Shopping: Telephone
More changes are taking place in the world of telecommunications. Different companies are now competing to provide you with a wide range of services, including local telephone service. Competition means new products and services, and better value for your dollars. We can provide suggestions on what to consider when choosing among companies, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Remember, "It's your telephone, it's your call."
- Basic Local Service generally includes dial tone that allows you to make local calls, and to receive calls. Your local calling area usually covers calls nearest where you live or work. Local calls usually are not itemized on your bill. Being listed in and receiving the telephone book are also included in local service.
- Local Toll or Regional Toll Service (also called local long distance or intra-LATA) covers calls outside your local calling area, but within your regional calling area. (There are seven regional calling areas in New York State).
- Long Distance Toll Service covers calls that travel outside your regional calling area, either within New York State or out-of-state.
- Other Optional Services can include caller ID, call waiting, directory assistance, inside wire repair plans, and special billing, as well as Internet access and wireless telephone services.
First, look at your past bills and ask yourself these questions:
- What's included in my basic local service? For example, can I make an unlimited number of local calls?
- How many calls do I make in a month?
- Where do I call? (local, regional, in-state long distance, out-of-state and international)
- How long do my calls last and what times of the day and days of the week do I make them?
- Do I make most of my calls to talk to others or to access the Internet?
- Do I have any special calling plans and what kinds of savings do I get?
- What other optional services do I have?
- Do I have a wireless phone, Internet access, or a pager?
- How much do I pay for all of these services, individually and combined?
The next step is deciding whether you want different services. Again ask yourself:
- Do I want new services?
- Do I want to discontinue any services?
- Could I use special services, like Lifeline, or services for those with hearing, vision or speech impairments?
Now you're ready to compare offers. Contact the companies that interest you by phone or on the Internet.
- What services and features are included in the offer?
- Are these services offered separately or packaged together?
- Is the local calling area the same as I have now?
- Do I have to keep the service for a certain amount of time?
- Is there a charge if I cancel early?
- When will my service be started or changed?
- What will be itemized on my bill?
- Will I be billed a flat rate, or some other rate based on the number or length of my call?
- Will rates be different for local toll (regional) calling, long distance calling within New York and long distance to other states? What is the rate for a local call?
- Is there a monthly charge?
- Will I be billed for a certain minimum number of minutes/calls each month?
- Is there a maximum number of minutes/calls each month for which I can get the quoted rates?
- Are these special (introductory) rates that will change?
- Is a deposit required?
- Is there a fee for switching or changing my company?
- Are there any other fees?
- You can keep your current company.
- You can select a new provider. Contact the new company and request information in writing.
- Even after you make a decision, continue to check your bills.
- Remember, if you are not satisfied with your choice, you can switch to another company.
