Play the game of swapping long distance carriers when offered phone credit or cash incentives to switch. Don't switch carriers simply on the sales pitch stating rates are lower when compared to your current service, because they may not be for you. The stated lower rates are determined by comparing the phone calls made by the average person, not specifically by you (companies do not exchange calling history, it is unethical and an invasion of privacy). Long distance phone companies offer many different deals and special programs claiming to be the best deal. Analyze your calling history to determine which program better suits you based on the time of day, duration, distance (i.e. local, domestic, or international), or the number of calls you make. A one-rate plan may be beneficial if you make a lot of phone calls during business hours, otherwise a discount for the total amount of usage might be better suited. Question the phone company representative, drilling them for price quotes and savings, let them work to prove they are the better choice (until another better deal appears later). If you have a copy of your past phone bills, ask the representative to compare the cost for the same phone calls at the same time using their service. Also, always ask for information in writing stating their lower rates before authorizing your service to be switched; you want proof in hand. If a company will not give you any written information and state they will switch you back if you are not satisfied, tell them not to call you again and hang-up. Verbal statements don't compare to written proof!

     Long distance calls will typically follow the same route to the same number regardless of the long distance company used. The lines are probably owned by a completely different company and are leased to other phone companies for use (known as access charges). Therefore, determine who will give you the better discount for using the same product.

     Many long distance companies have adopted a requirement for a monthly minimum amount of phone calls. If the total cost for your long distance charges is less than the monthly minimum, then you will be charged the monthly minimum. If the total cost for your long distance charges are more than the monthly minimum, then you will be charged for the total cost of your long distance charges. Some individuals may not be charged the monthly minimum because they have been "grandfathered" in due to their allegiance to a specific long distance company. Therefore, inquire about the long distance company's monthly minimum requirements before switching.

     Always check your phone bill each month ensuring there are no errors. If there is an error, contact customer service requesting information about the charges on your bill. It is possible a company may know of a computer billing problem, but won't tell you or refund the charges unless you complain. If you don't think a phone call on your bill was made by you, ask for proof of the phone call by asking to see the original call record processed by their computer system. If the phone company cannot provide you proof of the phone call, then they cannot charge you for that phone call. Also, keep in mind the Public Utility Commission (PUC) in some states do not allow a phone company to charge for a call over three months old. Refuse to pay for a call older than the limit set by the PUC.

     Have you considered if the extra features offered with your phone service are really necessary, such as: call waiting, cancel call waiting, auto-call return, speed dialing, voice mail...? An answering machine is much cheaper than paying for voice mail and allows you to access your messages remotely. Are you paying a monthly fee for a service available on a per use basis? Example: using auto-call return on a per use basis is much cheaper than a monthly fee if used only a couple of times a month. Most phones offer speed number programmability, therefore why pay for the service offered by the phone company? The phone companies offer many unnecessary services offering convenience at a price. Cancel the unnecessary options!


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