Competition in the Irish telecoms market means there is a variety of telephone service providers to choose from. Prices do vary across service providers so it is wise to shop around. Some operators can offer you packages covering both line rental and calls (Single Billing), others can offer you the facility to maintain your line rental with one operator while having your calls with them (Carrier Pre-Selection). Some phone companies' have services that also allow you to avail of discounts for certain types of calls - eg international, long distance or local calls - on a call by call basis (Carrier Select).
You should review a few of your most recent telephone bills and establish your calling pattern (i.e. what type of calls you frequently make and at what time of day) and then shop around and ask the different companies about their call charges.
The following questions will also assist you in making your decision.
- 1. You should ask each operator to provide you with a printed price list in order to check and compare tariffs.
- 2. Is there a minimum charge or a set up charge for each call you make?
- 3. How does the phone company charge for calls - per second or per minute?
- 4. Are there any additional charges such as connection fees?
- 5. What are their day, evening and weekend times?
- 6. How long is the change over likely to take?
- 7. Do you need to sign up for a set period of time?
- 8. Do you have to spend a minimum amount per month?
- 9. Are there any special discount schemes?
- 10. What penalties will be applied if you decide to opt-out of your contract obligations early?
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It is important to note that once you have switched your telephone provider your previous supplier cannot contact you in relation to your voice calls for a period of three month
