Obtain a Telephone connection

Getting a telephone connection in the United States is very easy and very quick. But it is when you recieve the bill that you will be in for a few surprizes. Almost everyone that has been through the process will have a story - good, bad, or ugly - to tell you.

Unlike in India, where paying your bill is simple, the telephone companies here have a number of schemes. You can apply for your connection over the phone itself. The only problem is that your conversation with the telephone company employee may confuse you, and you may be lured into signing up for an expensive scheme without clearly understanding the details, or what the company will provide you.

Only later, when you receive a huge bill, which includes the cost of services you never asked for, will you realize your mistake. as every average person has atleast some bitter experience with telephone companies here in USA.

When you apply for a Telephone connection, there are two different companies involved. 1) Local or Basic residence services, and 2) a Long Distance telephone company, which provides you with the facility to make long distance or International calls. Before calling for a new telephone connection, ask your friends what kind of services you actually need, name of the different plans, and a reliable long distance Telecom company.

A free telephone directory for your area, will be delivered to your place. In case you don't receive it, call your telephone company, and ask for it. It is also available at most of the shopping stores free of charge.

Have you wondered why there are so many charges on your telephone bills that are unrelated to your calls?

In case of Unauthorized, Misleading, or Deceptive Charges Placed on Your Telephone Bill?

Always ask both, the local and long distance Telecom Company, for a written copy of the bill by mail, as well as for information about the services and applicable rates. Ask them to send it as soon as possible.ask for a written copy by mail, about the services and rates applicable, from both your local, as well the long distance telecom company. Ask them to send it as soon as possible.
As soon as your connection has been installed, confirm your long distance rates and international calling plans.
Always remember to check your bills carefully. Clear any discrepancies with the telecom company, and if you do nt seem to be getting a satisfactory answer, ask to speak to the manager.
In case you are charged extra, call the customer support number on the bill you have received and insist on your credit back. This may take time, but if you are firm, there is a good chance that you will get your money back.
Don't use your telephone card until you have confirmed the rates, as these rates are different that those that apply to your residential connection.
If you access the Internet through your telephone, confirm that your dial-up number is local (and therefore toll-free) and not long-distance.
If you see an ad or receive a page or email for a service, that directs you to call a specific number identify the number before you call. All messages direct you to call a number for more information, and this number is usually international.like : starting with area code 900,804 etc and these are the highly charged numbers.
If you get a call/e-mail that offers you cheaper international rates if you switch to AT&T or MCI, be careful. These calls are usually false claims made by private marketing agencies. Always speak directly to the phone company concerned.

Generally, all international calls begin with "011". But there are a few locations outside the U.S. whose telephone numbers may look like domestic long-distance calls though they are international calls and international rates apply.

For example, 809, 284 and 876 are area codes in the Caribbean. There are many scams that deceive consumers into calling international numbers. Similarly all 900 numbers have high rates.

You need to be extra cautious with Adult web sites, which may tempt you to download viewer s/w which basically connect you to a 900 or any such number where u will be charged heavily without knowing. You will realize this only when you receive you bill.

911: Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade or any other emergency.
411: for online telephone directory service.

Major long distance carriers are AT&T,MCI, Sprint Check out these web sites for their different plans and rates.

Q. I'm in california and have some problem with my telephone bill, where should I complain?

If you believe you have been billed incorrectly, you may contact the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at 1 800 649-7570 to register your complaint. The addresses of the CPUC are:

Consumer Affairs Branch,
505 Van Ness Avenue,
San Francisco,
CA 94102,