1.0Citizens Utility Boardhttps://www.citizensutilityboard.orgrich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="7lCsy87q8x"><a href="https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/telecom_phonesavingscenter/">Phone Savings Center</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/telecom_phonesavingscenter/embed/#?secret=7lCsy87q8x" width="600" height="338" title="“Phone Savings Center” — Citizens Utility Board" data-secret="7lCsy87q8x" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); /* ]]> */ </script> [vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Phone Savings Center” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Beware flat-rate plans” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Too many people pay too much money for packages that offer unlimited local and long-distance calls—as well as a long list of features, such as call waiting and call forwarding. In order to save money on a typical plan like this, you would have to make several hundred local calls and/or several hours of long-distance calls each month—and use all the calling features. Maybe you signed up for such a plan because it was bundled with reduced rates for Internet or cable TV. Always check to see if there are other options that could save you even more, such as: your phone company’s standard per-call rates; a lower priced flat-rate plan; ditching your landline and relying on cellphone service. (Just make sure your cell service is good at home.) You can fax or mail a copy of your phone bill to CUB for a free analysis. Fax your bill to CUB’s Phone Savings Center at 312-263-4329, or mail it to CUB’s Phone Savings Center, 309 W. Washington St., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. (Note: Make sure to include “Attention CAD-PBA” on the bill you send in.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” css=”.vc_custom_1475699797969{background-color: #0f4b91 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Shop for cheap long distance” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Beware of high rates (7 cents a minute on up) for calls beyond 15 miles from home. There are long-distance plans that charge just a few cents per minute. Remember to always read the fine print of any offer to spot hidden fees and key details. If you make very few of these calls, consider dropping long distance and using a prepaid calling card or your cellphone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” css=”.vc_custom_1475699797969{background-color: #0f4b91 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Use your cellphone as a money-saving friend” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Consider dropping the long-distance plan on your landline and using your cellphone for calls beyond 15 miles from home. Similarly, if your wireless plan comes with voice mail, don’t pay for the same service on your landline. You can always drop your landline service altogether. Cellphones aren’t always as reliable as landline phones. If your cell battery is dead and your home loses power, you can’t make a call. Plus, in an emergency, authorities may not be able to locate your exact location when calling from a cellphone, as they do when receiving landline calls. Still, if it will cut your overall costs and you have consistently good wireless service at home, consider making the move. CUB’s Prepaid Cellphone Guide can help you choose the best wireless plan for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” css=”.vc_custom_1475699807900{background-color: #0f4b91 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Eliminate unecessary services” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Inside Wire Maintenance (called Line-Backer by AT&T) is an optional landline insurance plan, for up to $10 per month, that covers repairs to your home’s INSIDE wires. However, most landline problems are not caused by the inside wiring. You’re better off skipping such plans. Also, look for any extraneous charges on your cellphone bill. Do you actually need insurance? The coverage can be so limited that it’s not worth the monthly fee. Sometimes fees are added to your bill by a third party without your […]https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CUB_IL_LogoBadgeRGBAdminLogo.png254254