For some companies, choosing a long distance service simply becomes a matter of finding the best price. The highly competitive nature of this industry ensures that better rates can almost always be found.

Unfortunately, the carriers do not make it all that easy to compare offerings. Although all carriers work on a basic per minute rate charge, each tinkers with how they are billed.

Sales reps will often quote their lowest rates as a proxy for their entire calling program, conveniently omitting mention of different rates for calls to distant locations or during prime time hours.

Additional factors make a kiwi to kiwi comparison even more difficult. Monthly charges, varying minimum call lengths and volume discounts can increase or decrease your final bill fairly significantly.

In the end, though, long distance service can be fairly cheap. Almost any business should be able to obtain rates of 14¢-15¢ per minute. Firms that regularly call more than 20,000+ minutes per month, should be able to find rates of 12¢-13¢ per minute. At these levels, it can make sense to consider signing up for dedicated service, where even lower rates are available.

Switching long distance carriers is as easy as calling the company of your choice and specifying which program you wish to join. If you are hesitant to switch all your phone lines to an unfamiliar carrier, you may want to try switching a few lines as a test. If you are satisfied with the service and savings, you can then switch over your remaining lines.

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