One-Stop Shopping for Local and Long Distance Service

The Telecommunications Research & Action Center (TRAC) finds that residential users who spend more than $50 a month on telephone service stand to benefit from MCI's new calling plan, The Neighborhood.

MCI released the plan yesterday to compete with new market entrants and wireless companies by creating a one-stop shopping alternative to local and long distance telephone service. For a flat monthly fee of approximately $50, customers participating in The Neighborhood receive unlimited state-to-state, in-state and local toll calls, unlimited local service, as well as voice mail, caller ID, 3-way calling, and speed dial.

"Because MCI bundled unlimited calling plans with very popular service features like caller ID and voice mail, the new plan should attract some heavy telephone users," said Kate Dean, Staff Associate at TRAC. "The Neighborhood might be both convenient and more affordable for consumers who consistently spend $50 or more a month on telephone service, but consumers should be sure to investigate the fine print before switching plans or providers."

Take A Closer Look

The Neighborhood is not available in all areas, and prices and plans may vary in different states. Additional taxes and surcharges apply in eleven states. TRAC recommends that consumers contact MCI for more information on service areas and prices.

TRAC, the nation's leading telecommunications-focused consumer group, urges consumers to evaluate their calling patterns and contact their local and long distance providers for new plans that will best fit their calling style. For more information on how to save money on phone bills, please visit TRAC at http://www.trac.org to order TRAC's latest TeleTipsSM Residential Long Distance comparison chart.

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