Dial Around Service Providers

SpeedyPin Calling Cards
FlexTelONE
  • 5.9¢/min within USA(48)
  • Available USA & Canada
  • Toll-free number access
More Information
CogniCall Calling Cards
CogniCall
  • 5.9¢ per minute to anywhere in the USA
  • Toll-free number access
  • Low international rates
More Information
CogniDial Toll-Free Dial-Around
CogniDial
  • Available USA & Canada
  • Toll-free number access
  • Great rates!
More Information
IconnectHere Virtual Calling Card
AccuDial
  • 5.9¢ per minute anytime
  • NO per call minimums
  • NO surcharges
More Information
Power Net Global Calling Card
Power Net Global
  • Toll-free number access
  • 6.4¢ per minute (US-48 to US-48)
  • Six second billing
More Information

Dial Around Services Defined

You might not be familiar with the phrase, "dial around service," but chances are you are acquainted with the concept—even if you don't realize it. With a dial around service, you dial a series of numbers in order to bypass your customary long-distance company and save some money in the process.

If you do not usually dial a list of numbers, dial around service may take some getting used to. However, it can be quite advantageous to you and your family when you consider the cost savings involved.

Before using a dial around service, however, you should be aware of some key features of such a service. To begin with, a dial around service may offer you as much as 50 percent savings over basic long distance rates. However, the advertised rate may not begin until you've talked for a specified length of time, such as ten minutes. Also, in some cases, you may pay the same amount for a call that lasts one minute or 20, so it could be to your benefit to talk longer than you might otherwise.

Be aware of the fact that a dial around service may charge a surcharge for the Universal Service Fund—a surcharge that is also often charged by a regular long-distance company.

You should also know that some wireless phone contracts do not permit use of a dial around service—or use of a phone card, for that matter.

So, when evaluating dial around services, be sure to pay attention to monthly service fees, minimum call lengths, USF charges, other surcharges, special restrictions, and rates based on the time of day in which you place the call. Once you've done your homework, you may come to see how beneficial a dial around service can be for you and your family—especially if you have to make a number of long distance calls.