445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 1999 |
CONTACT: Joy Howell (202) 418-0505 |
FCC Chairman Reminds Consumers to Shop Around
Washington, D.C. -- FCC Chairman William E. Kennard today issued the following statement regarding long distance rates:
The rates of long distance companies are largely unregulated. Companies may charge different rates for the same service. Competition however, has resulted in some very attractive plans.
"If you don't like your long distance service, shop around," Kennard said.The Chairman went on to say that consumers who want to switch long distance carriers should analyze their calling needs, number of long distance calls per month, length of the calls and the time of day those calls are made. Consumers should ask their long distance company about rates per minute or per month, as well as monthly fees or minimum spending limits.
Consumers who are unsure about how to select a long distance company may wish to contact a consumer organization for more information. In addition, Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC) compares long distance services on its web site which is located at www.trac.org.
Finally, some long distance companies already post their rates on their company web sites and the FCC recently required all long distance carriers, that have web sites, to do so within the next few months. Consumers who want to do their own comparison shopping will be able to go to each long distance company web site to determine the best calling plan for their needs.