UCAN

Calling cards are a great alternative to the over-priced long distance plans being offered by the major carriers, and 99 Cents Only just might be the best. For 99 cents, you receive 99 minutes of long distance air-time. Unlike traditional long distance providers, no long-term commitment is required, and there are no set-up or cancellation fees. Find a store that sells 99 Cents Only phone cards near you.

In the past two years the cost of directory assistance has skyrocketed. Telephone companies are charging their customers unreasonable fees. The cost of directory assistance from wireless carriers now ranges from $1.50-$1.79 plus airtime minutes. Long distance providers are even worse, charging customers from $2.00-$3.50 per call. Thankfully, there are some real alternatives available that should ensure consumers never pay for directory assistance again.

1-800-FREE-411
Free411 offers free nationwide directory assistance for busisness, government, and residential listings. Yes, free. The service is supported by short advertisments (around 12 seconds). Most ads are related to your directory request. For example, if you ask for a Dominoes listing, you might hear a Pappa Johns ad. There are some exceptions, you may have to listen to an ad before being connected to an operater. On the whole, the service runs fast and smooth. If the automated operator cannot fulfill/understand your request, a human operator is on the line right away. There is an added bonus at the end. You can have the number you requested text messaged to your phone. Free411 does not charge any additional fee for this service, however, your carrier's SMS charges still apply. Free411 also offers free directory assistance through its website, so check 'em out.

1-800-411-SAVE
411Save is another great free directory assistance provider. Like Free411, 411Save is supported by advertisements (10-15 seconds). At this time 411Save only provides business listings, but the service is quick and easy and promptly connects you with a human operator if there is trouble with the automated system. Users also have the option to recieve their listing via text message at no additional charge. 411Save gives consumers a superior alternative to the major carriers' directory assistance services.

One year ago, President Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Folded into this bill was legislation setting a date certain for the death of analog TV. That date is February 17, 2009, 27 days after the President leaves office. The relatively little known provision will likely affect a broad range of consumers, as broadcasters switch off their analog signals in favor of the new digital standard. In short, for each traditional TV you have, ie. those that are not HDTV or even Digital Television capable, the TV will no longer work with a signal from your cable box, satellite receiver, or even your roof antenna or rabbit ears.

In 2006, it was estimated that "45 million televisions in 20 million households" depended on analog signals through antennas alone and would be affected by the changing standard.

Is there anyway to use my old TV?

Besides shelling out bucks for a new TV, there will also be set-top converter boxes available, starting in 2008, for approximately $50 that will modify the new signal for use on your analog tv. Some analysts suspect local cable and satellite tv providers will offer converters to customers, but it is not clear yet at what additional cost. Those who use antennas will simply have to get converter boxes for the TVs they wish to use.

Any assistance for those in need?

There will also be a program to offer $40 coupons to qualifying consumers to help defray the cost of the switch to the digital standard. The FCC says the following:

"Beginning in 2008, your household may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program, and will issue rules regarding the coupons in the future. Additional information can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov. "

Keep an eye out for this coupon program and take advantage if you qualify.

There are sound arguments out there that the change to digital from analog is not getting proper attention from the federal government, especially in the form of consumer education. This is reflected in a recent poll by the Association of Public Television Stations, which finds that more than 61% "of the more than 21 million U.S. households that receive their television signals over the air are still unaware of the digital TV transition."

So get prepared!

Also see this recent article by Philip Swann for more discussion of how the administration is dropping the ball on the switch to digital.