Product Information
What is Direct Dial?
Direct Dial enables you to dial your long distance calls directly by just dialing a '1' before making a domestic long distance call and '011' before making an international long distance call. In selecting Startec Direct Dial Long Distance, you authorize Startec to be the provider of all your long distance calls.
What is Startec CellConnect?
Startec CellConnect is a great product included with Startec's Direct Dial Service that allows you to make calls from your cell phone or any other phone. You can use Startec CellConnect from your cell phone without dialing any PIN Numbers. You can also use the service from a hotel phone, a friend's house or even your office. Now you don't have to wait to get home to make international calls!
Startec CellConnect with Direct Dial can only be activated once you have switched your home phone number to Startec. Information on how to activate your CellConnect Service will be in the welcome package that you receive from Startec. Simply follow the instructions to stay connected.
With Startec CellConnect you can register up to three phone numbers including your cell phone and even your family members' cell phones to dial without using PIN Numbers. You can also set up speed dial for up to 99 numbers for quick connections.
Can I view my call details online?
Yes. Startec customers automatically receive access to our online account management tool, My Account. This customized tool allows you to view all your call details, and compare and track your spending month to month. You can even analyze your calling patterns by the numbers or destinations you call, dates or even call duration!
What is My Account online?
Startec customers automatically receive access to our online account management tool, My Account. This customized tool allows you to view all your call details, and compare and track your spending month to month. You can even analyze your calling patterns by the numbers or destinations you call, dates or even call duration!
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with Startec's plans?
Startec's rate plans are specially designed to help you save on all your long distance calls. We have many plans to suit your calling needs. Some plans do not have a monthly fee and some have a very low monthly fee so that we can provide you our best and lowest rates. For information about our plans, click on the plan that you wish to learn more about and you will find all the rates and fees associated with that plan.
Can I use my service from my cell phone and when I am traveling?
Yes. Startec has solutions for all your long distance calling needs - whether from home, your cell phone or when you are traveling. When you subscribe to Startec's Direct Dial service, you automatically receive the benefit of Startec's CellConnect Service, which you can use from other phones, including your cell phone, and get the same low rates as your home phone with no additional fees.
Do I have to change my cell phone provider to use the CellConnect Service?
No. CellConnect Service can be used simply by dialing our toll free number from your cell phone. Just follow the prompts and dial the desired number to start saving on international calls. You can have any cell phone provider and still use our CellConnect Service.
Will I receive a separate bill for my CellConnect Service?
No. The calls made using the CellConnect Service will be on your monthly invoice from Startec.
What are the rates associated with Startec CellConnect Service?
You will get the same low rates as from your home phone service.
Are there any additional fees for Startec CellConnect Service?
No. There are no additional fees for Direct Dial subscribers. CellConnect is included with Startec's Direct Dial service at no additional cost.
How do I activate my CellConnect Service?
You can activate your CellConnect service after your home phone has been switched. Just call customer service at 1-800-827-3374 to activate your CellConnect service.
How do I use CellConnect Service?
Startec's CellConnect Service is easy to use. Just dial the access number and follow the prompts.
1-800 Access Numbers for the U.S.:
1-800-745-8696 1-800-808-8865
What is PIN-less Dialing?
PIN-less dialing is a feature of Startec's CellConnect Service - and it simply means that you don't need to enter PIN numbers when making international calls. You can register 4 phone numbers for using Startec CellConnect without PIN Numbers. When you place a call from any of these 4 phone numbers, our systems will recognize your phone number and allow you to make calls directly, without asking for a PIN. It's easy and convenient! For your security, you can only set up the PIN-less dialing feature online on My Account or through our customer service representatives. This is for your protection so that only you can register the phone numbers for PIN-less dialing.
What is speed dial?
With speed dial you don't have to dial the full phone number you are trying to reach. Simply dial the toll free CellConnect access number and enter the speed dial number. With Startec CellConnect, you can store up to 99 numbers for speed dialing.
Can I place a call while traveling overseas using Startec CellConnect Service?
Yes. With Startec CellConnect, you can stay connected even when you are traveling abroad! Startec CellConnect provides toll-free access numbers from over 50 countries worldwide. All you have to do is dial the local toll-free number for the country that you are in and follow the prompts.
Will I be able to use the PIN-less dialing feature when I use my CellConnect account from overseas?
No. The PIN-less dialing feature is only available from the phone numbers you have registered with Startec. If you are using CellConnect from your cell phone when you are traveling abroad, your cell phone will be 'International roaming'. When you are on 'International roaming' you will not be able to use the PIN-less feature.
What rates will I have to pay for using Startec CellConnect service from foreign countries?
You can look up the rates for using Startec CellConnect Service from abroad on our convenient rate calculator at http://www.startec.com/us/en/products-services/cellconnect/globalaccess. See the rates section under CellConnect. The rates that you will pay depend on the 'access charges' from abroad.
How do I place a call with Startec CellConnect Service from overseas and what rates will I have to pay?
It's really easy to use Startec CellConnect Service from overseas. You can download a list of countries where we have local toll-free access numbers available. The instructions for use will also be available on the same page on our website at www.startec.com. To use Startec CellConnect from abroad:
1. Dial our access number for that country
2. Enter your PIN (10-digit phone number used to sign up for CellConnect + 4-digit PIN Number chosen when you signed up)
3. Follow the prompts to place your call.
Can I provide the international access number (PIN) to my family or friends to call me or other people from overseas?
Yes. Startec recommends that you take care with who you share this information with. You will be held responsible for all the calls made using your CellConnect account.
Anything else I need to remember when I make calls using Startec's CellConnect Service?
Yes. Please do not press the "Send" or "Call" or "Ok" button on your cell phone after you dial your destination number. This button might also be the "Green" button on your cell phone that you press after you choose or enter the number you wish to call. Pressing this button might take your International call directly through to your cell phone provider and Startec will not be responsible for these calls.
Here's a step-by-step explanation on what to do when you make calls from your cell phone using Startec's CellConnect Service:
1. Call our access number (most likely you would have programmed it into your phone).
2. When you hear the prompt, enter the destination number you are calling (if you are set up for PIN-less dialing). If you are not set up for PIN-less dialing, you can dial your PIN and then the destination number. If you have set up speed dial options, you can just enter the speed dial code instead of the full destination number.
3. PLEASE DO NOT PRESS ANY OTHER BUTTON and wait to get connected.
Support Information
How do I set up speed dial numbers for Startec's CellConnect service?
Simply log on to My Account by going to myaccount.startec.com to set up your speed dial options. You can change the numbers stored for speed dialing at anytime on My Account. You may also set up speed dial by calling the access number for your CellConnect Service and pressing the * key after the prompt. Follow the menu to set up your speed dial numbers.
How do I register my phone number with CellConnect?
CellConnect allows you to register up to 4 number (1 primary and 3 additional) with your account. You'll be able to place calls without having to enter a PIN number when using Startec's CellConnect service from those numbers.
To register a number, simply log on to My Account and choose My Services from the menu on the left side of the page.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
Startec Customer Service is always happy to help. Contact Startec online at www.startec.com, or call 1-800-827-3374 Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to Midnight or Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
What can I do if I experience any problems connecting my calls?
Please call Customer Service at 1-800-827-3374 and report the problem immediately. Our customer service department will identify the nature of the problem like international call congestions, quality issues, credit limit blocks on your phone, missing account information, or any other problem. Whatever the nature of the problem, our customer service representatives will be able to solve these for you quickly. Regarding call quality, we might ask you to provide some specific information including the number you are dialing from, the number you tried to reach when you experienced problems, and the time you placed the call. Startec's Network Management Center works around the clock to ensure that we maintain the highest quality on our global network. Our technicians will investigate and troubleshoot any problems in the fastest time possible.
Billing Information
What is online billing?
Online billing simply means that your monthly invoices can be reviewed on your personal account management section on our site, My Account. When your invoice is ready, an email notification is sent to you, indicating that you can log on to your account and view your monthly statement. When you choose the convenience of online billing, you will not receive paper invoices from Startec. You will also never have to worry about late payments or lost bills again. With Startec's online account management tool, My Account, you can view your account details, make changes to your account, and pay your bill with the click of a button.
A user ID and password are required to log onto My Account. This is provided to you when you sign up online or through customer service. If you do not have a user ID or password, you may enter your phone number and account number (provided on your phone bill) in My Account as a temporary username and password. Once you log in to your account, you can reset your username and password.
If you have difficulties viewing your account online, Startec's customer service representatives are available to assist you.
How do I receive my invoice and pay my bill?
Startec offers many convenient ways for you to receive your invoice and pay your bill. You can choose the option that works best for you.
- Online billing with credit card payment: You will receive a notification via email when your invoice is ready and you can review your invoice on My Account at www.startec.com. We will process your credit card payment on the due date. For this option all you have to do is provide us your credit card number when you sign up. Online billing with check payment: You will receive a notification via email when your invoice is ready and you can review your invoice on My Account at www.startec.com. You can log on to My Account or call customer service to pay with a credit card or you can send us a check by mail before the payment due date.
- Paper billing with credit card payment: You will receive your invoices by mail. We will process your credit card payment on the due date. For this option all you have to do is provide us the credit card number when you sign up.
- Paper billing with check payment: You will receive your invoices by mail and you can log on to My Account or call customer service to pay with a credit card or you can send us your check in the mail by the due date.
To pay by check: Please mail your check payable to Startec Global Communications along with the payment coupon at the bottom of your invoice to the following address:
Startec Global Communications
PO Box 105043
Atlanta, GA 30348-5043
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Please do not include correspondence with your payment. We will be unable to process payments sent without a payment coupon.
To pay by phone: Please contact Startec Customer service at 1-800-827-3374. We accept payment by Visa and Master Card or by check.
Can I enroll for Startec online billing program and continue to receive a paper bill?
No. Your invoices are saved for your review on My Account on www.startec.com. You may print these for your records at any time.
What is the Carrier Cost Recovery Fee (CCRF)?
The Carrier Cost Recovery Fee is a flat charge of $2.97 per month. The fee helps Startec recover costs associated with providing state-to-state and international long distance service, including access charges assessed on Startec by local telephone companies, the cost of terminating calls to international destinations and billing expenses. This fee applies for each month in which you have any Startec state-to-state and/or international charges on your bill. This fee is not a tax or charge required by the government.
What is the Universal Service Fund Fee (USF)?
The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps provide affordable telecommunications services for low-income customers and customers in rural areas. It also provides discounts on Internet access for eligible schools, libraries and rural health care providers. The USF is collected from telecommunications carriers and administered by the Universal Service Administration Corporation. They are responsible for disbursing the funds according to eligibility criteria established by the FCC.
In May of 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules that mandated that telecommunications carriers pay into a federal program called the Universal Service Fund (USF). Startec and other telecommunications carriers are required by the FCC, to pay a percentage of their revenues for state-to-state and international services into the Universal Service Fund. The FCC sets this percentage on a quarterly basis. In the competitive industry we are in, we cannot afford to absorb the costs associated with the USF that have been imposed by the FCC. Startec is allowed to pass through these charges to customers by charging the Universal Service Fund Fee, the percentage set by the FCC and can be found here.
What is the Federal Regulatory Compliance Fee (FCRF)?
The Federal Regulatory Compliance Fee (FCRF) is a monthly per-line charge of $1.91 that helps Startec recover administrative and filling costs, as well as other expenses associated with regulatory proceedings and compliance.