LATA

LATA, or Local Access and Transport Area, is a geographic region defined by phone companies in the United States. It determines where local phone calls can be made without extra charges and where long-distance calls are managed. Within a LATA, local phone companies handle calls; for calls outside the LATA, inter-exchange carriers (like long-distance providers) are involved. This system helps regulate local and long-distance telecommunications, ensuring callers are billed appropriately and services are organized based on geographic regions. LATA boundaries influence how phone companies operate, compete, and provide services across different areas.