AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise Hi, thanks for checking me out, I have several years in the telecom industry, working for Pacific Telephone,American Bell,AT&T,AT&T Communications,AT&T Information Systems, and Pacific Bell-SBC. I can answer most questions regarding Telephones,wiring,jacks,PBX, Local and Long Distance,Billing,Custom calling services, Customer Service,and Fraud. I can`t answer Cellular questions.
Question I live in southeast Houston, Texas. I would like to know the cheapest residential telephone service for my area. I pay 12.00 for my phone service, but they charge a tax that brings it to 35.00 a month. I do not have caller id, call waiting or 3 way. I do not like this phone service. It is called sage telecom. I think something is wrong. I chose them because they said 12.00 a month, without mentioning the taxes that would bring it to 35.00 a month. They do not include any free long distance either. Their plan just is not right for me. Please help, if you can. Thank you!
Answer Brandon, Although $35.00 a month sounds like alot, it is in keeping with normal rates. THE TAX is not a telephone company bonus, it's a fee paid to a government agency. You have several telephone providers serving your area, (most/all have to charge tax according to their tarrifs. I suggest you go on-line to: www.telecompare.com and check their listings and prices for different companys offering residential service to your area. I know of NO company that offers local telephone service with FREE long distance, unless you pay a premium (which counters the "free" service). Even with my "free" long distance by being an employee, I've never used my limit. If you make alot of long distance calls you may want to check into VOIP service, otherwise, I'd just go with the lowest reliable local provider, and see who offers the lowest cost per min. for long distance calls- it might even be your local telephone company! Spencer
