Questions and Answers about Extended Area Services (EAS)
Q: What is EAS? Q: Do I have to have EAS? Q: Where is my EAS calling area? Q: What are the EAS calling plan choices? Q: What are the differences between the “Measured Rate” plan and the “Flat Rate” plan? The “Flat Rate” EAS plan is just that. You are charged a single flat rate each month, currently $21.35, which allows you unlimited calling minutes to the EAS area. No matter how many minutes you actually use every month, whether it is 8 minutes or 1,000 minutes your monthly cost will always be $21.35. Q: How do I know which calling plan I should choose? Which plan is right for you? This depends on the average number of minutes you call within these areas. At .08 cents per minute (the “Measured Rate” plan) you can call these areas and talk for up to 266 minutes and your cost would still be less than the “Flat Rate” plan. If you talk for more than 266 minutes per month then the Flat EAS Rate plan will save you money. Essentially, the break-even point is 266 minutes. If you average more than 266 minutes of calls into the EAS area then the “Flat Rate” plan will probably work in your favor. If you average less than 266 minutes of EAS calls per month then the “Measured Rate” plan should work in your favor. However, to be sure of which plan will benefit you most you should look at your calling patterns over the last six months and make your own determination as to which plan would work best for you. We trust the above information has helped you make your decision and that your call analysis will confirm your choice or illustrate the benefits of an alternate plan. Please feel free to call our business office at 503-824-3211 if you have any further questions. |