Why You Should Consider Switching to a Local Phone Service Provider

Local phone service enables you to call people and businesses in your calling area. Many local phone companies also offer optional plans and features to help you save money or meet your needs.

Choosing the best local telephone provider can be confusing. Here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping around.

Competitive Pricing

Local phone service providers offer a variety of plans with different features. These plans can include caller ID (a read-out on your digital telephone’s screen showing the source of an incoming call), three-way calling, and call forwarding. Local phone service providers may also have special calling programs to save low-income subscribers money on their landline service. These programs often require that you receive benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, Energy Assistance, and Work First Family Assistance.

Most local telephone companies are small businesses providing local exchange phone service in their communities. Before deregulation, local telephone companies also provided PBX (Private Branch Exchange) services for local businesses. The rise of cell phones and digital subscriber line Internet service has created new roles for local phone companies. For instance, most phone service in Arkansas sells bundled packages, including cable or Internet services and their local phone service. You can save money by signing up for a multi-service plan instead of paying each service separately. When selecting a provider, ensure you get the complete breakdown of all charges on your bill. This total should include regulated local phone charges, optional local calling plans, features like call waiting and forwarding, and all associated taxes, fees, credits, and charges. 

Better Customer Service

Local service providers operate face-to-face with customers and can build trust through consistent performance. Tier 1 telecoms, on the other hand, come across as faceless entities that don’t care when problems occur or are unwilling to own up to their mistakes. Local telephone service providers offer a more personalized customer experience and can respond to clients’ needs much quicker than larger telecommunications companies. As a result, they can often provide a better customer service experience, making them a good option for businesses needing to connect with their customers quickly.

Typically, when customers switch to a local phone service provider, they can keep their same phone number and continue to be listed in the telephone directory. However, if you have special circumstances that you need to address, you should discuss these with your new local telephone service provider before signing up for their services.

Depending on the phone company, you may need to change your wiring or cabling in your home to accommodate the new service provider’s equipment. You should always get these details in writing before committing to any provider to know what you’re getting into and how you can be accommodated. Some local providers can also freeze direct-dialed long-distance calls on your line, which is useful for clients who want to restrict their ability to make toll-free or dial-around calls.

Better Coverage

Local phone service providers can offer better coverage than national or international companies. Traditionally, local telephone services were provided by small companies in given towns and cities. Calls outside the local area were patched through long-distance networks until deregulation. Since 1996, however, local telephone companies are no longer required to be affiliated with a regional Bell operating company.

When shopping for local telephone service, ask for a price list that includes all fees, surcharges, and taxes. These should be shown in promotional materials and can significantly increase the cost of a service package. Some companies also offer bundled packages with other services such as Internet, wireless, and cable or satellite television. If you take advantage of a bundled offer, ask for a detailed breakdown of the applicable rates, and be sure to compare the total bill to the rates offered individually.

By asking to freeze your account, you can prevent providers from switching your local and long-distance service provider without your written consent. This will require you to sign a form each time you want to change your provider. This can help protect you from unscrupulous telemarketers who might get you to verbally authorize a provider switch under pretenses. If you have a freeze on your account and your local telephone service provider is switched to another company without your approval, contact the original company to dispute the charge.

More Options

Many local phone service providers offer various services and plans to fit the needs of their customers. Often they bundle features for a discount. However, it is important to find out what the total bill will be before you sign up. Ask each carrier for a price list or tariffs to get an accurate idea of the costs. The rates should include all taxes and fees so you know exactly what you are paying. That should be a red flag if they can’t or won’t provide this information.

Another thing to consider when choosing a local provider is whether you can keep your current telephone number when switching service providers. You can do this in most areas as long as the same local exchange serves your new location that your existing line uses. However, you will need to make sure that your new wireless phone can use the networks of both your old and new phone service providers.