Jennifer Reid Holman writes regularly for Modern Maturity on consumer issues. Monthly Charges Monthly fee for your local calling plan. Federal Line Cost Charge Covers part of the cost of the local phone network. Local Number Portability charge A fee charged each month for the privilege of being able to keep your phone number if you switch to a competing local phone company. Directory Assistance Dialing 411 is more expensive than ever.
Many companies charge a dollar or more per request.
Check your phone book or the Internet for numbers. You pay any difference between the charges for calls and the minimum fee. Local companies charge long-distance carriers for using their lines. 911 Surcharge Helps local governments pay for emergency services and police, fire, and rescue systems. The following Web sites provide comparisons of long-distance plans and rates as well as information to help you make an informed choice.