Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) Law and Legal Definition
The term "incumbent local exchange carrier" means, with respect to an area, the local exchange carrier that-- (A) on the date of enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 [enacted Feb. 8, 1996], provided telephone exchange service in such area; and (B) (i) on such date of enactment, was deemed to be a member of the exchange carrier association pursuant to section 69.601(b) of the Commission's regulations (47 C.F.R. 69.601(b)); or (ii) is a person or entity that, on or after such date of enactment, became a successor or assign of a member described in clause (i). (2) Treatment of comparable carriers as incumbents. The Commission may, by rule, provide for the treatment of a local exchange carrier (or class or category thereof) as an incumbent local exchange carrier if-- (A) such carrier occupies a position in the market for telephone exchange service within an area that is comparable to the position occupied by a carrier described in paragraph (1); (B) such carrier has substantially replaced an incumbent local exchange carrier as described. (C) such treatment is consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. 47 USCS § 251
