| Large buildings needing to get wired for the Internet have a new option when it comes to service providers: building local exchange carriers.
BLECs provide and maintain broadband Internet, voice data, and e-business services for businesses in these properties. Ideally, BLECs offload from the building owners and occupants the headaches of repairing and maintaining their communications pipeline.
Joanna Makris, senior analyst at the Boston-based Yankee Group, said there are about 30 BLECs, but it is unclear that this class of service provider constitutes a viable trend.
“There are a number of challenges in this market,” Makris said. “in the first generation of BLECs, there are a lot of start-ups focused on real estate.”
“In the second generation, there will be a focus on value-added services as opposed to pure access service.”. | 