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FirstLocal FAQ |
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Click a Question Below for more information. Where is the service available? |
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Answers Where is the service available?First Communications can provide local phone service to customers in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana who live within the Ameritech local phone service area. 
Can I keep the phone number I have today? Yes. Your phone number will remain the same, and you can continue to use the features and services you enjoy today.
How will I be billed? Customers who use First Communications for both the long distance phone service and local phone service will receive a single billing statement with both services clearly listed. Our billing statements are simple and easy to understand, and you'll gain the convenience of handling both services in a single payment.
How long does it take to transfer service? Your phone service can be converted to FirstLocal between 7 to 14 business days after your order is placed. When your service has been transferred you'll receive a confirmation letter and welcome packet via U.S. Mail.
Can I keep the extended local calling plan I use today? Yes. Many customers subscribe to "Extended Local Calling Area" plans that let you pay a flat monthly fee for adding additional regions to your local calling area. First Communications will offer you a wide range of options in extended local calling areas including all the options you have today.
Do I need an appointment to switch? Does a technician visit my home to change the service? No. First Communications can switch your local phone service without visiting your home. No appointments. No scheduling. No hassle.
Can I still use the features (Caller ID, Call Waiting, etc.) I use today? Yes. First Local service offers the features you use today at attractive prices. You can choose from packages including only the essentials or all the latest features in local phone service.
Do I have to use First Communications long distance? First Communications long distance delivers value, savings and service - and FirstLocal customers who use First Communications long distance service will enjoy the benefit of having a single billing statement for both long distance and local service. FirstLocal packages also offer free First Communications long distance minutes, which cannot be used if First Communications does not provide long distance service on the FirstLocal line. However, you can still select any long distance carrier of your choice to carry the long distance on your FirstLocal line.
What is LineProtect? LineProtect service protects the internal wiring in your home against unexpected repair charges. Any repairs needed for the internal wiring of your home will be covered under your line protection service. This service is similar to Ameritech's Line-Backer service.
Who do I call if I have a problem? Call the FirstPerson customer care center at 1.800.274.1015. After your service has been converted, your service needs will be handled by First Communications attentive, responsive customer care representatives rather than Ameritech's service center.
How will I know my service has been converted to FirstLocal? You will receive a welcome packet and confirmation letter by mail.
Will my phone be out of service during the conversion to FirstLocal? No. The transfer will be invisible on your end and will not cause interruption.
Do free minutes in FirstLocal packages accumulate from month to month? Each FirstLocal monthly service package includes free First Communications long distance minutes. These minutes are replenished with each new billing period and do not accumulate from month to month.
Can the free minutes in my FirstLocal package be international minutes? No. Free minutes included in FirstLocal packages are outbound domestic long distance minutes. Free minutes will not be applied to international calls.
Will FirstLocal customers be able to pay their bills at banks, grocery stores, etc. in the same way they pay their Ameritech bills? FirstLocal offers three options for payment: FreedomCheck, direct credit card billing and traditional paper-check payments. Payments can be mailed to: First Communications, P.O. Box 89463, Cleveland, OH 44101 - 6463. At this time, payments cannot be made at other locations.
Is existing Ameritech service required to become a customer of FirstLocal? No. If your physical address is located in the Ameritech territory, you can sign up for FirstLocal whether your phone service is provided by Ameritech or another carrier that provides service in the Ameritech area.
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