More choices, however, often result in more confusion to consumers - especially for those unfamiliar with the telecom structure, terms and, ultimately, the options that are now available to them.

Topics of confusion that still exist for many are LATA, IntraLATA and InterLATA.  Your understanding of these terms and how they apply to your calling patterns can make a significant difference in your monthly bills.

What is a LATA?

A LATA (Local Access and Transport Area) is a geographical area that is the responsibility of one of the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs).  These “boundaries” were established after the breakup of AT&T in 1984.   LATA boundaries tend to be drawn around markets, and not necessarily along existing state, province, or even area code borders.

Below is an example graphic of LATA boundaries that currently exist within the state of Texas.  (To determine the exact LATA boundaries in your calling area, consult your local telephone directory.)

LATA Boundaries in Texas

IntraLATA Calls

IntraLATA refers to a telephone call or circuit which does not cross a LATA boundary.  IntraLATA communications require the assistance of the Local Exchange Carrier, but not the IXC (InterXchange Carrier).

It is important to understand, however, that IntraLATA calls can either be classified as a “local” call, or a local toll call (i.e. long distance call) by your carrier.  The difference between the two has been a source of much confusion over the years.

Because IntraLATA long distance is not subject to the same competitive market forces as InterLATA (and interstate) long distance, IntraLATA long distance calls normally cost more.

For example, a call originating from Dallas, TX to Yakima, WA would most likely be less expensive than a call from Dallas to Fort Worth - two cities that fall within the same LATA boundaries but are not considered “local.”

Consumers generally believe that calls that originate close to one another should be less expensive than calls made from further distances.  In response to this fact, many carriers now offer calling plans that essentially make IntraLATA calling roughly the same price as a local call.

These calling packages are generally more suited for customers who make a large amount of IntraLATA calls per month.   Line charges are generally much higher, so it is best to thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of such a plan before signing a contract.

InterLATA (InterLATA and Interstate) Calls

InterLATA calls refer to those that originate within one LATA and terminate in another.  It is this type of call that is most referred to as a “long distance” call.  Because InterLATA communications do cross LATA boundaries, they do require the help of an IXC (InterXchange Carrier) to be completed.

It is the InterLATA and Interstate portion of the marketplace where competition really flourished throughout the 1990’s.  Prices for Interstate calls have dropped significantly and carriers now offer a wide variety of billing options, including 6 second (and even 1 second) billing increments.

As with all aspects of choosing the appropriate telecom services, it makes sense to know ALL of your options before making any long term commitments.    For more assistance, consult a reliable and established telecom consultant to help guide you to the right choices for your business.

Submitted by TelCon Associates, Inc.

]]> http://www.telecomauditguide.com/long-distance/lata-intralata-and-interlata-explained/feed/ http://www.telecomauditguide.com/local-phone/maximize-telecom-savings-by-using-least-cost-routing/ http://www.telecomauditguide.com/local-phone/maximize-telecom-savings-by-using-least-cost-routing/#comments Thu, 08 May 2008 11:31:59 +0000 admin http://www.telecomauditguide.com/local-phone/maximize-telecom-savings-by-using-least-cost-routing/ For many users, Least Cost Routing (or LCR) is the most valuable automatic control function associated with their telephone system.

And even though the growing use of virtual and discounted long distance services accessed via local exchange lines/trunks is making LCR less applicable, it still is an area in which dramatic savings can be realized without degradation of service.

Least Cost Routing (sometimes referred to as Automatic Route Selection) is still applicable for three main reasons:

Long-distance calls, and often local calls, can be placed over many different services, at widely varying rates;

The optimum facility for any given call depends on factors such as urgency, time of day, availability of facilities;

If there are more than three or four factors to consider, individual users cannot be expected to reliably choose the optimum facility. (Too much time is required.)

The 3 Levels of Least Cost Routing

Route Advance
A standard capability with many PBX systems. This feature routes outgoing calls to alternate facilities when the first trunk group is busy.

For example, in a system with Headquarters T1, Band-5 WATS and local trunks, Route Advance could be established so that headquarters’ calls would first seek the T1 channels.

In the event that the T1 is busy, calls would “advance” to the Band-5 lines. And finally, if the Band-5 lines were busy, calls would be advanced to the local trunks.

In this arrangement, separate access codes would need to be dialed to select Band-5 or local facilities directly. Queuing (see below) can also be applied to Route Advance configurations.

Automatic Route Selection (ARS)
This configuration allows for a single access code (usually “9″) to be dialed for all outgoing calls. After the call is dialed, the system then sorts through a hierarchy of routes to place the call on the lowest-cost available facility.

Hierarchies may vary according to number called, calling station, time of day, etc. Calls may be allowed to overflow to local trunks, or they may be blocked. A warning tone can be configured to alert the caller before it overflows to a different route.

As in the case of Route Advance, queuing and repetitive search can also be applied to ARS arrangements.

Queuing
This type of arrangement places callers in line to wait for facilities when all authorized routes are in use. This enables more traffic onto fewer and lower cost facilities.

The most common types of Queuing are:
Off-Hook Queuing functions so that the outbound caller stays on the line after dialing the call, and the call goes through immediately when a facility is available. This type of queuing is preferable when a maximum wait time of 30 seconds or less is programmed into the system. Off-hook queuing is an acceptable mode for waits up to one minute.

Call-Back Queuing functions so that the outbound caller hangs up after dialing the call until a facility is available. When this happens the number is dialed automatically. Call-back queuing is preferable if waits of longer than one minute are allowed.

Least Cost Routing, where applicable, is still an area that can provide considerable cost savings.

Submitted by: TelCon Associates, Inc.