Local exchange carrier

A Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) is a telecommunications company that provides local phone service within a specific geographic area, such as a city or town. These carriers are responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, like wires and switches, that connect your home or business to the broader telephone network. In the U.S., local exchange carriers typically include regional companies that handle local calls, while larger companies may own both local and long-distance networks. Essentially, LECs are the local providers that make it possible for you to make and receive calls within your community.