Local Access and Transport Areas (LATA) were created after the breakup of the Bell System. They are sometimes called service areas, or local toll calling areas. Local toll rates vary within LATA's, depending on the distance between the call locations, and in many instances are significantly discounted on nights and weekends.
Occasionally, a local or long distance company may try to get you to switch your local toll provider. Read your telephone bill closely every month to make sure no one is trying to change your service provider without your consent. Access additional information about deceptive marketing and sales.
If you have a question about consumer protection or suspect you have been changed to another provider without your permission, contact us.
Calling plans and pricing are determined by the following definitions:
- Local toll call: A call made outside your local calling area but still within your own AT&T Local Access Transport Area (LATA). These calls are not far enough away to be billed as long distance. Also called intraLATA calls.
- Local call: Usually, a call made within a 15-mile radius of your home. This zone is considered your local calling area.
- IntraLATA call: A call made outside your local calling area, but still within your own AT&T Local Access Transport Area (LATA). These calls are not far enough away to be billed as long distance. This is the same as a local toll call.
- Long Distance call: A call made from one Local Access Transport Area (LATA) to another. These calls are carried and billed by your inter-exchange carrier of choice.
- LATA: Each state is divided into several Local Access Transport Areas (LATAs), which were created at the break-up of the Bell System. These are also referred to as local toll areas or regional toll areas.
Check your local calling area.