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Few Older People Comparison Shop Long Distance

Wed, 07/19/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

AARP reports that few older people are taking time to investigate bargains in long distance rates. Long-distance carriers have multiple plans that generate confusion, making it difficult to find the best value. AARP has published some guidelines to help people cut through the confusing options.

They point out that long distance companies don't automatically lower rates to existing customers when they introduce new low cost plans, consumers must ask for them. They suggest that consumers prepare themselves by tracking their own phone patterns for a few months, including:

- Total minutes of state-to-state long-distance calls made each month. - Total minutes of in-state long-distance calls made each month. - The days (during the week or weekends) and the time of day (before or after 7 p.m.) when most long-distance calls are made.

A study by the Federal Communications Commission last year found that people who make only a few long-distance calls each month are actually paying more than they used to, even with the competitive pricing. Consumers need to carefully read the fine print in the contracts to find out what fees and restrictions apply to any plan they use.

AARP reports that few older people are taking time to investigate bargains in long distance rates. Long-distance carriers have multiple plans that generate confusion, making it difficult to find the best value. AARP has published some guidelines to help people cut through the confusing options.

They point out that long distance companies don't automatically lower rates to existing customers when they introduce new low cost plans, consumers must ask for them. They suggest that consumers prepare themselves by tracking their own phone patterns for a few months, including:

- Total minutes of state-to-state long-distance calls made each month. - Total minutes of in-state long-distance calls made each month. - The days (during the week or weekends) and the time of day (before or after 7 p.m.) when most long-distance calls are made.

A study by the Federal Communications Commission last year found that people who make only a few long-distance calls each month are actually paying more than they used to, even with the competitive pricing. Consumers need to carefully read the fine print in the contracts to find out what fees and restrictions apply to any plan they use.