LATA
(31) Local access and transport area The term “local access and transport area” or “LATA” means a contiguous geographic area— (A) established before February 8, 1996 , by a Bell operating company such that no exchange area includes points within more than 1 metropolitan statistical area, consolidated metropolitan statistical area, or State, except as expressly permitted under the AT&T Consent Decree; or (B) established or modified by a Bell operating company after February 8, 1996 , and approved by the Commission.