How to Change Long Distance Telephone Services
There are a variety of different long distance telephone companies available. Consumers have the right to choose a different long distance company than the company who offers their local phone service. Switching long distance phone providers is easy and can often save the consumer money.
- Contact the phone company that you currently receive long distance service from to determine the rates that you are currently paying for long distance service. Write this information down so that you can easily compare rates of other long distance companies.
- Perform an Internet search using the keywords "long distance phone service," along with the name of the city and state where you live. This will pull up long distance carriers that service the area where you live.
- Visit each of the long distance companies websites to determine the different plans that are offered as well as the rates of the services to determine which long distance provider offers the service plan that you need at the most affordable rate.
- Click on the "Contact Us" link of the long distance company that offers the best rates and write down the customer service phone number.
- Call the long distance provider using the phone number from their website and let them know that you would like to change the long distance provider for the home or office you are calling in regard to.
- Provide the customer service representative with a name, address, phone number and Social Security number along with information about the current long distance carrier being used.
- Discuss rates and service plans to be sure that you are choosing the best plan available for the lowest rate that suits the needs of the household or business you are calling about.
- Wait until the designated start date to begin using the new long distance service. The new service provider will need to contact the old service provider to get the service switched over. This can sometimes take up to a week.