Difference between a direct call and an operator-assisted call

If you dial the entire number to place a long distance call it is called direct dial. Dialing the phone number directly can give you the best rate on your long distance or international call.

When an operator helps you place your call it is an operator-assisted call. This will always cost more because of the "convenience" of the service. The cost of this convenience could be a dollar or more per minute for the entire call. That would ruin any savings you might have had with a good plan. Always dial your destination directly for lower rates to save money.

Never use an operator when making an international call unless it is an absolute emergency. You will be shocked when you receive the bill. Obviously for every rule there are exceptions like: collect calls, person-to-person and third party billings. But whenever possible use dial direct or use a dial around service.

When using an operator to place a call, here are some helpful tips:

The best way to place your call is to dial "0" followed by the number you wish to call, such as 0-987-654-3210. This will help make the connection faster. This method could be less expensive depending upon the carrier. The Standard way is to dial "0" or "00" for international calls and tell the operator the number you wish to call and any special instructions such as collect or person-to-person.

Here are our recommendations:

Everdial Long Distance 4.9¢ state-to-state rate, 24hours 7 days a week. 30 second initial, 6 second increments. Excellent international rates, low in-state rates. NO MONTHLY MINIMUMS or FEES. A 99¢ Carrier Recovery Fee takes the place of the 3% Federal tax.

PNG Long Distance 3.9¢ rate applies all day, every day for state-to-state calls in the contiguous 48 states. Now has a 99¢ monthly fee. Awesome international rates: (rates to call landline phones shown -- check website for rates to call mobile phones) France 4.4¢, Germany 4.4¢, India from 15.3 - 20.2¢, Japan 5.5¢, Mexico from 4.5 - 13.1¢, Poland 5.3¢, Russia 3.6 - 8.1¢ , South Korea 4.9¢, Taiwan from 4.5¢, Thailand 9.5¢, U.K. 4.4¢.

PNG also offers stand-alone toll free service, local phone service, high speed internet and cellular plans with very low international rates and a referral plan. Service not available in Hawaii and Alaska. All calls to Hawaii and Alaska are 15.9¢ per minute. Visit PNG Long Distance website for in-state rates, other info. and to order service.

Dialuno "Primero" 1 plus plan 3.8¢ rate applies 24 hours/7 days a week for all state-to-state calls. billed in 6 second increments Great international rates, especially to Mexico and South American countries. Toll free numbers available at no extra charge and will bill incoming at same rates. Primus Telecommunications, Inc does the billing and customer service, calls are carried on the MCI network and Alliance AT&T network. A .95 Carrier Recovery Fee is added in any month the service is used. There is a minimal billing requirement of $5/month which means:If monthly usage totals less than $5, your bill will be adjusted to meet the $5 minimum.

ECG Long Distance 2.5¢ state-to-state rate if billed by E-bill only and credit card. Also billed in 6 second increments. ECG also has toll free numbers available at no extra charge and incoming billing at same rates. $0.59 per month regulatory recovery fee applies to each taxable account, requires EasyPay and EasyBill. EasyBill is ECG's paperless billing option that lets customers receive their monthly ECG bill online. EasyPay is ECG's paperless payment option that lets customers pay their monthly ECG bill electronically via credit/debit card or bank draft.3.5¢ state-to-state rate if you wish a paper bill and/or pay by check or other method $0.59 per month regulatory recovery fee applies to each taxable account, plus paper bill processing fee of $2.50

ECG is available in approximately 80% of the country. When you request service, it will tell you if they don't serve your area.