Long-Distance Rates: Compare and Save

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Serving Colorado’s Utility Consumers Serving Colorado’s Utility Consumers LONG-DISTANCELONG-DISTANCE RATES: COMPARECOMPARE AND AND SAVE SAVE HereLONG-DISTANCE are the best and worst deals RATES: COMPARE AND SAVE HERE ARE THE BEST AND WORST DEALS TheHERE OCC’s ARE latest THE long-distance BEST AND rate comparison WORST DEALSshows the very high rates. These basic rates (often called “Basic “LeadingThe OCC’s Edge” latest plan long-distance from TouchTone rate comparisonCommunications shows threeDial-1” largest or “Direct long-distance Dialed” companies plans) are andthe arehighest often offered their PioneerThe OCC’s Telephone’s latest long-distance “Rate Buster” rate plan comparison to be the best shows all- defaultthree largest rates. Forlong-distance example, ifcompanies AT&T has and been are your often long- their to bePioneer the best Telephone’s all-around “Rate deal Buster” at 2.9 centsplan toper be minute the best for all- bydefault the three rates. largest For example, long-distance if AT&T companies has been and your are long- often state-to-state,around deal 6.5 at cents2.7 cents per minuteper minute for in-state for state-to-state, calls, and no4.9 distancetheir default company rates. Forfor example,many years, if AT&T or you has are been a new your centsaround per deal minute at 2.7 for cents in-state per calls, minute and for no state-to-state, monthly fee 4.9or subscriberdistance company but did not for request many ayears, discount or youplan, are you a maynew monthlycents per fee minuteor minimum. for in-state If all calls, of your and callsno monthly are state-to- fee or long-distancesubscriber but company did not requestfor many a discountyears, or plan, you areyou a may new state,minimum. this is the If allbest of plan.your callsECG are Long state-to-state, Distance is this another is the besubscriber paying butthese did high not basicrequest rates. a discount How high plan, are you they? may minimum. If all of your calls are state-to-state, this is the be paying these high basic rates. How high are they? goodbest choiceplan. ECG for Long callers Distance making is primarilyanother good state-to-state choice for AT&T’sbe paying state-to-state these high basic basic rates rates. are 39 How cents high per are minute they? best plan. ECG Long Distance is another good choice for AT&T’s state-to-state basic rates are 39 cents per minute calls.callers They making have primarily a 3.5-cent state-to-state plan with no calls. monthly They feehave or a duringAT&T’s peak state-to-state hours (7am–7pm), basic rates are 33.5 39 centscents non-peakper minute callers making primarily state-to-state calls. They have a during peak hours (7am–7pm), 33.5 cents non-peak minimum.3.5-cent plan If you with don’t no mindmonthly dialing fee orextra minimum. digits and If theyou (7pm–7am)during peak and hours 23.5 (7am-7pm), cents on weekends. 33.5 cents MCI’s non-peak basic (7pm-rates membershipdon’t3.5-cent mind plan feedialing withis not extrano a monthlyproblem, digits and fee prepaid theor minimum.membership phone cardsIf youfee are7am)(7pm–7am) about and 23.5the and same cents 23.5 at oncents 35 weekends. cents on weekends. Monday MCI’s MCI’s through basic basic ratesFriday rates are fromisdon’t not Costco amind problem, (www.costco.com)dialing prepaid extra digitsphone andand cards Sam’sthe from membership Club Costco (www. and fee andaboutare 5about centsthe same theon weekendssame at 35 at cents 35 with cents Mondaya $3.95 Monday monthly through through fee. Friday Sprint’s Friday and samsclub.com)Sam’sis not Cluba problem, are are great prepaid great deals. deals. phone Prepaid Prepaidcards MCI from phone MCI Costco cards phone and at basic10and cents 5 rate cents on plan onweekends offersweekends rates with with from a $5.95a $3.9527 to monthly 44monthly cents fee. perfee. minuteSprint’sSprint’s cardsCostcoSam’s at Costco Clubare $19.99 are are great $19.99for deals.700 forminutes. Prepaid 700 minutes. That’s MCI phoneonly That’s 2.9 cards onlycents at duringbasicbasic rate rate the plan planweek offersoffers and 17rates to 24from cents 27 toon 4444 weekends. centscents perper minute minute 2.9perCostco cents minute perare for minute$19.99 all domestic forfor 700all longdomesticminutes. distance That’slong calls. distance only Sam’s 2.9 calls. Clubcents duringduring the the week week and and 17 17 to to 24 24 cents cents on on weekends. weekends. per minute for all domestic long distance calls. Sam’s Club If you are paying basic rates, call your long-distance Sam’soffers Club AT&T offers prepaid AT&T cards prepaid at 3.47 cards cents perat 3.47 minute. cents These per If you are paying basic rates, call your long-distance offers AT&T prepaid cards at 3.47 cents per minute. These provider and ask to be switched to a discount or bargain minute.prepaid These cards prepaiddo not have cards hidden do not fees have nor hidden expiration fees Ifprovider you are and paying ask to basicbe switched rates, to call a discount your long-distance or bargain norprepaid expiration cards dates. do not There have is, hidden however, fees a norsurcharge expiration for rateprovider plan, andor use ask our to ratebe switched comparison to a to discount switch to or another bargain dates. There is, however, a surcharge for payphone calls. rate plan, or use our rate comparison to switch to another payphonedates. There calls. is, however, a surcharge for payphone calls. company.rate plan, or use our rate comparison to switch to another company. Wireless calling plans offering a bucket of minutes for company. Wireless calling plans offering a bucket of minutes for Wirelesslocal or calling long-distance plans offering calling a bucketare also of a minutes good option, for local as orlong locallong-distance as or your long-distance long-distance calling are calling also calls aare good are also within option, a good the as option, minuteslong as as yourincludedlong long-distance as yourin your long-distance callsplan. are Other within calls ways the are tominutes withinsave include includedthe minutes elec- in Colorado No-Call List/ yourtronicincluded plan. billing, Otherin your payment ways plan. to by Other save credit include ways card, to signingelectronic save include up overbilling, elec- the Colorado No-Call List/ paymentinternettronic billing,by and credit bundling payment card, localsigning by credit and up long-distancecard, over signing the internet upservice. over and the National No-Call List bundlinginternet local and andbundling long-distance local and service. long-distance service. National No-Call List Just as there are ways to save, there are ways to pay too The Colorado No-Call List has been very effec- muchJust as forthere long-distance are ways to save, calls there. If areyour ways long-distance to pay too The Colorado No-Call List has been very effec- Justmuch as there for are long-distance ways to save, calls there. If are your ways long-distance to pay tive in stopping most unwanted telemarketing calls. toocompany much is for AT&T, long-distance MCI or Sprint, calls. you Ifare your generally long- tive in stopping most unwanted telemarketing calls. company is AT&T, MCI or Sprint, you are generally Political calls and charitable solicitations are still distancepaying companytoo much isbecause AT&T, these MCI three or Sprint,companies you have are Political calls and charitable solicitations are still paying too much because these three companies have permitted. You can add your wireless or home likelyadded paying fees and too surcharges much because to their these bills three that companiesmake their permitted. You can add your wireless or home added fees and surcharges to their bills that make their phone number to the Colorado No-Call List on- havecalling fees plans and confusing surcharges and that unattractive. make their These calling fees plans are phone number to the Colorado No-Call List on- calling plans confusing and unattractive. These fees are line at www.coloradonocall.com or by calling confusingshown on and our unattractive. rate comparison These chart fees and are include shown a Bill on toll-freeline at www.coloradonocall.comto 1-888-249-9097. Unsolicitedor by text calling mes- ourStatementshown rate comparisonon Fee,our rateGross chartcomparison Receipts and include Tax,chart Property and a Bill include Statement Tax aSur- Bill toll-free to 1-888-249-9097. Unsolicited text mes- Statement Fee, Gross Receipts Tax, Property Tax Sur- sages as well as telemarketing calls to wireless Fee,charge Gross and Receipts Carrier Cost Tax, Recovery Property charges. Tax Surcharge AT&T charges and numberssages as onwell the as No-Call telemarketing List are callsprohibited. to wireless Carrieracharge “Regulatory Cost and Recovery Carrier Assessment Cost charges. Recovery Fee” AT&Tof $1.49 charges. charges per monthAT&T a “Carrier tocharges help numbers on the No-Call List are prohibited. Costa “Regulatory Recovery Fee” Assessment of $1.49 Fee” per of month $1.49 perto recover month tocosts help The Federal Trade Commission has also imple- recover the costs of state-to-state access charges, property The Federal Trade Commission has also imple- associatedtaxesrecover and thewith regulatory costs providing of state-to-stateproceedings state-to-state accessand compliance.and charges, international property These mented a national No-Call List. Phone numbers longtaxes distance and regulatory service, proceedings including expenses and compliance. for national These aremented already a nationalon the Colorado No-Call No-Call List. Phone List, andnumbers new fees and surcharges add up to higher long-distance bills are already on the Colorado No-Call List, and new regulatoryforfees consumers. and feessurcharges and programs, add up to connection higher long-distance and account bills numbers added to the Colorado No-Call List are servicingfor consumers. charges and expenses for regulatory compliance. automaticallynumbers added added to the to theColorado national No-Call list on aList quar- are TheseIf your fees long-distance and surcharges company add up is to AT&T, higher MCI long-distance or Sprint automatically added to the national list on a quar- If your long-distance company is AT&T, MCI or Sprint terly basis. The web page for the National No-Call billsand foryou consumers. subscribe to their “basic rates,” you are paying Listterly is basis. www.donotcall.gov The web page .for the National No-Call If veryyourand high youlong-distance subscriberates. These tocompany basictheir rates“basic is (oftenAT&T, rates called ,”MCI you “Basic orare Sprint paying Dial- List is www.donotcall.gov. and1”very oryou “Directhigh subscribe rates. Dialed” These to their plans) basic “basic arerates the rates(often highest,” called you offered are“Basic paying by Dial- the 1” or “Direct Dialed” plans) are the highest offered by the

OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNSEL, Department of Regulatory Agencies • 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 • Denver, CO 80203 OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNSEL, Department of Regulatory Agencies • 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 • Denver, CO 80203 phone 303-894-2121 • fax 303-894-2117 • http://www.dora.state.co.us/occ • [email protected] • Jim Greenwood, Director phone 303-894-2121 • fax 303-894-2117 • http://www.dora.state.co.us/occ • [email protected] • Jim Greenwood, Director OfficeOffice of Consumer of Consumer Counsel Counsel ResidentialResidential Long-Distance Long-Distance Rate Rate Comparison Comparison June 2005 June 20062005 Office of Consumer Counsel PER MINUTE RATES, FEES,June AND 2006 BILLING INCREMENTS* CARRIER INFORMATION PER ANYTIMEMINUTE RATE RATES,PLANS FEES, ANDCALLING BILLING CARDS INCREMENTS*OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND PER MINUTE RATES, FEES, AND BILLING INCREMENTS *SURCHAGES CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND AmeriCom Simplicity Dial 1 9.7¢ SURCHARGESSURCHAGES (800) 820-6296 State-to-State 3.9¢ 18:06 AmeriComwww.americom.com In-StateSimplicity Dial 1 11.9¢ Payphone Surcharge up to9.7 65¢¢ AmeriCom(800) 820-6296 SimplicityNoS tMonthlyate Dial-to-S t1Feea te or Minimum 18:06 3.9 ¢9.7¢ 18:06 (800) w820-6296ww.americ om.com State-to-StateIn-State 3.9¢ 12.4 ¢18:06 Payphone surcharge up to 65 ¢ www.americom.com In-State 11.9¢ Payphone Surcharge up to 65¢ AT&T OneNo Rate Monthl 7¢ yPlan Fee or Minimum 18:06One Rate Calling Card Plan $1.13 In-State Connection Fee AT&T (800) 222-0300 No MonthlyState-to-StateOne Rate Fee5 or¢ Plan Minimum 18:067.0¢ 25.0¢ One Rate Calling Card Plan$2.49 Bill $1.13Statement In-State Fee Connection Fee, (800) 22www.att.com2-0300 In-StateState-to-State 7.0¢ 5.$10 ¢ Monthly Fee 30.0 ¢ $1.49 Regulatory$2.99 Bill Assessment Statement Fee Fee, $1.49 www.att.com $3.95In-S tMonthlyate Fee 5.60:600 ¢ $1 monthly fee Carrier Cost Recovery Fee AT&T One RateNo$6.95 Monthly 7¢ Monthly Plan Minimum Fee 60:60 PayphoneOne Rate Surcharge Calling up to 60:60Card 30¢ Plan $1.13 In-State Connection Fee (800) 222-0300 State-to-StateNo Monthly Minimum 7.0¢ 60:6025.0¢ Payphone surcharge up to 56 ¢ $2.49 Bill Statement Fee www.att.com In-StateOne Rate 10¢ Plan 7.0¢ $1 Monthly Fee $1.49 Regulatory Assessment Fee $3.95State-to-State MonthlyOne Rate Fee5¢ Plan 10.0¢ 60:60 In-State 14.0¢ No MonthlyState- toMinimum-State 60:60 5.0 ¢Payphone Surcharge up to 30¢ No Monthly Fee $9In-State Monthly(InterL MinimumATA) 60:60 14.0 ¢ In-State (IntraLATA) 10.0 ¢ One Rate 10¢ Plan Minimum State-to-State 10.0¢ C-COM 5.5¢$3.95 Plan Monthl y Minimum 60:604.5¢ $1.50 Paper Bill Fee (800) 301-0788 In-StateState-to-State 14.0¢5.5¢ 18:06 C-COM 5.5 ¢ Plan 4.5 ¢ (pre-paid) $1.50 Paper Bill Fee www.c-comld.com No MonthlyIn-State Fee 7.9¢ Payphone Surcharge up to 55¢ (800) 301-0788 NoS tMonthlyate-to-S tFeeate or Minimum 18:06 5.5 ¢ 8.9 ¢ (post-paid) www.c-comld.com $9 MonthlyIn-Sta tMinimume 60:60 7.9 ¢ 18:06 No Monthly Fee or Minimum 18:06 Payphone surcharge up to 55 ¢ With Local Service C-COM 5.5¢ PlanState-to-State 4.0¢ 4.5¢ $1.50 Paper Bill Fee In-StateWith Local Service 4.0¢ (800) 301-0788 State-to-StateNoS tMonthlyate-to-S tFeeate or Minimum 18:065.5¢ 4.0 ¢18:06 www.c-comld.com In-State 7.9¢ 4.0 ¢Payphone Surcharge up to 55¢ No MonthlyNo Monthl Fee yor Fee Minimum or Minimum 18:06 18:06 ECG Long Distance 3.5¢ Plan (Residential Plan) 12.9¢ 59¢ Regulatory Recovery Fee ECG Lon(800)g Distance 254-4060 State-to-State3.5¢ Plan (Residential Plan) 3.5¢ 99¢ Set Up Fee 12.9 ¢ 59 ¢ Regulatory Recovery Fee (800) 29www.ecglongdistance.com3-7658 With In-StateLocalState -Serviceto-State 13.3¢ 3.30:065 ¢ 99 ¢ Set Up Fee www.ecglongdistance.net State-to-StateNo Monthly Fee or Minimum 60:604.0¢ 13Payphone.3 ¢ Surcharge up to30:06 30¢ In-StateNo Monthly Fee or Minimum 4.0¢ 60:60 Payphone surcharge up to 53 ¢ Everdial Everdial 1 9.9 ¢ Everdial No MonthlyEverdial Fee1 or Minimum 18:06 9.9¢ (800) 29(800)3-76 5263-66908 State-to-StateState-to-State 4.9¢ 4.50¢9 ¢ Connection Fee 06:06 www.evewww.everdial.netrdial.net In-StateIn-State 7.9¢ 7.06:069 ¢ Payphone surcharge up to 60 ¢ ECG Long Distance 3.5¢ PlanNoNo Monthly Monthl(Residential Feey Fee or Minimumor Plan) Minimum 06:06 06:06Payphone12.9¢ Surcharge up to 40¢ 59¢ Regulatory Recovery Fee (800) MCI254-4060 State-to-StateMCI Net Value 3.5¢ 99¢ Set Up Fee 15.0 ¢ $1.25 Carrier Cost Recovery (800) 444-3333 State-to-State 4.0 ¢ $2.00 monthly fee Charge, 2.3% Property Tax www.ecglongdistance.comMCI In-StateMCI Nationwide Instate 13.3¢ 20.0¢30:06 1.40% Carrier Cost Recovery www.mc(800)i.com 444-3333 No MonthlyState-to-StateInter-L AFeeTA or Minimum 60:605.0¢ 1460:60.0 ¢Payphone Surcharge60:60 up to 30¢Charge Surcharge, $3.99 Local www.mci.com In-StateIntra-LATA 5.0¢ 10Payphone.0 ¢ SurchargePayphone up surchar to 55¢g e up to 2.3%55 ¢ PropertyTelephone Tax Surcharge Billing Option Fee or $6.95$6.99 Monthly Monthl Feey Fee $3.99 Local99 Telephone ¢ Direct Invoice Billing from MCI Everdial EverdialNoNo Monthly 1 Monthl Minimumy Minimum 60:60 60:6015.0¢9.9¢ Option Fee or 99¢ Direct Invoice from MCI (800) 263-6690 State-to-State 4.9¢ $2.0050¢ Monthly Connection Fee Fee www.everdial.net In-StateMCI Nationwide 7.9¢ 60:6006:06 State-to-State 5.0¢ Payphone Surcharge up to 55¢ No MonthlyIn-State Fee or Minimum 06:065.0¢ Payphone Surcharge up to 40¢ $4.95 Monthly Fee No Monthly Minimum 60:60 MCI MCI Nationwide Instate 20.0¢ 1.40% Carrier Cost Recovery (800) 444-3333 State-to-State 5.0¢ 60:60 (continuesCharge on next page) www.mci.com* The Billing Increment is the time customersIn-State are billed for fractions of a minute during a call.5.0¢ See Helpful Payphone Hints for additional Surcharge information. up to 55¢ 2.3% Property Tax Surcharge Rates and calling plans are subject to change.$6.95 Contact Monthly companies Fee for current rates and additional calling plans. Please note: Some companies $3.99 Local Telephone Billing have additional plans with cheaper rates if you sign up for service through the internet, pay your monthly bills by credit card, or both. No Monthly Minimum 60:60 15.0¢ Option Fee or 99¢ Direct Invoice from MCI $2.00 Monthly Fee P a g e 2 MCI Nationwide Consumer News60:60 J uu nn ee 22 00 00 56 State-to-State 5.0¢ Payphone Surcharge up to 55¢ In-State 5.0¢ $4.95 Monthly Fee No Monthly Minimum 60:60

* The Billing Increment is the time customers are billed for fractions of a minute during a call. See Helpful Hints for additional information. (continues on next page) Rates and calling plans are subject to change. Contact companies for current rates and additional calling plans. Please note: Some companies have additional plans with cheaper rates if you sign up for service through the internet, pay your monthly bills by credit card, or both.

P a g e 2 Consumer News J u n e 2 0 0 5 PER MINUTE RATES,Office FEES, of Consumer AND CounselBILLING INCREMENTS* CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND June 2006 SURCHAGES

MCI PER MINUTEPERMCI R MINUTENetATES, Value FEES, RATES,AND FEES, BILLINGAND INCREMENTSBILLING INCREMENTS * * (continued) State-to-State 4.0¢ Inter-LATA 14.0¢ OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND Intra-LATA 10.0¢ SURCHARGES CARRIER INFORMATION $6.99 MonthlyANYTIME Fee RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS SURCHARGES OAmeriCompex Communications No3.90Sim Monthlyp¢licitResidentialy MinimumDial 1 Plan 60:60 14.99.7 ¢¢ $1.99 Paper Bill Fee (888800) 587270-762696 RequiresState-to -12-MonthState Contract 3.9 ¢ 99 ¢ Set18:06 Up Fee wwwww.o.apmexaericgoemnt..ccoomm In-State 112..04 ¢ Payphone surchar60:60ge up to 65 ¢ $2.00No Monthl Monthlyy Fee Fee or orMinimum 18:06 AT&T Opex Communications 2.95¢One ResidentialRate 5¢ Plan Plan 14.9¢ One Rate Calling Card Plan $1.13 In-State Connection Fee, (888) 577-7266 State-to-State$20 Monthly Minimum 2.95¢ 60:6099¢ Set UpPayphone Fee surcharge up to 65 ¢ Pioneer(800) 222www.opexagent.comT-ele030p0hone In-StatePioneerState-to-SRatetate Buster 10.08¢ 5.060:60¢ 30.011.9 ¢ $2.99 Bill Statement Fee, $1.49 (w888ww).aItWt.cAoNmT PT $2SIn t-MonthlyaSteta-toe-S tFeeate or 35.30Payphone¢ Surcharge$1 up monthl to60:60 35¢y fee Carrier Cost Recovery Fee (888) 492-6878 $20I$6.95n- SMonthlyta tMonthlye Minimum Fee 60:60 6.7 ¢ Payphone surchar60:60ge up to 55 ¢ www.pioneertelephone.net $0.99No Monthly Low Usage Minimum Fee or 60:60 Payphone surcharge up to 56 ¢ www.pioneertelePioneer pTelephonehone.net Pioneer$15 Monthl Rate yBuster Minimum 60:6011.9¢ (888) I WANT PT State-to-StateOne Rate 5¢ Plan 2.7¢ 60:60 (888) 492-6878 In-StatePioneerState-to-STalktateCents 4.9¢ 5.0Payphone¢ Surcharge up to 55¢ www.pioneertelephone.com 99¢State-to-StatIn-State Low Usage(InterLe FeeATA or) 3.9014.0 ¢ $15IIn-Staten- SMonthlytate (IntraL MinimumATA) 60:60 10.07.9 ¢¢ Pioneer Talk Cents (cont.) $0.99Minimum Low Usage Fee or 06:06 (State-to-State) Pioneer$15$3.95 Monthl Monthl Talk yCents Minimumy Minimum 60:60Pioneer Talk Cents30:06 (continued)(In-State ) C-COM State-to-State5.5 ¢ Plan 3.25¢ 06:06 (State-to-State)4.5 ¢ (pre-paid) $1.50 Paper Bill Fee PowerNet(800) 301- 0Global788 In-State539StatePlan-to-State 5.9¢ 5.530:06¢ (In-State) 8.9 ¢ (p9.9ost-¢ paid) (w800ww).c3-8c2o-m9l6d2.c2om 99¢SInt-a SLowteta-toe -UsageState Fee or 37.9 ¢ 30:0618:06 $15 Monthly Minimum www.pngsales.com INon-S Monthltate y Fee or Minimum 118:061.9 ¢ Payphone surcharge up to 6555 ¢ No Monthly Fee or Minimum 6:06 PowerNet Global 398With PlanLocal Service 9.9¢ (800) 382-9622 State-to-State545StatePlan-to-State 3.9¢ 4.030:06¢ (with 398 Plan) www.pngsales.com In-StateState-to-State 11.9¢ 4.5060:60¢ (with 458 Plan) No Monthly Fee or Minimum 60:60 Payphone Surcharge up to 65¢ INon-S Monthltate y Fee or Minimum 118:061.9 ¢ ECG Long Distance No3.5 ¢MonthlPlan (yResidential Fee or MinimumPlan) 30:06 12.9 ¢ 59 ¢ Regulatory Recovery Fee 458 Plan Qwest(800) 2 9Lon3-7g6 5Distance8 5S t¢a tPlane-to-State 3.5 ¢ 99 ¢ 69.0Set U¢p Fee 99 ¢ Interstate Services Fee www.ecglongdistance.net State-to-State 4.5¢ 13.3 ¢ 30:06 (800) 475-7526 In-StateState-to-State 11.9¢ 5.0 ¢ 60:60 www.qwest.com NoINon -MonthlyS Monthltate Feey Fee or orMinimum Minimum 30:06 60:605.0 ¢ PaypPerhone call surchar surcharggee u $1.25p to 53 ¢ Everdial $4.99Everdial Monthl1 y Fee Payphone surchar9.9 ¢ge up to 55 ¢ (800) 293-7658 NoSta tMonthle-to-Stayt eMinimum 60:604.9 ¢ 06:06 Swpwrintw.eveQwestrdial.n eLongt Distance 5¢7In¢ -PlanSAntayt eTime 7.9Up¢ to 15.0¢Pa yphoneSp rintsurchar Foncardge up to 60 ¢ $0.99 Carrier Cost Recovery (800) 475-7526 State-to-State 5.0¢ 60:60 (800) PINwww.qwest.com-DROP In-StateSNota tMonthle-to-Stayt eFee or Minimum 5.0¢ 06:067.0Payphone¢ Surcharge up 15.0to 50¢¢ Charge, $1.99 In-State Access (MCI800) 746-3767 $4.99IMCIn-St aNetMonthlyte Value Fee 12.0 ¢ $2.00 Monthl15.0 ¢y Charge Charge,$1.25 Carrier 0.47% Cost Gross Recovery Receipts ww(800w).s4p4rint.com4-3333 NoSt Monthlyate-to-St aMinimumte 60:60 4.0 ¢ $2.00 60:60monthly fee TCharge,ax Surcharge 2.3% Property Tax www.mci.com Inter-LATA 14.0 ¢ Payphone surchar60:60ge up to 55 ¢ Surcharge, $3.99 Local Intra-LATA 10.0 ¢ Payphone surcharge up to 55 ¢ Telephone Billing Option Fee or Sprint 7¢$6.95$6.99 AnyTime Monthly Fee Sprint Foncard 99¢ Carrier Cost Recovery Charge (800) PIN-DROP State-to-State 7.0¢ 15.0¢ $1.99 In-State99 ¢ DirectAccess Invoice Charge from MCI (800) 746-3767 In-StateNo Monthly Minimum 12.0¢ 60:60$2.00 Monthly Charge 0.47% Gross Receipts Tax Sur- www.sprint.com $5.95 Monthly Fee 60:60 charge 3U Telecom No4.8 Monthly ¢ Plan Minimum 60:60 4.8 ¢ State-to-State 99 ¢ Paper Bill Fee (800) 97 ASK 3U State-to-State 4.8 ¢ 7.9 ¢ In-State Sprint Foncard Upgrade (800) 972-7538 In-State 7.925.0¢¢ 01:01 www.3utelecom.com No Monthly Fee or Minimum 01:01$1.00 MonthlyPayp Chargehone surchar ge up to 65 ¢ 60:60 Payphone Surcharge up to 55¢

3U Telecom 4.8¢ Plan 4.8¢ State-to State 99¢ Paper Bill Fee (800) 97 ASK 3U State-to-State 4.8¢ 7.9¢ In-State (800) 972-7538 In-State 7.9¢ 01:01 www.3utelecom.com No Monthly Fee or Minimum 01:01 Payphone Surcharge up to 65¢

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JJ u n e 22 00 00 56 Consumer News P a g e 3 Office of Consumer Counsel (Residential Rates from page 3) June 2006 PER MINUTE RATES, FEES, AND BILLING INCREMENTS* PER MINUTEPER RMINUTEATES, FEES, RATES,AND FEES, BILLINGAND INCREMENTSBILLING INCREMENTS * * CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND SURCHAGESOTHER MONTHLY FEES AND CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS OTHER MONTHLY FEES AND SURCHARGES CARRIER INFORMATION ANYTIME RATE PLANS CALLING CARDS SURCHARGES Total Call International Total Saver 6.9¢ 99¢ Paper Bill Fee AmeriComTotal Call(800) International 330-6895 State-to-StateSimTotalp licitSavery Dial 1 2.9¢ 06:06 9.76.9 ¢ 99 ¢ Paper Bill Fee (800) 8323www.totalcallusa.com0-628965 In-StateState-to-State 9.9¢ 32.Payphone9 ¢ Surcharge up to18:0660:60 75¢ www.atomtaelcriaclolums.ac.ocmom NoIn -MonthlyState Fee 60:60 172..94 ¢¢ Payphone surcharge up to 6575 ¢ $15No MonthlyMonthly Minimum Fee or Minimum 18:0660:60 AT&T One$15 MonthlRate 5¢y PlanMinimum One Rate Calling Card Plan $1.13 In-State Connection Fee, (800) 222-0300 TotalStat eBasic-to-S tate 5.0 ¢ 30.0 ¢ $2.99 Bill Statement Fee, $1.49 www.att.com State-to-StateITnotal-Sta Basicte 3.9¢ 5.0 ¢ $1 monthly fee Carrier Cost Recovery Fee In-State$6.95State- tMonthlyo-State Fee 9.9¢ 3.9 ¢ 60:60 No Monthly Fee or Minimum 18:06 NoIn-S Monthlytate Minimum 60:607.9 ¢ Payphone surcharge up to 56 ¢ No Monthly Fee or Minimum 18:06 TotalOne PrimeRate 5¢ Plan State-to-State 4.4¢ In-StateSTotaltate -Primeto-State 9.9¢ 5.0 ¢ NoIn-StateS tMonthlyate-to-(SInterLt Feeate orAT MinimumA) 18:06 14.04.4 ¢¢ In-StateIn-State (IntraLATA) 10.07.9 ¢¢ MinimumNo Monthly Fee or Minimum 18:06 TouchToneTouchTone Communications Communications 3.9¢$3.95Leadin Plan Monthlg Edgey Minimum 60:608.0¢ 8.0 ¢ (888) 662-6622 State-to-State 3.9¢ 60:60 C-COM 5.5 ¢ Plan 4.5 ¢ (pre-paid) (888) 66www.2-662longdistancesolu2 tions.com In-StateState-to-State 7.9¢ 2.Payphone9 ¢ Surcharge up to60:60 30¢ $1.50 Paper Bill Fee (ww800w).lon301g-d0is7t8a8ncesolutions.com NoSIn t-MonthlyaSteta-toe-St aFeete or Minimum 18:06 56.5 ¢ Payphone8.9surchar¢ (post-gpeaidup) to 55 ¢ www.c-comld.com INon-S Monthltate y Fee or Minimum 18:067.9 ¢ 18:06 Unitel No2.5 Monthl¢ Plan y Fee or Minimum 18:06 Payphone surchar14.0 ¢ge up to 55 ¢ (866) 96Unitel6-3835 2.7¢Sta tPlane-to- State 2.14.0¢5 ¢ 60:06 (866) 966-3835 State-to-StateWith Local Service 2.7¢ 60:06 www.uniwww.unitel-communications.comtel-communications.com In-StateIn-State 7.6¢ 7.6Payphone6 ¢ SurchargePayphone upsurchar to 35¢g e up to 65 ¢ State-to-State 4.0 ¢ $2Fee Low or Usage Minimum Fee or $15$15 Monthly Monthl Minimumy Minimum 18:06 18:064.0 ¢ No Monthly Fee or Minimum 18:06 ECG Long Distance 3.5¢ Plan (Residential Plan) 12.9 ¢ 59 ¢ Regulatory Recovery Fee (800) 2*9The3-7 Billing658 Increment is the time customers areS billedtate -forto -fractionsState of a minute during a call. See Helpful3.5 ¢ Hints for additional99 information.¢ Set Up Fee * The Billing Increment is the time customers are billed for fractions of a minute during a call. See Helpful Hints for additional information. www.ecRatesglon andgdistance.net calling plans are subject to change. Contact companies for current rates and additional calling13.3 ¢plans. Please note: Some30:06 companies have additional plans with cheaper rates if you signNo up Monthl for servicey Fee through or Minimum the internet, pay your monthly60:60 bills by creditPayp card,honeor surcharboth. ge up to 53 ¢ Everdial Everdial 1 9.9 ¢ Rates and calling plans are subject to change. Contact companies for current rates and additional calling plans. Please note: Some companies have additional plans (800) 293-7658 State-to-State 4.9 ¢ 06:06 wwithwwchea.everpderial.ratesnet if you sign up for service throuIn-gShtathete internet, pay your monthly bills by7.credit9 ¢ card,Paorypboth.hone surcharge up to 60 ¢ No Monthly Fee or Minimum 06:06 MCI SHOPPING TIPSMCI Net Value 15.0 ¢ $1.25 Carrier Cost Recovery (800) 444-3Our333 long-distance rate comparisonState-to-St aincludeste the 15 companies4.0 ¢ that our research$2.00 monthl showsy fee as havingCharge, the best2.3% Propertystate- Tax www.mci.coto-statem and in-state rates. AsInt eyour-LAT useA our chart, we suggest1 4narrowing.0 ¢ your search60:60 to a few companiesSurcharge, and $3.99 then Local call them to verify the ratesIntra- LbeforeATA you sign up. Rates1 0and.0 ¢ callingPayp planshone surchar changege u often.p to 55 ¢ Telephone Billing Option Fee or $6.99 Monthly Fee 99 ¢ Direct Invoice from MCI In choosing a long-distanceNo company, Monthly Minimum it is important to match60:60 your calling patterns to the calling plans offered. Please note the location (state-to-state, in-state), amount and length of your calls. We did some of this work for you and came up with recommendations based on low, average and high call volumes and where calls are made. Here are the best rate plans for:

LowLow VolumeVolume Users:Users: TouchTone,TouchTone, Everdial, Everdial, Pioneer PowerNet Telephone Global AverageAverage VolumeVolume Users:Users: PioneerTouchTone, Telephone, C-COM, C-COM, Pioneer TouchTone Telephone HighHigh VolumeVolume Users:Users: PioneerC-COM, Telephone, TouchTone, C-COM, Pioneer Unitel Telephone State-to-StateState-to-State CallsCalls Only:Only: PioneerTouchTone, Telephone, ECG, ECG, Unitel TouchTone In-StateIn-State CallsCalls Only:Only: C-COM,C-COM, Pioneer TouchTone, Telephone, Pioneer Everdial Telephone

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P a g e 4 Consumer News JJ u n e 22 00 00 56 Analysis Notes: This analysis assumes monthly long-distance minutes are evenly split: 50% state-to-state and 50% in-state. • Low Volume—30 long-distance minutes per month. • Average Volume—120 long-distance minutes per month. • High Volume—300 long-distance minutes per month. • Long-distance rates may be higher if you live in an Independent Telephone Company area. General Formula Visit our web site or call us to get the formula to determine the monthly cost of a long-distance plan based on your specific calling habits.

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE Bundled Telephone Service—Combined Local Avoiding Maintenance Charges and Long-Distance When telephone customers have problems with their Some companies companies now now provide provide both both local local and and long-dis- long- phone, they often assume the problem is in Qwest’s tancedistance phone phone service. service. In In some some cases, cases, lower lower ratesrates areare network facilities—and most of the time it is. However, available if if you you choose choose the the same same phone phone company company for local for sometimes the source of the problem is within the cus- andlocal long-distance and long-distance. service. ForFor instance, C-COM offers offers tomer’s residence. Anytime Qwest makes a premise visit long-distance rates of 4 cents per minuteminute forfor state-to-statestate-to-state and determines the source of the trouble to be within the customer’s residence (inside wiring), Qwest charges an calls and and for for calls calls within within Colorado Colorado to its to local its local service service cus- customers, with no monthly minimum or fee. Qwest has $85 trip charge. When you call Qwest, they must let you tomers, with no monthly minimum or fee. Qwest has a know this charge might apply. Before calling, refer to “Qwesta “Qwest Choice Choice Unlimited” Unlimited” plan, plan, which which is availableis available to itsto its local service customers. With a qualifying package, the “Repair Service” section of your white pages local service customers. With a qualifying package, Qwest directory for information on how you can determine ChoiceQwest ChoiceUnlimited Unlimited customers customers pay a $20 pay monthly a $15 monthly fee for fee for unlimited long-distance calls. Local service if the problem is your inside wiring. unlimited long-distance calls. Local service customers with customers with Qwest may also choose to pay 5 cents a Qwest may also choose to pay 5 cents a minute for all minute for all domestic long-distance calls with a $4.99 PIC Change Charges Apply domestic long-distance calls with a $4.99 monthly fee and monthly fee and no monthly minimum. MCI has “The PIC is an acronym for Presubscribed Interexchange no monthly minimum. MCI has “The Neighborhood” Neighborhood” plan, which includes local phone service Carrier. This is your designated long-distance or local plan, which includes local phone service and unlimited and unlimited long-distance calls. Similar discounts are service carrier. PIC change charges are federally tariffed long-distanceavailable through calls. Similar AT&T, discounts Comcast, are Sprint available and through other charges imposed by phone companies when a customer AT&T,local telephone Comcast, service Sprint providers.and other local telephone service changes their long-distance carrier. The current Inter- providers. LATA PIC charges are $1.25 per line for electronically processed changes and $5.50 per line for manually Unlimited Long-Distance Calling Plans processed changes. The Intra-LATA PIC change charge Many carriers such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint and Qwest are is $3.00. When combined, the Intra-LATA charge of $3.00 now offering unlimited calling plans. AT&T’s Unlimited applies in addition to half of the applicable Inter-LATA charge. Some companies continue to charge $5.00 for the Plus Plan is $29.95 per month (excluding taxes and fees) change. As an incentive, the long-distance company you for unlimited state-to-state and in-state calls. MCI’s “The switch to will often pay this for you (be sure to ask!). Neighborhood” plan offers unlimited long-distance with local phone service (where available) for $49.99 and includes some features like call waiting, caller ID and About the Office of Consumer Counsel three-way calling. Qwest offers an unlimited long-distance The Colorado Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is the state agency that rep- calling plan to local service customers with a qualifying resents and advocates for residential, small business and agricultural consumers in electric, gas and telephone rate and policy cases before the Colorado Public plan for $20.00. One thing to keep in mind with the Utilities Commission (PUC), federal agencies and the courts. The OCC pro- “unlimited” plans is that they often have a limit, such that motes affordable, reasonably priced, high quality, reliable utility service for Colorado’s consumers. a surcharge is billed for exceeding 5,000 minutes. In addi- If you would like to add your name to the OCC mailing list, or have your name tion, these “unlimited” plans generally may not be used removed from the list, feel free to call us at (303) 894-2121 or send an email for dial-up internet access. request to [email protected].

J u n e 22 00 00 56 Consumer News P a g e 5 Helpful Hints HelpfulLong-distance rates andHints calling plans are confusing with a dizzying array of choices. In addition to the rates, there are monthly fees or minimums and a Long-distance rates and calling plans are confusing with a dizzying array of variety of fees and surcharges of varying amounts that add to your monthly choices. In addition to the rates, there are monthly fees or minimums and a long-distance bill. The Office of Consumer Counsel’s rate comparison chart, variety of fees and surcharges of varying amounts that add to your monthly together with these helpful hints, should make it easier for you to choose the long-distance bill. The Office of Consumer Counsel’s rate comparison chart, carrier, calling plan, and rates that best meet your needs. We hope this infor- together with these helpful hints, should make it easier for you to choose the mation will help you save money on your long-distance bill. carrier, calling plan, and rates that best meet your needs. We hope this information will help you save money on your long-distance bill. Where else can I find comparisons of in-state or How do I decide which long-distance company’s Wherestate-to-state else can long-distance I find comparisons rates? of in-state or Howcalling do plan I decide is right which for long-distanceme? company’s state-to-stateThe web site with long-distance the most comprehensive rates? list of companies and plans is www.abtolls.com, which has merged callingFirst, look plan at isyour right calling for me? pattern: how much you call The web site with the most comprehensive list of com- (number of minutes) and where you call (Colorado or with www.tollchaser.com. AB Tolls depends on the long- First, look at your calling pattern: how much you call panies and plans is www.abtolls.com, which has merged elsewhere). Second, many plans have monthly fees, distance companies to update their rates on its web site. (number of minutes) and where you call (Colorado or with www.tollchaser.com. AB Tolls depends on the long- monthly minimums or other charges. If you pick one of Sometimes the rates are not current. Be sure to call the elsewhere). Second, many plans have monthly fees, distance companies to update their rates on its web site. these plans, be sure to do the math to figure out if the per- long-distance company and verify its current rates before monthly minimums or other charges. If you pick one of Sometimes the rates are not current. Be sure to call the minute rate together with these fees is still a better deal you sign up. Another option is the Telecommunications these plans, be sure to do the math to figure out if the per- long-distance company and verify its current rates before than plans with no fees or minimums. If you are unsure Research and Action Center (TRAC), which offers a minute rate together with these fees is still a better deal you sign up. Another option is the Telecommunications how much you call in a month, the average for residen- plethora of long-distance information at www.trac.org. than plans with no fees or minimums. If you are unsure Research and Action Center (TRAC), which offers a tial customers is 120 minutes per month. Third, check to For a fee, you can sign up to be a TRAC member and how much you call in a month, the average for residen- plethora of long-distance information at www.trac.org. see where you make most of your long-distance calls. If receive the Tele-Tips chart for residential and business tial customers is 120 minutes per month. Third, check to For a fee, you can sign up to be a TRAC member and you make most of them from Colorado to other states, long-distance rates. You can also purchase individual copies see where you make most of your long-distance calls. If receive the Tele-Tips chart for residential and business find the best state-to-state rates. If you make most of your of the Tele-Tips rate comparison charts. Write to TRAC, you make most of them from Colorado to other states, long-distance rates. You can also purchase individual copies calls within Colorado, check the in-state rates on our chart. P.O. Box 27279, Washington, D.C. 20005, or call 202- find the best state-to-state rates. If you make most of your of the Tele-Tips rate comparison charts. Write to TRAC, Remember, you can choose a different company for state- 263-2950. Other sites to check out are: www.callsense.com calls within Colorado, check the in-state rates on our chart. P.O. Box 27279, Washington, D.C. 20005, or call 202- to-state and in-state calls. Finally, the rates quoted in (10-10- dial around numbers and everything you ever Remember, you can choose a different company for state- 263-2950. Other sites to check out are: www.callsense.com our rate comparison chart are subject to change. We wanted to know about prepaid calling cards), www.rate- to-state and in-state calls. Finally, the rates quoted in (10-10- dial around numbers and everything you ever suggest you choose the two or three plans that best keeper.com (for international calls and 10-10- dial around our rate comparison chart are subject to change. We wanted to know about prepaid calling cards), www.rate- fit your calling pattern, call their toll-free numbers choices) and www.saveonphones.com. Another site with suggest you choose the two or three plans that best keeper.com (for international calls and 10-10- dial around or go to their web sites, and verify their most current good information about surcharges and misleading claims fit your calling pattern, call their toll-free numbers choices) and www.saveonphones.com. Another site with rates before you sign up. is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at or go to their web sites, and verify their most current good information about surcharges and misleading claims www.fcc.gov/marketsense/. rates before you sign up. is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at Will I get cheaper rates if I choose the same www.fcc.gov/marketsense/. company for all my long-distance calls? What do I need to know about calling card Will I get cheaper rates if I choose the same rates? companySometimes,It is possible for but toall not getmy always. lowerlong-distance long-distanceIt really depends calls? rates on if your you What do I need to know about calling card callingchoose patternthe same and company whether for you all make of your more long-distance in-state or rates?Most companies will give you long-distance calling cards Sometimes, but not always. It really depends on your state-to-statecalls. However, long this distance is not calls. always Some the companies case. It really will to use when you travel. Calling card rates are usually much calling pattern and whether you make more in-state or Most companies will give you long-distance calling cards lowerdepends their on monthly your calling fees if pattern you choose and whetherthem for youall of make your higher than the rates you pay for the calling plan you state-to-state long distance calls. Some companies will to use when you travel. Calling card rates are usually much long-distancemore in-state calling.or state-to-state long distance calls. Some select. When you select a long-distance company and a lower their monthly fees if you choose them for all of your higher than the rates you pay for the calling plan you companies will lower their monthly fees if you choose calling plan, be sure to carefully check their calling card long-distance calling. select. When you select a long-distance company and a them for all of your long-distance calling. rates, particularly if you travel frequently and will use the Are all companies and calling plans included in calling plan, be sure to carefully check their calling card calling card. Calling cards are still cheaper than paying the rate comparison chart? rates, particularly if you travel frequently and will use the Are all companies and calling plans included in hotel rates, calling collect or billing to your home number No. There are hundreds of companies offering long-dis- calling card. Calling cards are still cheaper than paying the rate comparison chart? (third-party billed), but not as cheap as using a prepaid tance service. Most have multiple calling plans. We have hotel rates, calling collect or billing to your home number No. There are hundreds of companies offering long-dis- card from Sam’s Club or Costco. selected 15 companies and featured several of their calling (third-party billed), but not as cheap as using a prepaid tance service. Most have multiple calling plans. We have plans that offer competitive state-to-state and in-state rates. card from Sam’s Club or Costco. selected 15 companies and featured several of their calling Can I avoid paying the Federal Universal Service IMPORTANT: Some companies have additional plans that offer competitive state-to-state and in-state rates. Fund or FUSF charge? calling plans with cheaper rates if you sign up for Can I avoid paying the Federal Universal Service IMPORTANT: Some companies have additional their service through the Internet, pay your monthly FundYes, but or onlyFUSF if charge?you use a prepaid long-distance calling calling plans with cheaper rates if you sign up for bills online or by credit card, or both. Also, the major card that does not assess the charge, such as the Sam’s their service through the Internet, pay your monthly Yes, but only if you use a prepaid long-distance calling long-distance companies have “basic rates”—avoid Club or Costco prepaid cards. The FCC has capped how bills online or by credit card, or both. Also, the major card that does not assess the charge, such as the Sam’s them! Basic rates are their highest rates. long-distance companies have “basic rates”—avoid Club or Costco prepaid cards. The (continuesFCC has cappedon next page)how them! Basic rates are their highest rates. (continues on next page) P a g e 6 Consumer News J uu nn ee 22 00 00 56 P a g e 6 Consumer News J u n e 2 0 0 5 much long-distance and wireless companies can charge itsConnection “Colorado Fee” Cost ofRecovery” $1.13 per fee, month while andMCI’s a “Carrier much long-distance and wireless companies can charge its “Colorado Cost Recovery” fee, while MCI’s “Carrier for the federal USF. As of April 1, 2003, the FCC prohibits Cost Recovery Fee”Charge” of $1.49 is a variableper month. charge Sprint of 1.4% charges on formuch the long-distancefederal USF. As and of Aprilwireless 1, 2003, companies the FCC can prohibits charge Costits “Colorado Recovery Cost Charge” Recovery” is a variable fee, while charge MCI’s of “Carrier1.4% on companies from charging more than the contribution rate all$0.99 long-distance for its “Colorado calls. Additionally, Cost Recovery” AT&T fee, charges while a MCI’s $2.49 companiesfor the federal from USF. charging As of Aprilmore 1,than 2003, the the contribution FCC prohibits rate allCost long-distance Recovery Charge”calls. Additionally, is a variable AT&T charge charges of 1.4% a $2.49 on set by the FCC. Currently, the federal USF charge is 10.9%11.1% “Bill“Carrier Statement Cost Recovery Fee” in order Charge” to have is $1.25. your long-distanceAdditionally, setcompanies by the FCC. from Currently, charging morethe federal than theUSF contribution charge is 11.1% rate “Billall long-distance Statement Fee”calls. in Additionally, order to have AT&T your charges long-distance a $2.49 of interstate charges on your phone bill. A few companies chargesAT&T chargesappear on a $2.99your local “Bill service Statement bill. Fee”C-COM in order and ofset interstate by the FCC. charges Currently, on your the phone federal bill. USF A fewcharge companies is 11.1% charges“Bill Statement appear Fee”on your in order local toservice have yourbill. C-COMlong-distance and charge less than this FCC-established rate. GTCto have have your Paper long-distance Bill Fees of $1.50 charges and $1.95, appear respectively. on your chargeof interstate less than charges this onFCC-established your phone bill. rate. A few companies GTCcharges have appear Paper onBill your Fees localof $1.50 service and $1.95,bill. C-COM respectively. and MCIlocal serviceand Sprint bill. add C-COM a Property and TaxSprint Surcharge have Paper of 2.3% Bill charge less than this FCC-established rate. MCIGTC haveand Sprint Paper Billadd Fees a Property of $1.50 Tax and Surcharge$1.95, respectively. of 2.3% How much does it cost to switch long-distance andFees 0.47%,of $1.50, respectively. while GTC AT&Tcharges also $1.95. charges MCI a adds$1.49 a How much does it cost to switch long-distance andPropertyMCI 0.47%, and Tax Sprint respectively. Surcharge add a Propertyof AT&T2.5% and Tax also Sprint Surcharge charges adds aofa $1.49Gross 2.3% carriers? monthly Regulatory Assessment Fee. These charges should carriers?How much does it cost to switch long-distance monthlyReceiptsand 0.47%, RegulatoryTax respectively.Surcharge Assessment of 0.47%.AT&T Fee. alsoThese These charges charges charges a should $1.49 be factored into the overall cost of long-distance service Whencarriers? you you make make a change a change to another to another long-distance long-distance carrier, bemonthly factored Regulatory into the Assessmentoverall cost Fee. of long-distance These charges service should When you make a change to another long-distance carrier, provided by these companies. acarrier, service a orderservice charge order will charge usually will apply. usually This apply. charge This is providedbe factored by into these the companies. overall cost of long-distance service aWhen service you order make charge a change will to usually another apply. long-distance This charge carrier, is provided by these companies. charge can vary from $1.25 to $5.50 per line (see section provided by these companies. typicallya service $5,order but charge many companieswill usually will apply. pay Thisthis chargecharge tois typicallytitled “PIC $5, Change but many Charges companies Apply”). will payMany this companies charge to Are there benefits to using my wireless phone to encouragetypically $5, you but to many switch companies to them. will pay this charge to Are there benefits to using my wireless phone to encouragewill pay this you charge to switch to encourage to them. you to switch to their make long-distance calls? encourage you to switch to them. makeAre there long-distance benefits to calls? using my wireless phone to service. Somemake wireless long-distance or cell phone calls? plans offer “free” long-dis- Once I subscribe to a particular long-distance Some wireless or cell phone plans offer “free” long-distance minutes (e.g., on weekends) or the total minutes in company’sOnce I subscribe plan, canto a the particular company long-distance change the tanceSome minuteswireless (e.g., or cell on phone weekends) plans or offer the total“free” minutes long-dis- in the plan are for local or long-distance calls. If you have a ratescompany’s in the plan,plan? can the company change the thetance plan minutes are for (e.g., local on or weekends) long-distance or the calls. total If youminutes have in a wireless plan and are not using all of the minutes or have Yes,rates and in oftenthe plan? without giving you advance notice. Read wirelessthe plan planare for and local are ornot long-distance using all of the calls. minutes If you or have have a Yes, and often without giving you advance notice. Read free long-distance minutes, you may be better off using your bill carefully each month and calculate the per-minute freewireless long-distance plan and are minutes, not using you all may of the be minutesbetter off or using have yourYes, andbill carefully often without each month giving and you calculate advance the notice. per-minute Read your wireless phone to make long-distance calls. Check rate to make sure your calling plan has not been changed. yourfree long-distancewireless phone minutes, to make you long-distance may be better calls. off Check using rateyour to bill make carefully sure youreach monthcalling andplan calculate has not beenthe per-minute changed. the details of your wireless plan for more information. If it was changed without advance notice to you, and you theyour details wireless of yourphone wireless to make plan long-distance for more information. calls. Check Ifrate it wasto make changed sure withoutyour calling advance plan noticehas not to been you, changed. and you Remember that roaming charges might apply if you are paid more than the plan you subscribed to, call your carrier Rememberthe details ofthat your roaming wireless charges plan mightfor more apply information. if you are paidIf it was more changed than the without plan you advance subscribed notice to, tocall you, your and carrier you placing the call from outside your plan’s calling area. and ask to have the calls re-rated to your original plan. placingRemember the callthat from roaming outside charges your mightplan’s applycalling if area.you are andpaid askmore to than have the the plan calls you re-rated subscribed to your to, call original your carrier plan. Additionally, ask what other plans the company has that placing the call from outside your plan’s calling area. Additionally,and ask to have ask thewhat calls other re-rated plans tothe your company original has plan. that would be less expensive for you. Of course, you can always What is a billing increment? wouldAdditionally, be less expensive ask what otherfor you. plans Of course,the company you can has always that What is a billing increment? switch to another company. AsWhat seen is in a thebilling rate increment?comparison chart, the billing incre- switchwould beto anotherless expensive company. for you. Of course, you can always As seen in the rate comparison chart, the billing increment is the time customers are billed for fractions of a switch to another company. mentAs seen is thein thetime rate customers comparison are billedchart, forthe fractionsbilling incre- of a minute during a call. For example, a billing increment of Are there additional fees to consider when minutement is during the time a call. customers For example, are billed a billing for fractions increment of of a Are there additional fees to consider when 18:6 indicates that the customer is charged a minimum of decidingAre there which additional plan feesto choose? to consider when 18:6minute indicates during that a call. the For customer example, is charged a billing a incrementminimum of 18 seconds and in 6-second increments thereafter. A AT&Tdeciding charges which Colorado plan to consumers choose? an “In-State Con- 1818:6 seconds indicates and that in the 6-second customer increments is charged athereafter. minimum ofA AT&T charges Colorado consumers an “In-State Con- smaller18 seconds billing and increment in 6-second is always increments better. thereafter. A nectionAT&T chargesFee” of $1.13Colorado per month. consumers Sprint an charges “In-State $0.99 Con- for smaller billing increment is always better. nectionAT&T Fee” charges of $1.13 Colorado per month. consumers Sprint charges an $0.99 “In-State for smaller billing increment is always better. nection Fee” of $1.13 per month. Sprint charges $0.99 for UNDERSTANDING YOUR TELEPHONE BILL UNDERSTANDING YOUR TELEPHONE BILL WHY IS MY PHONE BILL SO HARD TO FIGURE OUT? TelephoneWHY IS bills MY have PHONE become harder BILL to SOunderstand, HARD in TO part FIGUREbecause OUT?Optional Serv- Telephone bills have become harder to understand, in part because • Optional Serv- phone companies offer so many different services and bill for other ices: Features such phoneTelephone companies bills have offer become so many harder different to understand, services and in billpart for because other • ices:OptionalFeatures Serv- such companies’ services, like long-distance. Also, new federal and as call waiting and companies’phone companies services, offer like so many long-distance. different services Also, newand billfederal for otherand asices: callFeatures waiting suchand state charges appear on your bill that used to be enveloped in caller ID. statecompanies’ charges services, appear likeon your long-distance. bill that used Also, to newbe enveloped federal and in calleras call ID. waiting and your basic telephone rate. Additionally, some of these new charges yourstate basiccharges telephone appear rate. on yourAdditionally, bill that some used of to these be enveloped new charges in • Unregulatedcaller ID. are the result of bringing competition into the local telephone • Unregulated areyour the basic result telephone of bringing rate. Additionally, competition someinto theof these local new telephone charges Services: Service service market. • Services:UnregulatedService serviceare the market. result of bringing competition into the local telephone not regulated by notServices: regulatedService by service market. the Colorado thenot Coloradoregulated by There is no doubt that phone bills are more confusing Public Utilities There is no doubt that phone bills are more confusing Publicthe Colorado Utilities than ever. This is why you should read your phone bill Commission thanThere ever. is no This doubt is why that you phone should bills read are moreyour phoneconfusing bill CommissionPublic Utilities carefully each month—to make sure you are paying the (PUC), such as carefullythan ever. each This month—to is why you make should sure read you your are payingphone thebill (PUC),Commission such as right amount for the services you ordered. voice messaging. rightcarefully amount each for month—to the services make you sure ordered. you are paying the voice(PUC), messaging. such as Long-Distance:voice messaging.In-state and state-to-state long-dis- Telephoneright amount charges for the fall services into the you following ordered. categories on • Long-Distance: In-state and state-to-state long-dis- Telephone charges fall into the following categories on tance service from companies like Qwest, AT&T, yourTelephone local phone charges bill: fall into the following categories on • tanceLong-Distance: service fromIn-state companies and state-to-state like Qwest, AT&T,long-dis- your local phone bill: MCI, Sprint, etc. MCI,tance serviceSprint, etc.from companies like Qwest, AT&T, •yourBasic local Services: phone bill:Local phone service provided by • Basic Services: Local phone service provided by MCI, Sprint, etc. (continues on page 8) Qwest and other local phone companies. (continues on page 8) • QwestBasic Services:and other Locallocal phonephone companies.service provided by (continues on page 8) Qwest and other local phone companies. J u n ee 22 00 00 56 Consumer News P a g e 7 J u n e 2 0 0 5 Consumer News P a g e 7 J u n e 2 0 0 5 Consumer News P a g e 7 (Your Telephone Bill from page 7 ) Municipal Charge. Local phone companies collect this charge required by and paid to your local municipality. • Other state and federal charges (Monthly Service) The purpose for the charge varies. and taxes (Tax Summary). Federal Universal Service Fund. This charge is also called WHAT ARE ALL THESE STATE AND FEDERAL “Universal Connectivity Charge” by AT&T, “Carrier Uni- CHARGES ON MY PHONE BILL? versal Service Charge” by Sprint, and “FUSF” by most other carriers. Long-distance and wireless companies pay Here are some of the state and federal charges on your into this fund and pass the costs on to their customers. phone bill, what each charge is for, how much the charge The FCC created this fund as a result of the 1996 federal is and who gets the money. Telecommunications Act that opened the local telephone Federal Access Charge. The Federal Communications service market to competition. The fund pays for making Commission (FCC) ordered this charge to help pay the local phone service affordable to certain low-income con- local telephone company’s costs of operating and main- sumers and consumers living in high-cost areas. It also taining the local telephone network. Qwest gets this money. provides support for schools, libraries and rural health The Federal Access Charge is $6.50 per month for your care providers. The FCC, as of April 1, 2003, prohibits first phone line, and $7 for each additional line. companies from charging more than the contribution rate set by the FCC. Currently, the Federal USF charge is Colorado Universal Service Charge. This charge was 10.9%11.1% of interstate charges on your phone bill. ordered by the Colorado PUC and authorized in Colo- rado law to ensure that phone service would remain affordable in all areas of the state for all consumers. Qwest receives most of this money because it has the majority of the highhigh costcost customers. customers. As As of of June October 1, 2005, 1, the2005, charge the DORAAbout theRegulatory Office of Consumer Notice Counsel chargeis 2% of is all 2.9% in-state of all charges in-state on charges your bill.on your bill. EmailThe Colorado System Office of Consumer Colorado Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. This Counsel (OCC) is the state agency that The Department of Regulatory Agencies’ new Regulatory fund was created by state law to pay for a relay service represents and advocates for residential, small Notice email system provides business owners with the that allows hearing-impaired consumers to communicate business and agricultural consumers in electric, with those who can hear, and vice versa. Currently, the abilitygas to and effortlessly telephone track rate and and comment policy oncases proposed before state charge is 6 cents per line per month. regulationsthe Coloradobefore Publicthey take Utilities effect. Commission After signing (PUC), up at the Officefederal of Policy, agencies Research and and the Regulatory courts. Reform The OCC website 911 Surcharge. Colorado law authorizes counties and (www.dora.state.co.us/opr/index.htmpromotes affordable, reasonably), priced,participants high will other 9-1-1 authorities to charge up to $1.25 per line per receivequality, an email reliable when utility a proposed service regulation for Colorado’s has been month to pay for the equipment and costs of 9-1-1 service submittedconsumers. in their specified industry. The email provides and to develop and provide the same 9-1-1 service for cell several key items: a link to the proposed rule, details about phone users. The individual counties and 9-1-1 authori- the Ifhearing you would (time, like location, to add your etc.) name and tothe the submitting OCC ties set this charge and receive the money, some of which agency’smailing contact list, or information. have your nameThe DORA removed Regulatory from goes to Qwest, Colorado’s basic emergency service Noticethe email list, feel system free helps to call to holdus at state(303) government 894-2121 or more provider. Charges greater than $0.70 per line must be accountablesend an emailfor its requestactions, toand [email protected] empowers Coloradans. to approved by the Colorado PUC. become more involved in the regulatory process. Sign up for DORA’s Regulatory Notice today!

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