Most customers have a
primary carrier that handles long distance. This may be one
of tier-1 carriers (MCI, SPRINT, AT&T) or one of the many
other smaller players in industry. When a customer dials
1+AreaCode+Number, a primary carrier handles the call.
However, there is a way to bypass our primary carrier by
telling a local switchboard to route a call through another
long distance provider. In other words, we can "dial around"
our primary long distance carrier. By dialing a "dialaround"
access code before entering 1+AreaCode+Number, you
effectively route that call through another phone company.
The charges may show up as a separate section on your normal
phone bill, may come as a separate bill.
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.