CONSUMER ALERT

CONSUMER ALERT

LONG-DISTANCE PHONE COMPANIES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH DETAILED RATE INFORMATION

Beginning August 1, 2001, long-distance telephone companies will be required to provide consumers with detailed information on their service agreements, current rates, billing, terms and conditions, rate increases and other changes. The move comes as a result of changes in federal law. Previously, long-distance companies were required to file the information with federal regulators. The long-distance market, however, is now competitive, and the changes in the law allow companies to work directly with the consumers as in other unregulated industries.

Many major long-distance carriers have started sending out informational packets, posting information on their websites, and setting up toll-free numbers.

When you receive the information, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends reviewing the following details:

*What is the price of the calling plan that you currently subscribe to?
*What is the duration of the plan?
*How do you accept or reject the terms of the plan?
*What are the notification procedures your long-distance company intends to use regarding changes in the plan?
*How do you and the company resolve disputes?

The FCC urges consumers to shop around and compare rates, as well as the terms and conditions of long-distance service, when choosing a carrier.

The following long-distance telephone companies have started providing information on their customer service agreements. You may click on the links below to connect to their websites.

AT&T
Website: www.att.com/serviceguide/home
Toll-free number: 1-888-288-4099

MCI WORLDCOM
Website: www.mci.com/service
Toll-free number: 1-800-444-3333

SPRINT
Website: www.sprint.com/ratesandcondititions
(Starting Aug. 1)

QWEST COMMUNICATIONS
Website: www.qwest.com/customerService
Call: 1-866-467-5635

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