You Make the Call

1
You Make the Call

• Selecting the right
• phone services for you

2
Landline Phone Service Pros Cons

• Pros
• Good reception, consistent connection
• Enables Internet access
• Multiple phones/jacks possible
• Flat or measured rates for local calls
• Includes a listing in the phone directory

• Cons
• Must be at home to make/receive calls
• Electronic/digital phones may not work during
  power outage
  
• No phone during temporary service outages
• Extra charges for long distance calls

3
Wireless (Cellular) Service Pros Cons

• Pros
• Talk/text any place you can receive a signal
• Texting, photos, data storage, and Internet
  access possible
  
• Features included
• Buckets of minutes
• Option to purchase cell service as needed

• Cons
• Inconsistent service/dropped calls
• Dependent on battery
• Easy to rack up extra charges
• Early termination fee
• 9-1-1 calls do not provide callers address

4
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Pros Cons

• Pros
• Generally provides a good connection
• Can save you money on long distance
• Can probably keep landline number if switching
  services
  
• Features included

• Cons
• May have to purchase package of services
• Could limit you to calls at home
• No phone service when Internet connection is
  down
  
• May not provide address to 9-1-1 dispatchers

5
Landline An Overview

• Services
• Localimmediate area 9-1-1 and 4-1-1
• Local tolloutside local area, but not long
  distance
  
• Long distanceoutside local toll area
• Carriers
• Can choose single carrier or more than one
• Look under Telecommunications or ask around
• Plans
• Flat-rate service allows unlimited local calls
• Measured service charges per call or per minute
  for extra calls
  
• Assistance programs for low-income consumers

6
Wireless An Overview

• Single carrier provides local and long distance
• Coverage area key in choosing wireless carrier
• Understand how monthly minutes are allotted
• Service contract (fee for early termination)
• May be able to port your existing number
• Select your phone
• Choose prepaid plan if credit or budget are
  issues
  
• Look under Cellular or ask around

7
VoIP An Overview

• Two types of VoIP
• Many cable and other companies offer VoIP
• High-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable)
  required
  
• Single carrier provides local and long distance
• VoIP plans are similar, but prices vary
• May have a service contract (fee for early
  termination)
  
• May be able to port current landline number
• Will need equipment (router, adapter and cords)

8
Activity Choosing the Right Phone Service

• Break into smaller groups
• Choose the best phone service option(s) for each
  caller
  
• Reconvene in 10 minutes
• Your group or spokesperson will explain your
  choices

9
First Session Wrap-Up

• At the next session, well learn
• How to save money on long distance and
  international calls
  
• How to assess phone service needs
• How to be a savvy shopper
• What to expect on your monthly bill
• What your rights are
• Please return in 15 minutes.

10
Long Distance International Calling

• Know your long distance calling habits
• Choose best carrier/plan for needs
• Prepaid calling cards
• Dial-around numbers
• VoIP Free U.S. long distance and
• low-cost international calling

11
Assessing Your Phone Service Needs

• Who do you call?
• Where do you call?
• When do you call?
• How often do you call?
• How long do you talk?
• Where will you make and receive calls?
• What features/capabilities do you need?
• How important is cost?

12
Shopping for Landline Service

• Flat-rate or measured local service
• Single or separate carriers
• Per minute vs calling plan
• Call-time calculation
• Optional features
• Installation
• Deposit

13
Shopping for Wireless Service

• Coverage area
• Plan minutes (number type)
• Data services
• Plan price
• Overage charges
• Roaming long distance

• Toll-free 4-1-1
• Other features/cost
• Contract
• Port current number
• Buy/use own handset

14
Shopping for VoIP Service

• Reliable connection
• Monthly cost
• Free long distance locations
• Ability to send/receive faxes
• Option to port your landline
• Enhanced 9-1-1
• Customer service

15
Activity Shopping for the Best Plan

• Break into three groups
• Your group will be assigned a phone service type
  
  
• Prepare shopping questions for the phone
  service provider/carrier
  
• Choose someone from your group to ask the
  questions, or take turns
  
• Reconvene in 5 minutes

16
What Youll See on Your Bill

• Monthly service charges
• Usage charges
• 4-1-1 charges
• Taxes/surcharges
• Charges for optional features
• One-time charges
• Late fees

17
Your Rights as a Phone Service Consumer

• Info about least expensive basic plan
• An understandable phone bill
• Discounts for vision, speech or hearing impaired
• Trial period
• Working phone jack in every rental
• Phone number portability in local area
• Do Not Call registry (www.DoNotCall.gov)
• No slamming or cramming

18
Class Evaluation

• Please fill out the evaluation form
• and leave it on your way out.
• Thank you!