In these days of information overload I prefer to keep it quick
and brief in taking a simplistic look at what you need to know
when purchasing a prepaid phone card. The three basic factors to
consider when purchasing a prepaid phone card are; 1. The total
cost of using the card 2. Features offered by the card 3.
Reputation for the company selling the card
1. Let’s break these three factors down quickly. The total cost
of using the card includes the rate per minute for domestic or
international calling, and any additional fees or surcharges for
using the card. Generally speaking a lower rate per minute
typically increases the chances of a hidden surcharge. If the
rate per minute seems too good to be true it probably is.
However, rates per minute for making International calls can be
substantially lower when using a prepaid phone card. Calling
card marketing plans are very focused, so shop around and find
the best rate plan for your calling needs. Look for hidden
surcharges like connection fees, 3 minute rounding, and monthly
maintenance fees that all add to the total cost of using the
card.
2. Some calling cards today offer great features that make them
very convenient to use. They include Pin-less dialing, auto
recharge, and speed dial to name a few. Pin-less dialing allows
you to register your PIN, when you call back for future calls
the system recognizes your phone number or ANI in the phone
world, which allows you to make calls without entering your PIN
number. Auto recharge allows you to set up a pre determined
recharge on your card. I.E. at 2.00 recharge my card back to
$20.00 this way a call is never interrupted at an inconvenient
time. Speed dial allows you to register frequently called
numbers for quick convenient dialing.
3. There are many options today in buying prepaid calling cards.
With choice comes risk. Although I am somewhat biased as a
Product Manager for a major Telecommunications company I think
the reputation of the company you buy from is important. Many
companies come and go in this business. Shop the major Telecoms
as your basis for determining what is a good deal. Then ask
yourself is it worth the risk for this rate? Will this company
be in business next week? We see many companies offering cards
below our cost, and we sell them the time on our lines for the
long distance?? Generally speaking the major retailers that sell
cards use the major Telecommunications companies as the backbone
for the long distance time on the card. Shop around and find the
best plan for you and don’t forget the reputation for the
company. MCI offers great low rates on phone cards without
hidden fees. We offer features that make our cards easy to use.
Look for our cards at major retailers near you.
About the author:
Kevin McQueen, Product Marketing Manager for MCI
http://www.minutepass.com