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How far is "long distance" in a landline context?

Here in UK, we have only three types of landline phone service. First, there is full service - the facility to dial direct within UK and to overseas numbers. Second, there is restricted service which means the line can receive incoming calls but not make outgoing calls (this can be imposed by the service provider temporarily or be an option chosen by the customer), Finally, there is of course no service (you have been disconnected for non payment). I'm just curious to know how US landline service providers define long distance. Is the facility to call "long distance" something provided as standard (but can be withdrawn either temporarily or permanently) or is it something that has to be applied for?

Public Comments

1. That's up to each individual local phone company. The local company sets up calling "bands". Usually it's all calls inside of your band are local, and then outside your band but still inside your state is a toll call, and finally outside the state to another state is long distance. You have to call your local company to see what is local, toll and long distance. The services are set up pretty much the same, but again, each local company is different. Where I am you can have service that receives only incoming calls (cheapest) and can dial out only emergency number (911), local calling where you pay per minute for each toll call and long distance (and overseas), and unlimited, where you get local, toll and long distance for free (cheap international calling).