Nationwide competitive local exchange carriers, as well as products, services and solutions designed for CLECs.
Purchasing Resources for Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC)
Download Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) White Papers
Making the Most of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC)
Find the best services and prices from competitive local exchange carriersBy B. Lumadue 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.
Try:
The 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.
Try:
Check out services from Verizon, Cavalier Telephone & TV and AT&T. In most areas, these companies also provide high-speed Internet, wireless and satellite television. They also offer packages for business, including voice mail and call management software. Save money by bundling packages.
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.
Try:
Webb & Associates is a consulting firm that offers telecom consulting services to help find the best technology solutions. A.J.C. Communications will review and audit current telecom services and recommend solutions to save money and utilize telecommunications technology. To find more consultants, check the Society of Telecommunications Consultants for a directory of consultants throughout the United States. Members must adhere to strict professional standards and a code of ethics.
- 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.
Actel Integrated Communications, Inc.
Combines local and long distance telephone services with high speed Internet, data transfer, and web hosting. Headquartered in Mobile, Alabama.
Provider of voice and data fiber optic and digital switched ATM local telecommunications services. Company provides alternative point to point links, carrier links and switching services. The company also designs and installs fiber optic based local are
Bulloch Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
Provider of local telephone services and paging services. Parent/holding company with high-tech operating units involved in Internet and cellular services. Products and services are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private i
Provider of clear channel ATM Internet access services with DS-3 network redundancy. Business services include T-3 connection, T-1 leased line access, software programming and web hosting. Consumer services include ISDN connection and K56flex and 28.8 d
Facilities-based, Integrated Communications Provider of communications services. Offers voice, data and Internet communications services in targeted markets throughout the United States. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Integrated Communications and Applications Services Provider that offers local voice and data, long distance and Internet services. Based in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Facilities-based carrier offering local, long distance, data and high speed Internet access to small and medium businesses in the Midwest. Based in Chicago.
Provider of local telephone services. Parent/holding company with high-tech operating units involved in cable, Internet, cellular and paging services. Products and services are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private invest
http://www.inlandnet.com/telephon.html
International provider of local, long distance, and data transmission, as well as other enhanced services.
Logix Communications Enterprises, Inc.
Provider of local and long distance telephone service as well as web hosting and web site development services. Also, a provider of DSL, T-1, dial-up and frame relay Internet access services. Services are provided to multiple industries.
Wholesale DSL provider of broadband high speed Internet access services for the second and third tier markets in the United States.
http://www.newedgenetworks.com/
An integrated communications provider in the southern United States, providing a full complement of data and telecommunications services to businesses.
Offers integrated telecommunications solutions and renowned customer service to business and residential customers throughout central and western Virginia and West Virginia.
Providers of integrated telecommunications services to businesses and residences in 15 Midwest and Rocky Mountain states; six additional states have been targeted for expansion.
Prism Communication Services, Inc.
Provides nation wide high-speed data connectivity, local and long distance voice, video, Internet and secure business applications such as automatic data storage and recovery along with other teleworking and business-critical solutions. Based in New York
Provider of voice and data services, high-speed Internet access, and web site design to California and Nevada.
Serves small and mid-sized businesses with local, long distance telephone service, high speed Internet access and bandwidth that can support full-motion videoconferencing using digital microwave technology.
Communications company dedicated to serving small and mid-sized businesses with its own national facilities-based network. Based in Vienna, Virginia.
Provider of local and long distance telephone service, as well as Internet access. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Interexchange carrier that operates eight Northern Telecom DMS-250 Supernodes and is properly licensed and certified to provide long-distance service in all 48 contiguous states. Headquartered in Lancaster, Texas.
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC)
Competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) are the true local phone companies. Many in the industry are a little fuzzy when it comes to the relationship between CLECs and Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and other companies such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers are the phone companies that existed after the breakup of Ma Bell into seven separate companies decades ago. CLECs are local companies that purchase lines and central switching space from the ILECs to provide competitive services. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 made it illegal for the ILECs to refuse to allow access to its infrastructure. A great many CLEC's are still operating ... more
Competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) are the true local phone companies. Many in the industry are a little fuzzy when it comes to the relationship between CLECs and Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and other companies such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers are the phone companies that existed after the breakup of Ma Bell into seven separate companies decades ago. CLECs are local companies that purchase lines and central switching space from the ILECs to provide competitive services. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 made it illegal for the ILECs to refuse to allow access to its infrastructure. A great many CLEC's are still operating in the U.S. as a result.
Businesses often rely on Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) for their local business telephone services, fax services and other products, as they find that doing so allows their businesses to take advantage of the local cost savings. Opening a new office often results in a service contract with a CLEC, but before doing so, researching the subject is vital, as the pricing models are complex, and specific services, such as T1 lines, can be low cost. With the CLECs providing businesses with up to 24 phone lines in a single package, bundle pricing can be advantageous. If you are interested in more information, then Business.com can help by offering premier information resources. If you click the links on the left, the information provided can help you connect today.
Privacy | Terms Of Use
© 1999-2012 Business.com Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.