CUB shows consumers how to cut phone bills
by Sandy Illian Bosch, The Doings-Clarendon Hills
Sept. 1, 2009 — Indian Prairie Library in Darien is almost always buzzing with some sort of activity, but few events draw a bigger crowd than one that promises to save people money.

Nearly 50 people turned out last week to have their phone bills analyzed by experts from Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit organization that helps people save money on their utilities.

Harold Stepinsky of Downers Grove knew before he arrived at the Cut Your Phone Bill clinic Aug. 26 that the advice he would hear would be worth listening to. He took CUB's advice months ago and has seen his phone bill drop considerably.

"It about cuts the cost in half," Stepinsky said.

He showed up last week to see if there was even more that could be done to save him money.

"These are pretty good deals," Stepinsky said of the Consumer's Choice options that CUB encourages most phone customers to choose.

Created a few years ago as a legal settlement with AT & T, the three options offer just the basics, without things that CUB advisors like Shari Currie, outreach coordinator, said most people could do without.

"They try to sell you huge packages with things you don't need," Currie said.

Consumer's Choice Basic, the least expensive of the CUB-recommended options, offers customers 30 local calls a month, with additional calls charged at 6 cents each. The plan costs $9.50 for most of Illinois.

The second option is Consumer's Choice Extra. This package offers basic phone service and unlimited local calls for $16.

The Consumer's Choice Plus option gives customers unlimited local calls, plus two extra features such as call waiting or caller ID, for $19.85 a month.

All three plans are for local calls only. For his long-distance calls, Stepinsky was using a calling card. But he found out there might be a better option.

"Pioneer is the cheapest rate," Currie told those who attended the Indian Prairie Public Library event.

Unless a person uses more than 650 minutes of long distance a month, Pioneer, at 2.7 cents per call in state and 1.9 cents out of state, saves most people money.

Mention CUB as having recommended the company and customers will receive a $20 credit to their bill, Currie said.

Stepinsky said he would call Pioneer, as will Mary Kohman of Clarendon Hills.

"I don't make that many phone calls," she said, and when she does, using a phone card is cumbersome. After talking to Currie, she expects Pioneer to be easier and cheaper.

Currie said those who attended last week's phone bill analysis will save an average of $18.33 per month if they follow through with the advice they received.

For more information about CUB's plans and money-saving tips, visit citizensutilityboard.org, or call (866) 688-4282.