May 15, 2003

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) warns consumers that calls placed with an older calling card may cost more than they realize. Calls placed using an older calling card or a newer card that is not covered by a calling plan can be very expensive. To determine if your calling card is current and included in a rate plan, contact the telephone company that issued the card and ask what rates you are being charged. If you've had the same calling card for a long period of time, the card may no longer be recognized by or included in a rate plan offered by the company that issued the card. This could result in calls being charged at higher “casual calling” rates. You may want to contact your local or long-distance telephone company to obtain a new calling card at better rates.

When you request a calling card, or if you are offered one when you sign up for long distance service, be sure to ask what rate you will be charged when using that card. The rates charged when using calling cards are different from the rates charged for in‑state or out-of-state long distance calls made from home. You should consider the pros and cons of various calling card rate plans based on the number of calls you expect to make with your calling card. For example, if you seldom use your calling card, you may not want to use a calling card that requires a minimum monthly usage or has a monthly fee, even if the plan has low per-minute rates.

Currently, the most economical way to call when away from home is by using a prepaid calling card. Some prepaid calling cards have rates as low as 2.9 cents per minute, while most traditional calling cards charge much higher rates even if the card is associated with your current long-distance calling plan.

For more information on calling cards, consumers can obtain a copy of the Maine PUC’s brochure “Calling Card Tips” by contacting the PUC’s Consumer Assistance Hotline by phone (800/452-4699 or TTY Relay 800/437-1220), e-mail maine.puc@maine.gov, facsimile (207/287-1039), or by visiting the Maine PUC Website at www.state.me.us/mpuc.

In addition, the Public Advocate’s Ratewatcher Phone Guide provides specific recommendations to help you find low-cost calling services. The guide is available on‑line at www.maine.gov/meopa or by calling 287-2445 for a free subscription.

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