To find telephone service providers in your area, select Telephone from the Categories list on the right sidebar and search by region, county or zip code.
Traditional Telephone Service Providers
Telephone services are provided by a number of companies – both local and national – in Tech Valley. You may choose to have one company provide all levels of service – local, regional, long distance and international – or choose different providers for each level of service.
Service can usually be arranged over the phone or online. Before contacting a provider, it is a good idea to research available products and services to determine what you need.
Some companies may offer packages that include telephone service with mobile phone service, cable television and/or Internet access.
Mobile Phone Service
Most major mobile phone service providers operate in Tech Valley. Many companies require contracts of one year or more, with a financial penalty for canceling the contract early.
Foreign mobile telephones that work on the GSM international standard will not work in the United States. You may rent a mobile phone if you are visiting for a short period of time.
Calling Cards
Most providers will also offer calling cards at no extra cost. These cards allow you to make long distance calls from phones all over the world. Fees will be charged to your standard telephone bill. Rates vary, so be sure to check the cost before placing a call.
Pre-paid Phone Cards
You may also purchase services from prepaid phone card companies and the so-called 1010 companies. Phone cards are available online and from many retailers. Levels of service, quality and prices vary. You pay a certain amount per card. When you use all of the time allotted, you may buy a new card or load your current card with more minutes. There are multiple plans available, and it is best to do some comparison shopping before choosing one.
Toll Free
Toll-free calls – typically to businesses or government agencies – are usually prefixed by 1-800, 1-877, 1-888 or 1-866. Companies set up toll-free numbers to allow their customers to contact them free of charge. You may dial these numbers from your home phone or a public telephone without incurring charges. Mobile phone companies may charge for calls made to 1-800 numbers. Not all toll-free lines are accessible from outside of the country, and not all 1-800 calls are free, so be sure to ask.
011
0-1-1 is the international dialing code. To make an international call you must first dial 0-1-1, then the country code and phone number you are trying to reach.
911
9-1-1 is the number to call in the case of a genuine crisis, such as a fire, crime in progress or medical emergency. A trained operator will dispatch emergency service personnel and assist you as much as possible over the phone.
1-900 and 1-700 Numbers
Numbers beginning with the 1-900 or 1-700 prefix are usually pay-per-use services. While the most notorious are adult programs, there are a number of useful services available as well. Keep in mind that these companies make their money by keeping you on the line for as long as possible.
Do Not Call Registry
To avoid many of the unsolicited telemarketing calls you may receive, sign up for the national
Do Not Call Registry. Most telemarketers are prohibited from calling your telephone number if it is listed in the national Do Not Call Registry. You may register your home and mobile phone numbers for free. Your registration will be effective for five years. You may still receive calls from charities, political organizations, telephone surveyors or companies with which you have a business relationship.