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An unlimited long distance plan depends on what
long distance services you use. Compare long distance and save!
Long distance services vary as much as the people who use the long
distance services. You can the rate for certain long distance services
when you compare the long distance services. For instance, you can
get a plan that offers unlimited long distance. You can also get
a pre-paid plan from certain long distance services. You can pick
and choose and sometimes even design your own plan. The key is to
find discount long distance
rates , so that you can compare long distance services and save
money.
You can compare long distance services by clicking on discount
long distance rates . Once you do that you can look a list of
long distance providers. At that time you will be presented with
several options on long distance services. Some of the plans offer
unlimited long distance or flat-rate long distance. It's up to you
to decide on what plan from the option of long distance services
you want to choose.
Regardless on what long distance services you decide to go with,
we encourage you to compare long distance rates. Do not settle for
the first good bargain you find. There are great deals being offered
by long distance services, you just have to find them.
Long Distance Services & Deceptive
Advertising
In March 2000 the FCC released a press release about deceptive
advertising among telephone and long distance services. Here is
the information from the press release.
New Guidelines Issued to Promote Truth-In-Advertising
of Telecommunications Services, including 10-10 Dialing
Washington, DC - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a joint Policy Statement
to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive advertising and marketing
of long distance services, including dial-around services -- often
called "10-10" numbers. The Policy Statement offers guidance
to carriers to ensure their advertising is truthful, complete and
non- misleading. Additionally, it describes the kind of factors
the the FCC will consider in determining whether to bring enforcement
action against carriers for deceptive advertising practices.
In recent years there has been an explosion in competition and
innovation in the telecommunications industry. Consumers have reaped
substantial benefits in the form of greater choice and lower prices.
But the proliferation of advertisements for dial-around numbers,
long-distance calling plans, and other new telecommunications services,
as well as an increase in the number of complaints regarding how
these services are promoted, have raised questions about how the
principles of truthful advertising apply in this dynamic marketplace.
The Policy Statement issued today follows a joint forum held by
the two federal agencies in November 1999, which provided government,
industry, and consumer groups an opportunity to discuss the advertising
and marketing of long distance services
"This policy statement is a critical step in protecting the
core rights of consumers in the competitive market which we have
worked so hard to create. Together with truth in billing and freedom
from slamming and cramming, it ensures that consumers will have
the knowledge they need to select the carrier of their choice and
be fairly charged for the services they use," said William
Kennard, chairman of the FCC.
"This industry provides American consumers with telecommunications
services that are the finest in the world," FTC Chairman Robert
Pitofsky said. "This policy statement will help encourage industry
to develop advertising that matches this high standard."
From the joint forum, the two federal agencies developed the FCC-FTC
Policy Statement on Truth-in-Advertising, which offers the following
guidance for truthful advertising of long distance services:
- All claims must be 1) truthful, 2) non-misleading, and 3) substantiated;
- Carriers should disclose all costs consumers may incur, Carriers
should disclose all costs consumers may incur, such as per-call
minimum charges, monthly fees, and universal service charges;
- Advertising should disclose any time and/or geographic restriction
on the availability of advertised rates;
- The basis for comparative price claims should be disclosed,
and only current information used in making claims; and,
- Information should be disclosed in a clear and conspicuous manner,
and without distracting elements so that consumers can understand
it, and make fully informed choices.
The FCC has previously found that unfair and deceptive marketing
practices by telephone companies may constitute unjust and unreasonable
practices under the Communications Act. The joint Policy Statement
issued today should provide helpful guidance to carriers who wish
to adhere to lawful advertising practices.
In issuing this joint Policy Statement, the FTC and the FCC encourage
industry to adhere to the standards offered in the joint Policy
Statement. These standards provide guidance for carriers who market
long-distance service. Staff of both FTC and FCC remain open to
discussing long-distance advertising concerns and any questions
that others may have on the Policy Statement itself or more generally.
Additionally, the joint Policy Statement does not preempt existing
state law.
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