Shrink Your Long Distance Bill, Part 2

In part one we looked at plans for the average long distance caller. But what if you make LOTS of calls? - High Usage Plans - Let's say you make three, four, five hours of long distance calls each week. There are four different service types you want to consider: 1) A Per Minute Plan. 2) Bundled Service, which includes both unlimited local and unlimited long distance for one set rate. 3) Unlimited Long Distance, for a set monthly price. 4) Fixed Price Long Distance, ie: $30/month for up to 3000 minutes. If you use a lot of long distance, it's worth sitting down with a calculator and doing a little figuring. Start by estimating how much time you spend making long distance calls. Figure out what this would cost using a low cost per minute service. Compare this to what you would pay with an unlimited or fixed price long distance service in your area. Then combine your estimated long distance cost with the price of your current local service bill. Compare this with what you would be paying for a bundled (combined) local and long distance service. Keep in mind that fees and taxes often raise the advertised price of most unlimited plans by $10 to $15 a month. If it looks like a bundled, unlimited or fixed price long distance plan would be cheaper than using a per minute service, your next step is to read the plan's fine print. Most 'unlimited' plans are actually limited in the fine print. Generally you'll have lots of time, but not endless time. Look for anything that indicates additional charges for in-state long distance calls. Do you make international calls? Check to see if they are included. Be aware that some unlimited plans are only unlimited if the person you're calling to is on the same plan. Unlimited plans can be great for high usage callers, but it's very important to read the fine print and fully understand the plan before you sign up. Keep in mind that you're committing yourself to pay for a high priced plan whether you use lots of service or not. If the amount of long distance you use varies from month to month, you might come out ahead by sticking with a per minute plan. Calculate out the costs and consider your future calling patterns carefully. - Compare and Save - When considering any long distance plan (whether per minute, fixed or unlimited) you need to get a list of the following costs: the interstate (state to state) rate, the service fee, USF Charge, PICC Fees, Carrier Recovery Charge, in-state rates, and any minimum usage requirements. If you make international calls, get international rates and any international plan fee. These costs vary from company to company. If you can't find them on the company's advertisment or website, ask about them. Asking questions is a good way to learn what the company is like before you sign up with them. You CAN make a smart choice when it comes to long distance. It's well worth applying yourself and getting a lower rate.