- 1). Identify your preferred service. There are many long-distance service plans available. To minimize the number of vendors you interact with, investigate plans provided through your local carrier and cellphone providers. The long-distance plan you knew of when you first signed up for local or cellphone service may not be the best plan for you now. Ask if international calls are included in their rates. Long-distance service can also come through your cable provider, an Internet-based company that will let you dial from your computer or a VoIP service.
- 2). Don't terminate existing service. Changing companies does not mean you have to change phone numbers. The FCC allows you to port your number over to another service provider. Provide your new long-distance carrier with your current phone number, your ZIP code and account number. It will usually handle the inner workings of setting up your long-distance service. You may be asked to verify the change in service with a third-party agency.
- 3). Verify the change. Make sure you have been switched to the company and plan that you signed up for. Contact a customer-service representative immediately after you sign up and have them read through the new plan with you. Ask as many questions as you need and ask for an account supervisor if you need further clarity than the representative can provide you with. Dial1-700-555-4141 from your home line, and a recording will state the name of your long-distance provider. The name of the new provider should also appear on your next bill.
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