Definitions for "Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier"
Keywords:  ilec, rboc, bell, clec, gte
In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with respect to an area, the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier is defined as the Local Exchange Carrier that, on the date of enactment of the Act, provided telephone exchange service in that area; for example, Verizon.
Typically the carrier that was granted the right to provide service as a result of the breakup of AT&T. These providers are also referred to as RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating Companies) or Baby Bells.
A LEC which, when competition begins, has the dominant position in the market; the original carrier in the market prior to the entry of competition.