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By Larry J. Reaves
Thirty years ago, speaking on the phone with someone who lived across the country was expensive. Making an international call was often cost-prohibitive. Telecommunications technology has evolved dramatically over that time; making such calls is both convenient and affordable. Having said that, long-distance (LD) connections still carry a higher base cost for providers. That cost is usually passed along to customers in the form of higher rates. The challenge is finding a carrier that offers reliable, high-quality service at a rate that fits your needs and budget.
Below, we’ll help you navigate the terrain of finding a long-distance provider that suits your calling needs. We’ll explain the importance of identifying your personal calling patterns when selecting a plan, and describe some of the buried fees and charges that often lurk beneath the surface.
Identify Your Calling Pattern
There are several types of calls that most consumers make. Local connections are included in most providers’ plans, but don’t assume that telephone numbers with the same area code are considered local. Ask your carrier. Intralata and intrastate calls are regional connections made within your state. They’re outside your local area and may carry an additional charge. Many providers have a separate intrastate rate for their customers.
Interstate and international connections are charged LD rates. In most cases, interstate calls carry the same rate regardless of which state you’re calling. International rates typically vary by country.
In order to find the best long-distance plan, you need to identify the types of connections you make each month and their average duration. Do you call friends in Europe each week? Do you speak with family members in New York every few days? If so, how long are the conversations? Many providers offer plans that include unlimited long-distance privileges. You might pay a higher monthly fee for such plans, but the unlimited LD calling privileges can potentially lead to significant savings.
Are There Extra Fees And Charges?
Every carrier is different. Some charge a monthly fee with lower LD rates while others don’t charge a monthly fee, but apply a higher per-minute rate. Some carriers will have a minimum monthly requirement; you’re expected to pay the minimum bill even if you don’t use your phone during the entire month.
You should be aware that all LD providers charge a Universal Service Fund fee. They don’t have a choice; it is required by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. A few carriers also levy a PICC fee. The details are often hidden in the fine print, so ask your telephone company to clarify whether it applies to your account.
The last item to clarify is whether the long-distance rate that you’ll be charged is merely a short-term promotion. If it is, ignore it and identify the rate that will apply to your LD calls once the promotion ends.
Even though choosing a long-distance provider is relatively simple, it requires doing a bit of due diligence. Use the suggestions above to find a carrier that meets your calling needs and fits your budget.
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