Common Telephone Terms

• CALL RETURN - This option allows you to call back the last number that called you, whether or not you answered the call.
• CALL WAITING - This service lets you know someone else is calling, when you are already on your telephone line, by making a "beep" sound.
• CALLER ID - This service lets you see the number, or the name and number, of an incoming call.
• CALLING CARD - This service allows you to place a local, regional or long distance call, without the call being billed to the telephone line you are using. Charges for calling card calls appear on your regular bill. These cards can be obtained from phone companies. Prepaid calling cards, which are paid for in advance, prevent charges from showing up on your bill. These cards are usually available from your telephone company, and at many stores and other locations.
• "10-10" (OR "DIAL AROUND") SERVICE - Dialing 1010 plus a three digit access code connects you to a specific long distance telephone company. Charges for these calls appear on your local bill.
• LIFELINE - Discounted telephone services for qualified low-income customers.
• THREE-WAY CALLING - This service lets you talk to two other people at different telephone numbers at the same time.
• TOLL-FREE NUMBERS - This service allows callers to reach your home or business and have the charges billed to the called number. The call can go through without using an operator. These numbers begin with area codes 800, 877, or 888.
• VOICE MAIL - This service allows callers to leave messages while you are unavailable without the need for an answering machine.
• WIRE MAINTENANCE PLANS - These are optional repair plans for the telephones, inside wiring, and jacks in your home or business.
• WIRELESS TELEPHONE SERVICES - These services include telephones known as cellular, PCS or mobile phones. Services also include pagers ("beepers") that let you know someone is trying to reach you, even when you are not near a telephone.

Explaining Fees, Surcharges and Taxes on Your Phone Bill

In addition to the charges you pay for the services you use, you'll find various fees, surcharges, and taxes on your bill. Some of these cover the costs of carrying out government required programs, others cover some of the companies' operating expenses.

Companies may use different terms to describe these charges. These charges are generally listed with the service to which they apply - local, regional, long distance or other services.

• FEDERAL EXCISE CHARGE - Federal tax.
• SUBSCRIBER LINE CHARGE (End-user Common Line Charge) - Federally required charge. Local phone companies charge $4.35 for the first line and an additional charge for each additional line.
• PRESUBSCRIBED INTEREXCHANGE CARRIER CHARGE (Carrier Line Charge, National Access Fee) - Federally required charge. Long distance companies pay local phone companies to gain access to the local network. This cost is passed on to consumers.
• GROSS RECEIPTS TAX SURCHARGE - New York State and local government taxes paid by utilities and passed on to consumers.
• NY STATE AND LOCAL TAXES - State and local sales taxes charged to customers.
• 911 SERVICE - State required charge. Covers the cost of providing 911 access.
• LOCAL NUMBER PORTABILITY - Federally required charge. Pays for the technology that allows customers to keep the same phone numbers if they change local phone companies.
• UNIVERSAL SERVICE (Universal Connectivity Charge) - Federally required charge. Covers the cost of various public benefit programs including Lifeline and discounted services for schools and libraries.