The Added Benefits of Switched Long Distance

Continuing with the example of purchasing a car, consumers first shop around. They identify their needs. Are they single, or do they need to drive their kids around? What is the purpose of purchasing this vehicle? Is it a work vehicle, or a personal item? Next consumers tend to align their needs with possible solutions. They do research checking the quality and longevity of the car and read consumer reports about the make model they are looking at.

Extensive research is done because vehicles are expensive. Consumers want to make sure they receive the best "bang for their buck." The same should be true when shopping around for long distance services. While it does not require the most in-depth purchase decision, it is important to take time and identify your needs. Enabling the best quality connections at the most affordable prices.

Over the past few years domestic long distance charges have pretty much been eliminated. Due to nationwide cell phone plans and VoIP systems, rarely do consumers ever pay per minute charges on domestic long distance calls. The bulk of long distance charges today, is international long distance. In fact, the average newly come immigrant spends about sixty dollars per month on calling services for the first few years. Calling cards provide a prepaid interface, eliminating the surprise of a large phone bill, and also provide low rate calling. Far cheaper then switched long distance, speaking in terms of specifically rates.

Switched long distance can be defined as a permanent post or prepaid long distance plan. Switched plans are applied to landlines. Meaning residential or business phones. These plans are not available for cell phones. It is called switched long distance, because upon dialing the destination number, the phone immediately connects to a switch, connecting the call. Differing from phone cards, which require an access number before dialing the destination number.

Sixty dollars per month in long distance spending, equals 720 dollars per year! Looking at it from that perspective, it would seem selecting the best calling services should be a more high involvement decision. Again, using the example of purchasing a car, let’s assume the average consumer purchases a new car every five years. Multiplying the average one-year spending on calling, times five years, equals 3,600 dollars. Nearly as much as money people spend on their first car. And on average, more then consumers spend on televisions in five years.

Putting international long distance calling in perspective, using the amount people actually spend per year and over a few years, the importance of selecting the right service is evident. Most people prefer calling cards because of their great low rates to countries worldwide; yet their downfalls are unforeseen. Equalizing the difference spent on calling cards compared to a traditional switched long distance service.

Calling cards are discount services. They provider a cheaper way of making long distance calls. However, many calling cards on the market are dishonest and have shortcomings. Some cards state a particular rate to a certain destination, and not long after first using the card, all the minutes have expired. Other common problems result from inability to connect to your destination. Calling to Ukraine is a prime example. Discount calling services (phone cards) receive less of a priority then regular contractual services. Meaning they are less apt to connect to a destination. In the case of Ukraine, finding a connection to certain destinations is difficult. Resulting from a poor telecom infrastructure and common thievery of copper wire. A calling card may take several tries to connect or may not connect at all. Resulting in quickly depleting the card. Many calling cards also have expiration dates. Minutes generally last in increments of 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days or one year. Unused minutes will be inaccessible after the expiration date, resulting in a loss of airtime.

The above reasons are persuasive arguments for purchasing switched long distance for high quality connections; the best bang for your buck. Using switched long distance will provide a high quality voice connection. Phone calls will be connected on the first try and calls are rarely lost or dropped. Switched long distance users never have to worry about their minutes expiring, or receiving bogus surcharges, such as connection fees, maintenance fees, etc. Using a long distance plan also provides ease of use. Simply pick up the phone and dial. Unlike a calling card, which requires dialing an access number, followed by a PIN and destination number. PINs can be up to 15 digits long, making them difficult to remember. Many advanced calling cards have adapted a PIN-less dialing system. However, still require an access number. Reaching your destination number via a phone card may take several minutes as opposed to long distance plans where you can pick up the phone and dial. Connection time takes only a few seconds.

It is important to match your needs to an appropriate plan. If you frequently call to a specific region, it would behoove you to choose a plan that provides adequate low rate calling to this area. Pay attention to the billing increments offered. Some companies offer 1 minute, while others offer as low as 6 seconds. Most long distance plans do not require a minimum usage. However, inspect the plan details before you commit. Know what you are signing up for!

There are almost as many long distance plans available as there are calling cards. It is important to take the time and select a long distance plan that will provide the most benefit to you. Remember, using a long distance plan will provide better, connections, reliability and quality when placing your calls. Strictly speaking in terms of rates, a calling card will provide lower rate calling. However, factoring in all charges, billing increments and other stipulations of calling cards, it might be cheaper to just use the higher quality service, switched long distance. Additionally doing a cost/benefit analysis will prove that there is more added benefit for your dollar with switched long distance then using calling cards.