Telephone Companies & Long Distance
Dec 26, 2023 15:22:34 #
In days of old, like in the 1970s, the telephone systems of the day had different charges for local phone calls and long distance phone calls...with long distance charges based on where one is calling to, and the duration of the call, and you'd see the charges on your next phone bill. In more recent times, phone companies (like the company we use) pretty much consider the call is a call, is a call, and you get no additional charges for a long-distance call.
So why do product companies publish 2 numbers on their website? We do business with a water systems company in California, they show their 2 phone numbers as below (full phone number redacted.)
Call : (714) 541-xxx0
Toll Free : (877) 541-xxx3
So why do product companies publish 2 numbers on their website? We do business with a water systems company in California, they show their 2 phone numbers as below (full phone number redacted.)
Call : (714) 541-xxx0
Toll Free : (877) 541-xxx3
Dec 26, 2023 16:02:51 #
Some current cell phone plans differentiate between local and long distance.
Dec 26, 2023 16:25:16 #
Dec 27, 2023 07:20:02 #
TonyF
Loc: Bradenton, FL
kpmac wrote:
One is an eight hundred number which is a free nationwide call.
I believe that is his point. They are both free calls now.
Dec 27, 2023 08:08:55 #
The calls are not free, they have raised prices so you pay up front for all the calls......
Dec 27, 2023 12:03:40 #
While many phone companies offer unlimited nationwide calling to any number at a monthly subscription price, not all do. Some have limits on the number of minutes used per month, but do not count the minutes to a toll-free number not counted.
Dec 27, 2023 12:40:12 #
whfowle
Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque
The 800 number is provided for those who do not make calls from their personal phones.
Dec 28, 2023 07:53:54 #
The calls are free to the caller but the company pays for calls to their 800 number so to minimize costs provide a local number as well.
Dec 28, 2023 09:42:24 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
whfowle wrote:
The 800 number is provided for those who do not make calls from their personal phones.
Or their landline phones.
Stan
Dec 28, 2023 12:29:05 #
bobbyjohn wrote:
In days of old, like in the 1970s, the telephone s... (show quote)
All calls are not free for all people. Calling a toll-free number applies a charge to the one being called, while calling a L. D. number could incur a charge for the caller or their phone company.
Dec 28, 2023 14:26:15 #
Don't confuse landline phones with cell phones. With most cell phones you can call anywhere in the U.S. with no additional charge. However, businesses and governmental agencies still have the old landline phones. So, if a business is wanting to call a business that would be long distance, it would behoove them to use, what....the toll free number to save their own business or governmental agency the cost. The business receiving the call, if I'm not mistaken, pays a monthly fee for all calls and not a fee for each individual call received on that toll free number.
Dec 28, 2023 14:41:25 #
SteveR wrote:
Don't confuse landline phones with cell phones. W... (show quote)
My landline phone (well if you can call it that, it's really VOIP) is free with in the US.
Dec 28, 2023 15:06:25 #
BebuLamar wrote:
My landline phone (well if you can call it that, it's really VOIP) is free with in the US.
Apparently things have changed since we had a landline. Perhaps it's your plan. However, that's my guess as to why a company would still have a toll free number.
Dec 28, 2023 16:35:00 #
Timmers
Loc: San Antonio Texas.
bobbyjohn wrote:
In days of old, like in the 1970s, the telephone s... (show quote)
I'm going to piss some folks off, but it is still true. IF, you have an Oscar Meyer Weiner whistle you can have free long distance calls on land lines with the phone company. If your great with whistling and can hit that magic tone it will work with out the Winner Whistle. Works on any pay phone also, put any domination coin in the slot and AS THE COIN IS DROPPING, blow into the receiver. The coin will pass through and drop into the coin return! And it will connect the phone to any where in the world!
The old days of the hippies are still with us. By the way, this is the origin of the term 'hacker', the guys that did this outside the phone company. I know, it's stealing, "my bad!". The basic truth to this can be found in a great film from the 60's titled The Presidents Annalist, I miss those days.
Dec 28, 2023 22:58:39 #
Also I remember if you make a long distance phone call during business hours 8am - 6pm the cost would be higher than after business long distance expires. I think it started at 8am and ended at 6pm but I was not sure. If someone knows the exact time please added to this comment. Long distance rates were also cheaper all day and night on Saturday, Sundays and Holidays.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.