How to Compare Telephone Services & Companies

Compare telephone services and companies.

With so many telephone companies vying for your business, making a sound decision can be hard. Before deciding on telephone service based on advertisements, compare each company you are considering. Whether looking into wireless or land line service, you can find it at a reasonable price.

Instructions

1. Identify your specific needs. If you own a business, for example, you may need a long-distance plan. A residence may only need basic service that includes local calling and long distance that is charged per minute.

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau to evaluate a company's credibility. Go to the bureau's website (see Resources). Type in "telephone companies" or the name of a specific company.

3. Contact the telephone companies to learn about special discounts or promotions. Telephone companies often offer promotions for first-time customers. Compare the promotions in relation to your specific needs to narrow the options.

4. Compare the prices of telephone service. To compare these options side by side, copy and paste the favorable and non favorable information into a spreadsheet or Word document.

5. Talk to customers of other telephone companies. Often friends and family can provide comparisons on telephone service. Ask how the customer service is, are the prices reasonable and how to get the best deal for your money.

Tips & Warnings

• Speaking with a telephone company's customer service department directly will provide answers to more specific questions.

References

• ConnectMyPhone: Choosing the Best Phone Plan

Resources

• ServiceMagic Inc.: Get Matched to Prescreened Networks and Telephone Pros
• Better Business Bureau