LEC vs. CLEC
My company is getting ready to install several T-1 lines at our new facility on the East Coast. Our accounting department thinks we have been spending too much on the service we currently use in our other offices. They are advising us to consider other service providers. At this new facility, we have the option of getting service from a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) in addition to the LEC that services the area. We will have Internet access for this office and VPN access between offices. How do we make sure we are getting our money's worth?
-- Via the Internet
Make sure that your current ISP can connect to you via the CLEC. See if the CLEC has a direct connection to your ISP's local point of presence. Avoid the need to run a connection via the CLEC to a regional Bell operating company and then to your ISP. This could make troubleshooting a connection more difficult.
Next, look at how the CLEC will connect to you. Some CLECs have their own copper and/or fiber facilities, while others actually rent the lines from the LEC and resell them to you. Make sure you get answers to your questions from the LEC and the CLEC. Compare the quotes given to you by both. You might pay more by using a LEC vs. a CLEC. However, you may have less trouble in the long run.
Consider the CLEC option only if it has its own wiring independent of the LEC, its pricing is less and the reliability/quality of its service is at least equal to the current LEC.
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