How to Buy Residential Long Distance
For most of us average persons, buying "quality" long distance can be as difficult as learning how to buy your first computer. Do you remember the first time you look at computers in the store? You know it can't be that difficult but they all looked the same to you. You don't want to buy the cheapest because you have always been told that you "get what you pay for". You want to get all the features that you might need in this new virtual world, but you have no idea what how to decide.
You want the best quality but you don't want to get ripped off on the price. You could ask the store clerk for advice but that would mean trying to find someone knowledgeable and possibly looking stupid in front of all these other tech geeks in the computer store.
We've been there with you in that telecom computer store. We turned buying the right long distance service into our business. Here we share the tricks of the trade with you now in this long distance buying guide.
To buy the right long distance product, you simply need to compare the long distance service you are currently receiving to any other long distance service being offered on the market, using the following checklist.
RATES
Begin by making a list of the services you use most
- Do you make most calls within your own state? (called Intrastate Rates)?
- Are most of your calls to other states (called Interstate Rates)
- Do you call internationally?
- Are you on the go and make calls from calling cards or wireless phones?
- Do you need use services from outside the USA?
- Do you have family away from home? A toll free number would simply your life and save you money!
Billing
- How you are billed can change those low rates to high rates quickly!
- Do you make mostly quick, short calls under one minute? Are you most of your calls at least 2 min? Do you get alot of answering machines when you call?
- Are your calls daytime calls? Nightime calls? Or whenever needed?
- Do you prefer a conventional paper invoice by US Mail each month? Would you be comfortable with online billing and account access?
- Does your monthly long distance usage average below $20?
Service
- Consider what happens AFTER you have switched your long distance...
- How important is 24 hour customer service to you?
- Would you be comfortable with online customer care by website or email?
- How much will the USF fee add to your monthly bill?