### Question
How does the law define in-region State?


### Answer
Under *47 U.S.C. § 271*, **in-region State** is defined as:

> a State in which a Bell operating company or any of its affiliates was authorized to provide wireline telephone exchange service pursuant to the reorganization plan approved under the AT&T Consent Decree, as in effect on the day before February 8, 1996

#### Citation:
  - *47 U.S.C. § 271*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 5-WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION > SUBCHAPTER II-COMMON CARRIERS > Part III-Special Provisions Concerning Bell Operating Companies**

