Make the Call

A Consumer Guide to Choosing Your Telephone Service

Confused about all the new telephone companies and services that are being promoted, today? Well you are not alone. Consumers and small businesses are getting more telemarketing calls, mail solicitations, and advertising for telephone products and services than ever. With competition in the telephone market growing, you will have more choices than ever before. To make the best choices, you need to understand what is being offered and what is right for you. And you need to protect yourself against fraudulent marketing schemes.

This booklet, prepared by the National Consumers League, is designed to give consumers and small businesses the survival tools and tips they need to make the right choices for telephone services. It will help you take charge of your telephone services and avoid falling victim to misleading or illegal marketing schemes. Because when it comes to telephone service, you make the call!


Shop Around

Telephone companies seldom have one day specials. If you get a telemarketing call or receive an offer for telephone service in the mail, you do not have to make a decision right away. Take time to review the offer. Ask your friends, co-workers, and family members what they think. See if any of them signed up for the service. Also try contacting the consumer resources listed in this brochure. A legitimate company will let you take time to make a decision.

If a company takes the time to work with you, chances are they are serious about wanting your business.

Here are some survival tips to use when evaluating offers:

  • Ask the company's sales representative if the offer is permanent or a promotion that expires in three, six or twelve months. Ask what happens to your rates after the offer expires.
  • Find out if the company has other discount calling plans that may be better for you.
  • Call your current company and compare rates. Ask if it can match or beat the other company's offer.

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