1. WHY SHOULD I CHECK THE THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BEFORE CALLING?

    Chances are, the answer to your question is here. We have assembled these from the questions that most people call and ask. Also, we work on a very slim margin. If we have to pay the 800 number costs to answer the same questions over and over, it will eventually affect the rates.

  2. Is there any set up fee to start an account with ECG?

    No, we don"t charge anything to start an account with us however, your local carrier usually charges a switching fee of up to $5 per line.

  3. Is there a minimum usage requirement?

    There is no minimum usage or monthly fee for either business or residential users.

  4. How do I sign up for ECG?

    Just click on the "Signup Online" or "Sign Up Now" button, fill out the short form and press submit.
    Within a few minutes, you will receive an automated callback to confirm your order & your service should be switched within 5 to 7 working days.

  5. How long does it take for my service to get switched over to ECG?

    After ECG has received a new account with proper authorization, the process takes approximately 5 business days. After the account has been set up by ECG, each customer will receive a welcome letter via e-mail explaining important information about their account. Included in this letter is information on how to verify if you have been switched and what to do if you have a "PIC freeze".

  6. What is a RESPORG form?

    The form necessary to move an existing 800 number over to ECG. If you are moving a toll free number to us, please also attach a copy of a recent bill from your current toll free provider.

  7. Do you reimburse the switching fee my local carrier charges to switch to ECG?

    Because our rates are so fantastic, and you will save so much money in the long run, it will be your responsibility to pay the switching fees.

  8. Do I need to be at the number that I am requesting service on?

    No. For the contact number, put in the number you can be reached at and if you do not get the 3rd party verification by the next day, please call the ECG call center at 1-877-332-3241 between 8am-9pm M-F Central time.

  9. Will I receive my bill on my local phone bill?

    No. ECG will bill you separately therefore enabling you to determine exactly what your long distance costs are.

  10. What are local toll calls?

    Local toll calls - also known as in-state long distance, regional toll, local long distance, or shorter distances calls - are typically the itemized calls that appear on your local phone bill. These calls span greater distances than local calls, but are not long distance calls. They may be within your area code or a different one - across town, or in the next county. The mileage on these is typically 12-40 or 50 miles.
    Everything beyond that is considered long distance The cost of a "local toll" call with ECG is the same as your instate rate.

  11. Do I have to dial any special codes to get my low ECG rates?

    No. You may simply dial 1 plus the number you want to call.

  12. What is a ''PIC Freeze''?

    A ""PIC Freeze"" is a block your local phone company puts on your line, per your request, which protects you from being switched ("slammed") to another long distance carrier without your express consent.

  13. Should I tell my previous long distance company that I am switching?

    After you are sure that you have been switched to ECG, it is a good idea to contact your previous long distance provider to make sure they do not continue to bill you a monthly fee.

  14. Can I pay my bill with a monthly bank draft?

    Yes, you can pay your invoice with a monthly bank draft. You can find the form for this service at http://www.ecg1.com/order/achform. htm . After completing and signing the form, please fax the form to 888-767-5599 ATTN: Accounts Receivable. Please be sure to attach a voided check with the ACH/bank draft authorization.

  15. What's the catch on your plan?

    There is no "catch" or hidden fees. Everything is disclosed to you up front. ECG is made up of consumers just like you, who want a great deal with no bull.

  16. What is an intrastate call?

    Communication within a single state. Intrastate communications are regulated by each state"s PUC.

  17. Can I access the internet from any other cities using a local number?

    Here is a link to the list of access numbers nation wide: Nation-wide Access Numbers.

  18. What is 'slamming'?

    The term "Slamming" refers to a long distance provider changing your long distance service without your knowledge or consent. To prevent "Slamming", we recommend you put a PIC freeze on your phone line.

  19. What is a LOA (letter of agency)?

    A document that authorizes changing the service provider.

  20. Does ECG offer calling cards?

    Yes. The Travel Card rate is currently 12.9ยข per minute. All calling card calls will be included in your monthly bill. Please check the Travel Card page as the international rates also have a separate rate schedule.

  21. Is there any additional charge for an 800 or toll-free number?

    No. 800 numbers will be billed at the same rates as your outgoing calls.

  22. Is there any minimum commitment time as a customer?

    No. You can discontinue service anytime as there is no contract.

  23. Does it cost me to call an 800 number?

    No, there are no costs to call an 800, 877or 866 number.These are all toll free and the calls are paid for by the party that owns the toll free number.

  24. What do I do if I miss the confirmation call after I have submitted my order??

    Call the verification center at 1-877-332-3241 and give them your information. In order to receive service, you must be verified.

  25. How long has ECG been in business?

    Six and one-half years. ECG is committed to providing you with excellent service. ECG is a solid company and are growing rapidly every month.

  26. What is the USF fee?

    All telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund (also known as USF) which provides communications services to schools, rural health care facilities, and certain other entities. The Federal Universal Service Fee is assessed on interstate and international calls only. A USF of 9.1% will apply to all state-to-state & international calls. It is charged on your monthly statement.

  27. What are the billing increments and what do they mean?

    ALL domestic calls both in-state and state-to-state on the 3.9 cent plan are billed in 6 second increments with only a 6 second minimum. That means that you would have a minimum charge of about 1 cent on any answered call billed at 3.9 cents. Since we divide up every minute into ten pieces or 6 second increments, you are only billed for the portion of the minute that you use. International calls have a 30 second minimum with 6 second billing thereafter.
    On the 3.5 cent plan all billing occurs in one-minute increments. This means that as long as a call is answered, you will be billed for the full minute once any portion of the minute is used.
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