Everyday we receive direct mail, telemarketing, and see television advertising campaigns from long-distance carriers. All these companies claim to offer the best available rates and savings.
These steps will help you choose the cheapest long distance company and will give you the best deal:
- Determine Your Calling Patterns. Take a look at your long distance bills for the past three months. Determine when you make the greatest number of calls, and average length of your conversations. Determine whether there is a pattern in your calls, such as frequently dialing the same number or area code, or making a lot of calls during a certain time of day.
- Compare Plans. Now that you have found your calling pattern, look for the least expensive calling plans. Make sure that the plan includes all the features and services you desire.
- Read the Fine Print. There are many long distance companies that are promoting low rates that may sound too good to be true. There may be a monthly access charge or minimum duration for each call that you make.
- Get more information on the Plans. Once you are interested in a plan, do a follow-up with additional research. Call the long distance carrier's toll-free number and confirm that these would be the best plan for you, check if rates, features and services are still offered with those calling plans.
Note: Remember that plans change frequently and competition results in even more frequent rate and service changes.