LEC (Local Exchange Carrier)

LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) is a Telecommunications Carrier (TC) under the state/local Public Utilities Act that provides local exchange telecommunications services.

ILECs (Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers)

A telephone company that had the initial telephone company franchise in an area.

CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers)

A local exchange carrier that competes with other established carriers and provides exchange access services.