Technical Definition of Interconnection

SEC. 251. of the 1996 Telecommunications Act(Interconnection)

(a) General Duty of Telecommunications Carriers: Each telecommunications carrier has the duty--

(1) to interconnect directly or indirectly with the facilities and equipment of other telecommunications carriers; and

(2) not to install network features, functions, or capabilities that do not comply with the guidelines and standards established pursuant to section 255 or 256.

and also...

(b) Obligations of All Local Exchange Carriers: Each local exchange carrier has the following duties:

(5) Reciprocal compensation: The duty to establish reciprocal compensation arrangements for the transport and termination of telecommunications.