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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take?
 | If everything goes smoothly, you can expect
service to be switched in less than ten (ten) working days. However,
the long-distance carriers have to work with the local phone companies to
accomplish the switch and the local phone companies have up to thirty (30)
days to respond to their request. It is very rare, but it could take
as long as forty (40) days to complete. LDPC-Merritel will do
everything possible to avoid delays. |
How do I know when I have been switched?
| The best method is to use the toll free test
number 1-700-555-4141. Just pick up any extension of the line you want
to test and dial the toll-free number. You will hear a recording which
will identify the current long-distance carrier for that line. This
test number can be used nationwide. |
Why are the rates different for residential
and business?
| All carriers use various factors for
determining these rates including, but not limited to, volume and average
length of call. |
What is the difference between interstate
and intrastate?
| Interstate rates refer to calls from one
state to another state.
| Intrastate rates refer to calls, which are in
the same state, but require a 1+ long distance charge. |
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What are LATA "local toll calls"?
| LATA (Local Access and Transport Areas) are
regional calling areas. Some states have a single LATA while others
have several. There are inter- and intra- LATA areas as well and they
represent the boundaries for "Local Toll Calls". "Local
Toll Calls" are calls you make to numbers that are beyond your
immediate local phone service area (their rates vary). |
Can LATA areas be switched?
| Yes, but the default carrier for your LATA
usage is your local telephone company. You should contact them and
compare the rates for the areas you call the most. As of February
1999, you have the right to choose a LATA carrier over the local phone
company, but you have to request it.
| You can determine your LATA carrier by
dialing this toll free number:
 | 1-(area code) 700-4141 |
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Is there a charge to change long-distance
carriers?
| the customers LEC (local exchange carrier/
local telephone company) has the right to determine if it will charge its
customers a fee to change long-distance carriers. They typically
charge $2.00 - $3.00 with a maximum of $5.00. The savings in the long
run with LDPC-Merritel carriers will offset this charge. |
What is the rate for a toll-free (800)
number?
| It is the same as the inter/intra- long
distance rate in correlation to your business or residential rate.
There is no additional per call surcharge, although the carrier will charge
a flat $1.00 - $2.00 per month for use of toll-free numbers. |
What is a ring-to number?
| A toll-free number must be
"connected" to and existing telephone number. This main
number is the ring-to number. |
What is slamming?
| Slamming occurs when one carrier takes an
account from another carrier without the written permission of the account
holder. It is illegal for
long-distance carriers to accept new accounts without a signature or a
verification (i.e.. Tax ID or Social Security Number. This information
must be included to validate your application. |
What is a PIC Freeze?
| Definition: It is a verbal notification
from the customer to the local phone company that no switch in the
long-distance carrier is to occur without verbal confirmation from
them. It was created by the FCC to counteract "slamming" (as
described above).
| Problem: A PIC Freeze is the most
common problem that occurs for a new account. Some customers are not
aware that they have a "freeze" with the local phone company.
We will contact you if your lines are "frozen".
| Solution: A "PIC Freeze" is
easily remedied by a personal call from the customer to the local phone
company, asking that the freeze be removed. The "freeze" can
be put back on after the switch has taken place.
| The customer is the only one who can
make this call. |
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Who do I call if I have questions?
| LDPC-Merritel is the customer service
representative between your association and the long-distance carrier.
We shop the long-distance carriers to negotiate the best program for your
association. We also maintain records of you application form and
submit it to the carriers. |
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