I recently received a phone bill, and although I knew it would be a little more than my typical bill due to making some changes, I was shocked to see that it was double the usual amount.
Wait just a minute!
I began looking it over, thinking that maybe my previous “bundle” hadn’t been removed when the changes were made. I had a package that included several features, including my dial up internet connection as well as a lot of stuff I didn’t need, but it was cheaper than separately purchasing the things I did need. Then, DSL finally became available in our area, so I quickly signed up. I asked to have the existing bundle removed and a smaller one added with just call waiting, and caller ID.
I knew the bill would be somewhat more that first time, but double? No, I don’t think so. I started examining the bill and found that some calls were being charged at 39 cents per minute. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to talk to anybody that badly!
Well, I called the service center and apparently, someone had switched my long distance program during the other changes, although I had clearly declined to try the new program. The new “deal” allows a cheap rate for numbers you call regularly but charges a premium for numbers called less than the minimum. That might sound good if you generally call the same numbers, but when they say “premium” for those other calls, they aren’t kidding!
I asked to have my old 7 cents per minute plan back. I liked it because in my rural area, most in-state calls are also long distance and they frequently cost more than calling out of state. I was told the excessive charges would be removed, and I would get my 7 cents plan back. Then, it occurred to me that I’d had it for quite a while and there might just be a better deal.
I ended up with a 5 cents per minute flat rate for in state and out of state calls, and now my monthly bill is less than it was originally, plus I have better internet access.
The moral of this story? Always question bills that you don’t think are correct. Moral number two? Check out your telephone company’s plans from time to time to see if any new plans are better suited to your needs. You might just save some money.
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