Know your needs It is often a good idea for most people to shop around for a plan that meets their long-distance calling needs. The same long-distance calling plan is not right for all consumers. While some may benefit from a larger long-distance company, others may see rewards in a smaller company. To choose best long-distance calling plan, consumers must know their personal long-distance needs. To understand your long distance needs, it is important to be familiar with your monthly telephone bills. You should know:

The number of calls you make each month.

How long each call lasts.

What time of day you make most of your long-distance calls.

The destination to which calls are being placed (local, domestic, long-distance or intercontinental).

Once you understand your telephone bill, compare different services offered by long-distance telephone companies.

Evaluate your calling patterns. Contact different companies and request written information about calling packages they offer, or use a rating service.

Match your calling pattern to long-distance company that best fits your needs.

Try dial-around access code (10-10 numbers) If you are not ready to switch to a new long-distance provider, try a dial-around access code. Access codes can be punched into telephone before dialing a telephone number. The access code allows you to have that call carried by provider whose access code is dialed. By doing this you can see various rates different companies charge, then you can decide which price is right for you.

The following are access codes for larger carriers: Sprint: 10-10333, MCI: 10-10222, AT&T: 10-10288, LCI: 10-10432, LDDS WorldCom: 10-10488 and Allnet: 10-10444. Not only can you use access codes to make long distance out-of-state calls, but you can also use access codes to make long distance in-state calls. Long distance in-state calls are most often carried by your local provider and are normally charged at a higher rate than companies you can access by using a code.

If you are considering using dial-around services, TheLowestRates.Com, LLC recommends following: Know dial-around terms. Remember, not all dial-around services use same terminology. What some companies call “prime time” (normally most expensive time to call) may be considered “off-peak” (a less expensive time to call) by another.

Don’t use dial-around for local calls. Some local calls require you to dial area code. If you have doubt about whether a call will be a toll call, contact operator. Using a dial-around code on a local call may cost you more. You will be billed at toll rate, even though you could have dialed for free if you have flat-rate local service.

Be aware when using dial-around directory assistance. This service, such as 10-10-2000, can connect you to a telephone number much like traditional directory assistance. However, there are some issues to consider. For example, you can be charged even if call is not completed or if telephone number given is incorrect. Be careful using dial-around numbers on nights and weekends. When you consider surcharges and minimums, per-minute rate offered by dial-around services may not be much cheaper than your regular long-distance company if you are on a calling plan.

Determine your calling patterns. When do you make long-distance telephone calls? Where do you call? How long do you talk? Answering these questions can help give you a sense of whether dial-around calling will best suit your household’s needs.