Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

You Make the Call

Selecting the right phone services for

you

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Landline Phone Service: Pros & Cons

Pros: Good reception,

consistent connection Enables Internet

access Multiple phones/jacks

possible Flat or measured

rates for local calls Includes a listing in

the phone directory

Cons: Must be at home to

make/receive calls Electronic/digital

phones may not work during power outage

No phone during temporary service outages

Extra charges for long distance calls

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Wireless (Cellular) Service: Pros & Cons

Pros: Talk/text any place

you can receive a signal

Texting, photos, data storage, and Internet access possible

Features included Buckets of minutes Option to purchase

cell service as needed

Cons: Inconsistent

service/dropped calls

Dependent on battery

Easy to rack up extra charges

Early termination fee

9-1-1 calls do not provide caller’s address

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Pros & ConsPros:

Generally provides a good connection

Can save you money on long distance

Can probably keep landline number if switching services

Features included

Cons: May have to

purchase package of services

Could limit you to calls at home

No phone service when Internet connection is down

May not provide address to 9-1-1 dispatchers

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Landline: An Overview

Services: Local—immediate area + 9-1-1 and 4-1-1 Local toll—outside local area, but not long

distance Long distance—outside local toll area

Carriers: Can choose single carrier or more than one Look under Telecommunications or ask around

Plans: Flat-rate service allows unlimited local calls Measured service charges per call or per

minute for extra calls Assistance programs for low-income consumers

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Wireless: An Overview

Single carrier provides local and long distance

Coverage area key in choosing wireless carrier

Understand how monthly minutes are allotted Service contract (fee for early

termination) May be able to “port” your existing number Select your phone Choose prepaid plan if credit or budget are

issues Look under Cellular or ask around

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

VoIP: An Overview

Two types of VoIP Many cable and other companies offer VoIP High-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable)

required Single carrier provides local and long

distance VoIP plans are similar, but prices vary May have a service contract (fee for early

termination) May be able to “port” current landline number Will need equipment (router, adapter and

cords)

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Activity: Choosing the Right Phone Service

Break into smaller groups Choose the best phone service option(s) for each caller

Reconvene in 10 minutes Your group or spokesperson will explain your choices

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

First Session Wrap-Up

At the next session, we’ll learn:

How to save money on long distance and international calls

How to assess phone service needsHow to be a savvy shopperWhat to expect on your monthly billWhat your rights are

Please return in 15 minutes.

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Long Distance & International Calling

Know your long distance calling habits

Choose best carrier/plan for needs

Prepaid calling cards “Dial-around” numbers VoIP: “Free” U.S. long distance and

low-cost international calling

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Assessing Your Phone Service Needs

Who do you call? Where do you call? When do you call? How often do you call? How long do you talk? Where will you make and receive calls?

What features/capabilities do you need?

How important is cost?

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Shopping for Landline Service

Flat-rate or measured local service

Single or separate carriers Per minute vs calling plan Call-time calculation Optional features Installation Deposit

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Shopping for Wireless Service

Coverage area Plan minutes (number & type)

Data services Plan price Overage charges Roaming & long distance

Toll-free & 4-1-1

Other features/cost

Contract Port current number

Buy/use own handset

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Shopping for VoIP Service

Reliable connection Monthly cost Free long distance locations Ability to send/receive faxes Option to port your landline # Enhanced 9-1-1 Customer service

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Activity: Shopping for the Best Plan

Break into three groups Your group will be assigned a phone service type

Prepare “shopping” questions for the phone service provider/carrier

Choose someone from your group to ask the questions, or take turns

Reconvene in 5 minutes

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

What You’ll See on Your Bill

Monthly service charges Usage charges 4-1-1 charges Taxes/surcharges Charges for optional features

One-time charges Late fees

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Your Rights as a Phone Service Consumer

Info about least expensive basic plan An understandable phone bill Discounts for vision, speech or hearing impaired

Trial period Working phone jack in every rental Phone number portability in local area Do Not Call registry (www.DoNotCall.gov)

No slamming or cramming

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services

Class Evaluation

Please fill out the evaluation form

and leave it on your way out.

Thank you!