| The landmark breakup of the AT&T monopoly in | | | | interstate) long distance, IntraLATA long distance calls |
| 1984 has provided unprecedented choices for | | | | normally cost more. |
| consumers and businesses alike. No longer are | | | | For example, a call originating from Dallas, TX to |
| customers tied to only one source for making local and | | | | Yakima, WA would most likely be less expensive than |
| long distance calls. Because of the myriad of choices | | | | a call from Dallas to Fort Worth - two cities that fall |
| now available, costs for making calls have dropped | | | | within the same LATA boundaries but are not |
| significantly over the last two decades. | | | | considered "local." |
| More choices, however, often result in more confusion | | | | Consumers generally believe that calls that originate |
| to consumers - especially for those unfamiliar with the | | | | close to one another should be less expensive than |
| telecom structure, terms and, ultimately, the options | | | | calls made from further distances. In response to this |
| that are now available to them. | | | | fact, many carriers now offer calling plans that |
| Topics of confusion that still exist for many are LATA, | | | | essentially make IntraLATA calling roughly the same |
| IntraLATA and InterLATA. Your understanding of | | | | price as a local call. |
| these terms and how they apply to your calling | | | | These calling packages are generally more suited for |
| patterns can make a significant difference in your | | | | customers who make a large amount of IntraLATA |
| monthly bills. | | | | calls per month. Line charges are generally much |
| What is a LATA? | | | | higher, so it is best to thoroughly understand the |
| A LATA (Local Access and Transport Area) is a | | | | advantages and disadvantages of such a plan before |
| geographical area that is the responsibility of one of | | | | signing a contract. |
| the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs). | | | | InterLATA (InterLATA and Interstate) Calls |
| These "boundaries" were established after the | | | | InterLATA calls refer to those that originate within one |
| breakup of AT&T in 1984. LATA boundaries tend | | | | LATA and terminate in another. It is this type of call |
| to be drawn around markets, and not necessarily | | | | that is most referred to as a "long distance" call. |
| along existing state, province, or even area code | | | | Because InterLATA communications do cross LATA |
| borders. | | | | boundaries, they do require the help of an IXC |
| IntraLATA Calls | | | | (InterXchange Carrier) to be completed. |
| IntraLATA refers to a telephone call or circuit which | | | | It is the InterLATA and Interstate portion of the |
| does not cross a LATA boundary. IntraLATA | | | | marketplace where competition really flourished |
| communications require the assistance of the Local | | | | throughout the 1990's. Prices for Interstate calls have |
| Exchange Carrier, but not the IXC (InterXchange | | | | dropped significantly and carriers now offer a wide |
| Carrier). | | | | variety of billing options, including 6 second (and even 1 |
| It is important to understand, however, that IntraLATA | | | | second) billing increments. |
| calls can either be classified as a "local" call, or a local | | | | As with all aspects of choosing the appropriate |
| toll call (i.e. long distance call) by your carrier. The | | | | telecom services, it makes sense to know ALL of |
| difference between the two has been a source of | | | | your options before making any long term |
| much confusion over the years. | | | | commitments. For more assistance, consult a reliable |
| Because IntraLATA long distance is not subject to the | | | | and established telecom consultant to help guide you |
| same competitive market forces as InterLATA (and | | | | to the right choices for your business. |