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Local Phone 101You have a choice when it comes to local phone service. In today's crazy world of rapidly advancing technology, many people don't realize that local
phone service is changing, too. You can still get service from your traditional Bell Company,
but you can also sign up with "resellers" who frequently sell the same plans and features at a
10% discount! Interested? Well, keep reading to learn more about
the factors that might influence your decision. Digital Phone ServiceRecently, it has become possible to get digital phone
service through some cable providers. This service goes over fiber optic cables, and
usually has the same clarity and reliability as traditional analog phones. Why go digital? Some cable providers offer discounts if you purchase both your cable and local phone service from them. Also, cable providers often include a variety of calling features on your line. So, if you know you can't live without voicemail, and you'd be lost without CallerID, don't let the thought of higher monthly rates for these plans deter you! You could end up paying less than you do now. Getting StartedFirst, you'll need to figure out where you make most of your calls and how often you call. For the most part, phone plans can be divided into three types: Measured/Message Rate plans: These plans have a low monthly rate, but you have to pay per minute,
per call or per unit (usually five-minute blocks) for every local call you make. Generally speaking,
these plans are only appropriate if you make three or fewer local calls per day. Local Unlimited plans: These plans have a higher monthly fee, but you can call anywhere in your
local calling area, and talk as long as you want, for no extra per-call charge. Extended Local plans: These plans have an even higher monthly fee, but they give you an even
larger local calling area. The size of the "extension" may be only a few more towns or a major city, or it may include half your state. Be sure to consider how much more "local" area you're getting compared to how much more you'll have to pay. The above descriptions are only general explanations of some types of local phone service.
Some providers only offer measured rate plans or only offer very expensive (and possibly unnecessary) unlimited plans. Be sure to
read the plan descriptions
for each provider in your area! Second, devote some serious thought to which calling features you need.
(That means the ones you will actually use!) If you know you'll use a lot of features,
make sure you check out the package deal descriptions. Some deals can save you up to
$17.00 a month, not to mention discounts on installation! Take Into Consideration - Local Calls vs. Local Toll Calls: Imagine your house is at
the center of a target. From your house to the first circle around the bull's-eye is your
local calling area. How far away is that circle edge? That depends on your provider and plan.
It might be defined by area code, mileage, or by town or city limits. Outside that circle is
your Local Toll Calling Area. These calls are too far to be considered local, but too close to be long distance.
You pay for these calls, usually on a per-minute basis.
Do you see the dangerIf you think your sister's number is "local"
and it's actually a local toll call, your bill is going to come as a rather
unpleasant surprise. Don't wait! Analyze your calling patterns and learn your
local calling area boundaries now! For help in choosing local toll and/or long distance telephone service,
see the UCan.org
article Switching
Local Toll and Long Distance Carriers.
- Don't assume that a reseller's definition of your local calling area is the same as the
Bell Company's definition! It may indeed be the same, but it could be larger or even smaller.
The point is that it never hurts to check. .
- Repairs and Customer Service: Remember that, unless you sign up for Wire Maintenance
(repair insurance), the phone company will charge you HOURLY for service calls involving your inside home wiring. (At $60 per hour or more, that can really add up!) The phone company will, however, pick up the tab for all outside wiring repairs.
- Cable Providers: If you order phone service from your cable company,
you will have to deal with them if you encounter any problems. In other words, make sure you like the customer service you've received from you cable company.
- You have a choice about who covers your in-state long distance calls.
Check out all of your options here. If your local company is currently covering
your in-state long distance calls, you may want to see how a long distance provider's rates compare.
- If you are a dial-up Internet user, you should be aware of your local
calling plan and local calling area. Check to see if your access number is
within your local calling area. If it's not, you could be paying unnecessary
long-distance rates. A different local calling plan, with a more extensive local
calling area, may be appropriate
- Be sure to disconnect all your old phone services when switching to a new provider.
There have been instances of new providers neglecting to inform customers' previous
phone providers of the change in service, which has resulted in the customer being double-billed for one month's worth of phone calls!
Now that you are armed with some essential background information, you are ready to tackle your local phone decision! Still have questions? See related article entitled Local Phone Service - Frequently Asked Questions. Copyright © 1999 - 2000 GetConnected, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Take control of your finances with our debt help tools. Use our calculators and budget planner to help you manage your money.
Related Money Management Articles:- Local Phone Service FAQ - Phone service comes with a lot of add-ons these days, and the list can be overwhelming. By understanding all the options available to you, you can mix and match services to create a package that fits your needs, and then find a provider who matches your desired package as closely as possible. The savings from knowing exactly how each add-on works equals money in the bank, which can be put into savings or used to help with debt.
- Long Distance 101 - Did you know you can choose your long-distance carrier? Did you know you should check up on it to ensure it hasn't been transferred to another company without your knowledge? You can use whoever you want to handle your long-distance phone calls, and you have the power to freeze your lines to protect them from unscrupulous companies who transfer your service to their higher-rate plans without your permission. By price-shopping long-distance companies, you can typically save more than sticking with the standard service that comes along with your normal phone plan.
- Everything You Want to Know About Wireless Phone Service - The convenience of cell phones is one reason there are so many users. Before you get a phone, figure out if it really fits into your overall financial plan. Will you be more productive? Do you travel a lot and are not near many landline phones? Do people often need to get hold of you, but cannot? Could you handle the monthly payment? Use sound judgment, not convenience, when deciding whether a cell phone purchase, and its monthly payments, are right for your overall plans.
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