End of long distance: understanding the unification of local areas

The end of long distance calls within the same DDD

The telecommunications market is undergoing one of the biggest structural changes in recent decades. Anatel approved the simplification of Local Areas of the Fixed Switched Telephone Service (STFC). The rule is clear and direct. The number of local areas drops from 4,118 to just 67.

For the provider and the carrier, this means the practical end of long distance calls between municipalities that share the same DDD code. The new rule establishes that the Local Area will fully coincide with the Numbering Area. In other words, the geographical limit of the DDD becomes the limit of the local rate.

This measure requires a complete review of routing tables, tariffs, and marketing plans. The operational impact is immediate, but the execution window is short. The changes begin in January 2026 and extend until June of the same year.

What changes in practice for STFC

The main change for the end user is the cost. Calls between different cities that have the same DDD will no longer be charged as long distance (LCR). They will be considered local calls (LCL).

Think of the example of Bahia. Currently, the state has 384 distinct local areas. With the change, there will be only 5 local areas. They correspond to codes 71, 73, 74, 75, and 77. In DDD 71, a customer in Catu calls Salvador paying a local rate. The same applies to Saubara and any other municipality in this code.

In addition to savings for the end user, there is a simplification in dialing. For landlines with the same DDD code, it will no longer be necessary to dial the carrier code or the DDD. Dialing becomes direct, using only the subscriber number. This reduces complexity in numbering plans and improves the customer experience.

For carriers, aligning STFC local areas with mobile telephony registration areas (SMP) harmonizes the services. This favors competition and increases transparency. The consumer better understands what they are paying for.

Operational impact for SoftSwitches and SBC

For those managing the network, the focus should be on adjusting billing and routing systems. The SoftSwitch and the SBC need to correctly interpret the new locality rules.

The call classification logic changes. Currently, a call between two municipalities with the same DDD can be classified as long distance, depending on the old local area. Upon implementation, any call within the same CN (National Code) must be treated as local.

This directly impacts least cost routing and transit agreements. If your provider or carrier has traffic agreements based on distance or specific locations, these contracts need review. The risk of incorrect billing is high if systems are not updated.

SipPulse recommends an audit of current numbering plans. Check if your SoftSwitch allows mass updating of local areas via API or spreadsheets. Automation will be essential to meet Anatel deadlines without manual errors.

Implementation timeline

Anatel divided the deployment into nine successive stages. The goal is to ensure a safe transition. The first group of states starts in January 2026. The process concludes in June 2026 with Sao Paulo.

Pay attention to the dates so you are not caught by surprise. The start is in Bahia and Sergipe.

Stages and expected dates

• January 11, 2026: DDDs 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, and 79 (Bahia and Sergipe).
• February 1, 2026: DDDs 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99 (Amazonas, Amapa, Maranhao, Para, and Roraima).
• February 22, 2026: DDDs 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, and 89 (Alagoas, Ceara, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Piaui, and Rio Grande do Norte).
• March 15, 2026: DDDs 51, 53, 54, and 55 (Rio Grande do Sul).
• March 29, 2026: DDDs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 (Parana and Santa Catarina).
• April 19, 2026: DDDs 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, and 38 (Minas Gerais).
• May 10, 2026: DDDs 21, 22, 24, 27, and 28 (Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo).
• May 31, 2026: DDDs 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69 (Acre, Distrito Federal, Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondonia, and Tocantins).
• June 21, 2026: DDDs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 (Sao Paulo).

What the provider needs to do now

Do not wait for the beginning of 2026 to prepare. The regulatory framework is already defined. Resolution No. 768/2024 and Ruling No. 202, dated August 14, 2025, establish the rules.

The first step is to map the customer base. Identify which subscribers will be affected by the rate change in each stage. Then, align with the sales and marketing teams. This is an opportunity to offer new plans or communicate a cost reduction to the end customer.

Technically, ensure that your support system (IVR) and your tariffing database are ready. The change does not imply a change in the user's phone number. Therefore, the focus is purely on call logic and billing.

Providers operating as STFC must follow official communications. Transparency with the consumer is mandatory. Inform your customers about the changes in dialing rules and call prices.

Conclusion

The reduction from 4,118 to 67 local areas is a necessary modernization. The market gains simplicity and the user gains cost savings. However, network operation demands increased attention.

Adjusting the SoftSwitch, reviewing the BSS, and ensuring correct tariffing are critical tasks. Missing a deadline can generate fines and dissatisfaction. Use the months preceding the start of the timeline to test the new configurations.

SipPulse is attentive to these changes to support its clients in adapting their platforms. Software flexibility is the provider's greatest ally in regulatory transition scenarios like this.