Sorting Out Long-Distance Phone Deals

Are you trying to find the best deal for your long distance service? Are you confused about all the possible plans and what you are really being charge? You are not alone! Here is a list of things you can do to help make sense of all the advertising jargon so you will have a better understanding of what you are getting and what you are not getting.

• What are the plans monthly fees? If they are advertising, 10 cents a minute, is there a surcharge or fee you have to pay in order to get that rate?
• Does the plan offer minimum charges? If so, take a hard look at how it works. If all calls are charged the minimum then a 2-minute call could cost you as much as a 20-minute call. The term "up to" is one you want to research. Let's say your plan advertises that all calls are one dollar up to 30 minutes. Not bad, right? Wrong, unless you do not mind paying a dollar every time you leave a voicemail. When you see "up to" reword it with "less then" and see if it's still a good deal.
• Does the company offer a great rate but with time restrictions? If so, are those restrictions compatible to your needs? How high are the rates other times? Do they go up considerably during the most desirable times? Find out the time restrictions on your service before you sign the dotted line.

• What about "where" you call. If your brother is in Ohio, will the advertised rate be available to calls to Ohio? Often times the best rate is available everywhere but within your own state. Find out any geographical rates that may apply to your usage and if it meets your needs.
• Is there a time limit on the advertised rates? If so, find out how long and what the rates will be when the promotion ends.
• Know the jargon. When a company advertises a "basic rate", what this really means is the "highest rate available" so any discount off the basic rate usually isn't going to be a great deal. Before agreeing to this type of package, find out what other rates are available.
• Be careful about putting too much credence in ads that compare rates and services. Often time the competitions information will be out of date. When rates are compared, ask about the service and see if it also compares. often, all you will see are just the rates.
• Long distance providers are going to have their own deals, services, and restrictions. The only way to get a good comparison is by reading or calling the companies and putting their specifications side by side for review. A lot of work? You betcha, but in the long run, worth it.

After You Get Your Service

Look closely at your bill. Are you being charged exactly as you expected? Do you see any small charges that you do not understand? Are all the calls recognizable? If you ever feel that, there is a mistake on your bill or that the charges do not match the plan quoted to you, call your provider and get a clear understanding of the charges.

Need to Complain?

File a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission at 1-800-225-5322 or write to: Consumer Information Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.

Source for this article: Federal Trade Commission