LATA Boundaries

LATA Boundaries consists of polygon boundaries that represent the 3-digit Local Access and Transport Areas (LATA’s) that were created as part of the breakup of AT&T. LATA’s are regulatory boundaries unique to the telecommunications geography, and define when it is necessary to use a long distance carrier. LATA’s were originally created to group regions where one particular RBOC provided services. Generally, each LATA contains a single major metropolitan area. For example, LATA boundary 656 is given the name Denver to identify the LATA. This GIS product is not necessarily drawn around existing state or area code borders but metropolitan areas. Many area codes exist in multiple LATA’s, and many LATA’s exist in multiple area codes.

How LATA Boundaries can be utilized

LATA Boundaries have been used to resolve regulatory disputes for long-distance carriers, along with establishing signaling interference points in network planning.

Benefits of LATA Boundaries