On President’s Day, Telephone Companies Could Take A Lesson From George Washington
The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC) today released its updated TeleTips™ Directory Assistance (DA) Comparison Chart. The updated chart shows consumers facing more, confusing choices for directory assistance, while rates are secretly being increased by many carriers.
George Washington who "could not tell a lie" to his father about a cherry tree is certainly not the model for the long distance directory assistance industry today. Rates for most long distance directory assistance services have been going up, but there has been little or no public notice.
The cost of calling 1-AC-555-1212 is now approaching $1.60 per call for many carriers, while the "00" and 10-10 options are also being increased from $.99 to $1.49 for many carriers. TRAC expects the trend to continue.
"There is some good news in the Directory Assistance arena," said Samuel A. Simon, Chairman of TRAC. "TRAC found that directory assistance services can now be handled by one number. Looking at the number of services available, consumers can now save by using 411 for local and national directory service."
The one exception to using 411 is if a consumer elects to have a number connected by the local phone company. That service can cost $.75 or more. Most long distance companies will connect a call for free, but they charge per-minute rates. And if you are not a subscriber to their long distance service, you will pay exceptionally high rates and surcharges.
In the past, the local telephone company provided local DA using 411 while long distance telephone carriers supplied long distance DA (LDDA) using (area code)+555-1212. This is no longer the case. Currently, consumers can now choose from a wide array of services such as 411 or (N)411, (area code)+555-1212, "00" and 10-10 numbers. Despite the number of options available, however, rates are inconsistent. Local DA can range from free to $1.60 per call depending on the service and number of times used. Long Distance DA (LDDA) can range from $0.85 to $1.60 per call.
"Our chart shows more services than ever before, but consumers should realize that the price for these services varies greatly and they need to be very careful. Also, prices can change without consumers being aware of it", said Simon.
Price changes have also occurred in the industry. For local 411 services, the allotted number of free DA calls has decreased in many cities. In some cases, prices have increased. Users of AT&T’s "00" and 10-10-ATT-00 will notice an increase in LDDA from $.99 to $1.49 per call. Consumers using 10-10 DA numbers to connect a call after getting the number beware. If not a subscriber of the long distance carrier, per minute charges based on "casual" rates are the highest in the industry.
TeleTips(sm) is the only independent source for information on long distance calling plans. TRAC is a non-profit, tax-exempt consumer organization that works to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance options. TRAC has published TeleTips for the past fourteen years. TRAC also provides an Internet-based long distance call comparison tool called WebPricer on its web site at www.trac.org.
TeleTips(sm) Directory Assistance brochure contains plain English descriptions of the Directory Assistance options available to consumers today, including two rate comparison charts sampling long DA charts from major cities around the country, as well as long distance DA rates of the major carriers. The Chart is available from TRAC for $1.00 and a stamped, self-addressed envelope, sent to TRAC PO Box 27279, Washington, and DC 20005.
Following is a list of Hot Tips from TRAC on getting the best deal on Directory Assistance Derived from the Chart.
TIPS FOR USING DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE (DA)
- Don't or Call A Friend Instead
Try to avoid using Directory Assistance. It is expensive. Keep good records of numbers you may need. If all else fails, consider calling a friend who has the number you need, even if the call is long distance. For example, if your long distance plan charges you 10 cents a minute, a 3 to 5 minute call to a friend to get the phone number you need will only cost 30 to 50 cents, instead of 95 Cents to $1.60 using DA.
- Check Rates Before Using DA
Rates went up last month for DA for most carriers! Prices change unexpectedly in the telecommunication industry, and often without notice. When checking your long distance bills to see if you're on the best plan, also check the DA rates.
The most expensive rates in the industry today. You can pay up to a $1.60 per call.
Long distance carriers can also offer "00" and 10-10 service along with (area code)+555-1212. These services are generally cheaper than (area code)+555-1212, but not 411. Again, check with your carrier before using this service.
- Beware of free connections
Free connections may seem like a convenience, but the "casual" rates apply when you are not a subscriber to the service. For MCI and AT&T’s casual rates are among the highest in the country. If your local company offers to connect a local call, it probably will not be "free" but instead have a 75-Cent or more charge. If a long distance company connects you to a local number, even though the connection is free, the call is treated as a long distance call and you will pay per-minute rates. If the local phone company (411) connects you, you pay the connection charge, but the call is typically free.
The Internet has White Pages and Yellow Page online that are free. Though not necessarily the most accurate, especially if you don’t have specific information, a number of directories are available. The local library also has a number of resources to find individuals.
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