The telephone is a vital link for senior citizens to their family, friends, doctors, and emergency services. It is virtually inconceivable that a senior citizen in Cambridge could live independently without access to a telephone.

Since the telephone is so important seniors must understand the best way to use the telephone, its costs, and its pitfalls. Here are ways to take control over your telephone.

A Telephone Primer:

Your telephone service consists of local service (probably from Bell Atlantic) and a long distance service.

1. Who is your long distance carrier?  There are many choices for long distance services, like AT&T, MCI, SPRINT. Many other companies allow you to use pre-paid phone cards and then the long distance calls that are billed directly to your phone may be at a minimum. If you have never chosen a long distance carrier but can call long distance from your phone, you probably have AT&T, but you may not have the best available rate for these calls. Look at your bill carefully to see which company is your long distance carrier. If you make $10 dollars or more in long distance calls per month it may be worth it to call one other long distances companies to see if they are competitive. If you make most long distance calls on the weekend or at night instead of weekdays, you might get a better rate.

If you choose one company over another, telemarketers may call to try and get you to switch to another long distance company. If your bills are modest and the price is decent, hang tough and tell the callers you are not interested in switching again!

Our mailboxes are also filled with new offers for telephone service. "10-10 dial around service" is the new rage, and all the companies promoting this idea send you stickers to put right on your telephone. You should ignore this onslaught as well unless your long distance usage is so high that finding the best deal is very important to you. If that is the case, consider these offers very carefully before "dialing around."

2.If your bill lists a long distance carrier other than the one you selected, you may have been a victim ofSLAMMING.  It is very important to look closely at each bill to be sure this has not happened to you. Slamming means that the long distance service was switched to another company without your permission. This is illegal and you should call one of the numbers listed at the end of this article for assistance to correct this problem.

3. Does your bill have any unusual charges on it for things like "message services," paging or voice mail or other items? If yes, you may have been a victim of CRAMMING. This is another illegal procedure whereby unwanted services are placed on your phone bill. Many people don't notice these charges and end up paying them. If you think you were "crammed" call one of the numbers listed below.

4. Do you have a "Lifeline" discount on your basic telephone bill?  If you are receiving SSI benefits or receive other specific government benefits you may be eligible for the $13 per month discount, call Bell Atlantic at 1-800-870-9999 and ask!

5. Could you use some specialized telephone equipment because of a disability you have? You may be eligible for a program administered by Bell Atlantic that could provide you with a TDD device, a telephone amplifier, a large button telephone or other special telephone equipment. The Council on Aging staff has some forms to help you apply for this special equipment program. Call 349-6220.

6. Are you still leasing your telephone and paying $7-10 per month for it?  Talk to a friend or family member who might accompany you to a store to buy your own phone. They are very affordable now and have features your rental telephone may lack. Be sure to return the rental phone and cancel that service and enjoy the savings!

  7. Don't let unwanted telemarketing calls ruin your day or steal your money!  It's okay to be simply HANG UP THE PHONE!

So, be sure your telephone is your link to the world, and your friends, and not a drain on your wallet! 

Here are some helpful resources to assist you with your telephone questions or problems:

** Cambridge Consumers' Council 617-349-6150

** Department of Telecommunications and Energy 617-727-3531

** Attorney General's Office-- ask for "Regulated Industries Division 617-727-2200

** Bell Atlantic Business Office 1-800-870-9999

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