Verizon simplifies LD calling plan for smaller businesses

Verizon Communications yesterday introduced a long-distance calling plan geared to small and medium-sized businesses that is much simpler to understand than previous plans.

The SimpleOptions plan is now available in 36 states and offers four tiers based on per-month spending levels. The more a customer spends, the lower the customer’s per-minute rate. Customers spending a minimum of $100 will pay 7.5 cents per minute; those spending at least $500 per month will pay 7.0 cents per minute; customers who spend a minimum of $1000 per month will pay 6.5 cents per minute; and those spending at least $5000 per month will pay 6.0 cents per minute.

International calls are included in the calculation of the minimum spending levels upon which the per-minute pricing is based.

According to a Verizon spokeswoman, the company reviewed the 18-tier long-distance calling plan it offered in New York and decided that it was too complicated.

“We were hoping that customers would be able to find a niche within one of those levels, but, after looking at it again and talking with some customers, we decided that cutting the plan back to four levels would make it a lot simpler, and that was the goal,” she said.

The SimpleOptions plan contains no hidden charges or fees, and there are no restrictions based on the time of day calls are placed, according to the company. The plan offers three different terms: month-to-month, a one-year contract, or a three-year contract. Customers opting for the one-year or three-year plans receive additional discounts on per-minute pricing. In addition, a 5% discount is available to customers who subscribe to Centrex or other local products.

Verizon is the nation’s fourth-largest long-distance company with more than 5.2 million customers.