A Consumer Guide to Internet Call Management is Now Available From The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC)

To help consumers understand the different choices available when they use a telephone to go online, The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC) released a new TeleTips ^TM brochure, "Phone Guide for Getting Online." The brochure explains new choices in the marketplace and helps consumers chose the right product for their needs.

According to the most recent Department of Commerce report, Falling Through the Net, cost is the number one impediment to Internet connections at home for traditionally underserved populations. "Consumers deserve affordable choices in the marketplace, and it's our job as consumer educators to help them evaluate these choices," said Samuel A. Simon, Chairman of TRAC. "Most consumers buy a computer first and think of how they will connect to the Internet later. We want to help them make the best, most cost-effective choice when they decide to go to the Internet. That's why we produced this new comparison chart."

The comparison chart allows consumers to view the pros and cons of different telephone Internet options, including:

• Having a second phone line;
• Internet call waiting services; and
• Wireless devices.

The TRAC brochure compares the cost, advantages, disadvantages and availability of these and other telephone options.

"In some parts of the country, getting a second line can cost more than $200. Consumers need to know that there are low cost options that allow you to get online with one phone line and still get your telephone calls. That's important for work at home moms who may be conducting business online but still need to know when Junior calls from school - or when it's just the neighbor asking to borrow a cup of sugar."

The TeleTips ^TM series from TRAC also includes a Residential Long Distance Chart, a Small Business Long Distance Chart, Dial Around Comparison Chart and a Telephone Director Assistance brochure.

To obtain the chart, consumers should send $1 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with 55¢ postage to TRAC, P.O. Box 27279, Washington, DC 20005.

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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.