Remember the telephone companies' deregulation of the 1980s? If someone were to ask me then to switch my phone service I would have said 'no way'. You see during this initial period it really was all about the network.

Well, the times have certainly changed. For some of us in the United States, we've seen the TV commercials trying to instill fear of switching providers. By the way, it probably goes without saying, but you do know who's funding those advertisements right? The big name providers who obviously don't want to loose your business.

The times have changed. The networks have stabilized, are reliable and offer the same quality. Let's face it; even the major local providers need to interface with other companies network. A local provider is not providing end-to-end long distance. Once they get out of their 'network' they need to interface with another providers 'network' in order to complete your call.

At the start of this, I stated I would not have switched my long distance provider back in the 1980's. I'm happy to say, I've switched my long distance provider a long time back and have been extremely happy with the service, quality and reliability. Actually, I've experienced no difference at all in service, reliability or quality of calls between my smaller named long distance carrier and the big name carrier I used to use. The biggest difference, for me, was a HUGE cost savings.

Everyone's calling habits are different. I live in a large midwestern city and my long distance calling is generally to New York City and southern California. I for one cut my long distance by over HALF what it was. Anytime we can save money without loosing quality of service is a no brainer. Get past the hype and the fear the major providers try to stir up.

Having said all that, how would you choose a provider? First, we'd certainly like you to use our web site, but there are many web sites today that provide free quotes for you. Learn how to read your quote. Don't to lured by a cheap per minute rate because that is only part of what your overall bill will be. Terms, conditions, taxes and fee's can quickly exceed any perceived cost savings on rate alone.

There are reliable, lower cost carriers out there. There is money to be saved. There is a way to learn how to read your quote and know exactly what you're paying for. Use our site, use someone else's site, but learn to read your quote and you will happily save money every month.