Prepaid phonecards and monthly billed callingcards often offer really lower long distance rates (2 to 5 times) than the more traditional call services such as coin (landline), cellular (wireless) and collect calling.
Additionally prepaid calling card calling rates remain regular no matter when the call is placed. Even the most expensive pre paid cards have replaced coin pay phones and co-exist with VoIP.
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. [...]