FAQs

What is included in my Clear Rate Telephone Plan?

There are many Clear Rate telephone plans to suit all of your telecommunications needs. Our Local calling plan provides you with unlimited local calls while our Unlimited Local & Long Distance plan provides you with unlimited calling within the lower 48 states. All customers are given access to our fast and efficient Customer Care Team. Clear Rate utilizes an extensive fiber-optic network to deliver dependable connectivity to our service network each and every day.

• Our Unlimited Local Calling Plan includes a low monthly fee for Unlimited Local Service and a cost-competitive 4.9¢ Local-Toll and Long Distance Rate.
• Our Unlimited Calling Plan includes Unlimited Local, Local-Toll, and Long Distance Calling to the Continental United States (not including Alaska and Hawaii).

Our calling plans offer a wide variety of features. Should there ever be trouble on your phone line, our Repair Department is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. You may add Line Manager to help maintain the working condition of your inside wires in your home for only $3.95 per month.

Check here to find out what calling areas are local to your telephone number.

Is Directory Assistance included in my Clear Rate Telephone Plan?

No. Directory Assistance is $1.50 per use. You can also utilize the Internet to perform your own Directory Assistance look-ups free-of-charge! Go to www.yellowpages.com or www.whitepages.com to access Directory Assistance for anywhere in the United States and Canada at no cost to you.

What is Voicemail, and how can I retrieve my messages?

Many calling plans include Residential Voicemail. Residential Voicemail offers the ability to receive messages if you are on the line with another caller, or away from your phone. If you are unable to answer a call, it will be forwarded to your personalized Voicemail Box to allow the caller to leave a message.

For instructions on how to access your messages, click here to view Clear Rate’s easy to read Voicemail User Guide.

How will I know when I have a new Voicemail Message?

Clear Rate offers two forms of notification; email, and text message notification. Both notification methods can be added to your account at no additional monthly charge. (Check with your wireless carrier as standard text message rates may apply)

To add or make changes to your Voicemail services, contact Customer Care at 877.877.4799

Can I call Canada? What about other International Calling on my Plan?

Our calling plans do not include calls to Canada, but calls can be placed to Canada for only 10¢ per minute. Calls placed to international numbers are billed at a per minute rate. Click here to check out our very competitive International Calling Rates.

Is a deposit required to get Clear Rate Telephone Service?

No, we never ask for a deposit to start Clear Rate telephone service and we never turn a customer away.

To start your service with Clear Rate Communications, we will process a basic credit check which will not impact your credit rating in any way. If you already have existing phone service with another carrier, there is no charge for the credit check. If you require a new telephone number, a non-refundable credit check fee of $4.95 must be paid up front. If your credit score passes Clear Rate’s pre-defined credit parameters, the conversion of your service will begin immediately. If for any reason the credit is unsatisfactory, you may be asked to start your Clear Rate telephone service as a Pre-Pay Customer.

A Pre-Pay Customer will be asked to pay the initial monthly service charges prior to activating service. Once you have made six consecutive on-time monthly payments, you may request to be removed from Pre-Pay status.

Will my phone number change when I switch to Clear Rate?

No. Your existing phone number will be converted to Clear Rate from your current carrier. The phone number & quality of service will remain the same as you have now. There is absolutely no interruption due to the service transfer.

How long does it take to start my new Clear Rate Telephone Service?

Most customers can begin enjoying Clear Rate telephone service in only 24 Hours. If you have existing phone service, Clear Rate can convert your line in 1-3 business days. Customers requesting new service can expect their lines to become active in 1-5 business days.

What happens if I refer someone I know to Clear Rate Telephone Service?

Clear Rate Communications has great appreciation for our customers that tell their family and friends about our service. Unlike other phone companies, Clear Rate Communications shows their appreciation for word-of-mouth advertising by giving a Refer-A-Friend and Refer-A-Business credit to our valued customers.

• How the Refer-A-Friend credit works: If you have Clear Rate Unlimited Local & Long Distance phone service and you refer a friend or family member and they sign up for an Unlimited Calling Plan, you will receive a $25.00 credit once they mention your name, have been an active customer for thirty days, and paid their first invoice. The person whom you referred will also receive a $25.00 credit on their first bill. Both accounts must be active to receive the credit.
• The Refer-A-Business credit works in the exact same way, except the credits are even bigger. If you send a business account to Clear Rate and they sign up for any of the Unlimited Business Plans, you get a $15.00 credit on your next bill for every unlimited line they sign up! So referring a friend who operates a business to Clear Rate Communications will get you a large credit on your bill. And don’t forget the business gets the same credit on their bill!

How will I know my phone number has been switched to Clear Rate?

Most customers can begin enjoying Clear Rate telephone service in only 24 hours. You may call Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799 and one of our Customer Care representatives will be happy to update you on your current order status.

Will I lose service when my line is converted to Clear Rate?

No. Your phone service will not be interrupted when you convert to Clear Rate Communications. The process of switching the service from your previous carrier is seamless to the customer.

Do I need to call my current phone carrier and cancel with them?

No. You will not need to contact your current phone carrier when you switch to Clear Rate Communications. We will alert both your local & long distance carriers electronically of your change in telephone providers. If you continue to receive new charges from your previous carrier, feel free to contact Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799.

Will I get any more bills from my previous phone carrier?

Yes. You should receive one final bill from your previous telephone carrier within 30 days of switching to Clear Rate Communications. In rare cases, your previous phone provider may continue to bill you inadvertently and may require additional notification that you have made a change in your telephone service provider. If you have any billing issues with your previous carriers, please contact Clear Rate Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799 and we will be pleased to resolve the matter.

How is my billing due date determined? Can I change my monthly due date?

We operate our billing on a 30-day billing cycle, starting from your first day of service with Clear Rate Communications. Your invoice is printed and mailed to you on the first day of each 30-day cycle, and the due date is approximately three weeks later.

If you need to change your due date, please contact Customer Care Department at 1.877.877.4799. You will be sent a bill pro-rated for the number of days of service between your old due date and your new due date. This will change your next billing cycle to the due date you request.

Effective August 17, 2021 we will increase the paper invoice fee by $1.90 for all customers receiving mailed paper invoices. The entire charge can be avoided by signing up for electronic billing at https://www.clearrate.com/ebill/ or call us at 877-877-4799 for additional assistance.

I’m moving. What do I need to do to move my phone service?

If you wish to move your service to a new address, please contact Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799. Most move orders complete within 1-5 business days, and there is a one-time fee of $59.00. The order will confirm working service at the telephone box, also known as the Network Interface device (NID), at the new location.

It is the property/homeowner’s responsibility to ensure inside wiring is properly connected to the NID in order to provide working service inside of the home. If additional work is needed to install/repair the inside wiring of the home, Clear Rate can schedule an appointment to have an Inside Wiring Technician come to your location. Inside Wire repairs are billed to the customer at $119.00 per hour (plus materials) with a minimum of one hour. To schedule an appointment, please contact Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799.

***Note*** Line Manager does not cover installation, or repair of pre-existing inside wire problems at the new location

If you are moving to an area we do not currently service, unfortunately you may not be able to keep your Clear Rate telephone service. To confirm our serviceable area, contact Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799. If you are moving to an area that is not covered by Clear Rate, you will need to contact Clear Rate to disconnect your line.

Who is Clear Rate Communications?

Clear Rate Communications is a full service telecommunications provider with its corporate headquarters located in Troy, Michigan.

Who are some of Clear Rate’s Business Customers?

Clear Rate serves many businesses in the Public & Private Sector. This includes Government, School Districts, Colleges, Banks & Financial Institutions, Car Dealerships, Medical Facilities, Manufacturers, Hotels and many other industries.

How long has Clear Rate been providing Voice, Internet and Data service?

Clear Rate has been providing service to residential and business customers for over 10 years and has been in business since 2001.

How can Clear Rate provide Voice, Internet and Data service at a lower cost than the local phone company?

In some cases, Clear Rate will bypass the local phone company facilities completely. In other cases, Clear Rate will lease only one network element referred to as the “local loop” from the local phone company, which they are required to lease due to deregulation. All or most of the network elements are provided by Clear Rate via a SONET-Based fiber-optic network. This allows Clear Rate to provide extremely reliable service at very competitive rates.

Is Clear Rate just reselling Voice, Internet and Data service like other providers do?

No. Clear Rate provides service using its own network, fiber equipment, routers, switching facilities and equipment. Clear Rate is directly connected to the public telephone network and the 911 emergency systems. Many companies will buy all Voice, Internet and Data services wholesale and sell the service as their own which can lead to long repair and service change delays.

What makes Clear Rate service reliable?

The Fiber network, equipment and back-up systems Clear Rate uses are compliant with FCC standards for back-up power and redundancy. Our network has redundant Generator and HVAC systems that are monitored 24/7, receive regularly scheduled physical inspection and proactive maintenance to ensure continued operation even in extended power outages.

What are the main benefits of purchasing integrated Voice, Internet and Data service?

Integrated Voice, Internet and Data service provides reliable Business-Class service. Repair issues are uncommon and when they do occur, they have a repair interval of 4-hours on average.

How long will it take to install our business service?

Standard installation is complete in 2-3 weeks after a signed agreement is received. We can schedule installation dates earlier or later than this to accommodate various customer needs.

Will I see a local phone technician or a Clear Rate Technician?

It depends on the solution. In many cases a local phone technician will install the local loop and a Clear Rate technician will install equipment and test your service prior to service turn-up.

Do I have to buy any special equipment?

No. Our equipment will work with virtually any phone system or customer-owned equipment.

Does Clear Rate provide any equipment?

Yes. Clear Rate will provide integrated access equipment and a power spike cube (a one-socket power strip to protect the Clear Rate equipment from power spikes).

Is there any downtime?

Yes. Downtime is typically less than 10 minutes on the day we transfer service. We conduct all work before the day of the service transfer, which minimizes downtime.

Can I transfer all of my existing phone numbers?

Yes, as well as add new telephone numbers.

If I select an unlimited calling plan, are there any calls I would be charged for?

Yes. There is a charge associated with International calling, Directory-Assistance calls and customer-owned toll-free calls (incoming). Your local and domestic long-distance in the lower 48 states are free.

Who do I call if there is a service issue?

Please contact Clear Rate Repair at 1-866-366-4665 for any repair issues.

Is electronic billing and reporting available?

Yes. You can sign-up here on the website to view your account and service electronically. Additionally, you can pull call usage reports.

What does “local access” mean?

Local Access is telephone service that provides calling within the immediate area around your home, as is commonly called “Local Service”. To find out what calls are within your local access area, please click here.

What is a LATA?

LATA stands for “Local Access Transport Area” and is a designated geographical area where the Local Exchange Carriers provide long distance calling service. These areas are often called “local-toll” or “regional toll” calling areas.” The United States is divided into 198 LATA’s.

IntraLATA refers to calls made within your area code that are still considered long distance to you.

InterLATA refers to calls made outside your area code that are considered long distance to you.

What is a LEC?

LEC stands for Local Exchange Carrier and refers to a local telephone company that provides local services and intralata long distance service.

What is a RBOC?

RBOC stands for Regional Bell Operating Companies. These are companies that were divested from AT&T in 1984. These companies are also known as “Baby Bell” companies and are considered ILEC’s. Today they include AT&T, Verizon, Frontier, and CenturyLink. They provide local telephone services to the majority of users in most states.

What is an ILEC?

ILEC stands for Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier. These are companies that were providers of local telephone services prior to deregulation in 1996. This includes companies such as Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell, U S WEST, GTE, Sprint, SNET, and many smaller companies.

What is a CLEC?

CLEC stands for Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. They are local telephone companies that compete with the main local phone company. They may be resellers of a facilities-based or other provider or they may provide their own facilities. Clear Rate Communications is considered a CLEC.

What are the different charges on my phone bill?

Bills for residential and business customers for LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) services include a variety of the following elements.

• Recurring fixed charges for lines, trunks, and optional features
• Usage charges for Local Calling and Extended Local Calling.
• Usage charges for Long Distance Calling.
• Usage charges for Directory Assistance, operator, and information services.
• Charges for directory advertising.
• Non-recurring charges associated with installation, change of services, and rate changes.
• Taxes, surcharges, and fees imposed

In addition, your local provider may function as a billing agent for other companies such as long distance providers, directory listing companies, internet providers, and more. In such cases, the charges from those companies will be included on a separate section of your local telephone bill. Clear Rate generally bans most 3rd party billing to protect customers against unwanted and unauthorized charges from other companies.

What is DID?

Direct-Inward-Dialing refers to a feature of business lines that enables dialing directly from outside telephones to internal station numbers without an attendant’s assistance. This is accomplished via special trunks and customer-owned phone equipment.

How do I know if I’m getting the best rates?

You can be almost certain you’re not currently getting the best rates – at least, not with every call. In today’s world of highly competitive telecommunications most companies have rates and service offerings that change based upon the time of day, between peak and non-peak hours. Clear Rate Communications offers a solution to traditional long distance charges with a simple and clear fee service agreement – just 4.9 cents a minute, anytime, anywhere, that’s it!

Select one of our unlimited calling plans to receive unlimited local, local-tool, and long distance calling to the continental United States (not including Alaska and Hawaii).

My rates are higher than they’re supposed to be — what should I do?

In order for Clear Rate to bill you on the plan you agreed to, every telephone line that has long distance calling must have a Primary Inter-exchange Carrier, Clear Rate, assigned to that line. Your local telephone company should have the same carrier information in their database. If both of these conditions are not met, your calls will be billed by your local service provider or another carrier and could be at a much higher rate.

If you have Clear Rate’s local and long distance services, we will assign the appropriate Primary Inter-exchange Carrier (PIC) to your line so you do not have to worry about receiving bills from any other carrier.

What does “intralata” and “interlata” mean?

Intralata refers to calls between two points that are within the same LATA, or Local Access Transport Area. It also refers to local-toll or regional long distance. LATAs are usually within a single state. Clear Rate charges the same rate for intralata and interlata calling.

Interlata refers to calls between points in different LATAs. “Inter” is a prefix meaning “between” and LATA is an area or region. Interlata is also known as long distance calling. Such calls may be within the state or state-to-state.

What’s the difference between “intrastate” and “interstate?”

Intrastate refers to calls between two points that are within the same state. Such may include both intralata and interlata calls and rates may be different for each. Interstate refers to calls between points in different states. Such may include both intralata and interlata calls.

How can I tell what my billing increments are?

Service providers may apply different billing increments to different plans. Billing increments are variable units of time measured in minutes or seconds for billing purposes. Billing increments make a difference, especially with shorter calls. To find out what billing increments are applied to your plan, you can call your service provider or review your bill.

• 60-second billing increments are rounded up to the nearest minute and usually adds an average of about 30 extra seconds for each call.
• Six-second billing increments are rounded up to the nearest six seconds. Six seconds is 0.1 minute and is one of shortest billing increments available. With the rounding up, this usually adds about 3 seconds to each call. Six-second billing increments will reduce the total billed time by 10% – 15%, as compared to 60-second billing increments.

What is a T1?

T1 is a high-speed digital telephone line that can accommodate up to 24 lines or trunks. This type of service transfers signals at 1.544 megabits per second. It may be used in place of separate local trunks and lines from the local telephone company. Optical fibers may be used for all or part of the circuit path. Clear Rate can provide T1 services that connect directly with our switch and bypass your local telephone company. T1’s require a four-wire circuit between the user location and the service provider’s central office. There may be other special equipment required to work with telephone or data systems.

Should I consider a T1?

T1’s major advantage is economic. If you need at least 10 or more voice-grade channels that connect to your local or long distance service provider, or if you have need for high-capacity data bandwidth (256 kbps to 1.544 mbps), a T1 may cost less than alternative means of access. It is important to keep in mind that while the initial costs for equipment and installation are higher than standard phone lines, T1’s can be the most cost effective alternative to standard phone lines over an extended period of time.

What are the different types of T1?

T1 service is available in several configuration and application variations, including:

• A Single Channel of 1.544 mbps capacity. Such T1s are usually used for a dedicated connection between data devices in separate locations, for connection between a user and a data carrier, or between a user and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• A Channelized T1 is multiplexed into separate channels. The most common variety creates 24 channels at 64-kbps that can be used for voice data connection to local and/or long distance service providers and ISPs.

What are the various costs associated with T1?

• Fixed monthly charges may consist of service, CO termination, multiplexer functions, and access coordination.
• Installation charges
• Port charges for access to service providers
• Local loop charges based on the distance between you and the service provider’s central office.
• Usage charges may also apply.
• Equipment may include a “smart jack” network interface, a CSU/DSU, and a channel bank or multiplexer or DS1 card in the equipment utilizing the T1.

Associated charges would also include local, long distance, data or Internet service.

What is an ISP?

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. These companies offer Web Hosting services, domain names, E-mail and Internet access.

What is an IP address?

A code made up of numbers that identifies computers and other digital devices connected to a network using Internet Protocol (IP), allowing them to pinpoint and communicate with other devices on the network.

Why is toll free service so popular?

Toll free numbers – 800/888/877/866-NXX-XXXX (where N is a digit between 2 and 9 and X is a digit between 0 and 9) – allow callers to reach businesses or individuals without being charged for the call. The charge for using a toll free number is paid by the called party instead of the calling party (the called party is called the toll free subscriber).

In today’s world, toll-free numbers have become commonplace. Toll-free service has proven successful to businesses, particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing, because the service provides potential customers and other persons with a “free” and convenient means of contacting those businesses.

Toll-free numbers are also increasingly popular for personal use. For example, parents can give their toll-free number to their child away at college, enabling that child to call home anytime without having to make a collect call and without the child having to pay for the call.

Other reasons why toll free numbers are popular are because it is a way to attract new customers for any business and helps to build customer loyalty. It is also a good way to assist traveling employees.

Brief History of Toll Free

800 numbers were developed in the late 1960s by AT&T as a convenient way for businesses to pay the tolls for their customers who contacted them. As the service became more popular, toll free subscribers began finding new and innovative uses for the service. For example, mail order companies used toll free numbers to accept phone orders.

By the mid 1980s, when the Bell system was dismantled by the Justice Department, there were over 3 million 800 numbers in service by AT&T, and new long distance carriers were clamoring to provide 800 service. These carriers were assigned blocks of 800 numbers with common NXX codes, so, if you wanted to use service of a particular long distance carrier, you could only be assigned a number within the blocks of numbers assigned to that carrier. Thus, if a subscriber wanted to change long distance carriers, the subscriber would have to change toll free numbers. The numbers were not “portable.”

To create a more competitive toll free market, the FCC established the policy that is in place today: toll free numbers are “portable.” That is, a toll free subscriber may change his toll free service to another carrier, but he does not have to change his toll free number.

Toll Free Codes – 800, 888, 877, 866, 855

The introduction of toll free number portability helped propel the toll-free market. Within 18 months of the introduction of number portability very few of the 7 million 800 numbers were left for new subscribers. The telecommunications industry chose 888 as the next toll free code, introducing about 8 million new numbers to the toll free pool. The industry then introduced 877 numbers as the 888 numbers neared depletion. Thus, today, there are four toll free codes, 800, 866, 877, and 888. The industry plans to introduce 855, and other codes for toll-free calling as current toll free codes near depletion.

It should be noted that, while 800, 866, 877, and 888 are all toll free codes, they are not interchangeable. 1-800-123-4567 is not the same as 1-877-123-4567. Calls to each toll free number are routed to a particular phone number, although calls to different toll free numbers may be routed to the same local phone number.

Toll free directory assistance for all toll free codes is currently provided by AT&T and can be obtained by calling 1-800-555-1212. The Commission plans to address how to promote competition among multiple providers of directory assistance. In the meantime, it has required that all 555 numbers in the 888 area code, (888-555-XXXX numbers), remain unavailable for allocation.

How Are Toll-Free Numbers Allocated?

All toll free numbers are stored in a single computerized database, the SMS/800. Each toll free number has a “status” in the database, such as “reserved,” “assigned,” “working,” or “disconnected.” Toll free numbers that are available for assignment to subscribers are designated as “spare.”

Spare toll free numbers are assigned to subscribers on a first- come, first-served basis. Toll-free service providers are certified by the SMS/800 database administrator as “Responsible Organizations” (Resp. Orgs). Only Resp. Orgs have access to the SMS/800 database.

How Can I Get a “Vanity” Number?

A vanity number is a toll free telephone number that also spells a person or company’s name, a word, or acronym chosen by the subscriber. For example, 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS. To find out the status of a specific toll free number, contact Clear Rate’s Customer Care Team.

I have Verizon local service and have not been able to switch before. How can Clear Rate offer me service?

Other companies choose not to operate in the Verizon or Frontier territories simply because the access rates are higher in rural areas. Clear Rate believes that every consumer should have a choice when it comes to local telephone service.

Wouldn’t it be cheaper to go directly to a major carrier?

No. Larger service providers, also called “major carriers”, spend millions of dollars on their marketing and national advertising campaigns. This cost is passed along to you in the form of higher rates. The biggest cost to a long distance carrier is marketing, as it is far more expensive to acquire customers than to deliver calls. Clear Rate has grown primarily through word of mouth. We simply ask members to share their experiences. This allows us to offer the lowest costs in the industry.

How does Clear Rate offer such low rates?

Clear Rate is an independent telecommunications service provider. We do not have the high advertising costs of a major carrier, so we pass along the savings to our customers. It also allows us to spend our money to provide better service. Clear Rate utilizes a 100% fiber-optic network which is the world’s first integrated global IP-based network, and has approximately 100,000 route miles, reaching 27 countries and more than 200 major cities. This network is the world’s farthest reaching global network (based on company-owned POPs) and spans more than 4,500 Points of Presence (POPs) throughout the world, with 2.2 million global dial modems and high-capacity connections to more than 102,000 active buildings. The global IP network can circle the globe more than four times. The expansive IP footprint, coupled with its direct interconnections, exceeds all other competitor networks and enables its business customers and ISPs to reach more destinations directly through the global IP backbone.

How much will it cost to switch my service?

If you are switching both local and long distance service and are not in a contract with your current carrier, there is no cost to you. Clear Rate pays for everything and even notifies your previous carriers for you. Contact your carrier with questions regarding contract status.

How will I know if I’m switched to Clear Rate?

Just call (toll free) 1-700-555-2055 and listen for “Clear Rate.” Or, you may call Customer Care at 1-877-877-4799 and one of our Customer Care representatives will be happy to assist you.

Under what name will the charges appear on my phone bill?

Clear Rate Communications, Inc. Customers will receive a statement directly from Clear Rate.

What are the billing increments or cycles?

Long Distance calls are measured, and billed, in 6-second increments. The minimum length of each call is 18 seconds. For Local and unlimited calling packages, the first day you are switched to Clear Rate is the first day of your billing cycle. Your first bill will be for 30 days of service & will be due roughly three weeks after the date your service is switched to us.

What does it mean to be “billed in 6-second increments” and does this save me money?

A 6-second increment means that if you talk on the phone for 6 seconds, you pay for exactly 6 seconds. If you talk for 7 seconds, you pay for 12 seconds, and so on. Normally, phone calls are billed in 60-second increments, meaning that you are charged for a full minute of time even if you use only a fraction of the minute.

When does Clear Rate send me a bill?

Calls are billed monthly and invoices are sent out by direct mail. For Local customers, your bill will be sent after your service is transferred.

If I’ve never signed up for a calling plan, what happens when I make a long distance call?

If you don’t remember ever signing up for a long distance plan, chances are you’re using a standard-rate long distance plan. Much of the calling public still pays standard direct-dial rates when calling long distance from their office or home. These rates tend to be the highest in the industry. In fact, 60 percent of Americans have basic long distance service and are losing $2 billion a year in savings, according to the United Homeowners Association.

To sign up for an unlimited long distance calling plan, contact Clear Rate Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799

What is a PIC freeze?

A PIC freeze prevents slamming or an unauthorized switch of services. If you have a primary inter-exchange carrier (PIC) freeze on your phone number carriers cannot make changes without your permission. To activate or deactivate a PIC freeze, send written notification to Clear Rate or simply contact Customer Care at 1.877.877.4799.

Calling Patterns

When assessing your local or long distance service, you must consider your calling patterns. If your peak calling time is during a period of the day when your current long distance plan charges a high rate, you will be able to save money with Clear Rate’s anytime-anywhere flat 4.9 cents a minute service or you may take advantage of one of our Unlimited calling plans.

Does Clear Rate make me use the Internet (Voice over IP) or dial-around numbers (800) with PINs to connect my calls?

No, not at this time. Many other service providers offering “unbelievably” low rates make their predominately residential customers use confusing 800 dial-around numbers before making a call. Or, they insist on their customers using their home computer and the Internet (Voice over IP) for poor quality, unreliable long distance service.

How do I know if Clear Rate is registered or approved to provide telecommunications service?

We are registered and licensed to provide phone service within the States of California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. We are also regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.