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THE PHONE HANDBOOK From the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General helping people afford their lives and live with dignity and respect www.ag.state.mn.us Table of Contents Local Service ............................................................................................... 3 Do I Have a Choice for My Local Telephone Service? .............................................................................................. 3 What is the Cost of Local Phone Service? ................................................................................................................ 3 How Can I Reduce the Price of My Local Phone Bill? .............................................................................................. 4 What are the Charges on My Telephone Bill and are They Required?..................................................................... 4 Is Inside Wire Insurance A Good Deal? ..................................................................................................................... 5 How Can I Prevent Disconnection of My Phone Service? ....................................................................................... 5 Is There Any Assistance Available to Help Pay for My Telephone Service? ........................................................... 5 Telephone Service for the Communication Impaired .............................................................................................. 6 What if There is a Delay In Obtaining My Telephone Service? ................................................................................ 6 Complaints ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Long Distance ............................................................................................. 7 The Phone Handbook is intended to provide Minnesota consumers with the information they need to make informed Which Long Distance Company is the Best Company? ........................................................................................... 7 decisions in a rapidly changing telecommunications environment. State agency contact and other resource Do I Have to Sign Up With a Long Distance Carrier? ................................................................................................ 7 telephone numbers are listed on page 19. A Long Distance “Subscription” .......................................................................................................................... 7 How Can I Choose the Best Company? .................................................................................................................... 8 This brochure is intended to be used as a source for general information and is not provided as legal advice. Combined Billing or Not? .................................................................................................................................... 8 The Phone Handbook is written and published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Hidden Fees: A Word of Caution… ...................................................................................................................... 8 What are the Added Fees and Surcharges on My Long Distance Bill? ................................................................... 8 This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 296-3353 Alternative Methods for Making Long Distance Calls ............................................................................................. 9 (Twin Cities Calling Area), (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities), or through the Minnesota Relay Service at Prepaid Calling Cards .......................................................................................................................................... 9 (800) 627-3529. Dial Around ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Wireless (or Cellular) Phones for Long Distance ............................................................................................ 10 The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Voice Over Internet Services ............................................................................................................................. 10 Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone Fraud ............................................................................................... 11 (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area) Protect Yourself From Fraud ................................................................................................................................... 11 (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities) Why is My Phone Bill From a New Company? ........................................................................................................ 11 (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay) What Should I Do if I Have Been Slammed? .................................................................................................... 11 www.ag.state.mn.us How Can I Prevent Slamming? ......................................................................................................................... 11 What Is Cramming? .................................................................................................................................................. 12 What Can I Do if I Get Crammed? ..................................................................................................................... 12 How Do I Prevent Cramming?........................................................................................................................... 12 What if I Get Billed for Unauthorized Calls to an Adult Entertainment Service? ........................................... 12 Charges for Downloadable Adult Access ........................................................................................................ 13 How Can I Prevent Pay-Per-Call Charges? ....................................................................................................... 13 Can I Block 1-900 Numbers? ............................................................................................................................ 13 OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL PHONE HANDBOOK 1 Making Calls Away From Home ............................................................13 Local Service Things to Consider When Evaluating Whether to Purchase Wireless (or Cellular) Service................................. 13 What Should I Know About Wireless Contracts?............................................................................................. 14 Do I Have a Choice for My Local Telephone Service? Where Will My Phone Work? ............................................................................................................................. 14 Minnesota customers can often choose between companies when signing up for local phone service, though some Are Rebates on Wireless Phones and Equipment a Good Deal? .................................................................... 15 areas of the state still have only one available provider. To find out if there is competition for telephone service in The Customer Service Representative I Talked to Wasn’t Helpful ................................................................. 15 your area, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce maintains a searchable Why are There Charges on My Wireless Bill for Third-Party Services? .......................................................... 15 database of local service providers available in Minnesota cities, along with contact information for each provider. What are My Options When Using a Pay Phone? ................................................................................................... 15 This searchable database can be found at https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/eAssessment-public/company/ phoneServiceProvider.action. If you do not have Internet access, Internet access may be available at your nearest Telemarketing and Privacy ....................................................................16 public library. You may also contact the Department of Commerce’s Telecommunications Division by telephone at How Did They Get My Name? .................................................................................................................................. 16 (651) 539-1883 or by email at [email protected]. Will Placing My Name on the “Do Not Call List” Stop Telemarketing Calls? ................................................. 17 How Else Can I Stop Telemarketers from Calling? .......................................................................................... 17 Technological advances have also given customers increased options for their telecommunications services. Can I Use Caller ID to Stop Telemarketers? ..................................................................................................... 17 Consumers may now obtain service from the cable company, choose to use their wireless phones exclusively, Calls from Prerecorded Messages ......................................................................................................................... 18 and even place calls over their broadband
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