How to Compare International Call Charges

International calls vary by rates and features.

With an increase in international calls, more competition has entered the long-distance phone call market. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports progressive annual increase in international calls from the U.S., with a variety of comparative call options.

Details

The FCC first recommends determining international calling needs, such as frequency and destination, then making comparisons among service providers. Service types include calling plans (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile), dial-arounds, pre-paid calling cards and Internet calling services (e.g. Google Voice, Skype).

Considerations

Features that should be considered include rates for different days, minimum call lengths, range of monthly fees, weekday/weekend rates and connection fees. Some pre-paid cards charge a flat fee for each call made in addition to time-based charges. Further, some calling plan rates only apply within specified times.

Differentiation

Some services may be much less expensive, such as Skype or Google Voice, but require a computer, microphone, Internet access and installing appropriate computer programs. The cost savings can be significant, however, being as much as 66 percent less than other services.

References

• Federal Communications Commision: Consumer Facts
• AT&T World Connect: International Long Distance Dialing
• Google Voice: Calling Rates
• Skype: Pay Per Minute