For discount long distance your best option is to choose a plan based on your needs and then compare calling plans offered by several discount long distance providers. To save the most money, take time to look at the specifics of every long distance calling plan and don't be afraid to use more than one of those plans to fit your needs and to receive a cheaper phone rate. So, when you consider discount long distance, consider the following:

Monthly Fees:

With discount long distance, you want to be sure to check to see if the plan has a monthly fee. Sometimes the per minute rate is cheaper, but you actually lose money because there is a monthly fee and you only use long distance a few times a month, not enough to justify the fee.
Fluctuating rates: Also, be sure to watch for different rates for days, nights, or weekends. Some companies will have one rate for certain hours during the day, then a different rate for evening or night hours or weekends.

Connection fees:

When you compare calling plans, check to see if there is a per-call connection fee. Some companies will hit you with a fee just for connecting your call. Read the small print.

State-to-state vs. In-state: Watch for calling plans that have different in-state (intrastate) rates. Often higher rates for in-state long distance calls are charged than state-to-state, which can mean a significant difference depending on where you are making calls to.

Rate changes:

You need to keep your eyes open, it does not matter who you have your discount long distance phone service with, watch for rate changes. It is possible that if there are rate changes, you will not be notified of those changes, so every now and then contact the company and ask them for their current rate. This is smart because rates can go down, and you can request a change in your service, or rates can go up. SO watch carefully.

These are just some of the things you should look for with discount long distance. Your responsibility is to be a smart consumer, read the fine print, and know whether or not for your usage if you are really going to save money, or if you will in all reality spend more. For example, with your local service you can make long distance calls for say 20 cents a minute, with a discount long distance service if you have a monthly fee of $4.95 for and then pay 5 cents a minute, you would save money only if you use enough minutes to cover the cost of the monthly fee and still save money over paying 20 cents a minute. You need to weigh your use and the costs, and see what in reality will be the best deal for you.