Local Exchange Carriers Key Terms

Learn local exchange carriers key terms to maximize communication options for your business

Knowing local exchange carriers key terms helps you promote yourself professionally in the telecommunications field. Since a local exchange carrier typically competes with other established carriers, it's important to demonstrate your business prowess through strategic planning and optimal verbal communications.

Understanding local exchange carriers key terms also keeps you informed of service options and legal benefits you could take advantage of in business dealings. It gives you an edge over competitors when you understand the terms and reasoning behind them.

 

Telecommunications

The word telecommunications, also called telecom, refers to systems that transmit messages used for communication over long distances. Often a telephone company will refer to itself as a telecom.
Try: To get a detailed look at telecommunications and what it entails, go to wiseGEEK. This site defines the term and gives historical examples of the evolution of telecommunications.

Incumbent local exchange carrier

An incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) in the United States is a local telephone company that existed when AT&T broke up into regional Bell operating companies, or "Baby Bells." This type of carrier is responsible for providing telephone exchange services locally in a specific geographic area.
Try: The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin offers detailed reports of an incumbent local exchange carrier. The reports include balance sheets, income statements and expenses, among other topics.

Competitive local exchange carrier

A competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC), also called a carrier, is a local exchange carrier that competes with established carriers, typically the incumbent local exchange carrier.
Try: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio offers a detailed list of competitive local exchange carriers across America.

Data local exchange carrier

A data local exchange carrier (DLEC) is a type of competitive local exchange carrier specializing in digital subscriber line (DSL) services. It generally leases lines from local telephone companies then resells the lines to independent service providers.
Try: United Business Media offers a technology encyclopedia that defines terms such as the data local exchange carrier. It also gives a brief history of the term.

Telecommunications technologies

Local exchange carriers often provide cable and satellite services, prime examples of telecommunications technology. This term refers to the activity of maintaining, constructing and designing communications systems.
Try: Communication Certification Laboratory offers a detailed look at the history of telecommunications technologies. It begins communications history in 1200 B.C. and brings it up to the modern day with current telecommunications technologies.

Bundles

Local exchange carriers often provide bundles, also known as packages, of services such as telephone, Internet and television services. Customers often receive these services bundled together at a discounted rate as opposed to purchasing each of these services individually.
Try: Microsoft offers information detailing ways consumers save money by using telecommunications bundles. It discusses different services offered in bundled packages.

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