Types Of Long Distance Calls
CUSTOMER DIALED, STATION-TO-STATION CALLThe least expensive type of call. You must talk with anyone who answers. Charging begins when the called telephone answers.
OPERATOR ASSISTED STATION-TO-STATION CALL
Requires operator assistance for completion. The customer will talk with anyone who answers, but needs an operator’s aid to reach the number or for other reasons.
PERSON-TO-PERSON CALL
The most expensive type of call and is for those occasions when the customer wishes to speak directly to a particular person, telephone, department or office. Dial “0” then the area code and the telephone number. Charging starts when conversation begins.
COIN CALLS
Calls that are made from coin operated telephones. See the instruction card on or near the phone, or dial “0”. Coin deposit is required for calls to local numbers only. All other calls should be made without coin.
CONFERENCE CALL
Allows you to talk with several people in different places at the same time on local or long distance calls. Tell the operator you wish to make a conference call. An additional charge is made for this type of call.
COLLECT CALL
You can call collect if the person or firm you are calling agrees to pay the charge. If you want to make a collect call, dial “0” then the area code and the telephone number. Be sure to tell the operator that it’s a collect call.
CREDIT CARD CALL
Customers who have telephone company credit cards may place calls and charge them to their credit card number. Dial “0” then the area code and the telephone number.
TOLL FREE
Station-to-station long distance calls may be made, without charge to you, to those customers who have wide area telephone service. They offer this service to their customers calling from specific locations. Dial 1 area code 800, 866, 877, or 888 the specific numbers of the customer having this service.
TOLL CHARGES
Are based upon rates in effect at the time of connection at the calling point. This also includes calls beginning in one rate period and ending in another rate period.
PIC FREEZE
Prevents any change in your long distance carrier without your authorization. Tele-Media Solutions offers this service FREE OF CHARGE. Contact our local business office.
HOW TO CHOOSE A LONG DISTANCE CARRIER
Many consumers pay more for their long distance phone service than they should. Long distance carriers often offer new incentives to attract new customers, yet most people stay with the same plan for years and pay more than they should. In addition, many people order service with the basic rate thinking it is the best plan. However, the basic rate is often the company’s most expensive per-minute charge.
Begin by knowing yourself, your calling patterns, who and where you call the most. Do you make most of your calls during the day, night, or on weekends? How many calls do you make or minutes per month do you normally use? Are the calls within your state, outside your state or to other countries? Is there a service contract? Will you receive a bill in the mail? Does the company have a toll-free number with 24-hour customer service? Are there special discounts for lowincome consumers?
Here are some suggestions from the Federal Trade Commission of items to consider when choosing a long distance provider:
PRICE – Including monthly fees, minimum charges, climbing rates.Check your bill each month for fees or charges added by mistake.
RESTRICTIONS - Time, geographic and promotional restrictions.
COMPARISONS TO OTHER CARRIERS – Are services really comparable between carriers? Check two or more companies by phone or online. To stay competitive, long distance carriers frequently change their plans and rates to make them more attractive.
FINE PRINT – Always read it!
You have the right to choose the long distance carrier that has the best plan for your needs. Long distance companies are aggressively competing for your long distance dollars. It is your responsibility to carefully read any offers and beware of deceptive marketing tactics such as: Slamming, Checks in the mail, Huge discounts, Introductory offers, Fine print and Verification gimmicks.
Once you choose a long distance provider, prevent it from being changed without your knowledge or being slammed, by placing a PIC (Primary Inter-exchange Carrier) freeze on your account. This allows only you to make changes to your long distance carrier status.
Tele-Media Solutions does not have interconnection agreements with ALL long distance providers; however, members are provided with access to a mulitiude of long distance carriers. View Long Distance Carriers.
YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED if you hang up before you dial the complete number, or if the telephone number you dial is busy or does not answer.
"900" INFORMATION SERVICES
What they are
How to block calls to "900" numbers
If you have a complaint or dispute about the "900" services, call the long distance carrier.
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