Are you letting your local phone company tell you what to do? Do they tell you they are the only choice you have? Do you pay them loyally, because you didn't know you had a choice? Are you paying more for long distance than you have to? These are questions you should ask yourself.
Local phone companies still act like monopolies because we let them. We let them set the rates we pay for local, and long distance calling without questioning alternatives.
What features do you get? Call waiting, three-way calling, caller-id, call blocking, calling cards, toll-free numbers? Does your local phone company charge you extra for these features?
Go get your last phone bill. I'll wait.
Good. Now let's look at what they are doing to you.
First we need to look at your long distance habits. Are most of your calls inter-state or in-state? Most phone companies never mention their in-state rates or they provide a single rate for both, usually at a higher rate, to cover the cost. Are you being charged a monthly fee, or a minimum usage fee? Your usage should dictate the long distance plan you need, not what your local phone company says is their best rate.
To find your best rate I recommend using our Best Rate Calculator.
