• Minimum Usage Requirements: Your call must last a certain period of time before the discount rate kicks in.

• Time of Day Requirements: Your call must be placed at a certain time during the day in order to receive the discount rate.

• Monthly Fees: You get a great low rate but you also have to pay a flat monthly fee.

• Distance Requirements: The person or business you are calling must be at least a certain number of miles away in order to get the discount.

• Basic Rate Comparisons: Advertisements often compare a company's new rate to a competitor's basic rates, rather than the competitor's lower cost calling plans. Be sure you are comparing "apples to apples."

Know Your Calling Habits

The first step toward saving money on your long distance telephone bill is knowing your calling habits. Look at your recent telephone bills to see: How much you pay for long distance service; How many calls you make; Who you call and how frequently; and, What time of day and what day of the week you make your calls.

With this information in hand, you can pick the company and calling plan that is best for you. For example, if you make most of your calls at night or over the weekend, you need to look for a plan that has the lowest night and weekend rates. If you make most of your long distance calls to the same number look for a plan that has a discount for the number you call the most. If you have a big long distance bill, a volume discount plan may be best for you. And, if you make calls at all times of the day and night, a flat rate plan may save you the most money. If you are a small business owner you probably make most of your calls during regular business hours. Daytime rates can be the highest, so make sure to look for a plan that meets your needs.

To get help choosing a long distance company and calling plan check out these Internet sites: