United Carrier Networks Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the difference between Dedicated and Switched Service?
A. Dedicated service refers to long distance service that is connected directly to the long distance network from the customer’s equipment, without having to go through a Local Exchange Carrier (“LEC”; ie, your local phone company). This connection is usually made through a high-capacity circuit such as a T1 or DS3.
Switched Service is long distance that is carried over the same lines that you use to place local calls. Your LEC must ‘switch’ your call onto the long distance network. They charge a usage fee for this service to the long distance carrier, which is why switched service is more expensive than dedicated service.
Q. What is the “Plan Name” on the Rate Search results and how do I use it?
A. The Plan Name is the code for the offer (rates, fees, and other items) that you can ask for when signing up. It can be used with both phone and paper applications.
Q. Why are the rates in the rate search higher than I was quoted?
A. Chances are that you live in a non-RBOC area. “RBOC” stands for “Regional Bell Operating Company.” These are the major local exchange carriers (LECs) that are the remnants of the break-up of “Ma Bell” in the late 70’s and early 80’s. They’re also referred to as the Bell companies, Baby Bells, LEC, Incumbent LECs, and more. Here is a list of the RBOCs as it stands today:
- Qwest (formerly US West)
- Bell South
- Bell Atlantic
- Ameritech
- Pacific Bell (Pac Bell)
- Some SBC areas (Southwestern Bell, including former Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell, and Ameritech areas—other SBC areas are non-RBOC)
- Some Verizon areas (only the former Bell Atlantic and Nynex areas)
If your Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) is not listed above, then it is another Class of LEC and the rates can be significantly higher than with RBOC LECs.
Q. Can I mix and match 1+ Outbound Plans with Toll-Free Plans on different networks?
A. Yes! Simply identify the Plan Name of each rate plan you want and use it when you apply for service.
Q. Who are the actual service providers?
A. UCN does not own the actual long distance network, but allows its customers to use the high quality networks of multi-billion dollar companies like MCI WorldCom, Qwest, or Global Crossing. The bill comes from UCN and the service is provided by UCN. And when you get your bill, please pay UCN.
Q. How long will it take for my service to be switched?
A. It can take 3 to 7 business days to switch your long-distance service. We'll do all the work once we have your order information.
Q. How does my monthly bill arrive?
A. By U.S. mail. If you’ve chosen online billing, you can login to www.ucn.net with your account number and password to review your bill each month.
Q. Which credit cards are accepted for payment of monthly services?
A. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Q. How do I cancel services?
A. You can cancel anytime without penalty. We just ask that you give us the courtesy of calling Customer Service to let us know.
Q. What is UCN’s Universal Service Fund Fee Rate?
A. The Universal Service Fund fee rate is: Check the FCC or UniversalService.org. This is a federally mandated surcharge.
Q. When does selecting dedicated (T1) service make sense?
A. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to select dedicated service. First, does the savings in the per-minute long distance rate exceed the cost of the monthly charges of the local loop (the “pipe” that connects your equipment directly to the long distance carrier)? Second, can a significant number of local lines be eliminated by using a long distance T1? If so, this can also help to offset the cost of the local loop.
Another important consideration is the equipment that is required. A phone system must be able to accept a T1 “card,” or a channel bank will be necessary. The cost for this equipment can vary from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on your equipment and/or vendor.
|