The second reason may be that there is a long-distance service restriction on your line (usually something like an unpaid deposit or outstanding balance). Call IDT Customer Service at 1-800-889-9126 to identify the problem so we can help you complete your switch to IDT.

When you choose IDT as your long-distance carrier we will handle both your state-to-state and in-state long-distance calls. You may choose another carrier for "Regional Toll" or "Local Toll" calls (calls that stay within your state that are not considered long distance). These calls can be handled by your local phone company or, if you prefer, by IDT. To find out what IDT would charge to handle these calls, and how to make the switch to IDT, just call 1-800-889-9126.

Also, in-state long-distance calls are usually more expensive than state-to-state because local companies generally charge us more for handing off these calls.

IDT’s Unlimited Local & Long Distance Plans

There are only two types of calls, local and long distance. Right?
Actually, there are four (not including international): local calls, state-to-state long distance calls, in-state long distance calls, and calls that go beyond your local calling area but don't go far enough to be considered long distance.When you choose IDT as your long distance carrier we will handle both your state-to-state and in-state long distance calls. You may choose another carrier for "Regional Toll" or "Local Toll" calls (calls that stay within your state that are not considered long distance). These calls can be handled by your local phone company or, if you prefer, by IDT. To find out what IDT would charge to handle these calls, and how to make the switch to IDT, just call IDT Customer Service at: 1-800-889-9126.

Can I take Unlimited Local Calling without taking Long Distance?
IDT does not sell "local only" service. With our unlimited local and 3.9 cent plan, you only pay for the calls that you make. You may not need the service today, but you may need in the future and knowing it's already there is a plus!

Can I add an additional line to my Plan?
Yes. Once you select one of IDT’s Unlimited Local Plans, you can add IDT service to your other phone lines for just $26.95 a month during the online sign-up process. You get unlimited local calling, and usage-based regional and long distance. What is an Inside

Wire Maintenance Plan? Do I need one?
You are responsible for the cost of repairs to your inside wire. For only $3.95 per month, per line, IDT Inside Wire Maintenance service covers the diagnosis and repair of the inside telephone wires and jacks that provide dial tone services. With this service, you will not have to pay any labor or material charges if you need a telephone technician to make repairs covered by the plan. This plan will go into effect 30 days after your IDT telephone service has been established.If you live in an apartment building, dorm, co-op, nursing home, or other group living facility, contact your landlord or manager to determine responsibility.

Service Related Questions About Joining IDT

Can I manage my account online?
Of course! IDT's Online Account Center is a free service that allows you to track most calls, review statements and make online payments. You can also contact IDT Customer Service directly from the Account Center.Is it safe to send my confidential information over the Internet? Absolutely! IDT has taken steps to ensure that your credit card or other sensitive information is not sent unprotected over the Internet. Through the use of a security protocol known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), we encrypt your information prior to transmission over the Internet so it can't be read by anyone else as the information travels from your computer to ours.

Is there a switching fee if I change to IDT?
No. IDT does not charge a fee when switching local service. A fee may apply when switching your local or long distance carriers by your current local provider. Fees, if any, vary by territory and can be verified by your provider.

Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. Switching to IDT's Unlimited Local and Long Distance Service does not affect your current phone number or disrupt your service in any way.

I'd like to change my phone number. Can you do this for me?
If you'd like to change your phone number, call your local service provider. When you receive your new phone number, just call IDT Customer Service at 1-800-889-9126, and we can switch your phone service over to IDT. It’s that simple!

My local service provider is also my cable company. Can I still switch to IDT?
Possibly. You need to determine if the phone service is digital (through the cable) or analog (through a standard phone jack).
If it's analog, just call an IDT Customer Service Representative at 1-800-889-9126 to help you make the switch to IDT, or sign up online.
If it's digital, and through a cable wire instead of a standard phone wire, we currently do not have the capability to provide service on that line.

Why is there a block on 900/970 numbers?
IDT automatically blocks calls from third parties including adult lines, chat rooms and horoscopes.IDT has had a great amount of exposure and fraud by not blocking 900/970 calls, so it has become a mandatory part of all sales. IDT cannot remove this block.

Do you offer call-blocking options?
Yes, options such as: block *69 (Return Call), *66 (Repeat Call), DA Completion, Collect Calls, Third Party Billing calls.
In addition, you may add any number of free call blocking options at the time of sign-up. If you want to change any of your blocking options after the initial sign-up, contact IDT Customer Service at 1-800-889-9126; you will be charged a request fee of $4.95.

My phone is disconnected. Can you switch my service to IDT?
IDT cannot activate disconnected phone lines at this time. Call your current local service provider and have your phone line reconnected. Once it's connected, you can transfer to IDT by calling 1-800-889-9126 or sign up online.

Billing & Surcharge

What are the advantages of IDT Online Billing?
IDT’s Online Billing gives you better access to your bill and more control over your account. It's easy, convenient, secure - and 100% online.

Is IDT Online Billing secure?
Yes. At IDT, we understand that security and privacy are important to you, so we've taken steps to ensure that your checking account number, credit card number, or other sensitive information is never sent unprotected over the Internet. Through the use of a security protocol known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), we encrypt your order information prior to transmission over the Internet so it can't be read in transit. Your name, address, payment information - anything about your account - cannot be read by anyone else as the information travels from your computer to our network. Look for the lock in the lower left corner of your browser window. In a secure area this will be closed.

What can I expect to see on my first bill?
Our bills are simple. You'll see two line items: 1) the monthly service charge if applicable for your phone service and 2) the taxes and surcharges.Like other phone companies, IDT bills for its services one month in advance for the first full month. These charges will be prorated from the date your service was first activated, so your first bill may be higher than your subsequent bills. These charges will be clearly identified. After the first bill, future bills will only include charges for one full month.Taxes and surcharges include FCC mandated charges like the Universal Service Fund and the FCC Subscriber Line Charge. Depending on where you live, other taxes and/or surcharges may apply. These should be similar to what you've seen on phone bills from your previous service provider.

What is the National Carrier Charge?
IDT is required to pay several federal charges based on your interstate and international usage. We have grouped this together under one charge, the National Carrier Charge, to keep it simple. The National Carrier Charge is 4.99% of your state-to-state charges, international charges and your monthly fee combined.

What is the Local Number Portability Fund?
Local Number Portability is a service that allows customers to keep their telephone numbers even if they switch to another telephone service provider. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows telephone companies to recover the cost of upgrading their system to provide this service.

What is the Telecommunications Relay Fund?
The Telecommunications Relay Service Fund (TRS Fund) charge supports the service that enables speaking and/or hearing-impaired individuals to communicate over the telephone network. Under Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all telephone companies must provide relay services free of charge to users either directly or through state programs throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all of the U.S. territories. This charge varies by state and is also known as the Telecommunications Access System Act Surcharge or as compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

What is the Subscriber Line Charge?
This is a fee that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows local phone companies to charge to recover a portion of the costs of completing long distance calls on their local networks.

Who can I call if I feel my utilities credit check is incorrect?
If you feel that your credit profile was incorrect, call Equifax at 1-800-685-1111. They will be able to answer questions regarding your credit.