Expanded Local Calling Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
If I call my next door neighbor will that be included in the 2,000
minutes?
A. No, calls made within your current local calling area will remain unlimited. Please refer to the local calling guide in your HTC/CCTC or OCTC/MTC directory. This guide explains your local calling.
Q. Will 906 cell phone numbers and pager calls be a local call?
A. Yes, they will be included in your 2,000 minutes-of-use. However, the cell calls that are local today will remain unlimited.
Q. Will my current long distance carrier pick up my 906 calls after my 2,000 minutes?
A. No, minutes over 2,000 will be billed at 5 cents per minute by your local telephone company.
Q. Why can we not choose our long distance carrier for minutes used in excess of 2,000 minutes?
A. Because these are considered local calls (within the 906 area code) versus long distance calls (outside the 906 area code).
Q. Are directory assistance calls free?
A. No, these calls will be billed by your long distance carrier. When you want Upper Peninsula directory assistance, you will dial 1-906-555-1212. All other directory assistance calls will be 1 + area code + 555-1212.
Q. What will happen if I use 10 digit dialing (1-906-XXX-XXXX)?
A. You will get a recorded message asking you to hang up and redial using 7 digit dialing (XXX-XXXX).
Q. If the rate increase is $5.69 for residential customers, why did my bill increase by $6.20?
A. Like your past local service, this charge is subject to a 9% tax rate (6% state tax, 3% federal tax).
Q. If the rate increase is $7.42 for business customers, why did my bill increase by $8.09?
A. Like your past local service, this charge is subject to a 9% tax rate (6% state tax, 3% federal tax).
Q. Were we notified of this possible rate increase?
A. Yes, in your July 2005 statement we included a bill message regarding our application for expanded local calling with the Michigan Public Service Commission. HCI has issued multiple press releases and radio ads.
Q. Are we the only telephone company offering expanded local calling?
A.
No, of the 38 telephone companies in
Michigan, 31 have expanded
their local calling area.
Q. Will my 906 calls be detailed on my bill?
A. No, they are now considered local calls and will not be itemized. You will only see the total minutes you used.
Q. Is there a way I can receive a reduced rate for my local phone service?
A. If you meet certain income guidelines, you may qualify for a “Lifeline Services” discount of $11.25 a month. Call your local telephone company or Lifeline direct at 1-866-321-2323 for added information and/or an application.
Q. Will I now get a telephone directory of the whole UP?
A. No, not at this time
Q. Will this increase for expanded local calling go up next year or the year after?
A. No, per the Michigan Public Service Commission's case U-14456 ruling.
Q. I have an 800 number that my family uses to call me. Are these calls included in my 2,000 minutes?
A. No, it’s only the outgoing calls you make from your home.
Q. What if I don’t want to pay the extra $5.69 or $7.42, is expanded local an option?
A. This is an expansion of your local service and applies to all subscribers of local service. It is not an optional calling plan.
Q. If I will only use 1,000 minutes in one month, can I choose to pay ˝ of $5.69?
A. This is an expansion of your local service and applies to all subscribers of local service. It is not an optional calling plan.
Q. If I do not use the 2,000 minutes in one month, will these minutes carry forward to the following month?
A. No, the unused minutes will not carry forward to the following month.
Q. Can I pool my Minutes of Use if I have more than one line?
A. Yes, as long as they are cross-billed (combined on one phone bill).