Power Net Global (PNG) customers have reported to UCAN that their local AT&T phone bills show they've been switched to a new long distance carrier called Williams Communications.  Although PNG insisted customers received notice of this change, not one customer reported ever seeing any notice. However, the company did agree to credit the $3.31 charged on the local AT&T bill if customers could prove via fax that the $3.31 was billed

Background:  PNG told UCAN that as a reseller of phone service, it uses the phone lines of other companies.  Prior to switching its agreement to Williams Communications, it used Quest's lines.  PNG alleged it switched to Williams because Quest's prices were too high and it wanted to keep lower prices for customers.   In about 2002, PNG promised to provide great customer service to UCAN members, no added fees and at the time, billed in 6-second increments.  Times change and now PNG charges fees and rounds up to the nearest minute in lieu of its 6-second billing increments.

If you are a victim of a long distance "switch" charge in the amount of $3.31 including taxes, fees and surcharges, please take the following steps to request a credit.

1) Have your AT&T local bill showing the $3.31 charge for the switching fee ready to fax to PNG, if requested.

2) The number that was posted previously in this blog and that was given
to UCAN by PNG (1-877-441-6096) is no longer a working number.  UCAN was not notified of this change by PNG about number changes.  Fortunately, a UCAN member called to notify us about the non-working #.  Please call PNG at either 1-877-599-3095 (agent support) or 1-800-860-9495 (Customer Service) for a credit of $3.31 switching fee charge.  If no credit appears, call AT&T customer service and ask the company to "recourse" the switching fee back to PNG.   Most credits take one-two billing cycles. 

3)  Conduct an Internet search for long distance carriers to compare to PNG to make sure you are getting the best deal for your calling needs.  The best way to determine what's best for you is to take your existing long distance bill and go down the line with 2-3 other long distance companies.  If you decide to make a change, be sure to switch your local toll and long distance to the same company. 

4) Another option is to drop your land line phone and use a cell phone for everything.

5) There is also the option of dropping the long distance and purchasing prepaid calling cards from a major chain store so you can return them if the calling cards don't work. 

Whatever you decide, make sure you take the time to get the best deal based on your calling patterns and that the company you choose has a good reputation for its size.  Internet complaint sights might be a good place to start.