Big Rate Increases on the Horizon for AT&T Long Distance Customers - Many AT&T long distance subscribers will see a big rate increase on June 1. Subscribers to the AT&T Unlimited Plan will see their monthly recurring charge increase $3 from $19.95 to $22.95. Additionally, AT&T 10¢ Offer subscribers will see their per-call surcharge increase from 35¢ to 49¢. Consumers can access additional information on these changes by clicking here(iii). Consumers looking for an easy way to find the best long distance plan for their particular calling habits may want to consider using TRAC's TeleTips Residential Long Distance Comparison Chart, available for purchase by clicking here(iv).
Dial Around Services Can Save, But Watch Out For Pitfalls - A popular way for consumers to save money on their long distance bills is to use dial around services, also known as "10-10 numbers" (though not all dial around services use the "10-10" prefix). While these services are often cheaper than conventional "direct dial" (1+ area code) long distance, consumers should read the fine print and be on the lookout for expensive drawbacks. First, consumers should try to avoid calls that charge a flat rate for a specified amount of time, such as twenty minutes of calling for 99¢. The catch here is that the call costs 99¢ whether it lasts for twenty minutes or one minute. Another trick to watch out for is the monthly service fee. Many dial around carriers charge a fee of $2.95 or more in any month that their service is used, no matter if it's used once or twenty times. Finally, dial around carriers often claim 50% savings (or more) off basic long distance rates. The operative word is "basic" since most conventional long distance carriers' "basic" rate plans are by far their most expensive. Dial around rates are often cheaper than "direct dial" rates, but rarely by 50% or more.
WIRELESS WATCH
Wireless Phone Comparison Shopping Made Easy - Whether looking to buy a wireless phone for the first time or simply upgrading to the "latest and greatest" offering, consumers can avoid getting burned by doing some comparison shopping beforehand. There are several services that stand out from the crowd in this area. CNET.com's cell phone coverage(v) is a good starting point. The website contains phone reviews and comparisons by price, carrier, and network as well as useful feature articles and the great "Ask the Cell Phone Diva"(vi) section. Another great website geared more towards first-time wireless buyers is WirelessAdvisor.com(vii). There, consumers can enter their zip code to find all the service providers in their area, view a useful glossary of wireless phone terms, and peruse a listing of great books on choosing wireless services. Finally, TRAC offers its TeleTips Consumer Guide to Wireless Service, a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to choosing the right wireless service, including determining your user type and choosing a plan and phone. The guide is available for purchase by clicking here(viii).
WASHINGTON WATCH
New FTC Rules on Sexually Explicit Spam Need Enforcing - New Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules that went into effect Wednesday, May 19 require that all sexually-oriented or pornographic spam contain the words "SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT" in the subject line. "While we applaud this action by the FTC, its effect on the amount of spam consumers receive will be only as good as its enforcement," said TRAC chairman Samuel Simon. Spammers who break these rules can face civil lawsuits, imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations under the federal CAN SPAM Act. For more information on the new rules, click here(ix).
INTERESTING LINKS
FCC Main Page - http://www.fcc.gov
FCC Complaint Form - http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cib/fcc475.cfm
List of State Regulatory Commissions - http://www.naruc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=15
What do you think? Got a tip you want to share? Nominate your "Scam of the Week" and your "Tip of the Week" - If we select your submission, we’ll give you a one-year free membership in TRAC and acknowledge your contribution by name in TRACNotes. Send an e-mail to trac@trac.org to submit your ideas!
©2004 Telecommunications Research and Action Center. TRAC grants unlimited rights to reproduce TRACNotes or any information contained in it provided attribution is given as follows: "Source:Telecommunications Research and Action Center. http://www.trac.org"
Endnotes
