Long Distance Frequently Asked Questions
Most Common Questions
Money/Billing Questions
Toll Free #’s and Calling Cards
Other
Most Common Questions
How do I verify my long distance has been switched?
You may call 1-700-555-4141 to see who your current provider is. This call must be made from your home phone. If the name is unfamiliar, it is likely that the long distance carrier is using the line of another carrier. If you have any questions, contact your new carrier.
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When will my Long Distance plan become active?
The switch usually takes about 3-10 business days to complete. Once you have selected your new plan and signed up through e-wisdom.com, your new Long Distance carrier will notify your local phone company, so they may change the PIC code in their system. Please call your local company to remove any PIC freezes (long distance blocks) that you may have on your local account.
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Do I have to dial any special access numbers to place a telephone call with any of these long distance companies?
No, simply dial 1 plus the area code plus the number for U.S. long distance calls. Include the country and city codes for international calls. Just like you would with AT&T, MCI, Sprint etc…
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How will this affect my Local Phone Service?
Your Local Phone service will not be affected. All of your calling features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, *69 etc... will not be affected. These types of features are services provided by your local phone carrier. By choosing a new plan with e-wisdom.com, you will only be changing your long distance carrier such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, IDT etc…
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Do I have to call my current Long Distance Company to cancel?
Generally you previous provider is notified and cancels your service, although it can be beneficial to notify your former carrier to be sure. We recommend calling your previous long distance carrier, only after your service is switched
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Do I have to call my local phone company to switch my long distance service?
Probably not. In most cases, your new company will handle the switch. Sometimes, however, a local company will insist on hearing directly from the customer. If that’s what happens to you, email us at info@telecomhelp.org and we’ll help you complete the switch.
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What is a PIC Freeze (Block)?
Your local Phone Company when asked can place a “PIC Freeze” on your account. This will prevent a long distance company from changing you long distance service. If you have a PIC Freeze on your account, please call your local phone company to remove it, in order to change your service.
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Is there a difference between long distance companies?
There is no difference in the quality of your long distance connection. All long distance companies, including AT&T, Sprint and WorldCom use the same fiber optic networks to transport their calls.
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Is there a number I can call for customer service?
All of the Long Distance providers have their own toll free customer service numbers. You will receive the Customer Service number on the "order confirmation" email we send to you after you sign up for service.
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What is a Local Toll or IntraLata call?
Also known as IntraLATA, regional toll, local long distance, or extended local calling area; are typically the itemized calls that appear on your local phone bill. These calls span greater distances than local calls, but are not long distance calls. They may be within your area code or a different one - across town, or in the next county. These calls are not included in your “unlimited local calling area” and are usually billed per minute, unless you are paying an additional cost for this upgraded service.
Note: The Local Toll/IntraLATA rate is the same as the listed In-State rate. It is usually less expensive to have your new long distance service Local Toll/IntraLATA calls.
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Will e-wisdom.com be my Long Distance carrier?
No, each plan listed on our site is an independent company, and the long distance carrier you choose will provide your long distance service. e-wisdom.com is a consumer resource site, which allows you to compare long distance rates; we do not, however, provide these services directly.
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Money/Billing Questions
How much will it cost me to switch long distance carriers?
A switching fee may be charged by your local phone company (approx. $5), but the long distance carrier that you choose may pay for that switch. It a one-time fee that is well worth the monthly savings you will receive from your new plan. See the “Plan Details” and e-wisdom.com review to see if the carrier will reimburse the switching fee.
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How will I be billed?
You will receive a separate bill from your new Long Distance carrier, except if you choose a plan from Acceris. Acceris includes your charges on your current local phone bill for no additional charge.
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How can some Long Distance companies charge less than AT&T, Sprint, and MCI etc..?
The smaller carriers buy long distance time from the large carriers. They provide their own customer service and billing services. They are able to keep their own costs much lower by spending much less on advertising. Somebody has to pay for the millions of dollars spent on commercials by AT&T, MCI, and Sprint. Just don’t let it be you anymore!
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Why is my in-state rate higher than my interstate rate?
All calls are priced based on the underlying costs of routing each specific type of call. The rates for intrastate long distance calls vary by state as a result of different call routing costs charged to the long distance carrier by local telephone companies.
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How can I know that I am getting the best plan available?
e-wisdom.com reviews hundreds of plans, including all new plans that become available. We monitor and then list the best No-Nonsense plans for our site visitors. Check back with e-wisdom.com periodically to see if a better plan becomes available.
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Are the rates listed on the site introductory and will they change?
No, we do not list introductory rates on our site. These are the standard rates that you will be charged. Each company may also decide to change increase/decrease these rates, but you will be notified by the company if any change occurs. It is very un-likely that your rates will increase as rates are still decreasing in the long distance industry.
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How do I know the rates quoted are accurate and current?
Each company listed on our site notifies us of any changes that occur. We send these companies significant business and they are continually in contact with us to make sure we are listing the information correctly.
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Toll Free Numbers & Calling Cards
Can I keep my existing Toll-Free number if I switch to a new long distance plan?
Yes, Toll Free numbers may be moved to another carrier, although a signed order form will be needed to complete this transfer. Please email us your name and contact number, so we can call you and handle your changeover of your service. You can email us using our Ask a Question link or via email at info@telecomhelp.org to send your information.
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Do Toll-Free numbers work from outside of the U.S?
Toll Free 800 numbers only allow calls made from within the U.S and Canada. Calls from Alaska, Hawaii, & Canada carry a higher rate than the normal rate from within the continuous 48 states
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Can I receive calling cards?
You may select to receive a calling card with your new plan. These cards usually have higher rates than if you make a call form your home/business phone. The card usage will be billed to your regular long distance bill. Calling Cards can usually only be used within the United States and Canada. Some cards allow you to make international calls which are also billed differently.
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Other
Why aren’t the phone numbers and web site addresses listed for each company?
e-wisdom.com is considered to be a sales representative for many of the companies listed. Some of the companies pay us commissions after a customer signs up for a plan. Many of these companies do not have their own sales teams to attract customers, which helps keep rates low. If you decide to sign-up for a plan, we send you an email with the company’s Toll-Free customer service number and all other information you may need. Every company listed on our site offers full service customer support for any questions you may have.
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Can I switch only my state-to-state or international rates, while keeping my in-state rates with my local phone company?
No, both types of long distance service are always serviced together and may not be ordered separately. You do however; have a choice in selecting Local Toll/IntraLATA calls to be serviced by your long distance carrier or with your local phone company. Please see the Local Toll/IntraLata definition for more information.
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