Compare long distance phone service and save your family or your business the
most money.
When comparing long distance services, you'll find these categories of
differences:
Rates Domestic rates will be different, but so will all
other rates. If you routinely make in-state long distance calls or international
calls or both, be certain to note these rates.
Billing There are three categories of billing
differences. The first is billing increments. As a general rule, the lower the
per/minute rate, then the higher the billing increments. The second billing
difference is monthly fee. Companies usually have no monthly charge if your
total usage is more than a certain amount, but the usage and charges are
different from company to company. A third difference is that some companies
offer a discount if you pre-pay you bill.
800 Services Most long distance companies allow you to get
in-bound toll-free service at the same rate as your interstate long distance
rate. (That is, if you pay 4.5¢ per minute to call out of state, you also pay
4.5¢ per minute for all in-bound calls on your toll-free line.) Some companies
don't charge for the service itself, others do; and those that do will either
charge per toll-free line, or by account.
Calling cards Some companies offer calling cards with the
long distance service. This allows you to make long distance calls when you're
away from your home or office, billing the calls to your long distance service.
