Long Distance Handbook

Untitled Document

	Chapters
	About The Author
	Introduction
1.	Definitions in Layman Terms
2.	You Need NOT Sacrifice Quality Of Connections
3.	RBOC V.S. Areas Outside The RBOC
4.	Billing Increments, Minimum Call Lengths.
5.	Beware of Inaccurate Comparisons of Long Distance Providers
6.	Some Companies Raise Rates Periodically, Do I Need to Be Concerned ?
7.	Should I Sign a Term Contract to Receive Lower Rates?
8.	Who Charges Switching Fees and Can I Be Reimbursed ?
9.	Toll Free Phone Service
10.	How Long Can I Expect the Switch to Take
11.	What About Those Hidden Fees
12.	Locating the Best Services with The Best Rates
13.	VOIP
14.	How Do I Locate The Best Cellular Plans ?
15.	How to Prevent from Being Slammed & Your Legal Rights
16.	What Should I Expect From Customer Service.
17.	Dedicated Long Distance Offers Even Lower Rates
18.	Saving Additional Money With Calling Cards and Phone Cards
19.	The Best Kept International Calling Secret.
20.	Prepaid Phone Cards
21.	Flat Rate Plans
22.	Business Opportunity

The Long Distance Handbook

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By Bruce Galle
Telecom Consultant
Wizard Communications

CHAPTER 3: RBOC V.S. Areas Outside The RBOC

RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Companies) were created as a result of the Federal Court decision in 1983, mandating the breakup of AT&T. The decision allowed for the creation RBOC's to offer local phone service while permitting AT&T to retain their long distance customer base as a separate entity.

The RBOC is comprised primarily of Ameritech, Bell South, Central Telephone, Central Telephone of Nevada, Illinois Bell, Indiana Bell, Michigan Bell, Nevada Bell, Ohio Bell, Pacific Bell, Qwest (old US West territory), SNET, Southwestern Bell and Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic and NYNEX) with exception of the old GTE Franchise territories. Basically as of January 2007 many of these are now owned by AT&T.

Those within the RBOC territories can usually expect to pay the lowest rates, assuming they are using one of the above listed Companies as their local telephone company. The reason being each time you make a long distance call, the local telephone company charges your long distance provider a fee for routing that call. RBOC companies charge the least for routing your calls while others charge more.

Consumers in the RBOC using another local telephone company other then one of the listed above or outside the RBOC territory can still get excellent long distance rates, however the choices for long distance providers becomes limited.

The best long distance providers I have come across to date offering service in and out of the RBOC territories are PowerNet Global Communications and Total Call International Inc.. They offer InterState rates as low as 2.9 cents per minute and other plans some with no monthly fees or no minimum calling requirements.

PowerNet Global Communications is a very reputable Company that was established in 1992. PowerNet Global Communications is a Debt Free long distance provider. This is a rare commodity in the telecom industry today and says a lot about the Company and its management team in place. PowerNet Global offers a customer referral program for residential customers only which can reduce ones InterState rate to 2.9 cent per minute.

Total Call International Inc. has been rated on top in articles in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal (May 2002). Total Call's inbound toll free rates are significantly higher making PowerNet Global Communications the better choice for most businesses and consumers needing a personal toll free number.

Unitel Communications Group now offers interstate rates from as low as 2.5 cents per minute with 6-second billing in the RBOC territories while offering other rates between 4.5 cents to 5.5 cents a minute, 1-minute rounding in other territories.

Covista Communication offer interstate rates from 3 cents a minute offering 6-second billing increments to 4.5 cents per minute depending on the rate tier you are located.

ECG is another excellent provider offering service to some of the Tier B area. They offer rates as low as 3.5 cents per minute for interstate calling with no monthly fees.

Pioneer Telephone is another great example of a top knotch communication provider offering rates as low as 2.7 cents per minute with 1-minute rounding while offering 3.25 interstate rate per minute with 6-second billing increments..