Total Call International (TCI) is a really hot business product right now. Their 3 cent long distance plan is billed in 6 second increments, and that has the plan really moving with my business customer. The top seller used to be Pioneer Telephone among the business croud, but Pioneer’s 2.7 cent plan is billed in full minutes, which can really add up if you have a company that averages long distance phone calls that are less than 3-4 minutes each.
You wouldn’t think that full minute vs. 1/10th minute rounding would make a lot of difference, but it does. For example, if you made 1000 2.1 minute phone calls with Pioneer, that would cost you the same as 1000 3 minute calls, or $81.00. Those same 1000 2.1 minute calls with TCI would cost you $63.00. Sure it’s not a lot, but if you’re running a whole bunch of lines without your own T1, it can really add up.
TCI’s toll free and PICC fees are also cheaper than Pioneer’s. TCI’s monthly toll free fee is $1.00 per line per month for the first number, and 50¢ for each additional number. Pioneer’s fees for toll free service are 99¢ per number per month. (OK, it’s cheaper than TCI if you only get one, but who can stop at one?) TCI’s PICC Fee for business lines is $2.75 per month per line, with the first line being free. Pioneer’s PICC fee is $4.21, so if you have very many lines, that can really add up too.
Since I’m really a fan of both companies, you should go to the rate calculator at Lowertel.com and run the numbers for your state’s instate and state to state calling rates to find out which one of these companies will be the best for your businesses bottom line. You can also drop me a line at info@calling-plans.com, and I will gladly run some numbers for you and show you how much you can save by moving to one of these discount carriers.