Questions To Ask Of Telephone Service Providers

By Author: cablesatelites lites
Total Articles: 5
Comment this article

There used to be a time when you could count the number of residential phone service providers in the US with one finger. Yes, AT&T or Ma Bell was running a monopoly on phones because nobody could match its resources. With the monopoly, you can be assured that prices then were prohibitive. But the federal government decided to break the monopoly. The coup de grace was the enactment of the 1996 Telecommunications Act that opened the floodgates for the competitive local exchange carriers. That’s when you see companies like Cox telephone service sprout up like mushrooms. Before calling the local provider, however, there are several things you should consider first.

What are the rates?

In today’s environment when a simple call is not just enough. Apart from the unlimited long distance calling, you also need a voice mail, caller ID, call forwarding and call waiting. Then you may also want to have a broadband Internet or digital HDTV. You should always insist on a cost analysis to determine how much it would cost you. What service is included in the package? If you want to add an Internet line for example, what ...
... is the value added cost? Would each service be charged separately? Look for telephone service providers that can bundle all these services into one package. The rule of thumb is: the more services you bundle, the more money you save.

Can they provide special and emergency needs?

Although the government require telephone service companies to provide support for emergency and special needs, not everybody—particularly the small ones—is following it. When you dial 911, for example, is your phone linked to the interface that the operator can already trace your call even if you don’t mention your location? Some services, such as the voice over Internet protocol, only offer the basic 911 call. Also, residential phone service providers are obligated to provide services that support the visually or hearing-impaired. These services include wireless handsets, message relay service, or bills delivered in other formats.

Can you keep your number when you transfer?

Does your local telephone company offer the number portability option? If you switch to your new provider, ask if you can keep your old number. It’s such a hassle to be always changing numbers because you will have to tell everybody about it. Theoretically, residential phone service providers should be able to keep your old number if you stay within the local exchange zone.