CUB calls for savings on telephone bills

Program presents tips for hanging up on high bills

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

By JOHN R. PULLIAM

The Register-Mail

GALESBURG - About 50 people interested in lowering their telephone bills attended the 12th stop on the Citizens Utility Board's "Put Your Phone on a Diet" tour Tuesday at the Community Center.

Dave Kolata, the executive director of CUB, said there are many ways to save on phone bills. He said to be careful when it comes to flat rate calling plans.

"The advertised price is almost never the price you see on your bill," Kolata said. "When you see a price of $49.95, it's probably more like $60 or $70."

Kolata said flat rate plans are only a good idea for high-volume phone users.

He said to shop around for something few people are even familiar with, local toll calls. Kolata said these calls are made to people an average of 15 to 40 miles away. He said in this area, some of those calls cost as much as 26 cents per minute, more expensive than some calls to Europe.

"Because your local toll rates are so high, you should definitely look into purchasing a phone card," Kolata said. "We've seen rates as low (with a phone card) as 3 cents a minute. Yes, you have to dial more numbers, but you can end up saving a lot of money."

"Big is not necessarily better when it comes to phone companies," Kolata said, explaining that AT and T, Sprint and other large companies do not always offer the most reasonable rates.

Many of those in attendance at the Community Center were senior citizens.

"Maybe you make only one (long distance) call a month," Kolata said, explaining many are probably paying $15 monthly for that privilege. He suggested getting a calling card or a cell phone.

"Sometimes their long distance service is almost free or free," Kolata said of cell phone companies. "We found people who saved $45 to $50 a month."

The inside wire maintenance plan is something Kolata said is almost always unnecessary. He said the plan usually costs about $4 a month.

"It's very rare that there is any problem," Kolata said. "A typical house only has a problem once in every 30 to 40 years."

"They scare you into getting that," one woman in the audience said.

"The phone companies often push those programs quite heavily," Kolata agreed. "The reason is they make a lot of money off of it."

Kolata said there also are some real bargains.

"Here's a rule that's a little more positive," he said. "Sometimes, there is a free lunch in phone service. The only caveat is you have to listen to a short advertisement."

Kolata said calling 411, or 555-1212, for directory information can be expensive. He said there are three services that are free of charge: 1-800-FREE-411, 1-800-411-METRO, and 1-800-411-SAVE.

Kolata added, "You should always feel free to call CUB," which has operators on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is (800) 669-5556. The Web site is www.citizensutilityboard.org.

Kolata said the future of telephones will be different, with more service provided by wireless Internet technology.

"There are companies that now offer phone service over the Internet," he said. "The future of phone service should be more and more services" at more reasonable prices.

After the presentation, representatives from CUB were available to look at phone bills people had brought in and make money-saving suggestions.

Directory Assistance

Three services offer directory assistance free of charge.

- 1-800-FREE-411

- 1-800-METRO

- 1-800-411-SAVE