STUDENT OPTIONS FOR
LONG DISTANCE CALLING
In the summer of 2003 we discontinued the practice of providing students with direct billing for long distance service. The reason is simple. Bates can’t compete with the telecom companies. For us to provide you with a bill, it would cost at least 9 cents per minute just for the billing costs, plus the cost of the call. We have found that over the years an increasing number of students have chosen to use pre-paid phone cards, calling cards or cell phones. In the 2002-2003 academic year, fewer than 20 percent of students were using our direct billing service.
You have three options for placing long distance calls – pre-paid phone cards, calling cards or cell phones. Pre-paid calling cards are available at many local stores and online. You may find a good deal on calling cards from one of the major telecom companies. You may already be using your cell phone. Whatever your choice, we are certain you will pay a whole lot less for long distance service than any fee we could reasonably charge. |
