Many consumers are now able to choose both local and long-distance phone service providers. These companies offer many optional services such as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, paging, and wireless services. Think first about how you use the telephone. Once you have answers to these questions, you can compare services and prices. Your best buy may be a package deal from one company or services from different companies. • Whom do you call most often? • What time of day or day of the week do you call? • Do you want to get messages, and, if so, do you need voicemail, or will an answering machine do? • Do you need call waiting and/or caller ID? • How important is it for you to have your telephone with you when you are away from home? Find out how each company prices its services. Are there minimum use, time-of-day, or distance requirements; flat monthly fees; or special plans? For example, wireless service may be cheaper than regular local service if you don't make many calls. Make sure you're comparing prices on similar plans and features. The Federal Communications Commission offers consumer information on regulatory changes, how to choose a long-distance carrier, how to understand new fees and taxes on phone services, and more at http://www.fcc.gov/cib.
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