TRACNotes readers in the Twin Cities area may have noticed a recent article on the increased cost of AT&T long distance phones cards in the St. Paul Pioneer-Press. The rate increase went into effect in February due to the resolution of a long-standing issue surrounding how the FCC classified AT&T's prepaid card long distance calling service. While the details of the situation are complicated, the end result for consumers is that it is becoming more expensive to make in-state long distance calls on many AT&T prepaid cards.
The decision does not affect state-to-state long distance rates, however, and AT&T's prepaid cards may continue to be a money-saver for consumers looking for cheap ways to make long distance calls, depending on how much in-state long distance calling is done. Consumers who purchased their AT&T prepaid cards prior to February 1 and who have not yet recharged the cards should pay special attention to how many units are being deducted from their cards for in-state long distance calls. AT&T is not supposed to charge the higher in-state rates on users whose cards do not specify the new rates and who have not recharged them either on the phone or online. Consumers who believe that they have been charged the wrong rate should contact AT&T and inquire about getting compensated for the overcharge. To read the full Pioneer-Press article, click here.
Source: Telecommunications Research and Action Center. http://www.trac.org
