| Q: Can I choose more than one company for different telephone services? |
| A: Yes. Many consumers are now able to choose different companies for their basic local service, local or regional toll service, and long distance service. You may choose one or more than one company to provide all your services |
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| Q: Do I have to pick a long distance company? |
| A: No. However, if you do not choose a specific long distance company, you must inform your local telephone company that you don't want to subscribe to any particular long distance company. |
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| Q: How can I make long-distance calls?
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| A: To make long distance calls from most homes or businesses, you can use your chosen long distance company. You can also use a calling card (prepaid or from a company that bills you), one of the advertised "10-10" ("dial around") services, or a toll-free telephone number that connects you to a specific long-distance company. |
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| Q: Will I still be able to find the phone numbers of people or businesses that have a different local phone company? |
| A: All local numbers will be included in the same telephone book you currently receive, regardless of which company provides your local service. There are also a variety of directory assistance services that should have updated listings of all local phone numbers. |
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| Q: Are there different sources for directory assistance? |
| A: Yes. Directory assistance is provided by a number of sources, including telephone companies, Internet-based companies, and other advertised directory assistance companies. |
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| Q: What company do I call for repairs if more than one company provides my telephone services? |
| A: Call the company that provides your basic local service, which is responsible for maintaining service to your home or business. If you have a problem with your other services, contact the company that provides the service. Remember, you are responsible for the telephones, inside wiring, and jacks in your home unless you have a maintenance plan with your telephone company or an independent contractor. |
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| Q: How will I be billed? |
| A: Billing methods vary among companies. Ask each company how you will be billed for services so you know what to expect. |
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| Q: Can I lose my basic local telephone service if I do not pay other charges, such as long distance charges?
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| A: No. You can only lose your local telephone service if you do not pay local telephone charges. Failure to pay other charges, such as custom calling charges or long distance charges, may result in the disconnection of those particular services. |
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| Q: What is "slamming?" |
| A: Slamming is the switching of your local, regional or long-distance service from one company to another without your permission. You can check with the telephone companies that provide your services on the options available to you to prevent switching without your knowledge. |
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| Q: What is "cramming?" |
| A: Cramming is when a company places unauthorized charges for optional telephone and non-telephone related services, such as charges for psychic hotline subscriptions, personal 800 telephone numbers or chatline membership fees on your telephone bill without your consent. Some of these charges may appear on your telephone bill in unclear terms, such as "enhanced services" or "activation." |
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| Q: What do I do if I've been slammed or crammed? |
| A: If you have been slammed, immediately report it to your authorized company (basic local service company or long distance company) so you can be reconnected. Warning: Do not ask to disconnect service from an unauthorized company until you have arranged to get service from your preferred company. If you have been crammed, contact your local telephone service company, which has procedures in place to resolve cramming complaints. |
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| Q: What should I consider if I want to use a wireless phone instead of traditional telephone service? |
| A: Currently, your address and/or apartment number will not automatically be known by the emergency operator if you use a wireless phone to dial 911. Consider the quality of reception at your home or business and the rates for calls and features. Also, conversations on some wireless (and cordless) phones can be overheard on other nearby electronic devices. |
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