Long Distance Customer Information Kit

10 Long Distance Phone Tips

20 Questions to Ask About Your Long Distance Rates (pdf*)

Long Distance Access Codes (pdf*)

Phone Customers Get Long Distance Help

Sometimes "No PIC" is the best pick for saving on long distance

In today’s increasingly competitive long distance market, not only can you select your long distance company, you can also use other options, such as using a dial-around (10+10+xxx) or a prepaid calling card. If you think you’re paying too much in fees and charges each month just to be able to dial 1+ the area code + the number for only a few long distance calls a year, the smart choice for you could be no designated long distance company.

What fees can you reduce? Let’s say Southwestern Bell is your local phone company and AT&T is your long distance company. Southwestern Bell will charge a one-time fee of $5 dollars to drop AT&T. To keep you connected to the network, each month Southwestern Bell will charge you $1.04. An additional line is 21 cents.

If AT&T is your long distance company, your monthly fees and surcharges will be $6.06 if you make no long distance calls. AT&T charges $1.54 for the Federal Communications Commission-allowed carrier line charge and $1.38 for the universal connectivity charge. AT&T also charges a minimum usage fee, $3.00. Other charges are: Texas Infrastructure Fund, 4 cents; Texas Universal Service Fund, 11 cents; Texas Poison Control surcharge, 1 cent; Texas 9-1-1 surcharge, 1 cent. This brings total fees and surcharges to $6.06. Add federal, state, local and regional taxes. In Austin this is 38 cents.

Some long distance companies charge a minimum whether you make any long distance calls or not. Some long distance companies don’t pass the charges on to their customers or pass them on at a lower rate than others. The same applies to dial around and credit card calls. Shop around. Ask for an explanation of all fees and recurring charges in writing so you have a record of costs from the company you choose.

Bottom line, you are likely to save money by not having a long distance carrier if you don’t make many calls. Just be aware that dial arounds or prepaid calling cards may have per-call rates that are higher.

How do you change? Call your local phone company and ask that your long distance company be dropped. If you would rather have a written record for your protection in case your request is not processed correctly, ask for a PIC form. When you receive the form, choose the "No PIC" option and mail it back to your local phone company.

Last Updated: 12/12/03

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