Consumer Tips From The Fcc:

Detariffing means that long distance companies may no longer file a document called a "tariff" to notify the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)* about the rates, terms and conditions concerning your regular interstate** long distance service. Beginning July 31, 2001, long distance companies must make that information available directly to you, the customer. As you review the information you receive from your long distance company, here are five things to look for or to ask your long distance company about:

• What is the price of the calling plan that you currently subscribe to?
• What is the duration of the plan?
• How do you, the consumer, accept or reject the terms of the plan?
• What are the notification procedures your long distance company intends to use regarding
• hanges in the plan?
• How do you and the company resolve any disputes?
  
  Additional tip from 10-10PhoneRates.com:
• What are the in-state rates? Detariffing applies to interstate rates, but not to intrastate (in-state) rates. Your long distance company may not disclose in-state rate changes in advance unless your state law makes them.

Remember to shop around and compare not only the rates, but also the terms and conditions of long distance service.

No later than July 31, 2001, every long distance company must make information about all of its domestic interstate** calling plans available on its Web site, if it has one, and at one business location of its choosing. By January 28, 2002, every long distance company must also make this information available for its international calling plans. Some companies will have both domestic and international information available beginning July 31, 2001, so make sure to compare international long distance calling plans as well.

International Rate Detariffing Details From The Fcc:

A March 16, 2001 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) news release provides details on deregulation (detariffing) of international long distance services."As part of its Biennial Regulatory Review under Section 11 of the Communications Act, the Commission adopted a Report and Order that cuts red tape for most providers of international telephone services and provides benefits to consumers."

Other Tips From 10-10phonerates.Com:

• These new regulations do not apply to 10-10, 10-15 or 10-16 dial around plans! Unfortunately, long distance providers can increase those rates without notifying you, even if you use the service every month. Continue to check this site for updates about dial around plans.
• For more tips on choosing a phone plan, including specific tips about dial around plans, visit our How to Choose a plan page.

Definitions:
* The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent U.S. federal agency that reports to Congress. The FCC regulates interstate and international communications. This includes telephone services via wire, cable, satellite and other methods.
** Interstate means calls made from one state to a different state.
*** Intrastate means calls from one location in a state to another location within the same state.
**** "Regular" long distance for the purposes of this page, refers to a long distance plan you have signed up for in advance that is used by simply picking up your phone and dialing 1 plus the phone number. This does not include 10-10 plans.