Banded Rates Programs that charge different rates depending on how far the call is travelling. Programs using banded rates may be more cost efficient for firms that make many calls to nearby area codes. See flat rates . How carriers round calling times for billing purposes. Billing increments specify the minimum amount of time charged for a call, and how calls are rounded once this minimum is met.
Carriers traditionally round calls to the next full minute.
Newer programs often set a minimum billing period of 30 seconds, and round subsequent calls to six-second increments. Dedicated Service A type of program designed for firms with large monthly long distance bills. You pay more for the leased line, but save money on each call made using the leased line. Dedicated service costs less on a per minute basis, since the long distance company does not have to pay the local service provider an access fee for each call. See switched service .