Basic rates are non-discounted rates for international calls from landline phones made by customers who have not signed up for a monthly international calling plan with their service provider or some other discounted calling option. Basic rate calling may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative for consumers who make occasional international calls because it doesn't require enrolling in a calling plan. However, the difference between basic rates and rates for other international calling options may be substantial. Consumers using basic rates for phone calls to mobile phones internationally also may incur additional charges. For more information on international calls to mobile phones, check the Consumer Guide: Surcharges for International Calls to Wireless Phones.
Examples of Basic Rates
Taken from rates posted in September 2020 for international calls to a few countries, the table below illustrates price differences between basic rates, monthly plans, and Skype, one of several options for making an international call using an Internet app.
International Calls from Landline Phones
Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype
Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling ($5.99/month) | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month)* | Skype |
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.023 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.020 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.015 |
| Mexico | $3.50 | $0.09 | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.010 |
| UK | $3.50 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.023 |
| * Rates listed apply to minutes in excess of the 300 minutes included in the plan. | |||||
International Calls to Mobile Phones
Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype
Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate-Mobile | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling ($5.99/ month)-Mobile | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) - Mobile | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month) - Mobile* | Skype-Mobile |
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.023 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.17 | $0.17 | $0.020 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.015 |
| Mexico | $3.65 | $0.24 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.035 |
| UK | $3.70 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.10 |
| * Rates listed apply to minutes in excess of the 300 minutes included in the plan. | |||||
Finding Basic Rates
Currently, both Verizon and AT&T have international basic rates for calls to every country in the world. They also have international basic rates for calls to certain specific companies like Inmarsat, Global Satellite or Networks.
FCC rules require carriers that charge international basic rates to make them easily available to consumers on their website.
Major Carriers' Basic Rates Posted on the Web
Consider Other Options
To avoid paying basic rates for, consider other options to find the best rates for your calling needs. You can contact your service provider and sign up for an international monthly calling plan and confirm the price you will pay for countries you are likely to call, or use a company that offers international calling plans. For more information, see additional FCC consumer guides:
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