Access Long Distance Inc

RE: Informal complaint of [redacted]against Long Distance Access, Inc.Complaint number: [redacted]Billing phone number: ###-###-#### Long Distance Access, Inc. ("Long Distance Access") hereby responds to the informal complaint filed by [redacted] in the above-captioned proceeding. Long...

Distance Access has worked to provide [redacted] and the Bureau with all pertinent information within its control regarding this matter.Long Distance Access regrets that Mrs. [redacted] feels that Long Distance Access improperly changed her long distance service, and that a misunderstanding has apparently occurred with this consumer. Long Distance Access believes that it has complied with all applicable statutes, rules, and regulations in this matter, as detailed below and submits that the long distance service for this customer was changed with the customer's informed consent.Long Distance Access markets its services through independent, professional telemarketing agents. Long Distance Access takes many thorough steps to ensure that all those whom it may contract with for marketing purposes properly represent its products and services. Among these steps are strict adherence to selling guidelines, third-party verification and welcome packages for all new sales. Further, Long Distance Access will terminate its contract with any marketing agencies not adhering to its strict standards, especially those involving misrepresentation.All Long Distance Access sales obtained through telemarketing are verified by an appropriately qualified and independent third party verification service pursuant to Section 64.1120 of the Federal Communication Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 64.1120. Long Distance Access does not compensate verification services based upon a successful outcome of the verification process. Long Distance Access' verification service for this sale was Capitol Verification a provider of verification services located at P.O. Box 1641, Superior, Wisconsin 54880.  Following verification, a Welcome Package, which includes a welcome letter, a notice of all terms and conditions, and a page with responses to commonly asked questions, is mailed to the customer.  Long Distance Access bills its customers through USBI, a provider of billing clearinghouse services for telecommunications service providers.  All long distance charges are included on the customer's local telephone company billing statement on the USBI bill page.Long Distance Access' records indicate the following facts regarding this account: On May 15, 2017, a sales agent representing Long Distance Access contacted the residence of [redacted] and [redacted] regarding changing telephone service to Long Distance Access and spoke to [redacted]. The call was then transferred to a representative from Capitol Verification who spoke to Mr. [redacted] to verify his intent to switch his long distance carrier to Long Distance Access. During the verification process, Mr. [redacted] confirmed that he was authorized person to make carrier changes for the account, verified the number to be switched, and also confirmed all relevant account information. Mr. [redacted] confirmed that he understood that Long Distance Access is a long distance provider not affiliated with his current long distance carrier and that he was agreeing to switch his long distance service from his current carrier to Long Distance Access. Mr. [redacted] also confirmed that he understood that Long Distance Access and the service he was agreeing to purchase are not affiliated with his local telephone company. Mr. [redacted] confirmed that he understood that this was a new long distance service for all long distance calls, including in-state, out-of-state, international, and intra-LATA toll service calls. The verification agent informed Mr. [redacted] of all rates and charges that the new long distance service provided by Long Distance Access would start in five to ten days and that Long Distance Access was not affiliated with his local telephone company. To confirm the verification, Mr. [redacted] gave his date of birth.Long Distance Access has shown that this switch was authorized and made with full disclosure to the customer. Nevertheless, Long Distance Access issued [redacted] and [redacted] a credit of $23.85 on February 14, 2018 and an additional credit of $47.70 on March 02, 2018. The credit should appear on the customer's local exchange carrier phone bill within one to two billing cycles.Long Distance Access respectfully requests that the Bureau close this file.Very truly yours,Sarah L. [redacted], Attorneyfor Long Distance Access, Inc.