Choosing a Long Distance Carrier
Choosing the right long distance phone service is not as cut
and dry as simply getting the cheapest cent per minute rate.
Though a low rate is a major factor, there are just a few
more variables to consider in this equation. The first thing is to estimate how much time you spend
calling long distance each month. Keep in mind, long
distance rates for in state calls may be different from out
of state calls and long distance calls made within your area
code may be higher than both. Let's break it down. Look at your phone bill and find the
inter-state long distance charges. Take note this is spelled
with an "er" at the end. These are your out of state long
distance calls. Next, look for intra-state. This one is spelled with an "ra"
at the end. These are calls made in state but outside your
area code. Inter-state and intra-state are easily confused,
so look closely. Last, look for intra-lata or local toll charges. These are
long distance calls made within your area code. In most
cases local toll long distance charges can be significantly
higher than the others. Now that you know what your rates are, all you need to do is
locate a long distance carrier in your area who can provide
a lower cent per minute long distance rate for each
category. You'll also want to take what are commonly referred to as
hidden charges into account. These charges usually appear on
your bill as various taxes, fees, and sir charges, and can
be a significant amount of your over all bill. If you do not make many long distance phone calls, you
should be fine just locating lower long distance rates. If
you are one who needs to make a good amount of long distance
phone calls you may want to look into bundled long distance
service. Many bundled long distance providers offer unlimited long
distance calling for a flat monthly fee, and no cent per
minute charge. Though this is cheaper than a cent per minute
rate, you'll still get stuck with those hidden fee's charged
by tradition phone companies. Broadband telephone, or VoIP is a cheap alternative to
traditional telephone service. VoIP companies usually do not
charge any hidden fee's or taxes other than a 3 percent
federal excise tax. Even if you do not completely replace your local carriers
service, a VoIP plan on the side can serve as an unlimited
long distance plan as well as a second phone line, and
for less than twenty dollars a month. Chances are good you can save about half that cost by just
canceling the long distance service from your local carrier,
and only using them for local calls and emergencies. This
will eliminate most of those hidden fees.
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