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Local Calling Options

You can change your phone service to one that better fits your needs and saves money. Here are a few choices to look into:

Long-distance Savings Packages

The cost of long-distance calls within the state has dropped a lot. If your bills are too high, you can save money by switching to a better long-distance plan. As a rule of thumb, you should not pay more than 10 cents a minute. Many companies now offer even lower prices

Talk to Your Current Phone Company

Your phone company may be able to adjust your service to fit your needs. For instance, they might offer a plan that costs a little more each month but gives you a larger area where you can make free calls.

If you want to file a complaint with the UTC about your local calling area, you must first ask your company for help. You also need written proof that the company failed to find a fair solution.

Use a Different Phone Provider

Cell phone companies offer all kinds of plans. Some include free long-distance or very large local calling areas. A cell phone might cost more than a landline home phone. However, if you want a second line or a mobile phone anyway, check if a cell phone plan meets your needs.

Specific Solutions for Your Home

Find out where you make most of your long-distance calls.

  • For certain businesses, ask them if they can get a toll-free number.
  • For a neighboring area, ask about a "foreign exchange line." This special line connects your phone directly into the next town's calling network.

Last Resort: Expand Local Calling Area

When local calling areas expand, it is harder for companies to compete. Competition is good because it lowers prices for cell phones and long-distance calls.

If the UTC decides a company's local calling area must expand, the company then loses money on long-distance charges. To make up for it, companies usually raise the basic monthly price for everyone's local service. With this in mind, the UTC will only expand a local calling area in rare and extreme cases.

Review Your Local Calling Area

If you still think your community needs a larger local calling area, think about these questions:

  • Are your children’s schools in your local calling area?
  • Are your most significant city or town services within your local calling area?
  • Can you call the police, fire station, and medical emergency services without paying long-distance fees?
  • Does your local calling area include a business district where you shop?

These questions cover the basic needs of a home. If you answered "no" to any of them, see if your neighbors have the same issue. For example, if you must pay long-distance to call your personal doctor, your neighbors might still be able to use a doctor inside the local area.

How to File a Complaint for a Larger Calling Area

You can file a formal complaint against your phone company if you believe they are breaking UTC rules. To win your case, you must prove two things:

  1. Your phone company refused to offer you other helpful options.
  2. Your situation is rare and extreme enough to force the company to change.

Tips for filing a complaint

  • Anyone can write and file a complaint. You do not need a lawyer.
  • Keep it clear and accurate. Your facts must prove this is a rare exception that requires a larger local calling area.
  • Attach copies of letters or emails between you and the phone company. This includes their refusal to expand the calling area or offer better plans.
  • Write your full name and address on the document. If you have a lawyer, include their name and address too.
  • Without a lawyer, you must include a statement swearing that everything in the document is true to the best of your knowledge.

Get to know the rules

Before filing a complaint, take a moment to read the laws and rules about local calling areas. UTC staff cannot give the public legal advice. You may also want to talk to a lawyer to see what your best options are. You can read the full laws online: