Long Distance Phone Service Blog

When I switch to Pioneer long distance, do they notify my local provider?

Yes, Pioneer Telephone will contact your local provider to complete your new long distance transfer.  You would only be required to contact your local provider if you had a long distance freeze on your account.  This freeze would keep Pioneer from being able to complete the transaction for you.

I do not want to pay a monthly fee, which company is best?

Currently 3U Telecom and Pioneer Telephone are the only long distance providers compared at LowerMyPhone.com that do not charge a monthly fee.  The other discount long distance carriers listed like ECG, Opex, and TCI charge very minimal monthly fees ranging from $0.27 to $0.99 a month on certain plans.  From the long distance section you will want to select your State, enter your area code and prefix, and a list of...

Total Call International to Launch Total Call Mobile

Los Angeles, CA – January 9, 2006 –Total Call International has announced plans to introduce a new wireless service, Total Call Mobile, aimed at the expanding multi-cultural ethnic market that is rapidly growing and increasingly going wireless. The new wireless service, to be released in the first quarter of 2006, is designed especially to suit the needs of the multi-cultural ethnic population. Total Call Mobile will introduce a mobile...

How often do the long distance providers raise their rates?

It is very rare that the providers on our website change the rates from the rates that are listed.  Unfortunately there is not any guaranteed period for the rates you sign up for, but if the provider does happen to change the rates, you will be informed directly.  At that point, you can either stay with the provider or look for alternative options.  We find in a lot of cases that the long distance providers we review, actually opt...

ECG introduces EASY 2.5 rate plan

Enhanced Communications Group (ECG) introduced a new "EASY" 2.5 long distance rate plan!  The new "EASY" plan will be replacing their 2.75 plan.  "EASY" 2.5 will be available to any new or existing ECG customer who chooses or switches to EasyBill and EasyPay. EasyBill is ECGs paperless billing option that let's customers receive their monthly ECG bill online.  EasyPay is ECGs paperless payment option that let's...

Pioneer customer support back to normal

The 4th quarter of 2005 was a busy time for Pioneer Telephone's President, Peter Bouchard.  In October, Pioneer acquired the long distance customer base from Adelphia's long distance division.  Adelphia filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and its customers from various divisions needed new service providers which were awarded to various companies. Pioneer has been known for it's responsive customer support and efficiencies, but even good...

Do you tell our current carrier or do we cancel our own long distance services?

Most of the providers on our website will inform your current provider of the change for you.  However, we always recommend that you follow up with your current provider to be sure that they cancel your services once the new service is active.  This helps to ensure that there are no misunderstandings.  

Do any of the long distance carriers listed require a contract?

None of the long distance carriers compared at LowerMyPhone.com require contracts to be signed to receive their services.  You can sign up for any of the long distance companies on our website and if you decide the plan is not for you, all you have to do is call or e-mail the customer service department of the company you have service with and inform them that you want to cancel.

Do any of the long distance carriers offer service for cell phones?

No, unfortunately none of the long distance companies on our website provide long distance service plans for cell phones.  Each long distance provider listed offers services for business and residential land line phones.  We recommend that you contact your cellular provider directly for further information on obtaining access to long distance through your cellular phone.

Why would the long distance company tell me a different price then your site does for services?

There are two possible reasons you could find different information on our site compared to what the long distance company is offering. In some instances because of our relationship with the long distance provide they will let us offer a better rate to customers via our website.  These rates are guaranteed and only on-line specials.     We make every effort to provide our on-line visitors with the most...

What do I need to do if I have not received my confirmation email?

After completing an order at LowerMyPhone.com for new long distance services you will be notified that a confirmation email is being sent.  If you do not receive your confirmation email then you should do just what you did, contact us!  We can be reached at info@telecomhelp.org and will be more than happy to resend your confirmation email.  To help ensure we are able to find your order quickly please remember to always...

What if I received my confirmation email and something is wrong?

Contact us immediately at info@telecomhelp.org and we will be more than happy to make any necessary corrections to your order.  If you do not discover the error until 24 to 48 hours after the order was placed, your order may have advanced to the next level of processing and you would then be required to contact the provider directly.   

Will I still get charged fees even if I make no long distance calls?

There are no charges for the long distance service during a billing cycle if you make absolutely no long distance calls.  The USF fee, in-state connection fee, and carrier cost recovery fee are only charged if you make long distance calls during that billing cycle.**For companies that charge a monthly fee (ECG and PowerNet Global) then the monthly charges and fee will apply even if no calls are made. 

AT&T Says Smooth Integration and Transition of Enterprise Customers Producing Early Results

Just weeks since the formation of the new AT&T Inc., the company has established the leadership of its business sales team worldwide and expanded its suite of networking services, signaling the formal transition and integration of enterprise customers. The response from existing and new customers to the new AT&T Inc. has been very positive. In its first two weeks, AT&T Inc. has won more than 3,900 deals among large business...

Do I get charged for dialing a toll free number with Pioneer long distance?

When making a call to a toll free number, the party you are calling will be charged for the call, not you.  If you were wanting for others to be able to call you using a toll free number, Pioneer Telephone does offer this service.  In that situation, each time someone used your toll free number you would be billed for those calls.     

Do any of the long distance providers require an access number to be dialed before a call?

No, you will not be required to dial an access code before placing a long distance call with any of the providers listed.  All of the long distance companies that are compared at LowerMyPhone.com offer 1+longdistance number.  From the long distance section you can find the best plan offered in your area.

What number can I call to verify my long distance provider has been switched?

To find out who your long distance provider is you may call 1-700-555-4141.  This call must be made from your home phone.  If the name is unfamiliar, it is likely that the long distance carrier is using the line of another carrier.  (ie Pioneer uses Global Crossing in most cases)  Feel free to contact your new provider, if you have any questions.

Is there a minimum usage fee with Pioneer long distance?

I have attached the section of the Pioneer Telephone agreement below for better clarification.  There is no minimum usage fee for our customers signing up via the site.  New sign up's from the website will receive their statements via e-mail.  The only way the minimum usage fee comes into affect is if you contact Pioneer Telephone after establishing a new account and request to receive a paper bill.  Pioneer Telephone...

Why do I have to pay a USF fee for long distance services?

The USF fee (Universal Service Fund) is required by federal law to be charged by all long distance service providers.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the current USF rate at 11.4% for all long distance calls.  That means if you were to make $10.00 in long distance calls during the month, you would be charged a USF fee of $1.14 for that bill. The fund offers support to telecommunication carriers in rural and...

How do we go about keeping our current 800 number?

To keep your current 800 number, follow the simple steps below: Choose your new provider and plan at LowerMyPhone.com Proceed to the Secure Sign Up section and complete E-mail us at  info@telecomhelp.org requesting a toll free transfer form Include in the e-mail your name, telephone number, and new provider  Form must be completed and faxed to your new long distance company Once the form is received by your new provider the...

Do all of the long distance companies listed offer toll free numbers?

Currently at LowerMyPhone.com, all of the long distance companies we review do offer toll free number services.  You have the option to request a new toll free number or transfer your existing toll free number to the provider you select.   Return to the long distance section at LowerMyPhone.com to select a new provider today!

Which long distance companies will pay me for the switching fee?

In researching each long distance company that we compare at LowerMyPhone.com I was able to discover that half of the companies will credit you back for the charges while the other half won't.  But remember, even the companies that do not credit the switching fee have incredibly low rates, and will make up for that small fee in the long run! COMPANIES WHO CREDIT SWITCHING FEE OPEX PowerNet Global Total Call International...

Switching fee, What's that?

A switching fee may be charged by your local phone company to change the long distance carrier code (PICC CODE) on your account.  As you saw in the previous question, some of the long distance carriers may credit you for this fee. It should only be a one-time fee that ranges from $5 to $10.  Keep in mind if you have to pay the fee, it will be well worth it when you start using your new low long distance rate!...

SBC Names Senior Management Team for New AT&T

SBC Communications Inc. today announced the senior management team that will lead the company when its acquisition of AT&T is completed, which is expected later this month. At that time, SBC will adopt AT&T, Inc. as the new company name. Edward E. Whitacre Jr. will be chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the new AT&T. Whitacre, 64, has reshaped the telecommunications landscape through a sweeping series of...

Can telephone numbers from different States be billed on one Pioneer bill?

Yes, Pioneer will combine the telephone numbers onto one convenient bill for you when you are requesting long distance services in multiple States.  This can occcur even if the rate plan is different for each of the calling areas.  Don't worry Pioneer will bill the calls properly from each line. Is Pioneer available in your area?  If so, here is how it will work. Sign up under the long distance section at...