The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Distance Calls

Nov 15 2023

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Calling Long-Distance

If you have friends and family who live far away, either in a different province or another country, you probably know all too well the struggles that come with trying to stay in touch and communicate with long-distance loved ones. Fortunately, this is why long-distance phone calls exist – to help families stay connected even when separated by distance. 

While long-distance calling is hardly a new thing, a lot of confusion still remains regarding this common phone plan feature. From rates to country codes and even dialling procedures, if you are new to long-distance calling, you probably have a lot of questions you need answered. This is where we come in.

To help you better understand what it means to make a long-distance call, we answer the most frequently asked questions we get when it comes to this topic. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Considered a Long-Distance Call?

A long-distance call refers to any type of phone call (via a cell phone or landline) made between two parties located in different regions. In Canada, calls made to someone in a different province are referred to as domestic long-distance calls. Calls made to someone in a different country are referred to as international long-distance calls.

Are Long-Distance Calls More Expensive Than Local Calls? 

Yes, it does cost more to make long-distance calls compared to when you call someone in the same region as you. The reason for this is that there are infrastructure and interconnection costs involved in routing calls over long distances, so phone carriers have to charge a higher rate for long-distance calls.

How Much Does it Cost to Make a Long-Distance Call?

The cost of making a long-distance call varies depending on your phone provider. However, at Comwave, we offer affordable international rates that vary based on the country you are calling to. We also offer long-distance calling within Canada for just $0.029 per minute ($0.190 for Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut). Visit our website for a full list of the costs of calling different countries.

How Are Long-Distance Calls Charged? 

Phone carriers typically charge for long-distance calls by taking into consideration a few different factors. This includes how far away you are from the recipient, the duration of the call, your carrier, and your specific calling plan. Long-distance rates also typically vary depending on whether you’re calling within Canada or internationally.

How do I Make a Long-Distance Call? 

While this may vary based on your phone provider, typically, when making a long-distance call, you would dial the appropriate prefix – often the country code and/or area code – before dialling the recipient’s phone number. Again though, the exact dialling process varies depending on your carrier and the country/province you are calling.

Do I Need to Dial a Country Code For International Calls?

Yes, anytime you make an international long-distance call, you will likely need to dial a country code assigned to the specific country where you are calling. Your phone carrier can provide you with a list of country codes so you know which code to dial when making a long-distance call.

How Do I Make A Long-Distance Call on a Landline?

Making a long-distance call on a landline is the same procedure as using a cellular phone. Simply dial the appropriate prefix before dialling the recipient’s phone number. You can also ask your phone carrier for specific instructions.

For domestic long-distance calls made within Canada, you’ll need to dial “1” for long-distance before the recipient’s area code and phone number.

For international long-distance calls, you’ll need to dial the international prefix for the country you are calling to. In most countries, this is “00” or “+”. Then, dial the appropriate country code and the recipient’s phone number, and you’ll be connected.

Again though, specific dialling instructions and requirements may vary depending on the telephone service provider. So, be sure to contact your provider or check their website for guidance on making long-distance calls.

Are Long-Distance Calls Secure? 

While this depends on the network and phone carrier you are using, long-distance calls made with Canadian providers like Comwave are secure and encrypted. However, we still recommend that you always be careful about sharing sensitive information with loved ones or business associates over the phone.

Are There Any Alternative Ways to Talk to Friends and Family Abroad?

Yes! If you have concerns about paying Long-Distance phone rates, there are many alternative channels for communicating with people internationally. Video chat services like Skype or Zoom are free to use for international calls, along with applications like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. You just need a strong internet connection. Learn more about Comwave’s affordable internet packages to enable these video chat services on the Comwave website.

How Can I Reduce The Cost Of Long-Distance Calls? 

If you have family and friends who live far away and are looking for an affordable way to stay in touch, consider switching to a home phone provider that offers affordable long-distance phone plans, like Comwave. 

Comwave is Canada’s largest independent internet and phone service provider, offering reliable yet highly affordable services you can depend on. Comwave offers among the most reliable, high-quality VoIP home phone services in Canada at a fraction of the cost of a traditional phone line.

We also offer home internet along with Internet and TV bundle plans, so you can enjoy both streaming content and live television at an affordable price as well.

Visit our website to learn more about how our internet, TV and phone packages can help you save money each month.