DialAround Primer - How Does It Work?
Most customers have a primary carrier that handles long distance (MCI, SPRINT, or AT&T). When a customer dials 1+AreaCode+Number, a primary carrier
handles the call. However, there is a way to bypass the primary carrier by
telling a local switchboard to route a call through another long distance
provider. In other words, we can "dialaround" our primary long distance
carrier. By dialing a "dialaround" access code before entering the normal
1+AreaCode+Number, you effectively tell your local switchboard to route that
call through the carrier associated with that particular access code. All the
charges for that particular call will be made by the carrier associated with the
access call. The charges may show up as a separate section on your normal phone
bill, may come as a separate bill, or be billed to a credit card.
Based on this definition, dial-around service actually applies to programs
beyond just the 10-10XXX access numbers. Providers which allow you to access
their network through a toll free number are also effectively dial-around
services as they circumvent your primary long distance carrier. Calling cards
are also another form of dial-around service.
Most customers pre-select one of the major long distance carriers like MCI,
AT&T or Sprint and use them for all long distance calls.
More sophisticated customers pre-select a major carrier but use dial-around
for longer international or state-to-state calls. Savings can go anywhere from
30% to 80% depending on destinations. You can use one or more dial around
numbers. Its like if you were buying groceries. You can go to one store
and buy everything there, or you can go to 2-3 stores and buy selectively based
on the best prices. The same with dial around. You may make some calls on
your default carrier, some on one dial-around number, some on another
dial-around number.
Some customers switched completely from a major long distance carrier to
second tier carriers (such as Cognigen, Opex etc) getting 30%
to 80% savings on all direct dialed calls. Discounts vary on where you call
from, and where you call to.
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