Long Distance

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  Types of

Long Distance Telephone Services

A Description of Various Methods of Placing Long Distance Calls

1 Plus Direct Dialing

1+ dialing is by far the most common method of dialing a long distance call within the United States and Canada.  To use this service you must have a Long Distance Carrier.  Typically, if you do not proactively choose a long distance carrier, your local telephone company may assign you one.  This will all but guarantee that you are not getting the best rate for calls. 

You should compare rates and programs for your long distance calls.   Some programs require a monthly minimum, a monthly fee or "program fee".  These programs or minimums may provide you with your best overall savings however if you are not meeting the program minimums you could easily end up paying for services you are not using.

Be aware also that some companies bill in one minute increment and others bill in 6 second increments.  If you make a lot of short calls, this make a major difference in your overall billing.  Read more about 6 second billing here.

You can compare the long distance rates and programs for several different providers by clicking here.

Dial Around

In some areas of the United States and Canada, it may actually be cheaper to call someone in another state than someone across town.   This is generally due to State Mandated Regulations.  In this case it may be less expensive to use a "Dial Around" service. 

A Dial Around service is a service whereby you first dial an 800 number or access code, enter your PIN and then the number you wish to call.  Some providers will remember your calling telephone number so you no longer need to use the PIN.

Generally more expensive than 1+ dialing, this service has advantages in cases where you do not wish to change your normal long distance provider or in cases where the dial around service will be less expensive than the 1+ provider.

Examples of popular Dial Around Services are 10-10-987, 10-10-220, and PNG.

You can compare Dial Around Services by Clicking Here.

Bundled  Services

Bundled Services provide both your local telephone service as well as your long distance service.  Although not available in all areas of the country, this can often provide substantial savings on your telephones bill.  Additional features such as 3-way calling, repeat dialing and caller ID are usually included at no extra charge.

When using a Bundled Service, you are required to use their long distance service as part of the bundle.  This service is sometimes more expensive per minute but is usually offset by the overall savings of the bundle.  If you use very little long distance service, this can cut your phone bill.   If you make a lot of long distance calls, most bundled service providers offer unlimited long distance within the United States for an additional charge.

Examples of Bundled Services:  MCI - The Neighborhood,   Talk America

Voice Over IP (VoIP) - Voice Over Broadband

Recently, VoIP has been making a dent in the long distance market.  Also sometimes known as PC-To-Phone, generally speaking, VoIP is making your long distance calls over the Internet.  Because your call is routed over the Internet, the provider can usually offer substantial savings over traditional long distance services.

To use this service you must have a broadband connection to the Internet.  A cable modem or a DSL connection is a minimum connection standard although it is possible to use over a standard dialup Internet service.

Some VoIP providers will supply you with an analog adapter that allows you to use a standard telephone with the service.  Most providers will also allow you to dial directly from your PC using your PC speakers and microphone or even a PC headset.

Some examples of VoIP providers: IConnectHere &  Net2Phone

Calling Cards

Calling Cards are similar to a Dial Around Service in that you call another number, enter your pin number and then the number you will to dial.  A pre-paid card requires you to purchase up front the number of minutes you wish.   A post-paid card allows you to be billed monthly for the actually number of minutes you've used.

Many calling cards have a Surcharge for each call made.  Others will have a monthly fee.  You should also be aware that some pre-paid cards will expire.  If you have not used all of your minutes you will forfeit the remainder.

To compare calling cards click here.