Telecommunications Service Competition Supports Growing Florida Economy

“Advances in telecommunications technologies continue to create significant business opportunities--and jobs--in Florida.  And, consumers also benefit from advances in wireless technologies and evolving mobile Internet devices,” said PSC Chairman Ronald A. Brisé.  “The PSC continues to foster a competitive telecommunications industry where Florida companies can provide innovative services that meet customers’ growing expectations.”

According to the report, Competitive Local Exchange Companies’ (CLECs) market share of both residential and business wireless access lines increased last year, from 20 to 26 percent.  Approximately 17.9 million wireless handsets were in service in Florida and it is estimated that 2.7 million Florida residents were VoIP subscribers, an increase of nearly 12 percent over the estimated 2.4 million in 2011.  

AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon remained the three largest incumbent local telephone companies (ILECs) providing wireline services in Florida.  All three companies saw decreases in residential and business wireline access as, overall, wirelines fell by 17 percent. 

Delivered to the Florida Legislature by August 1 each year, the PSC telecommunications report compiled data from 276 Florida telecommunications companies for a 12-month period ending December 31, 2012. For the entire report, please go to this PSC web address:  http://www.floridapsc.com/Files/PDF/Publications/Telecomm/20130722MasterComp.pdf.   

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

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