Well, yes and no. But long distance calling has become a commodity since deregulation in the early 1980s. With careful shopping long distance calls can now be placed at rates that make frequent use attractive and affordable. Long distance companies do all of their billing by computer and computers can process mind-numbingly complex sets of rules for billing.
Most consumers are unwilling to take the time to learn the complexities in the billing scheme.
Calling plans are designed so users won t understand the fine print and will end up using more service than they intended and this system works beautifully. Most consumers don't understand what is in their phone bill, and unless they are outrageously ripped off, pay the bill without question. To further obscure the issue, calling plans are added, revised, and discontinued several times each year. The cost per minute for a long distance call is the most advertised feature of all of these plans. Well, yes and no.