Local Service
Local Calling Options
Here are some tips for choosing local phone services. The UTC-regulated Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC) map shows where the local phone companies operate. An ILEC is a local phone company that was already in business when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed, which allowed other companies to enter the market.
Long Distance Service
Get Everything in Writing
When looking for phone service, do not rely only on phone calls for details about the service. You can ask questions over the phone, but make sure you get the offer in writing before you decide. This is very important if the phone company reached out to you first.
Be Careful When Comparing Rates
Phone companies advertise rates in different ways. Some offer special rates based on how long a call lasts, where it goes, and what day it is. Others show a low rate but may charge monthly fees. Most companies have other fees besides their advertised rates. Before choosing a new long-distance company, get in writing all the charges that apply to the calls you expect to make.
Compare In-state Rates
Most long-distance companies charge different rates for calls made within your state (in-state) and calls made to other states (interstate). Interstate rates are usually featured in national advertising. In-state rates are often higher. Make sure to ask for the in-state rate specifically.
Watch Out for Extra Fees and Minimum Payments
Many long-distance companies add extra monthly fees, making it hard to compare their per-minute rates. These fees might look like government charges, but most are not required by law and can vary between companies. When you compare long-distance providers, ask for the total amount of these charges to make a fair comparison.
Some larger companies require that you spend a minimum amount each month, excluding fees. If you only make a few calls, find a provider that does not have a minimum payment. Plus, if you rarely call, you likely do not want a plan that includes a monthly fee.
How to Change Your Long-distance Service Provider
To switch providers, contact the long-distance company you want to use. Your new carrier will work with your local phone company to route your calls through their network. This process is called "establishing a presubscribed long-distance service". Most phones are already set up this way, but it is good to check with your local phone company to confirm the switch.
There may be a fee for changing your long-distance provider. Often, the new company will pay this fee, but not always. You should also let your old long-distance company know you are switching.
Understanding Dial-around Codes (10-10-XXX)
When you make long-distance calls from home, they usually go through your chosen company automatically. However, you can use a different provider by dialing their specific seven-digit access code before your call.
Be careful: some companies that advertise low rates might charge a monthly fee or extra surcharges. These added fees can make your call cost more than the advertised rate. Always read the fine print before using a dial-around service.
Toll Restriction
You can ask your local phone company to block direct-dialed long-distance calls from your phone. Some people request this when several guests or users can access this phone. You can still make toll-free calls, use dial-around services, and receive collect calls.
Going Without a Long-distance Company
Most phones automatically connect to a specific long-distance company. However, you can ask your local phone company not to link a long-distance provider to your phone line. This is often done for phone lines meant for data transmission, which are not used for long-distance calls. To prevent any issues with long-distance calls from that line, we suggest adding a “toll restriction” on it.
Account Freeze
You can request your local phone company to place a freeze on your local and long-distance services. This prevents providers from being switched without your written consent. If you want to change your local or long-distance service in the future, you need to sign a form to remove the freeze. This means your service provider cannot change without your knowledge.
Slamming and Other Scams
Be cautious of telemarketers. If you do not have an account freeze in place, your phone services can be switched to a different provider just by giving verbal approval to a salesperson and a verification agent.
Some dishonest telemarketers use tricks to get you to agree to this switch. If you notice that your phone service provider has changed without your consent (this is called "slamming"), you have the right to protect yourself using these steps:
- Alert your local phone company about this change.
- Do not pay any of the charges until the issue is resolved.
- Contact your original long-distance provider to ensure you return to your desired service plan.
- Reach out to the unauthorized company to cancel their service.
If you are not happy with any of these interactions, you can file a complaint.
How to Find the Best Long-distance Telephone Deal
1. Start with your last phone bill
Take some time to look at your phone bills from the last three months. This will help you see how much you spend on long-distance calls and if you could save money with a different plan. If you use more than one long-distance company, check all your toll calls. Consider these questions:
- How much did I spend on long-distance calls?
- What is the per-minute charge, and how does it vary?
- What other charges do I have?
- Where did I call the most?
- Which calls were the longest?
- What time did I make these calls?
- Would I have talked longer if the call cost less?
- Am I expecting changes that will affect my household's phone use?
2. Figure out your needs
Now that you have reviewed your calling habits, think about what you want. Do you want a flat rate for any call at any time, or are you okay with cheaper rates during certain times or days? Do you make enough long-distance calls to pay a monthly fee? If yes, what savings would be enough for you? These questions will help you find suitable plans. For example, if you do not call long-distance often, look for a plan with no monthly fees and no minimum payments.
3. Contact your existing provider
Once you have an idea of what you want, reach out to your current long-distance provider. Companies often offer better plans to new customers but avoid telling existing ones. It is a good idea to check with your company now and then to see if you can get a better deal. Also, verify the in-state rates. You can find the toll-free number for your provider on your bill.
4. Shop around
Many long-distance companies offer different plans. No single plan is right for everyone. Ask friends and colleagues about their providers, check the newspaper and TV ads, or go online for options.
5. Review the details before committing
When you find a plan you like, make sure to check everything. Look at in-state rates and understand all monthly charges, including any FCC-related fees. Find out who will pay to switch your service and how you will receive your bills.
6. Make the choice
Contact the long-distance company you choose. They will work with your local phone company to make sure your calls go through their network.
7. Verify any savings
After a month or two with your new provider, check your phone bill. Are you saving money or getting better service? Review your bill often, and reach out to your provider if you think they have a better plan for you.