Do long distance rates vary from state to state?

State-to-state long distance rates

Long distance rates can vary both from state to state and from carrier to carrier. When you investigate national long distance carriers, you will often see that state-to-state calling rates are identical for most areas, yet in-state long distance rates differ from one state to another. This results from a number of variables, often state government or cost of phone lines.

There are state agencies that set rates for a variety of public services, from electricity to insurance to telephone service. There is often no conformity from state to state of in-state rates, over which they have control.

You will often see a national long distance service advertise one state-to-state rate that is offered throughout the continental U.S. but an in-state rate that can differ by $.05 per minute or more. In the larger states, this can be a significant factor in your selection of long distance carriers.

If your calling patterns or residence state create higher charges to call your favorite destinations, you should consider flat rate unlimited long distance phone service. Paying a flat rate for calls to any state from your home or business phone will eliminate any state to state variances.

A 1010 call around plan might be the best solution if you often make calls from telephones other than your home or business. Another option to get cheap long distance phone service without thinking about long distance rates from state to state is using a prepaid calling card.

With the availability of unlimited long distance plans and 1010 call around long distance dialing options, many of the potential problems of extra charges for calling certain states have been eliminated. In-state long distance calls, because of the way the “system” operates, can still be an issue.

If you are unhappy with your state’s long distance rates, let your feelings be known to your state government and/or the long distance carriers charging these higher rates.