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Ratewatcher Telecom Guide Volume 24 | Fall 2013 A Publication of the Maine Office of the Public Advocate 207-287-2445 | TTY 711 | E-mail [email protected] | www.maine.gov/meopa Funding for New Broadband in Maine t’s ironic that the united states — the country that largely invented the Internet — has fallen behind much of the rest of the developed world, with re- Ispect to availability, adoption, and speed of Internet service. In terms of the percentage of households that subscribe to a broadband service, the U. S. ranks 15th. To be fair, the U.S. is more geographically challenging for broadband deployment compared to a more compact and technologically-advanced country, such as Switzerland, which ranks number one in terms of the percentage of households with a broadband connection. But the U.S. also remains behind Canada, which ranks 11th and which shares some of the same geographic and cultural challenges faced by the U.S. Broadband speeds in the U.S. also nesses with fiber-optic cable. On the cost of building out broadband and generally lag behind those of other other hand, with respect to the total getting people to adopt it. In Maine, developed nations. Since speed number of wired broadband connec- nearly 10% of households — mostly depends on the technology of the tions, the U.S. is far ahead of the rest in rural areas — have no access to About the Office of the Public Advocate network, it is significant that the of the world, with over 90 million wired DSL or cable-modem broad- U.S. does not have a relatively large wired subscriptions — more than band service, a gap that is frequently amount of fiber-optic cable directly double that of our nearest competitor, referred to as the “digital divide.” The connecting homes and businesses. Japan. Office of the Public Advocate often Fiber-optic cable — strands of glass hears complaints from customers Within the U.S., Maine is a good that carry pulses of light — provides who are upset because of absence of example of the problem. Factors such the fastest broadband service. In that service at their location, the lack of as a large land area with sprawling respect, the U.S. places 7th in the competitive choices, or the limited municipalities, sparsely populated world at 13.1% while Japan (#1) has speeds available locally. The primary rural areas, an elderly population, and connected 86.5% of homes and busi- problem is one of economics: it is varied topography, add greatly to the costly to install the necessary network equipment in rural areas where relatively few customers will pay for the service. Early in the 20th century, WHAT’S INSIDE federal universal service policies BROADBAND...... 1–7 VOIP...... 15–17 ensured that all Americans would Internet Rates...... 6–7 Residential VOIP have access to telephones and elec- WiFi Cellular Service...... 8 Service & Plans...... 16–17 tricity, but Internet service has, so far, WIRELESS...... 18–23 TELEPHONE...... 9–14 not been deemed essential enough Prepaid Wireless Plans...... 19 Alternate to Local Phone...... 10 for such a universal guarantee of Monthly Fees Wireless...... 20 Standalone Long-Distance...... 11 availability. Since Internet Services Bundled Plans: Residential...... 13 Prepaid High-Volume Plans...... 21 Wireless Lifeline—Maine...... 14 Wireless Based Home Phone...... 23 cont’d. Funding cont’d.

cannot be regulated by the states, will complete the 87% buildout by a sity of Maine, the federal Broadband even telephone companies cannot be certain date, will maximize federal Technology Opportunities Program ordered to provide service or to limit broadband support, and will also awarded $25.4 million for the con- their prices. However, various state invest millions of additional dollars struction of 1100 miles of fiber-optic and federal government initiatives to upgrade broadband facilities and cable passing through some of the are at work to address the problem service in Maine. most rural areas of Maine. The of broadband deployment, though so-called “Three Ring Binder” was ConnectME Authority (state) progress is slower than we’d like. completed in 2012. This is considered This quasi-state agency collects over “middle mile” infrastructure (between FairPoint DSL expansion (state) $1 million per year on communica- the last mile to the customer and the When FairPoint first acquired Veri- tions bill surcharges in order to fund worldwide Internet backbone) that is zon-Maine, the Office of the Public individual broadband projects in expected to facilitate new and ad- Advocate and Staff of the Public unserved, mostly rural, areas. Inter- vanced Internet connectivity for busi- Utilities Commission (PUC) negoti- net service providers apply for the nesses and hopefully, new expanded ated an aggressive broadband expan- subsidies to fund projects to build out retail Internet service providers. sion agreement, whereby FairPoint broadband. Without these subsidies, Maine Fiber Company contributed agreed to make DSL available to 90% investments to serve in these areas private investment dollars and now of the customers connected to its would probably not be made. runs this “dark fiber” network which network within 5 years. (Verizon had Connect America Fund (federal) provides service to businesses and connected approximately 63% of its The FCC is gradually phasing out service provider customers. lines.) That agreement was subject subsidies for high-cost telephone to modification when FairPoint filed New England Telehealth service and transforming the $4.5 for bankruptcy in 2010 and the target Consortium (Federal) An appli- billion high-cost fund of the federal was reduced to 87%. Later, we asked cant from Maine received a grant of Universal Service Fund (USF) toward the PUC to investigate the method more than $25 million from the FCC, support for expansion of broadband that FairPoint was using to calculate through the federal Universal Service throughout the U.S. Currently, larger the required percentage in meet- Fund, to build a broadband network telephone companies like FairPoint ing the targets and eventually, after connecting hundreds of large and are eligible for a share of $485 mil- substantial litigation, the PUC agreed small health care providers in north- lion in immediate support this year, that FairPoint’s methodology was ern New England. This network is still and next year, a share of $1.8 billion exaggerating its actual progress. Fair- under construction and will eventu- that will be allocated based on a cost Point appealed to the Maine Supreme ally allow high speed connectivity, model that is currently being devel- Court which ultimately affirmed the telemedicine services, and data shar- oped. The Connect America Fund PUC’s order and our position. We ing. The same program also funded will also be supporting expansion of continue to scrutinize FairPoint’s the smaller Franklin Community mobile broadband (3G/4G) services compliance with its broadband obli- Health Network. from cellular companies — currently gations. Recently, after much discus- allocating $300 million nationally. Universal Service Fund sion, the Office of the Public Advo- (federal) annually provides about cate and FairPoint entered into an Three Ring Binder — Maine $3 billion in support for broadband agreement that will govern FairPoint’s Fiber Company (federal/ for schools, libraries, and health care remaining broadband build-out obli- private) In response to a grant networks. gations. In that agreement, FairPoint request from GWI and the Univer- 2 broadband

Illustration by Natalie Limitations of Satellite Broadband Despite recent and planned expan- claim to offer speeds of 12 Mbps 44,000 miles, there is an inherent sion of wired and mobile 3G/4G downstream and 3 Mbps upstream: delay between when a message is broadband service, satellite broad- speeds that exceed even phone sent and when it is received. This band remains the only broadband company DSL service, on average, can make it difficult to provide for option for customers in some rural in Maine. At such speeds, it should a smooth real-time voice conversa- areas in Maine. As the name sug- be no problem to stream video tion, or to play certain online games gests, this service provides broad- (watch movies or other “stream- effectively where response time is band Internet access through a ing” media over the Internet). Still, critical. Some satellite providers signal sent to and from an orbiting consumers should be aware of the have attempted to address these satellite via a dish-shaped outdoor limitations of satellite broadband. concerns by offering VOIP service antenna. This antenna is connected that separates voice data from other Latency Some broadband applica- to home equipment that connects to data, giving it a higher transmission tions such as voice over internet your computer or WiFi router. priority. Unfortunately, there is a (VOIP) and gaming can be negative- delay, given the distance that the Satellite broadband is getting ly affected by high latency, or the data must travel. better and faster as the number of time it takes a message to traverse satellites increases, the technol- the network. Since the data (your Emergency Use As with other ogy improves, and more focused voice, for example) transmitted Internet services, satellite broad- signals provide better coverage. by satellite broadband must make band relies on electricity. Unless Satellite broadband providers now a round trip into outer space of you have a generator or a backup

3 battery, the service will not function during electrical outages. This is always a concern if you rely on your broadband provider for voice service. Watch Out for (Traditional phone service from local phone companies has its own source of power.) A wireless phone as a backup would be a good idea. Even a $10 Data Caps! prepaid wireless device is a reliable E911 device if it is kept charged. In Some broadband services allow you addition, bad weather can potentially interfere with the quality of satellite to download only a given amount of broadband. total content each month before additional charges apply, potentially Location While satellite broadband signals cover nearly all of North leading to higher-than-expected bills. America, including the oceans, obtaining satellite service requires a clear Mobile broadband (3G/4G) and satel- view of the southern sky because the satellites orbit above the equator. lite broadband typically impose the Obstructions such as trees, buildings or mountains, could prevent adequate most restrictive data caps. For example, service at a home or business location. a lower-cost wireless plan may offer just 1 gigabit (GB) of data per month, Data Caps As is true with most mobile broadband services, satellite servic- which you can exceed just by streaming es typically impose relatively low data caps, which may result in substantial a few hours of video. More typically, a additional charges when your total monthly downloaded content exceeds given mobile broadband service may the amount included with the basic monthly rate. impose a 5 GB data cap, but by streaming just one high-definition movie, a customer may use 4 GB of the 5 GB cap. Although DSL from the phone company or cable company broadband may also Confused About Internet Speeds? impose data caps, those are usually set high enough that the vast major- You’re Not Alone ity of customers will not be subject to additional charges. Bottom line: in Most modern Internet services are measured in megabits per second, or order to avoid unpleasant surprises on Mbps. A 1 Mbps connection provides speeds of 1 million bits per second, or your bill, ask about data caps and how roughly 100 pages of plain text per second. Typically, broadband services they are priced, before signing up for advertise both download and upload speeds. Download speeds refer to the service, and understand which services speedbroadband at which you can obtain information from the network (such as by (such as streaming video) use a lot of downloading a song), and upload speeds describe the speed at which you data. You can monitor your data usage can send information back out (such as by sending an email with an attach- with a real-time meter, often available ment). In Maine, the download speeds for residential broadband services on the website of your provider. Or, try generally range from 768 Kbps to 15 Mbps. In practical terms, download searching for a well-reviewed “data speed affects how long it takes for a web page to load or to download pic- usage meter” on the web. Recently, the tures, or the quality of streaming video. For example, Netflix recommends wireless industry and the FCC agreed to a broadband connection of at least 1.5 Mbps to stream movies online, at new rules that require carriers to alert least 3 Mbps to stream DVD quality video, and at least 5 Mbps for HD qual- customers before caps are exceeded, in ity video. You may not always get the full speed advertised by your Internet order to prevent “bill shock.” Still, it’s service provider because of local network conditions or inaccurate advertis- best to monitor your own usage rather ing. You can check your actual speed at www.broadband.gov/qualitytest. than rely entirely on such notice.

PCs for Maine Offers Affordable Computers for Low-Income Mainers PCs for Maine is a non-profit or- computer, including software such regular intervals — typically after 3 ganization dedicated to provid- as Microsoft Office and neces- years. For more information, go to: ing quality computers, including sary anti-virus and anti-spyware www.pcsformaine.org or call (207) software, warranty, and a free year programs. PCs for Maine acquires 338-4233. For those who do not of technical support — all at low large numbers of computers (both meet income guidelines, affordable prices for those who meet federal laptops and desktops) from large used computers can also be found income guidelines. Prices begin at organizations that use durable qual- at www.buyite.com which is run by $150 for a refurbished but durable ity machines but replace them at the same organization.

4 broadband

Comcast offers $10/Month Internet Service to Certain New FCC Broadband Fund Likely Low-Income Insufficient for Remote Areas Households Improvements in satellite broadband are now especially important because the If you live in one of the relatively Federal Communications Commission assumes that the most remote rural cus- few areas in Maine served by tomers in the U.S., including many in Maine, cannot be economically served by Comcast and you have a child traditional wired and wireless broadband service providers. The Federal Com- enrolled in the national school munications Commission’s $4.5 billion Connect America Fund will eventually lunch program, Comcast will pro- subsidize telephone and cellular companies to deploy and maintain broadband vide a low-cost computer ($150), services, but currently reserves just $100 million to subsidize service for the most high-speed Internet service expensive rural areas — expected to represent less than 1% of the population. (5Mbps) at just $10/month, and We believe that $100 million nationally will prove to be far too little to connect free training. If your household all remote rural customers to a quality broadband service. Maine has more than may be eligible, contact Comcast its proportional share of high-cost rural areas where subsidies and alternative and ask for “Internet Essentials.” technologies will be necessary to provide even one broadband choice. There- Call 855-846-8376 or log on at: fore, we will be looking for opportunities to ask the FCC to increase funding for www.internetessentials.com/ broadband and telephone service in Maine. how-it-works.

Choosing the Right Broadband Service In Maine, some households have a est speeds. If your usage is typically over 12 Mbps. Those higher speeds few choices for internet service, some limited to one or two family members are typically available from cable have only one choice, and some have surfing the web, exchanging emails, providers such as Comcast and Time no options at all, though satellite and watching short videos, you may Warner, though DSL over copper lines broadband is theoretically available at be happy with a speed of 3 Mbps or from the phone company can achieve any unobstructed location (see satel- less (768 Kbps download is generally those speeds if you live close to their lite story, p. 3). The chart on the fol- the minimum available). For a de- electronic equipment or where the lowing page provides an overview of scription of what these speeds mean, phone company has upgraded its broadband services offered in Maine. see “Confused About Internet Speeds,” technology. Satellite service providers Where possible, the chart shows page 4. You can check the actual speed also claim that they are now offering geographic areas where services are of your current broadband service over 10 Mbps. In some rural areas, available but, because service is always at www.broadband.gov/qualitytest , fixed wireless broadband is avail- expanding, customers are encouraged which is provided by the FCC. If you able from small companies, offering to call providers. have a choice of speed, pay for the speeds that are similar to typical DSL lowest speed that meets your needs. If speeds (768 Kbps to Assuming broadband is available, you routinely watch high-definition 7 Mbps). Some lucky customers are affordability is often an obstacle movies, if you have many simultane- getting even faster fiber-optic service for those looking to get broadband ous users in your household, or if from a few very small providers, such service. Although some Internet you often download very large files, as Cornerstone Communications and services are faster than others, it may you may want a broadband speed of Pioneer Broadband. not be necessary to pay for the high-

5 >>broadband internet service providers

company area prices /Notes DSL / Fiber HIGH SPEED INTERNET Axiom Technologies | 866-708-7998 Washington & Hancock counties $25/mo. Res. Bus. plans available | $99 Installation & Modem axiom-tech.net Fee

Chebeague | 207-846-4850 Chebeague Island $40–70 Res. | $350 Installation Fee (2-year payment plan) Chebeague.net

(Bus. rates higher)

Faster plans and phone bundles available

FairPoint Available in much of FairPoint tele- W/Voice Line (1-yr. contract $23 – $50) — $26/ mo. 768K, 866-984-2001 Res. phone territory $40/mo. 3M, $48/mo. 7M, $60/mo. 15M 866-984-3001 Bus. fairpoint.com Standalone DSL (1-yr. contract $32 – $60) — $34/mo. 768K, $50/mo. 3M, $58/mo. 7M, $70/mo. 15M

$99 early termination fee | Installation & Activation Fees may apply | Higher rates in FairPoint “Classic” territory

GWI | 866-494-2020 Available in much of FairPoint tele- $47/mo. Res. | $55/mo. Bus. | $50 setup fee (waived if self- gwi.net phone territory installed) | Res. Rates $20 lower with phone bundles

Oxford Networks | 800-520-9911 Various communities throughout state $38/mo. Res. | $40 – $80/mo. Bus. oxfordnetworks.com No setup fee

Pioneer Broadband | 866-335-1254 Throughout most of Northeast Maine $45/mo. Res. | $55/mo. for Bus. | No setup fee pioneerbroadband.net from Caribou to Mars Hills CABLE MODEM HIGH SPEED INTERNET

Bee Line Cable | 800-439-4611 Skowhegan, Wilton, Madison, Industry, Res. $30/mo. 512 /128 Kbps w/o cable | beeline.com/packages internet.cfm Anson, Farmington, Millinocket, E. Mil- $27 512 /128 Kbps w/cable broadband linocket Res. & Bus. $35/mo 1 Mbps /256 Kbps | $43/mo 4 Mbps /348 Kbps | $63/mo 8 Mbps /512 Kbps | No installation fee

Comcast | 800-266-2278 Berwick, So. Berwick, Eliot & Kittery, Res. $40/mo. (3 Mbps) | $50/mo. (6 Mbps) | $80/mo. (50 comcast.com Brunswick & Freeport areas Mbps) | $115 (150 Mbps) Prices are $15 lower with TV bundles. $50 – $100 Installation fee

Metrocast Online | 800-695-2545 Acton, Lebanon, Newfield, Sanford, Res. $30 – $70/mo. | $100 Installation fee metrocast.com Shapleigh, Springvale & W. Newfield Bus. $60 – $350/mo. | $100 Installation fee (includes modem rental)

Bluestreak | 877-338-9015 Belfast, Freedom, Morrill, Stockton $30 – $40/mo. Res. | $50/mo. Bus. | $100 – 200 Installation bluestreakme.com Springs, Waldo & Searsport fee

Chebeague | 207-846-4850 Chebeague Island $40 – $70/mo. Res. Chebeague.net

Pioneer Broadband | 866-335-1254 Much of northeast Maine from Mada- $45/mo. Res. | $55/mo. Bus. | $150 Installation fee pioneerbroadband.net waska to Machias to Howland

>>broadband internet service providers cont'd

Exede (by ViaSat) | 855-627-2553 All $60/mo. (10 GB) | $80/mo. (15 GB) | $130/mo. (25GB) (Speed Exede.com is 12 /3 Mpbs) $150 Set Up Fee | Early termination is prorated (Exede offers Home Phone Service @ $20 1st months) (Unmetered data usage midnight – 5:00 a.m.) $10/mo. lease equip. fee w/2-year contract

Starband | 800-478-2722 All $50/mo./512 Kbps | $70/mo./1 Mbps | $100/mo./1.5 Mbps starband.com | all plans require 2 yr. contract | $300 equipment cost | Request estimate installation fee | $500 termination fee if cancelled w/in 1st yr of contract | Assigned bandwidth usage is for a rolling period of seven days based on the plan purchased. Bandwidth is only monitored between the hours of 6:00 am through midnight.

Note: Mbps = megabits per second Kbps = kilobits per second (1 Mb is approximately 1,000 times greater than 1 Kb) = Download speed | = Upload speed

MOBILE BROADBAND (from cellular carriers) company DATA COVERAGE Price/Broadband PRICE OF LAPTOP CARD SMARTPHONE BROADBAND Data Cap MONTHLY FEE/Data Caps AT&T | 800-888-7600 4G So. ME, $15 – $50 depending on $20 w/2-year contract | $36 activation fee | $20 – $500 depending on chosen wireless.att.com Downeast, Green- chosen data cap range $50 early termination fee data cap range from 300 MB to ville from 250 MB to 5 GB 50 GB

Partner 2G provides service to rest of ME

Axiom Technologies 4G So. of Bangor $40 – $300 depend- $30 w/2-year contract | $35 activation fee Not Applicable 866-708-7998 ing on chosen data cap $150 termination fee applies | will install axiom-tech.net 3G Western ME and range from 300 MB to antenna on roof or internal antenna for bet- beyond Bangor 40 GB ter reception (reseller for U.S. Cellular)

T-Mobile 3G & 4G LTE most $20 – $70 depending on $48 | $35 activation fee | $200 early termi- $50 – $70 depending on chosen 800-937-8997 of ME chosen data cap range nation fee data cap range from 500 MB to tmobile.com from 500 MB to 10.5 GB unlimited

U.S. Cellular 4G South of $40 – $300 depend- $30 w/2 yr. contract | $35 activation fee | $40 – $300 depending on chosen 888-944-9400 Bangor ing on chosen data cap $150 early termination fee pro-rated data cap range from 300 MB to uscc.com range from 300 MB to 40 GB 3G Western ME and 40 GB beyond Bangor

Verizon | 800-256-4646 3G So., Central, $30 – $335 depending Starting at $30 w/2 yr. contract $40 – $375 depending on chosen verizonwireless.com and Northern ME on chosen data cap data cap range from 500 MB to range from 4 GB to 50 $20 activation fee | $175 early termination 50 GB 1X Downeast ME GB fee

7 Turn Cellular Service Into a WiFi Hotspot If you lack wired broadband service from your cable ers primarily using email and web surfing, or occasional or phone company at home, but have a reliable cell users) it may be more economical to buy the device and phone signal, you might be able to obtain portable connect to a prepaid service, avoiding a monthly service broadband using a WiFi hotspot device that generates plan. Since the service is mobile, these devices could WiFi from cellular (3G/4G mobile broadband) service. provide Internet access anywhere you go in the pres- These services allow you to connect a certain number ence of cellular service. Some prepaid hotspot services of WiFi-enabled devices, such as laptops or tablets. The charge as little as $5/month and 4 cents per megabyte maximum number of devices that can connect simulta- of usage. This may be an economical Internet service for neously is typically between 5 and 10 devices, making very low-volume users, but if you used 1000 megabytes the hotspot a potential alternative to cable or telephone of data (1 gigabyte) you will have paid $40 for usage company-based Internet service at home. The quality of that month plus the $5 monthly fee. Streaming a single the service depends on the quality of the cellular cover- movie could exceed 1 gigabyte. At that usage level over age, including whether there is 3G or 4G service. In our a long period, a monthly data plan with a contract may recent spot test, we found that a hotspot device with be a better alternative. 3G clocked a speed of about 768 kilobits per second See the Internet charts for other alternatives to wired (768 Kbps) — the approximate speed of lowest-cost DSL broadband services from your cable or phone company, service from a phone company. including options such as fixed wireless service and Hotspot devices typically cost between $75 and $350, satellite service. Note that Axiom Technologies now but are often provided for free or at very low cost in provides WiFi hot-spot mobile broadband in Washington connection with a two-year contract from a cellular pro- County, in partnership with U.S. Cellular. vider.broadband However, for low-usage customers, (e.g., custom- >>WiFi Hotspot Cellular Service

DEVICE COST* PLAN COST/Data Cap DATA COVERAGE AT&T $100 to $170 w/o contract $50/mo./300 MB to $330/ Much of ME 888-333-6651 mo./300 GB att.com Axiom Technologies $200 w/o contract $25/mo./2 GB Much of ME 866-708-7998 axiom-tech.net $90/mo./10 GB T-Mobile $70 to $110 contract not offered $15/15 days/300 MB Much of ME 800-937-8997 tmobile.com $25/mo./1.5 GB $50/mo./50 GB U.S. Cellular $200 w/o contract $25/mo./2 GB Much of ME 888-944-9400 uscellular.com $90/mo./10 GB Verizon $170 to $270 w/o contract $50/mo./2 GB to $335/mo./50 GB Much of ME 800-256-4646 verizonwireless.com

*Typically device is substantially less expensive, or free, with two-year contract.

8 Turn Cellular Service Into a WiFi Hotspot telephone New Legislation Limits Regulation of Telephone Services in Maine In 2012, legislation was enacted that by the PUC’s Consumer Assistance advocate for affordable, reliable tele- significantly changed the regulation Division (800-452-4699). Customers phone service throughout Maine. For of telephone service in Maine. The have the right to obtain basic local example, now that FairPoint’s 5-year overall purpose of that legislation was service alone, at a regulated rate, with regulatory plan has ended, FairPoint to recognize increased competition rules that govern disconnection and has filed for a rate increase at the PUC in telecommunications services and service quality. However, the new law that is expected to raise the price of its to decrease regulations that affected removes from regulation all services standalone basic local (POLR) service. traditional telephone companies more beyond this basic service, including In the next legislative session, we heavily than their competitors. As a long-distance and bundled service, expect FairPoint to renew its request result, today most telephone services services from cable companies, and that the PUC be allowed to provide are no longer subject to regulation from competitive local phone com- it funding from the Maine Universal by the Public Utilities Commission panies. Customers who purchase Service Fund (MUSF) in order to (PUC). What remains regulated is bundles are not protected by rate ensure adequate service and prevent what is now called “provider of last limits for those bundles but their local the need for excessive rate increases, resort” (POLR) service — currently, service connection remains protected. given that FairPoint and other local what we know as traditional basic lo- The new law preserves consumer pro- providers are required to serve every cal service from your local telephone tections such as enforcement against customer within their territories. company. The PUC may still regulate an unauthorized change of carrier, The MUSF is funded by contribu- the rates for that essential service and unauthorized billing charges, and the tions by phone companies, wireless ensure that adequate service qual- right to block Caller ID. companies, and cable companies that ity is provided. Complaints about provide VOIP services. basic telephone service, including In this new regulatory environment, billing disputes, are still processed the Public Advocate will continue to

FairPoint Withdraws 3 Free Directory Assistance Calls Per Month — All Requests Now Billed at $1.75 Each As a result of the Legislature’s reforms to decrease calls to its customers. At the same time, FairPoint is tak- telecommunications regulation in Maine, regulation over ing the opportunity to dramatically increase the cost of the services of FairPoint and other telephone companies each directory assistance call — to $1.75. At this writing, is limited to the essential basic local service — now we have not been advised of new directory assistance officially referred to as “provider of last resort” (POLR) policies of other local telephone companies. service. Since directory assistance is not included within If you have access to the web, you may have luck getting the definition of POLR service, FairPoint and other local free directory assistance from www.411.com. Unfortu- telephone companies are now free to withdraw the long- nately, we have not found any currently reliable and free standing requirement to offer 3 free directory assistance phone-based directory services. 9 10 during most electrical power outages. mostelectrical during even current theservice to support company, which conduct electrical by owned wires your telephone local usethecopperditional phone services phone company.- tra These —evenvice from asecond ora bundle asaseparate ser may purchasedof be aspart that and long-distance service unlimited calling, local with atahome or business basicphone service of tinue to rely on plainoldtelephone service, which consists these days. households inMaine con Still, of - themajority guide, communication there are choices lotof awhole As you from cansee themany andtables inthis charts Plain OldT *Compare toFairpoint’s localratewhichisthesame asthoseshown for PioneerTelephone. telrite.com 866-746-3873 T pioneertelephone.net 866-329-8700 Pioneer T oxfordnetworks.com 800-520-9911 Oxford ottcommunications.com 877-643-6246 O gwi.net 866-494-2020 GWI earthlinkbusiness.com 877-355-1501 L Earth bcntele.com 888-866-7266 BCN T Name/Phone/ elrite TT C

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elephone telephone Webs ite elephone Service - R B Res Bus B &R B &R R B R B R B B B idential iness or L OCAL SERVICE (Alt erna R —$24.20–$24.95 of lines B —$24–$28dependingonnumber (excluding surcharges&t Monthl tract length $35.49 –$39.49 dependingoncon- features R —$22.19 dependingoncalling features B —$38.78 dependingoncalling R —$16.63 –$19.72 B —$31.28–$40.34 R —$50.45 local/DSL B —$26.00 –$35.00 R —$39.95 B —$44.43 tract length $36.49 –$38.39 dependingoncon- number oflines&bundleservices $27.80 –$37.80 dependingon y Ra tes PerLin* tive t o Y because they have they because thelowest prices we’ve found, or because ditional telephone service. companies These were chosen long-distance options available- for wanttra thosewho themany below charts showThe and local asamplingof our Local PhoneCompany they aremarketedthey widely inMaine. prices These should axes) Lewiston/Auburn No feature Optional callingsfeatures availableat$5 per Available throughoutFairPoint | territory Available throughoutFairPoint territory Norway/South Paris Statewide (somelimitationsapply) * Available throughoutFairPoint territory Available throughoutFairPoint territory voicemail: $5 FairPoint |Features territory packageincluding bined withDSL|Available service throughout Phone rateisreducedby$12.45 whencom- tes be compared be to of theofferings your telephone local company. ) For example, standalone local service from FairPointservice iscur rently month, $14.69per plus surcharges, FairPoint though $6.16 andstandard regulatory a subscriber line charge of linechargea subscriber of has filed for a rate has filed for a increase of $2.00/month for its of service. residential andbusiness local - 11 N/A 2.9¢ telephone2.9¢ Interstate 4¢ om yes 3.2¢ none none none none none .c 6.14¢ to 15¢ 6.14¢ N/A 2.9¢ 2.9¢ Instate Onesuite.com (prepaid) Onesuite.com Onesuite fairpoint.com 866-417-8483 Minutes purchased online expire 6 months from activation, last recharge, or usage via email attachment Voicemail when using VOIP rates apply Lower access from your computer 5¢ 5.5¢ 5.4¢* Interstate Interstate Caller ID, voicemail, Since pay- etc. Caller ID, available is long-distance as-you-go 3 cents customers at about to many would 600 minutes per minute, $18 above the cost approximately cost of local service. Those using far at bundles while more should look should avoid those using far less bundles (see chart on page 13). 5¢ no 25¢ none none $5.00 $5.00 $6.00 $3.25* $1.04* INT 866-984-2001 800-585-4466, 800-585-4466, 5¢ 5.5¢ 5¢ Standalone Plan 5.4¢* Instate Instate IRPO FA fairpoint.com 1-minute billing residential 6-second billing applies to most business plans Select City Plan for World for *$4/mo. lower international rates applies to 800 inbound fee **$12/mo. service E ANCE SERVIC T 3.9¢ 3.9¢* Interstate Interstate 1.9 to 2.7¢** 1.9 3.9¢ 4.9¢ none none S ONG-DI $2.97 $3.99 $3.99 $3.00 7.9¢/15¢ 7.9¢/15¢ 3.9¢ Plan 3.9¢ one Yes, rates vary Yes, ONE L 3.9¢ 3.9¢* AL Instate Instate 2.1¢ to 8.6¢ to 2.1¢ touchtone.net ucht To Agents in Maine: 888-594- 207-839-8484 2500, 6-second billing high- rate may be available for Lower volume customers service Customer 800-266-4006 per 800 number *$1.99/mo. **Prices vary by local area. AND T S because they charge low per-minute they charge low per-minute because interstate both instate and rates for As a customers in Maine. calls for customers of thumb, general rule use more than who consistently - long-dis 600 minutes of outgoing consider bundles tance calls should long- with unlimited U.S./Canada as such features distance and other 2.7¢ 2.7¢ 2.7¢** TES (per minute) Interstate Interstate no 4.7¢ 3.9¢ 6.9¢ 6.9¢ none none $4.21 $1.99* $1.99* $1.99* ONAL RA Talk Cents Cents Talk 800-808-9000 TI 2.9¢ 3.5¢ 3.5¢** Instate Instate oneer Pi pioneertelephone.com *$1.99 fee waived w/online billing or waived w/online fee *$1.99 usage over $15 per 800 number **99¢/mo. instate/2.7¢ Alt. Plans-Rate Buster 2.9¢ interstate with 1-minute billing 6-second billing with listed plan Pioneer is a Maine company to call other Pioneer custom- 1.9¢/min. ers $10 one-time credit available if you Ratewatcher mention Public Advocate’s Guide when requesting new service Pioneer now offers local telephone service bundles IDENTIAL INTERNA Standalonelong-distance service

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ample RES NY OMPA Canada Avg. Western Western Avg. European Rate available in rural independent areas? Business per minute rates surcharges (excluding and taxes) (BUS S Monthly Minimum Monthly Monthly Fee Fee Monthly In-bound 800 Rates Monthly Minimum Monthly Monthly Fee Monthly Hawaii/Alaska PICC Charges (per PICC line) C FEATURED PLAN FEATURED (RES RESIDENTIAL per minute rate surcharges (excluding & taxes) NOTE: Surcharges are not NOTE: included in the rates shown │ to change carrier fee is often $5 covered by new carrier upon request │ charges (a per-line access PICC to multi-line busi- charge) apply │ ness customers only 1-minute billing unless otherwise noted │ *Beware that international calls to mobile phones priced much higher TO SUBSCRIBE,TO CALL:

Long-distance providers handle providers Long-distance of that terminate outside the calls is a part calling area that the local telephone service.of basic local chart provides four The following long-distance examples out of many pay-as-you- providers that offer calls. go service long-distance for were chosen These companies >> 12 directly provide TV, internet and In Maine, only cable companies continually them. raise low initially rates andthen with to known been draw in customers tional offer. Some companies have apromo afterlarly - of theexpiration tabs on your price, bundle - particu them. It idea isalsoagood to keep to price get breaks request they when totime time. Many customers are able provider andaskfor alower rate from service,bundled itpays to your call in advertised prices. you purchase If which are notincluded normally of year), surcharges, plus regulatory all charge rate (ARCery —upto $1this rate ($6.16to 6.50), anaccess recov- always linecharge thesubscriber add that telephone companies almost for services, bundled keep inmind When comparing advertised prices offered by theservices abundle. of all and then consider you whether need telephone abundle, outside of service individual price thebest forrately each andlearn each company with bargain sepa- test price, thebundle itoften pays to so rates are negotiable. sometimes To arevices to notsubject rate regulation bill. on asingle ser Bundled services convenience paying for multiple of service, andsome appreciate the separately purchasing each individual price maybundled lower be than service.” For some customers, the one price asaso-called “bundled for residential customersservice for andlongand local distance telephone some competitors may offer internet Your telephone local company and Bundles Saving Moneywith - DirecTV’s satellite service. TV How- play thatincludesa triple bundle joint marketing, FairPoint alsooffers is available. Nevertheless, through limited areas where fiber-optic service their network, own except for very inone over bundle telephone services ? Perhaps penalties. termination early year with contract to subject be aseparate one or two- may service seamlessandtheTV be mayand customer notalways service control thesatellite service, TV billing ever, FairPoint because does not . telephone 13 TES NO Lewiston/Auburn and Lewiston/Auburn Paris Norway/South area only Various locations Various throughout Maine contract required 1-yr. termination early | $75 fee Throughout FairPoint Throughout FairPoint territory $2.95/mo. Voicemail Phone rate is $12.45 Phone rate is $12.45 bundle less with DSL in most of Available territory FairPoint inc. w/features extra $5 voicemail 12 month introductory bundle rate *Price as of July valid 2013. Month-to-month plans are available. Not all services available in all areas. Pricing guaranteed. not OLL SL & D UNLIMITED OCAL & T L $81* $64.95* N/A $65 Starting at $43.94 with $48.94 features Y * ONL OLL UNLIMITED T $18 $20 N/A N/A N/A OLL te T a t OCAL AND L UNLIMITED Ins N/A N/A $34* $36* $37.35month-to- month Choice of 3 features not (Voicemail included) OLL Residential (Local, Long-Distance, and DSL) T OCAL AND L UNLIMITED $50 ($43 without features) N/A $51.50 $51.50 $46* $31.14 1 year $31.14 commitment* TURES FEA Unlimited to U.S. U.S. to Unlimited & Canada *plus variable calling features Unlimited to U.S. U.S. to Unlimited & Canada *3 features Unlimited to U.S. U.S. to Unlimited & Canada *plus variable calling features Unlimited to U.S. U.S. to Unlimited & Canada optional *5 features Unlimited to Canada, U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam & U.S. Islands Virgin NY OMPA C Bundled Plans:

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O TT C V Note: Prices the subscriber of include approximation line charge, which are not included in advertised rates. Oxford Networks Oxford 800-520-9911 oxfordnetworks.com 877-643-6246 877-643-6246 ottcommunications.com ( O Unlimited IDT 800-889-9126 idt.net GWI 866-494-2020 gwi.net

FairPoint 866-984-2001 fairpoint.com

>> . rhaps ? Pe with oney M Saving Bundles 14 Maine. Most offer afree phone plus in certified to provide Lifeline service telephonewireless providers thatare below chart showsThe theprepaid cable-based VOIP telephone service. with its Lifeline benefitin connection Time Warner Cable may soonoffer a U.S.plans of Cellular. In addition, month, or adiscount from certain free minutes each and 250(typically) phone service, afree mobile phone home traditional the monthly cost of between asubstantialdiscount on hold size. customers Eligible choose guidelines forpoverty your house- thefederal come islessthan135%of qualify by thatyour showing in- among others. It to isalsopossible National School Lunch Program, Needy Families (TANF), or the (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance for stamps (SNAP), SSI, assistance energy such asMedicaid (Mainecare), food from assistance afederal program you benefit for Lifeline if eligible able, andinsome casesfree. You are makes more afford phone service - that Lifeline program isafederal Ne Lifeline for Assurance W C Safelink W Cintexwireless.com 800-826-0337 Cintex (L 777-4007 |Budgetmobile.com Budget MobileL Assurancewireless.com Mobile) |888-898-4888 YourT Safelinkwireless.com 800-723-3546 Yourtelamerica.com Yourtelwireless.com 855-299-9990 OMPANY w Cho el (T

iberty W iberty telephone erraC ireless (T ireless ( PREPA ID W om W ifeline |888- ireless) ices andNe racfone) V ireless) irgin ireless LifelineSrvic es Authorized inMa SERVICE AREA wick South ofBruns- Point Territory Most ofFair- beyond in Augustaor Gardiner—Not South of Point Territory Most ofFair- Point Territory Most ofFair- ow -Income Customers w Rules at 877-353-3771. Center atyour local Agency on Aging your ResourceAging andDisability abled or over 60, you may alsocontact Program 211. or call you are If dis- contact your Community local Action providers. For assistance, additional wireless pany thequalified or one of contacting your telephone local com- You may apply for Lifeline by directly continue to benefitfrom Lifeline. for Lifeline eachgible year, inorder to are- eli thatthey still certifying form requires thatcustomers complete a in thehousehold. FCCalsonow The people thenumber of regardless of has more thanone Lifeline benefit, ensurenew rules that nohousehold intended to reduce fraud. These new rules mission (FCC)imposed the Federal Communications Com- to andcustomers, abuse by carriers subject been had Lifeline program thatthe allegations After anumber of and features vary. each areas month, theservice though service 250 free wireless minutes of PLAN tional texting minutes permonth|unlimitedinterna- yourownphone|100free voice Bring per month Free phone|250freevoiceminutes min.) |250freetextmessages per month(add’lmins.@10¢ Free phone|250freevoiceminutes per month|1,000 freetextmessages Free phone|250 freevoiceminutes per textmessage per month|textmessaging@1 minute Free phone|250 freevoiceminutes probably costmuch more. already inone’s possession)would (or for aSIMcardnecessary aphone tion, whereasbuyingawireless phone of twoweeks’dura- times overatrip a foreigntocallhome several country number ofprepaidlandline minutes in can abroadoftenbuyasatisfactory the equivalentof$5–10- US, anAmeri nomical iswhiletravelingabroad.For ers mightfindprepaidminuteseco- Another circumstanceinwhichconsum- before youarelikely tousethem. sure thattheminutesdonotexpire or flatper-callsurcharges.Alsomake ed for in-statecalls,forcalls, directory charges, suchasextraminutesdeduct a prepaidcard,watchoutfor hidden However, whenshoppingfor ingeneral, possible torevieweachindividually. such productsonthemarket,itisnot Giventhevastnumberof countries. lowest internationalratestocertain prepaid cardsofferthe because certain frequently country, callaparticular provide abenefit for customerswho Prepaid phonecardscontinueto practical use. prepaid callingcardslosemuchoftheir phones. Intheabsenceofpayphones, disappearance ofpay led tothevirtual widespread useofwirelessphoneshas For callsmadeawayfromhome,the with unlimitedcallingintheU.S.). choosebundles (for thosewhodon’t charge aslittle3centsperminute vice direct-dial longdistanceservices wireline phonecalls.Athome,full-ser- there arenowbetteralternativesfor prepaid callingcards,inmostcases Guide While pasteditionsofthe Cards Calling Buy Prepaid Reasons to Fewer have included comparisons of haveincludedcomparisons Ratewatcher - voip VOIP Services Come in 3 Basic Flavors Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) between your telephone and your priced at about $45 when sold as a services provide telephone service broadband connection. Monthly fees separate product. However, cable by transmitting voice information apply but they are often lower than companies rarely sell their telephone digitally over the internet. Most VOIP the rates for traditional telephone ser- services as a separate product — the services have one thing in common: vice. Service quality varies, depending vast majority of their phone custom- they don’t work for more than a few on network conditions, but is gener- ers also take TV service, Internet hours in the case of an electrical ally good. These services allow you to service, or both. If you already have power interruption. Other than that, bring your local telephone number to TV service and Internet service from quality and reliability varies, mostly any location in the world where you your cable company, call the cable depending on the “flavor” of the VOIP connect the adapter to a broadband company and ask for the best “Triple product. As shown in the chart on the connection. Play” promotion — it may turn out following page, VOIP services include that adding phone service will cost At the high-quality end of the VOIP various types: very little — even nothing in some spectrum are the voice services from cases — at least for the first year. • computer-based free or low- cable companies, and other providers Note: these services are not portable, cost services that offer less under the “Enhanced VOIP” sec- but do comply with FCC rules requir- convenience for a lower price, tion of the chart, which are generally ing E911 service. • monthly-fee services that use an adapter device connecting your phone to the Internet, and • private-network intercon- Cheap Calls — including international nected VOIP typically offered by cable providers. Many customers have been surprised by high international charges when using their U.S.-based cell phone service from other countries. However, there Computer-based VOIP services typi- are some cheap options. First, if you have a smart phone (or an iPad or iPod cally allow you to call other comput- Touch) that connects to WiFi, you can download a mobile version of Skype ers using the same service over a or other apps that take you to a local number connected to a voice over broadband connection for free, and Internet (VOIP) service. Then, when you call an international phone number call to regular phone numbers for (or call back to the U.S.), your per-minute rate may be about 50 times lower relatively low prices, or sometimes for than a typical international rate from a cellular carrier. Other services that can save big money on international mobile calling if compatible with your free. These services generally require a smartphone (or iPad or iPod Touch) include Fring and Truphone. All of these turned-on computer and some famil- services include high-end features, such as video chats. Generally, the qual- iarity with the VOIP program being ity and price is best when you are in the presence of WiFi connectivity as op- used. These services are not consid- posed to a cellular 3G service, which is less capable for voice (VOIP) packet ered reliable for E911 service. These transport. services are portable. Other services that allow for free or cheap calls from a regular phone, smart Mid-level VOIP services are typically phone or from a computer/tablet include Google Voice, Line2, Freephone- portable services that use an adapter 2Phone, and Textfree with voice.

15 >>Sample of Residential VOIP services and plans

FEATURES PRICE NOTES Free/Low Cost/Prepaid Basic Talk Home Phone Unlimited calling U.S. $10/mo. Connect device to open port on Basictalk.com WiFi router 800-718-4886 CallCentric Free calling to other CallCentric users or Free between CallCentric Requires software or telephone callcentric.com ring phone numbers at low domestic or users adapter 212-379-4027VOiP international rates 2.7¢/min. for domestic calls and low international rates Google Voice Allows free calling from computer and Free except for international New telephone number is assigned. Google.com/voice will ring all or any of your landline or calling which is offered at You decide which of your phones wireless telephones low rates ring when that number is dialed. Also enables calling directly to and from Gmail. JAJAH Dial call on computer—then talk on your Free to other Jajah users Innovative service requires no jajah.com regular phone 3¢/min. for domestic calls software or equipment 650-967-4357 SKYPE Unlimited worldwide PC to PC and low Free to other Skype users Requires computer mic/speakers, skype.com rates to ring regular phone numbers 2.3¢/min. for domestic calls or headset (some plans include certain Automatic refill plans are available international calling) including monthly, quarterly or Low international rates yearly subscriptions Receive calls — starting at Skype unlimited domestic calling $6/mo. starting at $3/mo. Plus 3.9¢ to 7.9¢ connection fee per call VOIP Subscription Services With Phone Adapter AXIOM TECHNOLOGIES LLC Unlimited to U.S. $32.50/month $99 Installation w/adapter axiom-tech.net 866-708-7998 BROADVOICE Unlimited in Maine $10/month + 3.9¢/min. Adapter included broadvoice.com interstate & Canada $30 activation fee 212-202-0300 Low international rates May be used with Android mobile phone Unlimited World (U.S. + 28 countries) $20/month Several other calling plans available Future Nine Pay-As-You-Go or monthly subscription 1¢/min. future-nine.com $7/mo. 250 domestic min. $13.50/mo. 2000 domestic min. MAGICJACK PLUS Unlimited to U.S., Puerto Rico & U.S. $20/year Option to connect directly to broad- magicjack.com Virgin Islands band or computer USB port 561-594-2140 Unlimited to other MagicJack users $40 for first year $20 for each add’l year of service OOMA Unlimited to U.S. & Canada Initial cost for ooma device No monthly fees or contracts ooma.com begins @ $150 No per-minute cost for domestic 866-452-6662 3 International Calling calls Plans Offered under OOMA $40 to port telephone number Premier $5/mo. for voicemail or $50/yr.

16 VOiP

>>Sample of Residential VOIP services and plans cont'd FEATURES PRICE NOTES VOIP Subscription Services With Phone Adapter (Cont’d) Phone Power 24 Month Unlimited U.S./Canada + 1 Hour $15/mo. with 2 yr. contract Free equipment lease Phonepower.com Free International Calling Per Month 888-607-6937 Month-to-Month Unlimited U.S./Canada $20/mo. with 1 yr. contract + 1 Hour Free International Calling Per Month

SimplePhone Co. Unlimited Minutes $12/mo. $10 adapter Simplephoneco.com Free Local + Long Distance No activation fees 888-272-8070 Via Talk Unlimited U.S./Canada $17/mo. $30 activation fee Viatalk.com Add’l 1200 International No setup fee 866-626-7150 Minutes $9/mo. VONAGE Unlimited U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico + $26/mo. No activation fee vonage.com 60 countries International calls starting Adapter included 800-486-6315 at 1¢ 500 Minutes $18/mo. (3.9¢/min. after 500 included) Private NETWORKS (enchanced VOIP) 207ME.com Unlimited U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico & $30/mo. Available only in new FairPoint. May 888-229-2411 U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Mariana be available in independent areas soon Unlimited Maine + Long Distance at 1.9¢/ $20/mo. Digital Adapter $75 min. $3/Voicemail Unlimited Local + Long Distance/U.S./ $15/mo. $3/Paper Billing Canada at 4.9¢/minute Other plans available, including $24 plan — unlimited Maine calling plus unlimited calling to top 10 national phone numbers

COMCAST Unlimited to U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico $45/mo. $30 activation fee plus installation Digital Voice (Xfinity) Available in most of Bath, Bowdoin, Bow- Alternative plan — $25 unlim- Discounts available with TV/Internet comcast.com doinham, Durham, Freeport, Harpswell, ited local + 5¢/min. toll bundle 800-266-2278 Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich

DIGIPHONE Unlimited to U.S. and Canada Residential $37.75/mo. Bee Line Cable area only Bee Line Cable Business $44.95/mo. Free installation www.getbeeline.com Unlimited to U.S., Hawaii, Alaska & $35/mo. 800-439-4611 Canada

MIDCOAST INTERNET Unlimited to U.S., Canada, Guam, $24/mo. Adapter $40 – $55 depending on SOLUTIONS Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Europe 7¢ – 12¢/min. model midcoast.com Available in FairPoint territory area Unlimited Local Calling $18/mo. 207-594-8277 TIME WARNER CABLE Unlimited to U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto $40/mo. Most of Maine Digital Phone Rico & Virgin Islands Europe 7¢ – 12¢/min. Free installation timewarnercable.com Discounts may be available with TV/ 877-410-1440 Internet bundle

Note: FCC has required full service retail interconnected VOIP providers to comply with E-911. Some services listed here are not required to provide E-911.

17 wireless Choosing the Right Cellular Service in Maine The single most important factor in sistance even without purchased 3. As an alternative to a standard choosing cellular service is whether minutes when the battery is contract plan from one of the your provider has strong signal cover- charged and phone is in the range facilities-based providers, you age in the places where you expect to of cellular service. may save money and avoid use the phone. It’s best to investigate contracts by using a monthly 4. Look at Lifeline options. If you which carrier has the strongest service prepaid service of a high-volume meet low-income qualifications, in your area before signing up for a reseller with unlimited voice, you can get 250 minutes per new service, but, if you are not satis- text and data (Internet) service, month of wireless service at no fied with the quality of service, return such as StraightTalk (a product of charge. the phone and cancel the contract Tracfone). However, these services as soon as possible within the grace If you consistently use more connect a single phone — often, period — usually between 15 and 30 than a few hundred minutes no family sharing is available. See days from the start of the contract. per month or want Internet on page 21. After that, choosing the best cellular a smartphone, Can I Use an Old Phone with service for you will depend on how 1. Look at the monthly fee plans on New Service? you intend to use your cell phone. page 20. Choose Verizon or U.S. If you already have a phone and want Need a phone for an occasional Cellular if the CDMA network is to use it with a different cell phone call or in case of emergency? strongest in your area — choose provider, you are likely to be disap- AT&T or T-Mobile if the GSM 1. Look at the prepaid options on pointed. Devices are usually locked network is best. If a carrier in the following page. You will avoid to a particular carrier’s service, either your area offers 4G (LTE), you contracts (with early termination intentionally or because of techni- will get faster Internet service. Re- penalties) and pay for only the cal incompatibility. For example, the sellers like Tracfone (which owns minutes you use. The best deals existing 3G technology, prevalent in StraightTalk) and Consumer Cel- provide up to 800 minutes that most of Maine, may use the GSM lular may provide good coverage last a full year for $100 (Tracfone transmission mode (AT&T and T- using those same networks. with double minutes) — and Mobile) or the CDMA mode (U.S. those minutes may last longer if 2. Many carriers offer lower prices Cellular and Verizon), so that AT&T you buy new minutes before the on phones if you sign up for a phones (which use GSM) won’t work old ones expire. 2-year contract subject to early on U.S. Cellular’s CDMA network. termination fees. Some carri- There are similar interoperability is- 2. Look at monthly plans that offer ers are now offering no-contract sues with newer 4G LTE technology. low prices for low usage. If your plans, usually with the tradeoff While some devices are designed to usage is relatively steady, resellers of charging a higher price for the work with a variety of frequencies or such as Consumer Cellular offer phone. Early termination penal- transmission modes, device software plans that start at $15/month for ties should be avoided, whenever may still essentially “lock” the phone a limited number of minutes, and possible, because they can be to one service. However, your car- allow you to avoid contracts. costly, and because the contract rier may agree to “unlock” the phone 3. If you want a phone strictly for may prevent you from finding upon request at the end of your con- emergency calls, consider buying better deals that may become tract period. a prepaid phone (e.g. $10 Trac- available during the next two fone) which will reach E911 as- years. 18 Wireless

>>Prepaid wireless plans

AT&T GO PHONE Net 10 (Tracfone) T-Mobile Tracfone att.com/gophone.com net10.com tmobile.com tracfone.com 800-467-4663 877-836-2368 877-387-4324 800-867-7183 Initial Cost of phone $15 – $450 $30 – $650 $58 – $739 or bring $10 – $90 or bring your own un- your own phone, $10 to wireless locked phone activate Home Area Most of U.S. Most of U.S. Most of U.S. Most of U.S. Airtime Rate Per Minute 10¢ 10¢ – 15¢ 10¢ – 33¢ 13¢ – 33¢ (U.S.) Roaming Charge Per 0 0 0 Double airtime rate may Minute apply in certain roaming areas with non-GSM phones To Canada additional 19¢ additional 5¢ per minute additional 50¢ Airtime rate per minute per minute From Canada 39¢ No service 69¢ per minute No service Minimum Recharge $25 $20 $10 $20 Dollars Expiration of Minutes 30–365 30–180 90–365 90–365 (days) (varies by refill amount chosen) Messaging/Texting on 20¢/min. to send 5¢ text sent/received 10¢ text sent/received 1/3 of 1 airtime minute compatible phones 20¢/min. to receive

estimated annual cost for a customer using 25 or 100 minutes/month (Does not include cost of initial package or roaming calls)

25 minutes/month

Cost $100 $200 $100 $100

Minutes purchased 400 3000 1000 400 (800*)

Type of refill 1 x 365 days 2 x 180 days 1 x 365 days 1 x 365 days

100 minutes/month

Cost $300 $200 $150 $200

Minutes purchased 1200 3000 1400 1500

Type of refill 3 x 365 days 2 x 180 days 1 x 365 + 1 x 90 1 x 365 days

NOTE: Customers who use Unlimited Calling Plan nation- May not make or receive Airtime rate depends on num- Airtime rate depends on num- more than 150 minutes wide, $3/day access charge. calls from locations outside ber and duration of minutes ber and duration of minutes per month should consider of U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. purchased. purchased. regular monthly fee cellular With unlimited AT&T Mobile Virgin Islands. plans. to Mobile plan— calls 10¢/ After spending $100 you may *Double-minute promotions min. + $1/day access fee on Must register to make receive 15% more minutes available. days when there is any incom- international calls —Interna- and 365 days duration. ing or outgoing use. tional calls 15/min. to over 60 No extra charge for calls countries. Monthly prepaid unlimited to over 100 international Messaging and Data packages and 10¢/min plans available. destinations. available. Minutes roll over. Minutes roll over. Minutes roll over.

19 >>Monthly fee Wireless PLANS 877-430-2355 lk h t Ta a ig Str straighttalk.com ontract $30 – $45 1000 – Unlimited N/A N/A N/A 0 International Plan $60 (400 min.) Not available U.S. – 1000 texts $30/mo. unlimited texts $45/mo. With $30/plan 30 MB data With $30/plan unlimited With $45/plan Minutes do not roll over 411 Free Automatic refills or on demand refills Reseller—uses facilities of other carriers N o C Need All You RESELLERS 888-345-5509 consumercellular.com a r n s u me r Ce llul Co ontract $2.50/mo. – 100 text $2.50/mo. – – 500 text $10/mo. $5/mo. – 5000 text 1000 text $20/mo. text – 15,000 $30/mo. $40 2000 None 25¢ $10 0 Not available 20¢ U.S. With text plan $2.50/mo. 10 With text plan $2.50/mo. MB data $30 2 GB data Referral Program – $10 credit. Referral AARP members. discount for 5% Plans: – 25 min. $10/mo. – 150 min. $15/mo. – 350 min. $20/mo. – 5000 min. $50/mo. – 5000 min. $60/mo. Reseller—uses facilities of other carriers. N o C Anywhere 2000 - Wireless o n Ve riz

verizon.com 800-256-4646 ontract $30* Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited $30 0 89¢ 29¢ U.S. Unlimited mobile-to-mobile min - utes between VZ mobile users *Dependent upon choice of Phone or Smart phone (Reg. phone $40/mo.). charges for **Extra monthly add’l services and devices - e.g. tablet hotspot device $20/mo., $10/mo. “regulatory fee” $1.06/mo. Push to talk available $5/mo. Mobile Broadband available for week or month day, + airtime 411 — $1.99 penalty of Termination Early $175 Unlimited 2 yr. C 2 yr. Share Everything** —$50 1 GB $60 — 2 GB $70 — 4 GB $70 — 8 GB $90 $100 — 10 GB and higher

uscellular.com a r Ce llul U .S. 888-944-9400 ontract $30 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited $30 0 plus 99¢ per min. & $3.00/day add’l toll varies by province 19¢ U.S. Unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes mobile users Cellular between U.S. *Dependent upon choice of phone Phone or Smartphone (Reg. $40/mo.). add’l charges for **Extra monthly hotspot services and devices-e.g. tablet $10/mo. device $20/mo., per 411 Directory $1.99 Assistance — call. “regulatory fee.” $1.57/monthly plans available Lifetime Pro-rated Contract 2 Year penalty of $150 Termination Unlimited —$50 1 GB $60 — 2 GB Share Data** — 4 GB $70 — 8 GB $90 $100 — 10 GB and higher 2 yr. C 2 yr. $50* $30 Family Family National -M ob il e T tmobile.com 800-866-2453 ontract

N/A 0 79¢ 59¢ U.S. 20¢ per text message sent/ received. MB plan/500 — $50 1st Line Add’l unlimited – 2nd Line $70 500 MB $30/mo. unlimited $50 $50 Unlimited Unlimited N/A Unlimited mobile-to-mobile min - users. utes between T-mobile per line/ Regulatory of $1.61 fee mo. + Directory Assistance $1.99 airtime. service Hotspots (VOIP) avail - able. Plans Family National Indi - vidual N o C

$60 550 Unlimited $10 Nation 550 Talk Family & T T A 888-333-7055 wireless.att.com ontract $40 450 5000 45¢ N/A 0 79¢ 39¢ U.S. Nation 450 Talk Family 20¢ per text message sent/ received – Unlimited text to any $20/mo. mobile number 300 MB $20/mo. 5 GB $50/mo. Unlimited mobile-to-mobile users. minutes between AT&T up to 1 yr. Min. rollover for ap - Up to $1.25 “regulatory fee” plies to all plans. available on Single Push to Talk Plans. and Family $30 “Senior Nation” plan with 200 min. and 500 off peak Nation with Canada – Individual plans available. │ and Family 2 yr C oaming R ate ost per extra per extra ost of extra ost of D ata ost o C anada messaging ext Monthly Fee Monthly Anytime Minutes Offpeak Minutes C C R C anada From T Home Area T C min. line Notes 20 Wireless

>>Prepaid High-Volume Voice/Text/Data Plans Monthly prepaid unlimited talk/text/data wire- shows, a number of other providers have begun to less service is a relatively recent addition to the wire- offer this type of service. For high-volume users, these less market. It began when StraightTalk (a Tracfone services can save you money compared to traditional brand) offered such unlimited service, without any con- monthly fee contract plans. tract, for just $45/month. Since then, as the chart below

AT&T GO PHONE Net10 Unlimited T-Mobile Straighttalk U.S. Cellular Verizon Prepaid att.com/ net10.com Unlimited straighttalk.com Prepaid verizonwireless. gophone.com 877-836-2368 tmobile.com 877-430-2355 uscellular.com com 800-467-4663 800-387-4324 888-944-9400 800-256-4646 Monthly $50 Basic Phone $50 $50 $45 $50 Basic Phone $50 Rate $45 Auto-Refill $60 Smartphone Data Unlimited Unlimited 500 MB Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited 2 GB Early Upgrade Programs May Not Add Up AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile subsidy that is already embed- recently introduced plans that ded in your basic monthly rate include the right to get a new adds up over time to as much, or high-end smartphone every more, than the full retail price of year (or less) without having to a new unlocked phone. And most renew a two-year contract. plans require you to trade your Unless you absolutely old phone in to take advantage must have the latest of the new phone upgrade. If you phone, these plans are considering these plans, you are probably not should decide whether the abil- a good deal. In ity to upgrade after 12 months is general, these new worth paying significantly more plans spread out the for your phone than you would full retail cost of a high pay if you waited for your sched- end phone over the life uled upgrade. Another option: if of the plan. But the basic you want to pay a monthly ser- plans of cell phone compa- vice fee that does not include a nies already include a subsi- subsidy for the device, consider dy for the reduced price of the one of the prepaid high-volume phone that you acquired at the plans that offer lower rates but start of your contract. In most require you to choose and pur- cases the higher monthly fee chase the phone separately. See for the plan plus the phone chart above. 21 HOW TO IMPROVE CELL PHONE RECEPTION AT HOME

We generally expect new technologies connect multiple registered phones Hybrid WiFi/Cell Service Some to represent an improvement over within your household. They work carriers (notably T-Mobile) offer ser- older ones. However, when it comes by connecting to your broadband vice that allows your phone to switch to talking on the phone in your home, internet connection and routing your to WiFi mode when in the presence we seem to be moving in the opposite voice or data through a secure VOIP of broadband WiFi coverage. If you direction. Compare the highly reliable connection, back to the carrier, where have a compatible handset and home and clear landline connections that it is then sent to the destination. Some broadband, this can improve the qual- we’ve enjoyed for many decades with carriers may subsidize the cost of ity of the connection and allow you to the average connection quality we these devices, which range in price conserve airtime minutes from your experience with cell phones. Excessive from $150 to $250. 3G/4G provider. noise, dropped bits of conversation Signal Booster Another type Call Forwarding If you have land- and entirely dropped calls are famil-

Wireless of device is an amplifier or booster. line service at home, there is always iar to most wireless voice customers. These devices simply receive and the option of having your wireless Of course, for many consumers, the amplify the 3G or 4G signal from an calls forwarded to your landline num- benefits of mobility and smartphone outdoor antenna and transmit an ber when you are at home, in order to features have overwhelmed this de- amplified signal from a small indoor improve the quality of your conversa- crease in quality. Poor coverage can be antenna. These devices are compatible tions. especially troublesome for those who with any provider’s service. They do have decided to use their cell phone The bottom line It doesn’t hurt to not require activation from the pro- as their only home phone. However, ask your provider if they offer such vider, as femtocells do, but the devices there are devices that can improve devices to improve your service. Let- are regulated by the FCC in order to cell phone coverage at home, includ- ting your carrier know about poor prevent radio interference. Depending ing femtocells and signal boosters. service that may cause you to shop for on your circumstances, these may be Femtocells generally depend on your a new provider could provide them an more or less effective than femtocells, wireless company’s policies about pro- added incentive to assist you, especial- while costs are generally in the same viding and activating that extension of ly when your contract, if any, is up for range. U.S. Cellular says that it plans their service. Signal boosters are less renewal. Arguably, a provider should to support signal boosters by March, dependent on the company’s involve- not charge extra for good service. If 2014. ment. Sometimes, a provider will offer one of these solutions has worked for such devices for free, or at low cost, you, please send us an email to let us to avoid losing a customer because of know. poor service quality. Femtocell (personal cell tower) One type of device is called a femtocell which is available from some cellular providers — they look something like a wireless router. For example, AT&T calls its product a “3G MicroCell” and Verizon calls its product the “Network Extender.” These devices are essentially mini cell towers that provides coverage inside your house, and have the ability to

22 Wireless

A New Way To Get Inexpensive, Unlimited Phone Service The Pros and Cons of New Services that Combine Wireless Service with Ordinary Home Phones If you have reliable wireless coverage plans, you receive a device that out your house. These plans start at a at your residence, there are several receives a wireless signal at its an- modest $15/month. It is also possible new services offered by cellular pro- tenna, and connects via a traditional to connect a modern smartphone (via viders that may allow you to reduce telephone cord to ordinary corded bluetooth) to a cordless phone system your monthly phone bill while still or cordless phones, or to your entire and incur no extra monthly charges. using all of your ordinary telephones. inside telephone wiring in order to When you sign up for any of these activate all extension phones through-

Pros Cons • Low cost • Not compatible with fax, security alarm, or medical alert services • Can port existing phone number • Requires electric power (comes with battery that • Service can be moved to any location with ac power backs up service for a few hours) and provider’s wireless coverage • Quality depends on wireless coverage at location • Uses ordinary telephone handsets • E911 location data may be less accurate than with • Free features like Caller ID, Call Waiting, and traditional phone service voicemail • Unlimited nationwide calling (international available at extra charge) • E911 approved Wireless-Based Home Phone Service • Device is often free with service Company Price: Other Details Device/Monthly • No substantial added surcharges Home Phone—AT&T *$99 | $20/mo. Early termination $150 | Activation 888-333-6651 $36 | $10/mo. Family Talk Plan att.com Straight Talk Home Phone $99 | $15/mo. ** No contract | **$30/mo. w/interna- 800-299-7784 tional calling straighttalkhomephone.com Home Phone Connect—Verizon *$99 | $20/mo. Activation $35 |Early termination 800-922-0204 $175 verizonwireless.com U.S. Cellular Home Phone *$130 | $20/mo. Activation $35 | Early Termination 888-944-9400 $150 (Prorated) uscellular.com

Note: Devices not compatible with fax machines, DSL or Dial-up, Dish Network, DirecTV, DVR, Credit Card Machines, or Medical Alerts. *Typically, device is provided free of charge with two-year contract.

23 Office of the Public Advocate PRSRT STD 112 State House Station U.S. POSTAGE PAID Augusta, ME 04333-0112 augusta, maine permit no. 8

About the Office of the Public Advocate The Ratewatcher Telecom Guide is published by the Office of the Public Advocate, the state agency created to represent public utility consumers. In addition, the Office of the Public Advocate provides information to consumers about unregulated communications services such as Internet and cellular services that are available to Maine consumers. Paperless Option An electronic version of the Ratewatcher Telecom Guide is available free of charge to all Maine residents on the Office of the Public Advocate’s web page (www.maine.gov/meopa) or upon request by emailing opa@maine. Back Row Left to Right: Eric Bryant, Agnes Gormley, Patty Moody-D’Angelo, gov. If you would like to receive Brooke Soboleski, Debbie Tondreau, Wayne Jortner future editions of the Ratewatcher electronically, please let us know. Front Row Left to Right: Bill Black, Tim Schneider ii