While cellular phone companies and local telephone providers provide plans with extensive flexibility and mobility, coverage plans are generally more geographically restrictive than dial around business solutions, which offer low rates for domestic and international calling. Dial-around telephone services allow you to make long distance and local calls by using 1010 dialing or other local access codes.

With dial around phone services, you are not restricted to using 1010 dialing in a specific area or within a particular timeframe because in most cases, dial around telephone providers offer one per-minute calling rate for use anytime in any geographic location. Consider the following before switching to a dial around phone provider:

1. Analyze your business local and long distance calling patterns.

2. Compare all per-minute, connection and other fees charged by dial-around phone providers.

3. Use multiple dial around service providers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Match your telecommunication needs with dial around business solutions

To take full advantage of dial-around telephone service, it is important to purchase the type of dial around business solutions that work best for you. Some dial around service providers charge large connection fees with low per-minute rates while other charge low connection fees with higher per-minute rates.

I recommend: NCom Networks offers Tel3Advantage, a dial around service that charges 1.9 cents per minute and no monthly or connection fees. Commission River offers PowerNet Global, which includes a range of local and long distance dial around service plans.

Compare the costs of dial around business solutions

Due to growing popularity, many dial around telephone providers have opted to revise 1010 phone service plans. Some dial around phone providers have added minimum usage requirements while other carriers have increased per-minute rates and connection fees. Do your research to make sure you understand all fees before signing a service agreement.

I recommend: 1010PhoneRates.com offers an interactive tool for you to find the best 1010 phone service in your area. Commission River offers AccuDial dial around services, which include flat domestic rates, clear connections and convenient web billing.

Obtain services from multiple dial around telephone providers

Unlike cellular or local phone service, you do not have to choose one dial around phone provider. If you see dial around services cheaper than you current provider, you can easily start a new plan without paying a penalty.

I recommend: Lucky Dog offers 1010 dialing services with one low flat rate, no monthly fees, no contracts and all calls will appear on local telephone provider bills. Dialaround1010.com provides businesses with low in-state and international rates for 1010 dialing services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Dial around providers can save you a considerable amount of money in domestic and international phone calls, but be sure to watch out for high per-call connection fees charged by some dial-around telephone service providers.