Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) in Texas
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) in Texas
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 ushered in a new era in competition in the local phone market. Competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) in Texas provide flexible, cost-effective alternatives to the service available from more established phone providers.
There are competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) in Texas located throughout the state who are ready to provide you with flexible local phone service. These providers work with businesses and individuals statewide. By working with a Texas-based CLEC it's frequently possible to save money through bundled services available at discounted rates. Many CLEC providers also offer other services such as DSL and high speed Internet access.
Looking for ways to save is always a good idea in business. When it comes to your business phone expenses, working with a good Texas-based competitive local exchange carrier can help you to trim costs while continuing to receive a good level of service. Many CLECs in Texas are locally based companies while others are national providers. Information regarding such services can frequently be found on the Internet. Business.com is a trusted resource that helps businesses and individuals everywhere find products, services and solutions. Visit the links to reliable providers on the left to find out more.
Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) in Texas
Save on phone service with Texas CLECsBy B. Lumadue Several CLECs serve the state of Texas. Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) in Texas have been around since the Telecommunications Act of 1996. They compete with Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC). ILECs are the carriers that were in place before deregulation. Most are Regional Bell Operating Companies that were created after the break up of AT&T in the 1980s.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 enabled these Texas CLECs to offer long distance service in exchange for allowing competition for local phone service. An ILEC company is usually your default carrier and competes with CLECs for phone service and other offerings.
Most Competitive Local Exchange Carriers use rack space and lines provided by the ILEC and resell the services to local customers, although some larger companies host their own lines. Here is some information about Competitive Local Exchange Carriers in Texas:
1. CLECs in Texas range in size from smaller local companies to national providers.
2. CLECs can offer savings through bundled services and discounts.
3. CLECs may also offer savings on other services like DSL and other high speed Internet access.
Look at large CLECs in Texas
Many competitive local exchange carriers are large telecommunications companies that operate throughout the United States. These companies often offer lower prices as well as reliable service.
Try: Verizon and AT&T are two large carriers that service Texas. In addition to phone service, they offer high-speed Internet, voicemail and other services, so you can bundle packages and save. Qwest is another large provider that offers local phone service and some other services in Texas.
Consider smaller local telecom carriers in Texas
A smaller company can offer personal service and a great deal.
Try: Grande Communications Networks offers business bundles and high-speed Internet technologies, including metro area network service. PTCI operates in parts of Texas and Oklahoma, providing phone, Internet and other services.
Find listings of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers in Texas
It's a good idea to shop around and get as many prices as possible before making a choice. To find more options, browse listings of local Competitive Local Exchange providers.
Try: The Federal Communications Commission and the Public Utility Commission of Texas offer lists of CLECs that offer service in the state. The Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative lists rural independent telecommunications providers.
- While smaller Texas CLECs often offer great rates, their control over system outages may be limited. Reliable phone service is important to any business, so make sure to get references and check with other customers before committing to a CLEC.
- Determine whether price or features is the most important factor in choosing a CLEC.
- Find services that will grow with your needs. Even if some services aren't required now, they may be useful in the future. Find out if you have the ability to upgrade to more advanced options down the road.
