Here is the list of things you should look
for when deciding on a long distance carrier.
Find out if companies have a monthly charge, monthly minimum
charge or per-use charge.
Are discount services available for low-income consumers?
Is there a service contract?
Will you receive a bill in the mail?
Does the company have a toll-free number with 24-hour customer
service?
Is there a fee for canceling early?
What is the number to call for repairs and billing problems?
Can you create a package of multiple services to meet you needs?
Can you pay with direct withdrawal or a credit card?
Is there a discount for using a credit card?
Are there special services for customers with speech, hearing
or vision problems?
What Is The
Difference Between Flat Rate And Unlimited Long Distance Flat
rate plans are charged one flat rate per month and usually have
a minute cap on them.
Unlimited long distance plans are charged
one flat rate per month have no minute cap on them. That is why
we recommend that you use an unlimited long distance minutes plan,
meaning that you have no minute caps on your unlimited long distance
plan.
However, both types of plans have certain
restrictions such as residential or business, voice or data, etc.
Watch out for long distance services that boast flat rate long
distance and never mention the word unlimited long distance. They
usually have a minute cap and cut you off as soon as you surpass
it. If an unlimited long distance offer sounds too good to be
true, then it probably is. Make sure you know all of the details
pertaining to that site before you sign on to their unlimited
long distance minute plan.
Consumer
Alert For Single Fees
If you are billed for both local and long
distance service on one phone bill, you may soon be charged a
fee by your long distance provider for this convenience.
Many long distance companies are now adding a "single bill
fee" to the phone bills of customers who are billed for long
distance service through their local telephone companies.
The fee is not mandated by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). It is not an FCC charge.
While some long distance companies are notifying
consumers before they add this fee, some are not. Therefore, consumers
should read their bills carefully each month to see if there are
new charges.
Consumers who do not want to incur this charge should notify their
long distance companies and tell them that they wish to be billed
separately for long distance service. Then the fee will not apply.
Depending on the company, consumers may have the option of paying
their long distance phone bills online or having the company bill
their credit cards. Consumers may also have the option of directly
debiting their bank accounts.
Remember:Read
your bills and any correspondence you get from your long distance
and local phone companies carefully
If you do not want to be charged this fee, call your long distance
carrier and ask to be billed separately for long distance service.
Communicate any concerns directly to your long distance company.
Shop around
for the telephone services and companies that best suit your needs.