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Frequently
Asked Questions
How can some carriers charge less than Sprint, AT&T
and MCIWorldCom?
Is there a difference between long distance carriers?
How do I switch long distance carriers?
How many long distance carriers are there?
How do I decide what long distance plan is best
for me?
What are the additional fees on my long distance bill?
Who do I contact if I have a complaint about my
phone service?
How do I verify my long distance has been switched?
What happens if I don't choose a long distance carrier?
How will I be billed?
Is there a number I can call for customer service?
How can I know that I am getting the best rates available?
Answers
How can some carriers charge less than Sprint,
AT&T and MCIWorldCom?
The smaller (discount) carriers buy long distance wholesale from the
large carriers. They provide their own customer service, billing and
account maintenance. They are able to keep their own costs low by
avoiding expensive marketing campaigns.
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Is there a difference between long distance
companies?
There is no difference in the quality of your long distance connection.
All long distance companies, including AT&T, Sprint and WorldCom use
the same fiber optic networks to transport their calls. The differences
are found in the billing and customer service of each carrier.
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How do I switch long distance carriers?
1. Compare long distance plans to choose the plan that is best for
you.
2. Click on the new carrier's logo on our web page and register your
long distance order. Do not stop your old service yet.
3. In compliance with most state's regulations, the new carrier will
give you a verification call to restate the terms of new service and
verify that you want to switch to this carrier. If verification is
not done by a phone call or e-mail, arrangements for verification
will be made in writing.
4. The new carrier will give you the next step for switching your
service. Some will provide a PIC code to give your local phone company.
Others will contact the local company directly. The local company
must have this PIC to switch carriers.
5. Processing time is usually 5-10 days. To check on the switch and
test which carrier is currently serving you, call 1-700-555-4141.
If the name is unfamiliar, it is possible that the long distance carrier
is using the line of another carrier (this is not uncommon).
If you have any questions, contact your new carrier.
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How many long distance carriers are there?
There are over 1,200 companies providing long distance in the U.S.
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How do I decide what long distance plan is
best for me?
Please see Consumer Tips.
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What are the additional fees on my long distance
bill?
Please see Fees and Charges.
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Who do I contact if I have a complaint about
my phone service?
Please see Consumer Rights.
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How do I verify my long distance has been switched?
Normal processing time is 5-10 days. To check on the switch and test
which carrier is currently serving you, call 1-700-555-4141. If the
name is unfamiliar, it is possible that the long distance carrier
is using the line of another carrier (this is not uncommon). If you
have any questions, contact your new carrier.
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What happens if I don't choose a long distance
carrier?
If you don't have a long distance carrier and make a long distance
call, you will be charged a very high rate, sometimes $.80 per minute.
There are many good plans available that can save you money and avoid
this excessive rate.
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How will I be billed?
Carriers send out the traditional monthly bill in the mail. However,
there are billing options available. Most accept credit cards and
direct withdrawal from your checking account. Some carriers even offer
a discount for credit cards and direct withdrawal.
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Is there a number I can call for customer service?
Carriers have their own toll free customer service number. They will
give you the number when you register for their service and it will
be on their bill.
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How can I know that I am getting the best rates
available?
It is our job to monitor the phone companies for rate changes and
keep the consumer informed about the best long distance plans available.
We want you to save as much money as possible on your phone bills.
Long distance companies notify us with changes in their calling plans
and special offers.
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