subject: How To Get More Minutes On Your Calling Card [print this page] Calling cards has become an integral part of the long distance calls. By use of this calling plan, the caller will be able to substantial amount on his telephone bill. At the same time, this calling plan has many features like speed dialing, PIN less dialing etc which saves a lot of time for the caller and the connectivity is almost instantaneous. Some people even call it a versatile calling plan. All these features have made the calling card most popular.
How call charges are computed?
The call charge of a calling card is computed on per minute basis and by different pattern of rounding off. For example, if the duration of the call is of 40 seconds, either it will be rounded off to the next higher minute say for one minute or it may be rounded to 30 seconds, depending on the terms indicated in the calling plan.
Is there a way to get more calling time for the same credit?
Yes, there is a way and that is by making use of local access numbers rather than toll-free access numbers. This actually makes the long distance calls much cheaper, thereby the caller gains more in terms of calling time. This is one of the most important features of a phone card.
Local Access number is different from Access number. Whenever a person buys a calling card, a number is assigned to him, called the "access number". With this number the caller gets access to the long distance calling zone and thereby he can call the required number.
But a local access number is much more beneficial as compared to a toll-free access number. With a local access number, the service providers pay less for transferring the call to their customers. This transfer fee is much less compared to calling by use of a toll-free number. The benefit so derived by the calling company is transferred to the customers. Thereby the caller is benefited.
Normally different destination will have different local access numbers. The caller is required to dial the appropriate destination numbers depending on the place he is calling from. By this method, the caller will be able to save substantial amounts regardless of the destination of your call. The helpline of the calling company will guide the caller in case the assistance is sought.
The calling plan of some calling companies may include hidden costs. Such hidden cost actually makes the long distance calls expensive. But, with the use of local access numbers, even these hidden costs can be covered and ultimately the long distance calls become cheaper.
All these features have made the local access numbers popular and by this method, the caller gets more calling time.
