The Business We're In

The companies of FairPoint Communications are among the more than 1,300 wireline communications service providers known as incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs). These ILECs are the predominant providers of wireline service throughout the country and have a rich history of service quality and infrastructure development.

FairPoint Communications occupies a segment of this market serving less densely populated areas of the country and is responsible for assuring reliable, high-quality telecommunications and broadband services.

ILECs, which are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utilities commissions, provide the basic infrastructure for a wide variety of communication technologies and providers. ILECs depend on a combination of regulated end-user rates, wholesale provider interconnection fees and high-cost support mechanisms to offer new technology, expand networks and build infrastructure and improve operations.