Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services You Make the Call Selecting the right phone services for you

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Landline Phone Service: Pros & Cons Pros:  Good reception, consistent connection  Enables Internet access  Multiple phones/jacks possible  Flat or measured rates for local calls  Includes a listing in the phone directory Cons:  Must be at home to make/receive calls  Electronic/digital phones may not work during power outage  No phone during temporary service outages  Extra charges for long distance calls

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Wireless (Cellular) Service: Pros & Cons Pros:  Talk/text any place you can receive a signal  Texting, photos, data storage, and Internet access possible  Features included  Buckets of minutes  Option to purchase cell service as needed Cons:  Inconsistent service/dropped calls  Dependent on battery  Easy to rack up extra charges  Early termination fee  calls do not provide caller’s address

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Pros & Cons Pros:  Generally provides a good connection  Can save you money on long distance  Can probably keep landline number if switching services  Features included Cons:  May have to purchase package of services  Could limit you to calls at home  No phone service when Internet connection is down  May not provide address to dispatchers

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Landline: An Overview Services:  Local—immediate area and  Local toll—outside local area, but not long distance  Long distance—outside local toll area Carriers:  Can choose single carrier or more than one  Look under Telecommunications or ask around Plans:  Flat-rate service allows unlimited local calls  Measured service charges per call or per minute for extra calls  Assistance programs for low-income consumers

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Wireless: An Overview  Single carrier provides local and long distance  Coverage area key in choosing wireless carrier  Understand how monthly minutes are allotted  Service contract (fee for early termination)  May be able to “port” your existing number  Select your phone  Choose prepaid plan if credit or budget are issues  Look under Cellular or ask around

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services VoIP: An Overview  Two types of VoIP  Many cable and other companies offer VoIP  High-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable) required  Single carrier provides local and long distance  VoIP plans are similar, but prices vary  May have a service contract (fee for early termination)  May be able to “port” current landline number  Will need equipment (router, adapter and cords)

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Activity: Choosing the Right Phone Service  Break into smaller groups  Choose the best phone service option(s) for each caller  Reconvene in 10 minutes  Your group or spokesperson will explain your choices

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services First Session Wrap-Up At the next session, we’ll learn:  How to save money on long distance and international calls  How to assess phone service needs  How to be a savvy shopper  What to expect on your monthly bill  What your rights are Please return in 15 minutes.

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Long Distance & International Calling  Know your long distance calling habits  Choose best carrier/plan for needs  Prepaid calling cards  “Dial-around” numbers  VoIP: “Free” U.S. long distance and low-cost international calling

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Assessing Your Phone Service Needs  Who do you call?  Where do you call?  When do you call?  How often do you call?  How long do you talk?  Where will you make and receive calls?  What features/capabilities do you need?  How important is cost?

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Shopping for Landline Service  Flat-rate or measured local service  Single or separate carriers  Per minute vs calling plan  Call-time calculation  Optional features  Installation  Deposit

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Shopping for Wireless Service  Coverage area  Plan minutes (number & type)  Data services  Plan price  Overage charges  Roaming & long distance  Toll-free &  Other features/cost  Contract  Port current number  Buy/use own handset

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Shopping for VoIP Service  Reliable connection  Monthly cost  Free long distance locations  Ability to send/receive faxes  Option to port your landline #  Enhanced  Customer service

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Activity: Shopping for the Best Plan  Break into three groups  Your group will be assigned a phone service type  Prepare “shopping” questions for the phone service provider/carrier  Choose someone from your group to ask the questions, or take turns  Reconvene in 5 minutes

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services What You’ll See on Your Bill  Monthly service charges  Usage charges  charges  Taxes/surcharges  Charges for optional features  One-time charges  Late fees

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Your Rights as a Phone Service Consumer  Info about least expensive basic plan  An understandable phone bill  Discounts for vision, speech or hearing impaired  Trial period  Working phone jack in every rental  Phone number portability in local area  Do Not Call registry (  No slamming or cramming

Consumer Action — Selecting Phone Services Class Evaluation Please fill out the evaluation form and leave it on your way out. Thank you!