In general, the MPOE/MPOP is where the cable feeding the building or complex terminates. This is also known as the "cable head" in slang terminology. This might be at a completely separate address, which is especially common in strip malls or small office complexes. In multi-story buildings, the MPOE/MPOP is pretty much a no-brainer, since it is in the building's basement or ground-level utility entrance area.

In my area, a new strip mall was built and the MPOE was determined to be located at 5700-A Plank Rd. The store addresses range up to 5700-P. The distance between the MPOE/MPOP and unit P is nearly a thousand feet, but Verizon's responsibility ends at 5700-A, period. Due to our state's PUC guidelines, unit A is the point of demarcation, hence the point at which Verizon's responsibility ends.

The point of demarcation (DMARC) is entirely up to your state's definition of where the telco's responsibility ends. You would have to inquire with the PUC to determine where this line is drawn. In some places, the point of demarcation is at the MPOE/MPOP location. In others, the telco is required to extend service from the MPOE/MPOP to any wall that is a physical part of the customer's address.

This is a terribly gray area and the telcos are fighting tooth and nail to move the end point of their responsibility further out. There was even talk back in the 80's of this point being the nearest pole or pedestal to the physical street address. Fortunately, that idea didn't take off......yet.

Ed Vaughn, MBSWWYPBX