Originally known as the long lines of telecommunications, long distance was designed to allow customers to make calls outside of their local calling area. As technology improved, the distance expanded allowing for the first coast to coast telephone call to take place in 1914. This was accomplished by the aid of operators manually connecting the lines to route the call. In 1951, technology had emerged to allow for direct dial calling from coast to coast. Today, it is commonplace to make telephone calls that go around the world.
There are basically two types of long distance used today, inter-LATA long distance and intra-LATA long distance. So, what is a LATA? LATA stands for local access and transport area. This is basically a geographical area that has been established under federal guidelines and generally drawn around major market areas. In most cases, a LATA boundary is kept inside the state line but there are exceptions. Malheur Bell is part of the Boise LATA.
Now back to the types of long distance again… Inter-LATA long distance would be utilized if you were to make a call from say Vale, OR to Atlanta, GA. The call would go beyond the Boise LATA. Intra-LATA long distance would apply when you make a call from Vale, OR to Boise, ID. Although the call is within the LATA, it is still a long distance call.
At Malheur Bell, you have choices when it comes to your long distance carrier for both Inter-LATA and Intra-LATA long distance. Talk to one of our customer service representatives to see what option works best for your long distance calling needs.
EAS Extended Area Service
EAS Extended Area Service - This service allows you to make calls outside your exchange without having to make a long distance call with its associated charges. |
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Each of our exchanges have their own EAS arrangements that are unique to the needs of the community. |
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Ontario EAS |
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Ontario has extended area service with the following exchanges: Fruitland, Harper, Huntington, Nu Acres, Nyssa, Oregon Slope, Payette, Vale |
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Nyssa EAS |
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Nyssa has extended area service with the following exchanges: Nu Acres, Ontario, Vale |
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Oregon Slope EAS |
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Oregon Slope has extended area service with the following exchanges: Ontario, Payette, Vale, Weiser |
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Vale EAS |
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Vale has extended area service with the following exchanges: Harper, Nu Acres, Nyssa, Ontario, Oregon Slope |
