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Long Distance Providers

Long distance phone service is offered by many companies. You should have a basic understanding of long distance calls and then choose the company that best suites your needs.

Once you switch long distance providers, it will take several days to activate your service. Your service will only be activated on the one particular line and not on any of your cell phones. Once the service is activated, you can make direct long distance calls from only that phone line.

If you need instant access consider using a prepaid calling card. Calling cards work from any touch tone phone and require that you dial an access number and authorization code (PIN) to use their service.

The switched long distance service uses different technology for establishing a connection to the destination number. This is the most reliable service that you can get, and usually the rates for this service are a little higher than those of calling cards.

A Third Party Verification (TPV) is required when signing up online. By dialing the number shown on the form, the TPV will record your voice granting permission to switch your long distance provider. This will act as an electronic signature for your long distance agreement.

It usually takes 3-4 business days to activate the service. This period may vary, depending on your local phone company and other factors. You will be given a 700 test number to dial from your line. There is usually a message, saying that your service is activated. The number and message vary by carrier and rate plan.

You may dial your long distance numbers directly one your service is activated. Your local phone company will not change and you continue to receive a bill for those services. In addition, you will receive a separate bill for your new long distance provider.

If you are running a business, you might want to go in for a toll free number. Toll free numbers allow the cost of a call to be charged to the party that receives the call. For the party that places the call, there will be no charge. Toll free numbers are usually used by businesses to allow their customers to reach the company free of toll charges.

A basic knowledge of what long distance providers offer can help you in choosing a service that meets your needs.