Choosing Your Telephone Service

When shopping for telephone service, the PUC recommends comparing the rates and service plans of your current telephone service provider with the plans of other providers. You can then decide which plan best fits your calling needs. While selecting a telephone service provider, you may also want to compare regional and long-distance plans.

How to Shop:

1. Look over your phone bills for the last three months and see how much long-distance calling you are using. Determine the average length and number of local, local toll and long-distance calls you make in a month.
2. Make a list of the optional services that you would like to keep such as call forwarding, three-way calling or call waiting.
3. If you are a low-income customer find out if you qualify for the Lifeline and Link-up Programs. Visit the PUC Low Income Assistance web page.
4. When shopping for phone plans make sure you understand all terms and services. Some companies may use different terms to describe similar services.
5. Keep in mind the low per-minute rate, but watch out for monthly fees, minimum charges or promotions which only last a month or two.
6. Notify the new service provider you want to sign up for their services.
7. Your new provider will send terms and conditions of service within three days after you place an order, and will notify you with a date when your service will start.
8. For additional information, check out the 20 Questions to Ask About Your Long Distance Service fact sheet and the Border Area Calling fact sheet.

Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Local Service Provider

1. What is the price of the least expensive local basic service plan and what is included?
2. What does the local service provider charge for local calls (per minute/per call)?
3. Do you have a flat monthly rate?
   • If so, how many calls can I make for that rate?
   • If you don't have a flat rate, are your calls billed in 1 minute or 30 second time blocks?
4. What is the local calling area? Is this the same area as my current service plan?
5. Are your rates less expensive if I sign up for local, local toll and long-distance calling plan with you?
6. Is there a service agreement to sign?
   • How long will the agreement last?
   • What services are covered?
7. Are there any fees for switching or canceling the service agreement? How much do you charge?
8. Am I required to pay a deposit? If so, how much?
9. Is there a fee for a late payment? If so, how much?
10. Optional Service
    • What is the price of optional services (call waiting, caller ID, voicemail)? Do you offer a package price for these services?
    • Do you have a local calling package for wireless phone service? How about charges for a second line? Pager Service? Internet Service?

Last Updated: 12/16/03