Setting up your communications in the USA
Introduction
We have found that dealing with communication companies in the USA are far easier than in South Africa.
However you might find problems when trying to provide references for credit. As you have not been in the USA long enough, they will not have a credit rating for you and this is a long and tedious process to get one. So the first stop is to get a telephone number.
Telephones
The US system of telephone operators and carriers in a rather complex one. If you live in Southern California, for example, your local carrier (the one you will have to contact to install your phone line) will most likely be Pacific Bell. Initially, you will only be able to use this carrier for local phone calls. If you need to make long-distance calls (e.g. Northern California, other states or international), you basically have three options. You can either buy pre-paid phone cards at liquor stores, supermarkets, hotels etc. Or you can dial 10 10 210 before the phone number you wish to dial. This carrier will bill you through your regular phone bill (currently at a rate of 5 cents a minute for domestic calls). The third option is to sign up for a long distance carrier. This will allow you to dial the number without a prefix, and the billing will be integrated with your regular phone bill.
Cell phones are becoming an increasingly popular and affordable complement to fixed phone lines. Depending on your wireless carrier, you may be able to cover 4 to 6 states without paying roaming fees. Most plans have a limited number of minutes each month, divided into weekday and weekend minutes. Your calls are free within this limit, but watch out for high rates once exceeded. Also, remember that your minutes count on incoming calls as well! Plans start at about $30 per month, and can be an attractive way to build your credit. Internet
While high-speed Internet connections (DSL or Cable) are experiencing growing demand, a modem connection is still the most common home connection in the US. Internet providers like AOL and MSN charge about $20 per month for unlimited access, but are also known to throw in a year's free access when you buy a new computer. The only free Internet Service Provider currently servicing the US market is Netzero, who offers its users 10 hours free access per month in return for banner advertising.
DSL and Cable connection is available in most areas and cost approximately $50 per month, sometimes with the setup fee included. Television
Unlike South Africa, you do not need a TV license in the US, since all basic channels are funded through advertising. Without subscribing to any of the available cable channels, you will have access to about 6-7 channels.
In terms of content, you will be exposed to plenty of local news, regardless of your place of residency. If you require international news, you are probably better off subscribing to a cable provider with CNN, BBC etc. If you, however, prefer to feast your eyes on local car chases (that sometimes go on for hours), animal rescues and weather forecasts, all you need is a TV.
Post
The United States Postal Service is the national mail carrier with local offices in basically every city and town. The postage for domestic mail is 37 cents as of December 2002.
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