NEWS YOU CAN USE: Cheap Calls

Talk is getting cheaper, if you knowwhere to find the bargains. Butconsumers are also finding that cheapcalls may come at the expense of convenience.OneSource.com offers a 2.5cents/minute rate if you dial 1 of thecompany's local access numbers beforepunching in the number you'recalling, and 2.9 cents/minute if youuse its toll-free number. Some phonecards offer you rates as low as 1.5cents/minute, but you first have to dialan 800-number plus a pin, which canbe as long as 12 digits. GTC Telecom(www.gtctelecom.com) offers a 5cents/minute rate that only asks youto dial "1" plus the number you'recalling. GTC charges a fee of $1.95 amonth if you choose to get a paperbill; pay online with your credit cardand there's no monthly charge. Tocompare long-distance plans, checkout A Bell Tolls (www.abtolls.com).