7. PICC: PICC (Pre-subscribed Interexchange Carrier Charge) is a Federally mandated charge that every business line customer must pay based on the number of and types of phone lines. The PICC varies between carriers but in no circumstance should you pay more than $4.50 per line.
8. USF Fee: USF (Universal Service Fund) is a fee on certain long distance services to offset a company's mandatory payment into the Federal Universal Service Fund. You will be charged a USF fee on state-to-state and international calls only. A small business long distance carrier cannot legally charge a USF fee on your in-state long distance calls. The USF fee varies between long distance carriers but in no circumstance should you pay more than 10% for the USF. Read more about the USF at the FCC website.
9. Calling Cards: If you or your staff will be using a calling card, make sure you know what the per minute rate is and what the charge is for using the calling card from a payphone. If there is a connection charge for the card it will apply for any call that connects even to a pager, cell phone, voice mail, etc.
When giving cards to employees, it's a good idea to use the calling card issued to you from your small business long distance carrier and not use a pre-paid card. Using a pre-paid card will not provide you with a paper statement to see when the card was used and whether the card was used for business purposes.
10. International Business Calls: Call a land-line phone instead of calling to a cell phone. Overseas carriers have been increasing the charge to call a mobile device and then passing on the rate increase to the carriers in the United States.
The per minute rate to an international mobile device can be 3 to 4 times higher than calling to a land-line phone. These International/Special Services charges can apply to overseas calls to pagers and military bases. If you make only a few international calls a month and your long distance plan has a high international rate, consider using a dial around number (10-10 number).
Have complaints? Mistakes can happen occasionally, even with the best local and long distance phone service providers. Immediately contact the carrier and report any problem. In some situations, you will have to contact your local phone provider. If you have gone through every channel possible and your problem is still not resolved, there are agencies where you can file a formal complaint.
When it's time for your business to switch long distance, take the time to compare various carrier plans and don't allow any salesperson talk you into something that you don't need. A good rep will want to make sure you understand everything about the calling plan you are considering, so ask questions and expect satisfactory answers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest Writer: David Woods of Business Long Distance Plans
