Long Distance Service

Want to save save money on your long distance service? Look no further. We've compared the best discount long distance plans in the United States by rate, monthly fee, and billing increment. These long distance providers offer cheap rates — most starting at just 2.7¢ per minute.

“One of the fastest long distance calculators we've seen on the net”
ZDTV – April 1999

Featured Long Distance Providers
Company	Anytime Rate per Minute	Minimum Call / Billing Increment	Monthly Fee	Learn More
	2.7¢	60 sec / 60 sec	$ 0.00 *	Pioneer
Pioneer Long Distance offers the lowest state-to-state long distance rate available - just 2.7¢/min PLUS 1.9¢/min for all calls to other Pioneer customers. Pioneer is known for excellent customer service and the company also has great long distance rates for international calls. Pioneer has not raised its domestic US long distance rates since 1989. * $0.99 fee applies if monthly usage does not exceed $15.00 - waived with online billing
	3.9¢	6 sec / 18 sec	$ 0.00 *	PowerNet Global
PNG Long Distance was founded in 1992 and provides residential and commercial service. PNG features 6-second billing, 18-second minimum for 3.9¢/min/minute. No monthly fee if your combined long distance usage is over $15 and toll free service is available for residential and business accounts. PowerNet Global was one of the first long distance companies to offer a flat rate long distance plan. * $2.50 fee applies if monthly usage does not exceed $15.00
	2.7¢	60 sec / 60 sec	$ 0.00 *	Opex
Opex Long Distance was established in 1998 with a business strategy to be OPerationally EXcellent, hence the catchy name. Opex long distance offers residential and business long distance services and is known for it's excellent customer support — both online and offline. Opex's long distance plan features low intrastate rates and a 2.7¢/min interstate rate. 100 FREE interstate minutes with rates GUARANTEED not to go up. * $2.00 fee applies if monthly usage does not exceed $20.00
	2.5¢	6 sec / 6 sec	$ 0.00 *	Covista
Covista Long Distance was established in 1983 by Covista Communications and serves residential and small to mid-sized business customers. Covista owns its own long distance network and the majority of calls are processed through its own switches. Covista Long Distance, features low intrastate rates, 6-second billing increments, calling card rates of 2.5¢/min, online sign up, and a toll free service. * 30 second minimum for International calls. No monthly fee if you sign up for autopay with a credit card, otherwise a $1.99 billing fee is charged if monthly usage does not exceed $20.

Choosing a Long Distance Plan

Below you will find some quick money-saving tips that will help you choose the right long distance service.

Long distance rates will vary

Most of our long distance companies offer excellent rates, but no single long distance plan is best for everyone. Your long distance rate will vary depending on your location, your local provider, your usage patterns, etc. That is why we recommend you try our long distance rate calculator to compare long distance rates. The rate calulator will help you find the best long distance plan for your specific circumstances.

What are hidden fees?

Long distance companies will often try to bait new customers with “low rates” while simultaneously charging customers excessive - often hidden - fees and taxes. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most common long distance fees BEFORE you choose a long distance plan. (See our explanation of “Long Distance Fees”)

Does your long distance carrier charge monthly fees?

If you have a relatively small long distance bill, even a monthly service charge of $3—$6 may make a huge difference in how much you actually save. Consumers spending less than $20 monthly should generally look for a long distance plan that has no monthly service charge.

Does your long distance provider have a monthly minimum?

Some long distance carriers have a minimum amount that they will bill you for, otherwise your bill will be raised to that amount. If you are a low biller, make sure that you will spend at least as much as the monthly minimum, taking discount long distance rates into consideration.

What is your instate long distance rate?

If you make a lot of long distance calls within your state it is important to choose a long distance rate plan which gives you the best rate for in-state calls.

Many long distance providers will lure you with a low interstate (state-to-state) rate, but will hit you with high charges to make calls just a few miles away. Make sure that you take your “in-state” long distance rate into account when choosing a long distance provider.

What are billing increments and why are they important?

This is a must for those who use business long distance, faxes and/or make many quick long distance calls.

Most long distance carriers simply “round up” the charge for your long distance call to the next full minute. In this case if your phone call lasts 1 minute and 5 seconds, you are billed for a full 2 minutes.

If you make a lot of short phone calls, it REALLY pays to find a long distance carrier who bills in six second increments. With 6-second billing increments a long distance call that lasts 1 minute and 5 seconds is billed for 1 minute and 6 seconds, providing considerably savings even over the short run.