Who keeps the score and how are the calling card minutes used recorded?
As calls are made, the number of usable minutes is automatically deducted online from the card balance by the phone card provider (called carrier). Connection fees and surcharges are converted into minutes and deducted in the same way as the call is made. This is normally recorded on the calling card company’s computer system.
Is there a charge if I get a busy calling code signal?
In principle the value of your calling card should not reduce if you encounter a busy signal. There are basically two reasons you would get a busy signal:

• The busy signal is generated at the destination you are calling. This is often beyond the control of your calling card company. Remember international destinations have different customs, time zones and peak load periods. The quality of the telephone exchange system at the destination can also be a factor. So to make a call from Germany to US you have to know that when it is daytime in Berlin it is deep night in New York.
• Your access number produces a busy signal. This means that there are too many callers using this phone card. Try again later. If the problem persists, change to another phone calling card.

What do I do if my call gets disconnected?
The clock stops ticking on the disconnect (with a 1, 2 or 3 min rounding). If your call card has a surcharge you will pay it again on the re-connect. You can box with customer service about this if you really want to or if it becomes a persistent