Consumer Tips:
Are 10-10 numbers too good to be true?
Normally, when you make a long distance call by dialing 1-(area code)-(phone number), your long distance company (AT&T, MCI, etc.) bills the call. You can use a different company for one or more long distance calls by dialing the access code of another carrier, thereby "dialing around" your regular long distance company.
A 10-10 number is the access code of a dial-around long distance carrier. To use these companies, dial 1010, then the three-digit code for the company you want to use then the area code and phone number. Careful use of dial-around providers may save you a lot of money.
But beware!
There is often a "catch," which may not be obvious. Watch out for dial-around providers that have a minimum talking time. The provider may charge only five cents a minute but have a ten-minute minimum. So, if you get an answering machine and the call lasts only one minute, the call still costs fifty cents.
Some dial-around providers may require you to speak for 10 or more minutes before the discounted rates kick in.
Some dial-arounds have one rate for calls up to a certain length. For example, a call up to 20 minutes using 10-10-220 will cost 99 cents. Although this may be a good deal for a 20-minute call, you will pay 99 cents even if your call lasts only one minute.
Some dial-around providers will add a Universal Service Fee to your bill if you use their service. Your regular long distance carrier may also charge you this fee. If you use such a dial-around provider, you will be paying these fees twice every month.
Some dial-around providers, but certainly not all, will charge a monthly fee. This may offset any per-call savings that you might earn using that service. Make sure you take into account the monthly fees before you select and use such a dial-around company.
Be aware that some dial-around providers have a per-call minimum, which means you will be charged a certain amount per call regardless of the length of the call. Be sure to compare dial-around providers and calling plan rates before using them. The web site www.10-10PhoneRates.com is a good place to sort out all of the rates, fees, and charges of dial-around providers.
If you find you only want to use dial around providers, you can tell your local telephone company to eliminate the regular long distance company assigned to your line. If you do this, keep in mind that your long distance company may provide services like long distance directory assistance and calling cards. In addition, you may be subject to very high rates if you forget to use a dial-around provider and just dial "1" and the number, without a long distance company. Your local company may also levy an additional charge.
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