What are my options for local residential calls?
What can I do to get the best local calling deal ?
What do I need to watch out for?
What if I have a complaint about the company I am with?
How do I find out whether the company I'm with is part of the Disputes Resolution scheme?
What are my options for local residential calls?
In New Zealand local residential calls are free, but just what qualifies as a local call?
In the old days, the Post Office ran the telephone network and defined local calls as those calls made within a certain area (known as a LICA). These areas didn't entirely agree with political boundaries or with the toll calling areas.
More recently with the introduction of competition some companies are offering broader definitions of "local calling". Now it can include all of your prefix area (for example a company may offer a deal where all of the 07 area which includes Waikato and Bay of Plenty can make calls as if they were local and pay nothing extra for them). Some companies have gone even further and offer free national calling - that is, once you pay the monthly fee, calls from a New Zealand landline to another New Zealand landline are offered at no extra charge.
What can I do to get the best local calling deal?
You can check your telecommunications company’s website or call their customer service people to find out about the toll plans they offer. If they don't have what you want you could do some research into which companies are operating in your area, what they offer and how you can switch.
What do I need to watch out for?
You won't need to change your phone number. Most companies will help you move your accounts - they'll do it for you in most cases - but be aware that you'll probably have to take a package or bundle of products. Your line rental, and any internet connection you have will probably also have to go to the new company in order to get the cheaper tolls you want. In some cases this can lead to a substantial saving on your original phone bill.
What if I have a complaint about the company I am with?
Make sure any telecommunications company you choose is part of the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution (TDR) process, so that if you have any issues with them that aren't resolved you can contact the TDR.
How do I find out whether the company I'm with is part of the Disputes Resolution scheme?
You can ask your telecommunications company’s customer services department or look at this list on the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution website.