Tip Sheet on Signing Up for Phone Service

Avoid paying more than you need for phone service. Follow these tips when signing up for local and long distance service.

Know Where You Stand

Are you eligible for a low-cost phone service program? (See Part I "Low-Cost Telephone Programs: How to Get Connected") These programs are designed to keep local phone service affordable ($4.00 a month plus fees and taxes), but these savings can be lost if you sign up for additional unnecessary services.

Know Your Rights

If you owe the phone company money, did you know that you have rights regarding repayment plans and deposit requirements that can help you get basic phone service? (See Part II " Your Rights Regarding Phone Service and Billing Problems")

Be ready to ask for these plans and speak out for your rights regarding repayment plans and deposit options. If you have problems with the phone company, help is available. (See Part II "What To Do When There is a Problem").

Know What You Need

Before calling the phone company to sign up for service, figure out what you really need.

• You don't need to buy additional features to have basic local service. Watch out for services packages because they can include features you don't need.
• You can save money by avoiding extra features such as call waiting or caller ID.
• Services like renting a phone from the company or inside wire maintenance are likely to end up costing more than they are worth.
• Free blocking services can prevent people from making long distance or 1-900 calls from your phone and can help you keep your phone bills low.

Before signing up for a long distance plan, make sure you make enough long distance calls to justify the monthly charges that come with having traditional long distance service (dialing 1 before the number). You may want to consider using a pre-paid calling card or a dial around (10-10) service.

Be a Smart Shopper

Watch out for local phone companies that seem to target customers who have been rejected by the traditional local phone company. Your phone bills will likely be lower if you can sign up for a low cost phone service program as described in this booklet.

Shop around for a long distance plan and keep in mind that the basic plan often charges the most expensive long distance rate. (See Part III "How to Be a Smart Shopper")

If you need additional help, contact the organization that gave you this booklet or one of the Low Income Telecom Project Regional Coordinators listed on pages 43 - 44.

Telephone Service: What You Need to Know, WA LITE and National Consumer Law Center