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See our archive of previous tips on
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There are seemingly hundreds of telephone calling deals out there: 10 cents a minute,
99 cents for the first 20 minutes, 7 cents a minute. How do you know whether you are
getting the best deal? The federal Consumer
Information Center offers tips on lowering telephone bills:
- Understand your own calling patterns. Do you make most of your calls
during the day, night, or on weekends? If you don't make frequent long distance calls,
perhaps a dial-around service ("10-10") is the right plan for you or a plan with
no monthly minimum fees.
- Ask your long distance provider about any promotions they might be
running. You can even ask other long distance companies about any switching benefits they
might be offering.
- Phone companies each have different restrictions and offerings. Make
sure you read the fine print.
- Ask if there are monthly, minimum or per-call fees in addition to the
per minute rates. For example, if a dial-around service charges a $5 monthly fee and you
make only one 10 minute call that month, then you pay an extra 50 cents a minute for that
call.
- Consumers should be careful about comparison rates in advertisements,
such as 50% off of a carrier's "basic" rates, because such "basic"
rates are often not the lowest rates available.
- Check out the phone companies' web sites. Their sites should have
specific information on their rates and calling plans.
- Ask your long distance carrier about mileage tie-ins that they may
offer. Many companies now offer miles per dollar spent on your long distance bill. Your
long distance minutes can add up to a free trip! Also, some phone carriers provide
discounts if you have your long distance charges billed to your credit card.
- Read your monthly bills closely. Mistakes happen. If you suspect one,
call your provider and ask for an explanation.
- Be familiar with the specific calling plans offered by dial-around
providers. Each has restrictions that define the service. Make sure you understand those
restrictions before you make a long distance call.
- The wireless phone industry has matured very quickly, and the wireless
phone companies are offering various service plans that may be right for you.
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