Cheap Phone Calls: A Comparison of Inexpensive Long Distance Plans

Many younger Americans don't even consider getting a land line these days, because their cell phone and internet connection provides all of the phone service that they need. There are some people who still enjoy the comfort and security of knowing that the land line is there if you need it. If you decide to keep a land line around, make sure you're getting a decent deal. There are some people with long distance plans that haven't changed in a decade. The competition is so fierce now that you can make long distance calls for just pennies a minute. Here are some of the services you have to choose between

Americom.com - This company charges just 3.9 cents per minute for state-to-state calling. There are no minimum requirements for usage, and the monthly fee is only 99 cents. New customers will start out with 100 free minutes.

American Telecom - You can talk for 4.9 cents a minute for state-to-state calls. There's no activation fee, or any monthly fees to speak of. To get more information, call 1-888-ITSGREAT

Big Red Wire - This company offers a great deal for calling in state. You only have to pay 2.6 cents per minute for those calls, but the rates vary on calls to other states. There's no minimum usage fees and no monthly fee. Members will also get $5.00 worth of calling to other Big Red Wire customers each month. You can find more information about their services at www.bigredwire.com

GTCTelecom - GTCTelecom charges 2.9 cents a minute for intrastate calling, with the notable exception of Alaska and Hawaii, which will be more. You'll have to pay a 95 cent monthly service fee if you pay by credit card and want a paper bill, or $1.95 for monthly service if you want to pay by check and use a paper bill. If you do online billing, there will be no monthly service fee. You can find more about GTCTelecom at www.gtctelecom.com.

Pioneer.com - Pioneer offers calling for 2.9 cents a minute for some state-to-state calls and calls to other Pioneer members. If you don't plan on making more than $25 worth of calls a month, you'll be charge a $2.00 low service usage fee, so it might be better to go with another plan if you're not a heavy caller.