THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT OF WIRELINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS: HOW CAN ILECS ADAPT?

摘要

The wireline telecommunications industry has experienced dramatic changes during the last three decades. The internet, new digital technology and regulatory changes have significantly increased competitive pressures on existing telephone companies or Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) as they were called after the passing of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This paper briefly reviews the history of the wireline telecommunications industry and the development of ILECs and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) that entered the industry after 1996. Three propositions are developed that utilize the internet as a strategy to address the competitive pressures facing the industry. The first proposition states that most ILECs should have a website in today's telecommunications environment. The second proposition states that ILECs should keep their websites up-to-date and provide a great network experience. The last proposition states that rural ILECs should have a community specific online presence.