Press Release

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Bureau of Consumer Services has received consumer complaints regarding telephone calling cards from local service providers.  The cards let customers bill calls they make while away from home to their home telephone number.

           
Consumers need to beware of what is involved in using a telephone company’s calling card. First, before using the card, customers should check out the calling rates.  Consumers should call the telephone number on the back of the card to check rates.  Before they place any calls, consumers should also ask if they will be charged a fee for using the card.  Customers may want to consider using pre-paid calling cards as an alternative.      

Telephone companies frequently make telephone credit cards available to their customers, sometimes without the customers requesting them.  In many instances, the credit-card rates are not the same as the customer pays for calls directly dialed from their home telephone.   They may be much higher.

Consumers are urged to compare prices for these calling options before making a decision.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.           

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage http://puc.paonline.com.