrades to accommodate customers' requirements. SRP's fiber backbone was constructed over many years, and the segment strand counts vary throughout the system, ranging from 24 to 144 strands.
Time is also built in for gaining permits with various municipalities.
Another factor is time of year. In Arizona we experience monsoons, which bring violent lightning, rain and wind storms from June through September. In addition, these months are also the highest in terms of electricity usage because of hot temperatures. To minimize potential power outages and to maintain a safe work environment for our employees, SRP reduces construction during these months on our electric transmission system, which is where our fiber network resides. SRP Telecom works closely with our customers during the planning stage of their projects to mitigate this issue.
Why does SRP need contact information for building owners?
When a project includes a lateral build on a third party's building or property, SRP must obtain the legal right to have a presence there. The building owner's contact information is required for SRP to begin that dialogue. A delay in providing this information could affect the project completion date, as additional time may be required for SRP to execute a contract with the building owner.
Contract, license and billing options
Can I get a five-, 10-, 15- or 20-year indefeasible right of use (IRU) on leased fiber?
An IRU is usually a long-term lease that has specific legal meaning. It is often viewed as the equivalent of temporary ownership of a portion of the capacity of a cable, usually optical fiber.
SRP grants a right-to-use license, generally for a shorter, defined term, to third parties to use our telecom facilities. It is subject to certain termination rights as set forth in the agreement.
SRP does not describe our grant of rights as indefeasible. Much of our fiber is on U.S. lands where SRP's management rights to the underlying real property are subject to termination under applicable agreements with the federal government.
Therefore, we only grant licenses. However, SRP will enter into a flexible license agreement that includes a renewal option for additional subsequent terms if requested by the customer.
What billing options do you offer?
We offer flexible billing terms, including monthly, quarterly, annual or lump-sum payments, with a variety of renewable options on the length of the term(s). However, a monthly bill may include an additional administrative fee because of the additional work needed to process a shortened billing cycle.
Can our corporate legal office in New York City have contracts with SRP be binding to the laws pertaining to the state of New York?
SRP is an agricultural improvement and power district organized and existing under the laws of the state of Arizona. SRP serves and operates within the state of Arizona and is therefore legally bound. While we cannot bind laws to other states, SRP can work with your legal team to ensure that the term and agreement redlines are acceptable to both organizations.
Our legal department is working on the Master Fiber License Agreement (MLA) with SRP, but we need to have a Product Order immediately. Can the Product Order be executed before the MLA?
The MLA is the umbrella contract that specifies the business terms that SRP and the customer agree to work within. Individual projects worked on for the customer by SRP are executed as Product Orders and are governed by the contractually binding MLA.
While the negotiations of an MLA and the development of a Product Order can be worked on simultaneously, a Product Order cannot be executed prior to the execution of the MLA.
Pricing
How much does SRP fiber cost?
Each customer's solution is based on the customer's unique needs. Therefore, each project's pricing is case-based.
We have the flexibility to consider your requirements and price your project accordingly, offering terms ranging from 12 months to 20 years with monthly, quarterly, annual or lump-sum payments.
Price factors include overall project size and makeready, as well as lateral construction requirements and costs. These vary and affect the overall license price of the fiber.
Does SRP estimate the fiber all the way into the building?
Each project and solution is unique. SRP determines if we will go directly into a building based on the facility a customer wishes to reach.
SRP relies on enterprise customers to provide existing building-entry infrastructure information on the Customer Quote Request Form. If infrastructure isn't available, SRP will work with the customer and building owner to obtain access rights to build to a communications room (i.e., meet-me room, telco closet, etc.).
There are some locations with certain carrier facilities where SRP does not have access rights, such as central offices. In these instances, SRP will take customers to the zero manhole and they will have to coordinate with the local exchange carrier (LEC) for access to their collocation space.
What is considered a lateral?
A lateral is a fiber extension constructed from SRP's existing fiber backbone to reach a specific customer location. A lateral can vary in length from 50 feet to several miles.
Depending on municipal construction and permit requirements, a lateral may be built underground as a traditional conduit system or above ground using electrical distribution poles. Underground lateral connections can be built directly into the customer's property or in the public right-of-way using manholes, handholds and splice cases.
What is the wireless site process and time frame?
- Search ring request
SRP responds directly to carrier requirements by providing a single point-of-contact for site locations and feasibility analyses. Real estate inquiries and site feasibilities for collocation solutions will be provided on all inquiries. Once a Search Ring Request Form is submitted, a written evaluation will be sent within 10 business days. An application fee may apply.
- Feasibility analysis
A feasibility analysis is a formal response to the Search Ring Request. All potential candidates will be identified, including available radius (RAD) centers and equipment locations. Generally, a feasibility analysis is valid for 60 days from the time the feasibility is delivered to the carrier or site acquisition specialist.
- Site walk
Based on a favorable feasibility response, the carrier will have the option to set up a formal site walk to review the physical site conditions and proposed development. SRP will schedule the site walk with the carrier, site acquisition firm, architecture and engineering (A&E) and other internal SRP departments. Site walks are usually scheduled one week in advance. An administrative fee will apply.
- Initial design drawing (IDD) review
After the site walk, the carrier is required to complete a Customer Information Sheet (CIS). The CIS is similar to an Radio Frequency (RF) Data Sheet. The IDD process will commence once the carrier provides the CIS to SRP. In general, SRP requires two weeks to complete the IDD. The carrier's project manager, construction manager and RF engineer are required to attend the meeting to review and approve the IDD. The IDD meeting is scheduled one week in advance.
- Zoning
If zoning is required, SRP will perform zoning services for all wireless sites on SRP infrastructure. Once SRP receives an executed authorization to proceed (ATP) with Zoning, SRP will manage the site through the formal zoning process and provide you with detailed information and projected dates for the zoning process, based on the given municipality's and/or county's process. The carrier will receive a set of zoning drawings within seven days of the site walk. A zoning fee will apply.
- Final design drawing (FDD) review
The FDD review is scheduled once SRP receives final zoning approval for the specific site and the carrier provides a signed ATP with site availability preparations. The FDD is the drawing used to initiate construction. The carrier's project manager, construction manager and RF engineer are required to attend the meeting to review and approve the FDD. The FDD meeting is scheduled one week in advance. A premium site access fee will apply.
- Construction
SRP will perform or contract construction services on all SRP structures and within SRP rights-of-way. SRP will also coordinate electric service for sites within SRP service territory. A site license fee will commence upon completion of construction.
- Maintenance, repair and site modifications
SRP inspects and services enclosures, air-conditioning equipment and battery backup systems. SRP also provides antenna maintenance, adjustments or replacements to improve signal quality. Site aesthetics are addressed and maintained, as well. These aspects include graffiti abatement, weed control and site security integrity.
What contracts do I need?
- Master License Agreement (MLA)
The MLA is an agreement between the carrier and SRP that governs performance, pricing and notification.
- ATP with Zoning
This ATP authorizes SRP to proceed with zoning.
- ATP with Site Availability Preparations
The ATP authorizes SRP to proceed with site preparations and construction.
- Site License Agreement (SLA)
The SLA is an individual agreement for specific sites with fees and renewal options.
What forms do I need?
- Search Ring Request Form
The Search Ring Request Form is used to initiate a search ring request. The site acquisition specialist is required to complete the form, provide an aerial with the RF search ring and submit the information by e-mail for a formal feasibility analysis.
- Scope Addendum
A Scope Addendum Form is used to increase the scope of work contained in the MLA. It includes the additional items with associated costs and requires carrier approval in order to proceed with a site.
- Modifications/Upgrade Proposal (MUP)
If a site modification is required, the carrier will provide a scope of work to SRP. SRP will create a MUP, which provides an estimate for the scope of work requested. In order to proceed with the site modification, the carrier will provide a signed MUP to SRP and a purchase order for the estimated amount. SRP will invoice the carrier based on actual costs. Scope changes that occur after an MUP is signed must be re-documented and supported by an additional purchase order.
- Notice of Availability (NOA)
The NOA provides formal written notice that a wireless site is now available for the carrier's use. SRP e-mails the NOA to the carrier upon completion of construction. The carrier has five days to respond or the site will be deemed acceptable. The NOA must be signed by a carrier official and returned by e-mail to SRP. Rent will commence at this time.
What else do I need to know?
- Site costs
Each MLA is negotiated independently, depending on the customer's needs and requirements.
- Tower-only agreements
SRP can provide a pole or tower-only agreement in any case where the carrier secures separate land rights from an adjacent landowner. The carrier may be required to secure additional rights within the SRP transmission line easement, right-of-way or ground space on adjacent property.
- RAD center availability
Available RAD centers are dependent on which types of sites are available. Each site is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and usually ranges between 40 feet and 80 feet. Different factors, such as zoning and power outages, are analyzed to determine the available RAD center.
- Site types
- New or existing monopoles
- Existing SRP communications structures
- Distribution feeder automation poles
- SRP communications lattice towers
- 12-kV site
- 69-kV site
- Substation drop pole
- Single circuit
- Double circuit
- 230-kV pole/tower
- 500-kV tower
- Fiber connectivity
SRP's Wireline division offers dark-fiber infrastructure, the fundamental ingredient for broadband networks that can support synchronous optical network (SONET), wave division multiplexing (WDM), Ethernet, VoIP and any foreseeable new optical technology. By leasing SRP's right-of-way, conduit or dark fiber, customers gain direct access to the service provider they choose, allowing the interconnection of telecommunication and data networks.
- Regulatory services
Each individual carrier is responsible to ensure regulatory compliance required by its Federal Communications Commission license.
If you don't see your questions here, feel free to contact us directly at (602) 236-8777, or send an e-mail or wireline@srpnet.com or wireless@srpnet.com.