STANDARD TELEPHONE LONG DISTANCE
SERVICES AND PROVIDERS
SUCH AS MCI WORLDCOM, ATT, SPRINT, IDT, EXCEL
Consumer guide to frugal living to long distance phone services
Including telephone, cell phone, telecommunications, telecom, definitions, glossary and how-to information
Original research and information © Copyright Savvy-Discounts.com 2005 except where noted
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TERM: STANDARD HOME TELEPHONE LONG DISTANCE SERVICES AND PROVIDERS EXAMPLES OF SERVICES: MCI Worldcom, ATT, SPRINT, IDT, EXCEL DEFINITION: The long distance provider that you designate with your local phone company. NOTE: You do not have to designate a long distance company. If you use a 800 number 'dial-around' prepaid long distance service which we recommend, you will only need access to 800# calling. There will be a nominal monthly fee on your local bill for this 800 calling ability. COST: Generally customers pay a per minute charge which can be higher during the day and cheaper at night or on weekends. The costs of plans varies but typically there is one rate for state-to-state calls, a higher rate for in-state calls and another rate (typically higher than the state-to-state calling rate) for local toll calls. In addition there is often a monthly fee, and a variety of federal, state and local taxes plus other charges. BILLING: Most providers bill users on a monthly basis. However, consumers who have a poor credit record may be required to pay a deposit. EXAMPLE: A discount plan from a major long distance carrier: 4 cents a minute 24/7 for state-to-state calls plus a monthly fee of $6.99; in addition there is a charge of 12 cents a minute for in-state calls and 9 cents a minute for local toll calls. Also there is a one year contract with $24.99 early cancellation fee. Taxes and various fees are added to the bill as well. NOTE: Some calls within a LATA may be handled by the local phone company even though some numbers may require a 1+AreaCode. See your local phone book for a list of these. Generally there will be spelled out at the beginning of the local telephone directory. ALSO SEE THESE PAGES: == How to determine your long distance provider and troubleshoot long distance connection problems == Long distance provider access codes COMMENTS: For the convenience of picking up the phone and simply dialing a number, many consumers are paying an extra $30 a month and more. With a dial-around service such as a prepaid long distance service the user dials an 800# first (usually with speed dial) and then punches in the number. This one extra step can save the consumer $30 or more a month. OTHER LINKS AT THIS SITE: === Compare the cost of a major long distance carrier and a prepaid long distance |