Washington, DC  -- The best deal in long distance may no longer be with one of the three major long distance carriers, according to the Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), a nonprofit consumer group that has tracked long distance prices since the AT&T break-up in 1984. TRAC today released the 32nd edition of its widely used Tele-Tips™ Residential Long Distance Comparison Chart. The new chart compares residential rates and services for seven long distance carriers and 27 different calling plans.

According to the new chart, Frontier and Matrix, smaller and newer long distance companies, were least expensive in 14 of 18 calling baskets, while MCI and Sprint were least expensive in the other four baskets. When comparing only the "big three," MCI was the least expensive carrier in nine calling baskets, Sprint the least expensive in seven, and AT&T in two calling baskets.

"It is clear from the TRAC chart that consumers may save money by switching to a smaller carrier.'' said Sam Simon, counsel to TRAC.

Tele-Tips™ offers a totally new chart, with revised comparisons which more closely reflect the calling patterns of long distance customers. "Consumers can now more easily find comparisons that are like their own calling patterns, and thus narrow their choice of which carrier and calling plan is best for them," Simon said.

"People who make only a few long distance calls can realize the greatest savings,'' according to Simon. "If you spend around $10 a month, you can save between 45 and 48 percent by switching to the least expensive plan from the most expensive offering."

"The calling plans and rates have changed dramatically in only a few months," said Simon, counsel to TRAC. "Now more than ever, consumers need to re-evaluate their long distance carrier." TRAC usually recommends that customers review their calling patterns and the rates of long distance carriers at least once a year, but because of rapidly changing rates, plans and special promotions, Simon urges consumers to do this much more frequently. "Under current circumstances," he said, "consumers should be checking their rates and plans every three months."

With Tele-Tips™, consumers can make side-by-side comparisons of the 27 calling plans, based on three typical calling patterns or "baskets." The chart features "calling baskets" for heavy day time callers, heavy night and weekend callers, and a composite or "average" user calling basket. Other reference tools in Tele-Tips™ include a Features and Services Comparison Chart, detailed plan descriptions for featured calling plans, and consumer tips on how to select the best long distance options.

Tele-Tips™ is the only independent source of information about rates, descriptions, and features and services, for all major long distance calling plans. Tele-Tips™ compares the following seven long distance carriers: AT&T, MCI, Sprint, Frontier, LDDS WorldCom, LCI and Matrix.

Copies of the current Tele-Tips™ residential chart may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed business-sized envelope and $5.00 to TRAC, P.O. Box 27279, Washington, DC 20005. TRAC is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that works to protect consumer interests in all forms of communications.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

John Breyault, TRAC, johnb@trac.org, 202-263-2943

ABOUT TRAC:

The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), founded in 1983, is a non-profit membership organization based in Washington, DC that promotes the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance and local phone service options. TRAC can be found on the web at http://www.trac.org.