Alternative Operators
Alternative Operators: Indirect Access for Cheaper Calls
By Dee McMath
Although there are some regional and national fixed-line
providers in Andalucia, the previously state owned monopoly, Telefónica,
is still the main provider of the basic telephone line and is still
the choice of almost 90% of users. Over recent years new companies
have emerged, trying to bite into Telefónica’s hold on the market. Although there are sometimes complicated tariff
systems, a lot of money can be saved by switching to an alternative
provider.
The Choice of Cheap Call Provider
When choosing a reduced cost call provider, it is
best to shop around to consider what suits your needs. Look into
the different call rates for local, provincial, national and international
calls. For example, most companies offer a flat rate (Tarifa
plana), which is good if you use the phone a lot and easier
to understand when the bill arrives. With the growth of competition, Telefónica has introduced some special offers and
packages to encourage users to stay with them. However it is really
worth checking out the various rates per minute and comparing them
to the best Telefónica call charges and big savings
can be made.
Providers that offer discounted call rates can be
accessed by adding a given four digit prefix (10 - -). Once you
have signed a contract with one of these companies, you then dial
the four figure number before the phone number you call and you
will be charged the time incurred by the discount call company.
In some cases, an automatic set up is offered so that all your calls
include the prefix. However, some people have different agreements
with companies for national and international calls and so you will
be using different prefixes depending on the call. Basic charges
and line rental will still be charged by Telefónica and you will be billed by the discount call provider separately.
It is worth noting that Telefónica is the only company in Spain that is bound by law to leave their
network open to competitors in this field. If you do decide to swim
against the tide and have a telephone line installed by another
company, you will find yourself tied to that company and will be
unable to use any of its competitors’ indirect services.
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