Dedicated Long Distance refers to the access of a long distance provider through a dedicated circuit. By installing a dedicated long distance T1/DS1, customers have the ability to dial long distance calls directly into the provider's network and avoid local line charges through their RBOC or LEC (local telephone company, i.e.: Qwest, SBC, and BellSouth) .

Dedicated Long Distance circuits are comprised of two separate components: the local loop and the long distance rate charges.

The local loop is the actual connectivity from the customer's physical location to their Long Distance provider's POP (Point of Presence). This loop can be ordered through their long distancer provider or it can be a customer provided loop ordered through the customer's RBOC or LEC.
Long distance service, or 1+ access, is utilized to dial IntraLATA, IntraState, and InterState calls.

Switched Long Distance refers to the access of a long distance provider through a non-dedicated access medium, such as a RBOC or LEC (local telephone company, i.e.: Qwest, SBC, and BellSouth) provided business line. In adding a PIC and/or LPIC (Carrier code) to the local line customers have the ability to dial long distance calls. Long distance service, or 1+ access, is utilized to dial IntraLATA, IntraState, and InterState calls.