Communications
Telephone Services
All utilities, including telephone service, are provided by private companies in the U.S. A consumer has the choice of using one telephone company for both local and long-distance telephone service or selecting to divide these services between two companies. Individuals normally decide whether to use one or two companies based on quality and cost of services, which vary from company to company. Some companies provide special calling plans offering savings within the United States or overseas. It is helpful to contact several companies for information before making a decision.
Telephone units may be purchased at a variety of stores. To secure service for the telephone usually requires an application, forms of identification presented (if applying in person) or photocopies to accompany the application. It can take approximately one week from the date of receipt of application to the activation of service.
There is usually a one-time service charge for a new connection. Numerous options and special features, such as touch-tone, call waiting, call forwarding, and three-way calling are available. Be sure to ask the representative for a clear or written explanation about any services you wish to obtain. The amount of your monthly service charges will depend on what services you select. Your monthly telephone bill is itemized to show all charges and individual calls.
Toll-Free Numbers
Many large companies, such as airlines, car rental agencies, and hotels, offer toll-free telephone numbers. A toll-free number begins with the prefix 800,888, or 877. These calls can be made with no charge to the consumer.
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