UNDERSTANDING YOUR PHONE BILL

Local Toll

• Sometimes called "local long distance", local-toll calls are made to places that are not close enough to be in your local calling area, but not far enough away to be handled as long distance calls. These are generally calls that you have to dial the area code or “1” before dialing the telephone number.

• The local-toll calling area and per minute charges may vary depending on the plan you have chosen.  Clear Rate charges the same rate for Local-Toll and Long Distance service. To determine if a call is Local, you may view our local calling areas here.

Long Distance

• There are many ways that you can make long distance calls. By choosing a Long Distance provider you determine your "pre-subscribed" inter-exchange carrier. When you dial "1" plus the area code and the phone number each call is routed via the access code for the pre-subscribed carrier.  Each call is then billed at the plan rates you selected.

• In most parts of the country there are a large number of long distance carriers competing for your service. Calling plans and geographic areas can vary widely between companies. There are many plans that you may sign up for depending on the company that you are using. Some companies also charge a monthly fee, in addition to the rate that you pay per minute for each long distance call. Clear Rate charges one flat rate for all Long Distance calls and there is no monthly cost. 

• Another way to make long distance calls is by using a "dial-around service." When using this service you manually enter another company's access code (such as 10-10-123), then "1", the area code, and the phone number. That company will then bill for the call based on their rates. Dial-around services must be checked carefully before using them - the prices quoted may only apply if you talk for a certain number of minutes, or the rates may vary depending on time of day and where you are calling.  There may also be a monthly fee added.

• Calling cards, which are like charge cards for telephone calls, are available from many companies. You can use them from your home phone, a pay phone, a phone in a hotel room, or anywhere else you may need to place a call. The charges are billed through the phone company that issued the calling card. You may also purchase pre-paid calling cards and use the minutes allotted for the amount of the purchase.  Depending on your calling card company the cost of some calls could include a surcharge in addition to the per-minute rate. There may also be a monthly fee. Be aware that some phone companies may not accept calls made with cards issued by other companies.

• Collect calls are charged to the bill of the person whose number you are calling. These calls can be made through a local or long distance operator or through a third party company. The rates vary according to which company provides the service. For instance: if you call collect through an operator at a pay phone the cost is set by the company that provides service to the phone you're using. If you make a collect call from the same phone through another company's 800 number collect call service the call is billed at that company's rates. Check your carrier’s rates before making these calls.

Pay-per-call services

• These calls are used for information and entertainment services provided through 900 or 976 numbers, some 800 numbers, and certain international phone numbers.
   
• The rates vary from as little as a few cents to several dollars per minute. Some pay-per-call services are billed at a flat rate for each call.
   
• The service providers and not the telephone companies set charges for pay-per-call services provided through 900, 976, or 800 numbers. You may be billed directly by the service provider or additional charges may appear on a separate page of your phone bill.

Miscellaneous services

• Miscellaneous services can include features such as: Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, Paging, Internet and other non-telephone services. Your local carrier or other telephone companies may provide these services. Depending on what company provides the service, miscellaneous charges may appear on your bill.
   
• Before you pay your bill, please read it carefully and make sure that you are only being charged for services you have authorized.
   

Fees, surcharges, and taxes

• In addition to the monthly plan or service charges you will find various taxes and surcharges on your bill. Taxes are paid to the government while some fees and surcharges billed by telephone companies cover the costs of carrying out government-mandated programs. Others are intended to recover portions of a company’s operating expenses. Companies may use different terms to describe these charges. For a detailed description of these click here.
  

Directory assistance

• There is a per call rate for Directory Assistance calls. This may vary depending on your calling plan.
   
• Any long distance directory assistance calls may include an additional charge from your long distance carrier.
   
• Many local and long distance companies are providing nationwide directory assistance services. These rates vary from company to company. You may be allowed to request more than one listing in each call to directory assistance. It is important to know what each company charges for directory assistance before placing the call.  If the directory assistance operator offers to complete the call for you, please be aware that there may be an additional charge for this service.

Lifeline surcharge

• Some states collect a lifeline surcharge to assist low-income consumers. As of July 1, 2000 low-income consumers who subscribe to Lifeline service may not be billed for the subscriber line charge or the universal service fee.