Telephone Exchange Service Area Boundaries for Minnesota

In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Commerce (formerly the Department of Public Service), the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office (MnGeo, formerly LMIC) has produced a statewide view of telephone exchange service areas. This map shows the boundaries of more than 700 telephone exchange service areas, in addition to county boundaries, area codes and LATA zones. LATA (Local Access and Transport Area) zones define the areas within which Qwest was formerly restricted to provide long-distance service. No such restriction exists today.

The major telecommunications companies are color-coded, the Twin Cities metropolitan area is enlarged on an inset map, and all exchanges are listed by company. A cross-reference grid helps to locate exchanges on the map. An inset shows the Duluth wire center boundaries ("wire center" refers to the area to which local service is provided by one or more switches located at a single point).

MnGeo has worked with the Department of Commerce to ensure the accuracy of the data portrayed on this map. However, this map is intended to provide only a statewide overview of telephone exchanges and is not to be used for detailed site analysis or as a legal document or to be construed as final. To view official maps of particular exchanges, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 651-296-5120.

2007 Maps and GIS Data

Online PDF Maps

The March 2007 map is available free online in PDF format; the Minnesota Telecom Alliance paid for the changes to be made and the map includes their logo. Three versions are available:

GIS Data

The data is in shapefile format and is free online via the documentation.

You need to have and be familiar with GIS software in order to use the files.
 

Printed Maps

Please print a copy of the order form, fill out the requested information, and then mail or fax (for purchase orders only) the form along with full payment to:

Data and Map Orders
Minnesota Geospatial Information Office
658 Cedar Street, Room 300
St. Paul, MN   55155

Purchase orders may be faxed to:  (651) 296-3698

In order to keep the cost of the maps as low as possible, map orders must be prepaid, either by check or purchase order (we cannot accept credit cards). Checks and purchase orders should be made payable to the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office.

Maps will be mailed at the first-class rate. Please allow five business days for delivery of unlaminated maps, or ten business days for laminated maps. Express mailing is extra (please call for details).

If you have questions about the maps or the order form, call 651-201-2482 or e-mail clearing.house@state.mn.us. This map is distributed subject to MnGeo's distribution liability statement.
 

2003 Maps and GIS Data

The 2003 versions of the map and GIS data remain available online:

Related sites

  • First-stop info webpage: More information about Minnesota's public utilities and telecommunications infrastructure, focusing on GIS data and maps.