Consumer Tips

Long Distance Resellers

Long distance resellers lease facility-based carriers and sell discounted long distance services to businesses and consumers. Customers who sign up for this service will start to receive 2 bills monthly, one from your present carrier for basic service and one from the resellers for long distance service.

The CRTC does NOT regulate resellers. Comparison shop and get at least 3 estimates in writing.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A LONG-DISTANCE COMPANY:

1. Know your own calling patterns and how much you're paying now. Something might sound great when it's pitched but it might not be appropriate. Find a package that fits you. Your monthly long-distance bill should be at least $15 to $20 before it's worthwhile to consider switching.

2. Ensure you're getting the best deal possible from your current phone company, and use that for comparisons. Salespeople from competing firms tend to compare their rates to other companies' highest rates.

3. Give competing firms a couple of your phone bills and find out what they would have charged for the same calls. What will they do for you on your calls? Do the promised discounts apply to all areas and all countries? Will you be charged for incomplete calls?

4. Get references - the names and numbers of people in your area who are using that company's services. Ask them about the transmission quality, the savings, billing accuracy and customer service.

5. Hook-up fees. Equal access means firms are less likely to charge these fees.

6. Understand the billing practices and charges. Are there monthly charges? Are there minimum charges you must ring up each month before discounts take effect? What's the minimum charge per call? How are charges calculated? Ask the company's policy on late payments and what they charge on overdue amounts.

7. Find out what company is offering the service. What kind of financial resources does it have? Whom will you pay? Whom do you call about problems?

8. Don't sign long term contracts. You want to be able to get out of this with no penalties, no charges...at a moment's notice if you're not happy. Ask how much notice you will receive on rate changes.

9. Don't give out a credit card number or pay in advance. You'll want to ensure the bill is accurate before paying it.

10. What kind of services, options and plans does the company offer? Some firms offer authorization codes. For example, four students sharing a house - and a phone - could have their own codes, and their phone calls would be broken down separately on the bill.

If you think you've been switched to another long distance supplier without your knowledge, or you just want to confirm who you're with, call this toll-free automated information number: 1-700-555-4141.