Choosing a Long Distance Provider

Choosing a long distance telephone provider can be a tricky business. Not only are there hundreds of long distance companies, but each company offers numerous long distance calling plans. With so many options, it can seem overwhelming when trying to find the long distance plan to best fit your needs.

Know your needs
It is often a good idea for most people to shop around for a plan that meets their long-distance calling needs. The same long-distance calling plan is not right for all consumers. While some may benefit from a larger long-distance company, others may see rewards in a smaller company. To choose the best long-distance calling plan, consumers must know their personal long-distance needs. To understand your long distance needs, it is important to be familiar with your monthly telephone bills. You should know:

The number of calls you make each month.

How long each call lasts.

What time of day you make most of your long-distance calls.

The destination to which calls are being placed (local, domestic, long-distance or intercontinental).

Once you understand your telephone bill, compare the different services offered by long-distance telephone companies.

Evaluate your calling patterns.
Contact different companies and request written information about calling packages they offer, or use a rating service.

Match your calling pattern to the long-distance company that best fits your needs.

Try dial-around access code (10-10 numbers)
If you are not ready to switch to a new long-distance provider, try a dial-around access code. Access codes can be punched into the telephone before dialing a telephone number. The access code allows you to have that call carried by the provider whose access code is dialed. By doing this you can see the various rates different companies charge, then you can decide which price is right for you.

The following are the access codes for the larger carriers: Sprint: 10-10333, MCI: 10-10222, AT&T: 10-10288, LCI: 10-10432, LDDS WorldCom: 10-10488 and Allnet: 10-10444. Not only can you use access codes to make long distance out-of-state calls, but you can also use access codes to make long distance in-state calls. Long distance in-state calls are most often carried by your local provider and are normally charged at a higher rate than companies you can access by using a code.

If you are considering using dial-around services, TheLowestRates.Com, LLC recommends the following:
Know the dial-around terms. Remember, not all dial-around services use the same terminology. What some companies call