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On behalf of TRAC, I'm posting this announcement of TRAC's release of its
new Tele-Tips Long Distance Residential Comparison Chart.  The chart is
available at a very low cost to all consumers.  The following message also
has other helpful hints to help consumers save money on their phone bills. 
We also just released a long distance business rate comparison, available
for $5.00.  TRAC is a non-profit, independent consumer interest
organization. 

           --------------------------------------------

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charles Bain                                      August 31, 1994
(202) 462-2520


       RESIDENTIAL LONG DISTANCE COSTS INCREASED IN 1994,
                   CONSUMER GROUP STUDY SHOWS

      But TRAC Report Shows Big Savings are Still Possible


     Washington, DC, August 31 -- Most residential long distance telephone
rates increased significantly in 1994, according to the Telecommunications
Research and Action Center (TRAC), a non-profit consumer group that has
tracked long distance prices for consumers since the AT&T breakup in 1984. 
TRAC today released an expanded version of its widely used Tele- Tips�
Long Distance Comparison Chart.  The new version compares residential
rates and services for seven long distance carriers and 28 different
calling plans. 

     The TRAC study found consumers are now paying more in certain
categories.  For example, in TRAC's "average" calling basket, consumers
using discount plans based on who or where they called, and making 15
calls a month would find their AT&T "Select Saver" bill up by 7.59% since
November 1993, their MCI "Dial-1 Friends and Family" bill up by 8.68%, and
their Sprint "The Most" bill up by 7.49%.  However, newer plans from these
companies and special one-time offers may provide better deals, depending
on usage patterns. 

     Big savings are still available.  The differences between the lowest
available rate and the highest available rate in the same calling baskets
are dramatic.  In many cases, customers can save by switching plans
without changing carriers.  A consumer who spends about $30 a month (15
calls) could spend as much as $30.93 or as little as $20.93 -- about a 30
percent difference.  Very heavy users can save even more.  For example,
consumers making 150 calls would pay $274.53 if they pay standard long
distance rates, or as little as $173.89 if they use the least expensive
plan -- a difference of about $100 a month or $1,200 a year! Page Two

     Tele-Tips� allows consumers to make side-by-side comparisons of the
28 calling plans, based on three different types of calling pattern
"baskets".  There are "calling baskets" for heavy day time callers, heavy
night and weekend callers, and a composite or "average" user calling
basket. 

     Tele-Tips� is the single independent source of information about
rates, features and services, and descriptions of all major long distance
calling plans.  Tele-Tips� compares five traditional carriers (AT&T, MCI,
Sprint, Allnet and LDDS Metromedia), as well as "resellers" (Matrix
Telecommunications and Trans National Communications).  (Resellers are
independent companies that buy long distance service in bulk from major
carriers at special rates, and then resell that service to consumers using
their own publicly filed rates, services and features.)

     TRAC recommends that, because of rapidly changing rates, plans and
special promotions, consumers review their calling patterns and the rates
of their own and other long distance carriers at least once a year. 

     Copies of the current Tele-Tips� residential chart may be obtained by
sending a stamped, self-addressed business-sized envelope and $2.00 to
TRAC, P.O. Box 12038, Washington, DC 20005.  TRAC is a non-profit,
tax-exempt organization that works to protect consumer interests in all
forms of communications. 

                             # # # #

                         TRAC'S HOT TIPS


1.  CHECK THE PROMOTIONS

     Tele-Tips� rate comparisons do not include special, limited discounts
in its rate comparisons.  These discounts can mean even bigger savings. 
AT&T offers discounts through up-front credits (sending "checks" to people
for credit when changing to AT&T.) MCI has offered a free month of calling
and Sprint is offering 50% off on its "The Most" plan.  Usually there is a
requirement to continue the service for a minimum period of time, but the
discounts are often worth it. 


2.   TRY TO NEGOTIATE BEFORE SWITCHING

     If you are thinking of switching carriers, call your current carrier
and see if they will equal or better the competition.  Often they will
extend a promotional rate or offer credits to keep a customer, as well as
to get a new one. 


3.   RESELLERS AREN'T ALWAYS CHEAPER

     Resellers (companies which don't operate telephone lines themselves,
but buy services in bulk and resell them to consumers) are among the most
aggressive marketers, often claiming to offer large savings.  However,
Tele-Tips� indicates that resellers are usually not the least expensive
choice.  While reseller standard rates are lower than those of the big
carriers, the big carriers almost always have a less expensive plan
available than the reseller. 

                                
4.   STANDARD RATES ARE A BAD DEAL

     Standard rates almost always provide the worst deal, according to the
Tele-Tips� chart.  For example, an AT&T standard rate for 30 calls
(average daily use) is $55.77.  Its "Anyhour" plan for the same calls is
$39.07, or $16.70 cheaper.  Similarly, MCI's cost at standard rates for 50
calls (heavy day use) is $109.81; yet its cheapest rate for the same
basket results in a bill of $70.69, or nearly $40 a month cheaper. 

                        ________________

     More information, including rates, services and features, and plan
descriptions is available in the current Tele-Tips� residential chart. 
Tele-Tips� may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed
business-sized envelope and $2.00 to TRAC, P.O. Box 12038, Washington, 
DC  20005.