Resources for Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC)

Making the most of competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) comes down to two factors: saving money on telecom expenses and getting the services your business needs. CLEC companies have existed since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which deregulated phone service. They compete with incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs). ILECs are the carriers that were in place before deregulation.

Some larger competitive local exchange carriers host their own lines, but most use rack space and lines provided by the ILEC and act as a reseller. They resell the services to local customers and coordinate customer service and repair services. Some of the ways to choose the best service from CLECs include:

1. Do a thorough comparison of local phone carriers in your area.

2. Check out services provided by large national telecommunications providers.

3. Get help from a consultant to find ways to save money and utilize technology.

Compare ILEC and CLEC providers

Plans and services differ among telecom providers. Shopping around for service is necessary to find the best solution for your business and to uncover all the options available. Some small providers may not offer a well-known name, but could still offer just what your business needs.
Federal Communications Commission provides a list of CLECs as well as incumbent local exchange carriers throughout the U.S. To find more options for your state, visit the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions.

Check out large providers for CLEC service

Most nationwide telecommunications providers operate as competitive local exchange carriers in areas where they are not the incumbent provider. Some of the benefits of using a large national provider is reliable service and a robust, secure network. National providers also offer additional features that can be bundled with your phone service to save money.

Get assistance in choosing CLEC services

Choosing a provider can feel like an overwhelming process. Comparing services, as well as analyzing your current phone bills is a lot of work. A telecommunications consultant can help. Consultants are familiar with local carriers and can help choose solutions to save money on local and long distance service. Choose a consulting company that is familiar with current technology to assist in choosing voice mail and call management solutions to integrate with your telecom service.

• A smaller competitive local exchange carrier in your area often offers personal service and a great deal. However, it may have limited control over system outages and repair time. Check references and ask about reliability.