Since deregulation
consumers have the ability to choose their Long Distance telephone
carrier. The consumer can also choose what parts of their long distance
phone service they want switched; interstate calling, intrastate
(in-state) calling. However the process of changing can be confusing.
Here we outline the process so you can better understand what is
happening when you change your carrier to obtain the service that's
right for you and the lower phone rates.
Your local
telephone company maintains the wires that run into your home or
business, however they do not have to carry your phone calls. Their
switches will automatically route your calls to the long distance
phone carrier of your choice. The carrier that carries your calls is
named the "Pre-subscribed carrier" and sometimes referred to as the
"PICed" carrier.
If after
comparing long distance phone rates you choose to change
your Pre-subscribed carrier a few things need to happen before your
can enjoy the new phone rates.
You must
initiate a service order with your new carrier using whatever
mechanism they have to place an order. This can include web
sign-ups, a phone call to their customer service, signing a
contract, etc. Each carrier and rate plan varies in the method used
to create accounts.
It is
important to initiate an order with your new carrier prior to
stopping your old service. If you do not, you may get stranded with
no Pre-subscribed carrier or with a very high "casual caller phone
rate." Hotels would call it "Rack Rates" which is the highest
published rate.
In many
states long distance phone companies are required to submit your
change request to a "third party verification service" to verify
that you indeed have chosen to switch long distance phone companies.
This frequently takes the form of an automated phone call that
restates the terms of your new service and asks you to verify that
you have chosen it and want to be switched. In those states that
require third party verification it is impossible for your carrier
to switch your service until you have verified your request, or
submitted a written request (LOA or Letter Of Authorization) to be
switched.
If you want to transfer an existing toll free (800#) you will also
need to fill out a RESPORG (Responsible Organization) form and send
it to your new carrier.
Once you have
verified your switching request, your new carrier should give you
the procedure for successfully switching your service. Some carriers
will give you a "PIC" code to give your local phone company. Others
will "handle the switch" for you and communicate the new "PIC" code
to your local phone company for you. In either case your service
will not be switched until your local phone company updates its
switch to re-route the calls to the new carrier using the new
carrier's "PIC" code. Normally it is easiest to allow the carrier to
follow its normal procedures, as deviating from their normal process
can create delays, or possibly having calls routed to the carrier
prior to its computers being ready to accept your calls.
Normal
processing time for switching varies from 1-10 business days
depending on a number of factors including the amount of time it
takes your new carrier to create an account and the amount of time
it takes your local phone company to update the "PIC" code on your
account. If it has been more than 10 business days since your
request to change and you still have not been changed, you should
follow-up with your new company.
One common
cause for delays in switching is a "PIC Freeze." If you have
requested that your local phone company not switch your long
distance carrier without your permission it is impossible for the
switch to go through without adjusting that status. Each company
handles this differently. Some ask you to remove the "PIC Freeze"
from your line. Others ask you to teleconference with them and your
local phone company to authorize the switch. Others give you a "PIC
Code" and ask you to notify your local phone company to switch to
the new code. Check with your carrier regarding their procedure for
"PIC Freezes" if you have one on your line.
Most local
phone companies charge you a "PIC Switching" fee. These normally
total from $5-$10 to charge you for the time it takes them to enter
your new information into their local telephone company computer
systems for both your new long distance code and your new local toll
code. Some long distance carriers will refund this switching fee.
Others will not. Some also offer a guarantee that if you ever choose
to switch away from their long distance service that they will pay
for the switch. It pays to ask about your company's policy.
You can test
your phone line to see which long distance carrier is serving as
your primary Pre-subscribed carrier by dialing 1-700-555-4141. This
will tell you which carrier is carrying your calls. Sometimes this
name will not be the company you think you are doing business with.
Many long distance resellers actually route your calls over larger
carriers' networks. It is not uncommon for many of the heavily
discounted rate plans to be resellers that use the lines of a larger
carrier. If you hear something that is unexpected when calling the
test number, contact your new company to check if the test number
has produced the correct result. Some resellers may provide you an
alternate test number to fully verify the service.
After you
have verified that your service is successfully switched and working
to your satisfaction it is a good idea to contact your old carrier
to cancel your account. Although this should happen automatically it
is usually best to make sure the account is closed to avoid any
additional monthly fees, minimums, etc. But please do not cancel
your old service UNTIL YOU HAVE VERIFIED that your new service is
working to your satisfaction. If you cancel prior to verifying your
new service you may get stranded without a carrier for a period of
time, or with very high "casual caller phone rates."
After you
have verified that your service is setup and working to your
satisfaction you may want to call your local telephone company and
request a "PIC Freeze" on your line. This prevents unauthorized
switching of your service by another carrier, a practice referred to
as "slamming."
We recommend
keeping an eye on your bills (especially when you have recently
switched carriers) to verify that everything is being charged phone
rates as you expected.
You might
also want to return here and use the rate comparison to keep
appraised of any rate changes that might lower your total long
distance bill.
News
Items: ••Residential Phone Users WIN again!•• The Federal Trade Commission
(FCC) in a decision on 2/20 decided to "preserve existing competition
for local phone service, the competition that enabled millions of
consumers to benefit from lower telephone rates." (Martin of the FCC).
TelcoBusters.com applauds the decision of the FCC.
••MCI raises fees again!•• MCI announced in December
another Rate and Fee increase after raising fees in November between 25
- 80%. Expect some surprises on your February bill. more info
••
New Local Phone Service ••
OneStar is the new addition to our local and long
distance bundled services family. At this time, service availability is
restricted to businesses in MA, NH, RI, VT, ME, VA and WV, but OneStar
will be adding another 12 states in next 60 days.
Click here for more information about OneStar service!
Copyright Telcobusters
2000-2007
All rights reserved Privacy Statement -
Terms
and Conditions TelcoBusters.com makes no guarantees
concerning the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained on
this site.
Additionally, TelcoBusters.com expressly disclaims any and all liability for any
use of such information.
We urge all shoppers to conduct independent evaluation of any merchant before
transacting business.
