Cable connections are available in almost all apartments in the USA. All you have to do is activate the connection. It is a good idea to choose a plan or ask for a Preferred Plan. cable Plans offer a choice of channels and hence they charge different rates. You can choose the one you like best from among the different plan or package.

You may also chose between a Cable and a Dish based connection. Chose a Dish based connection if you want to subscribe to dedicated Indian Channels, because cable connections generally offer a few Indian programmes, and that too for limited time during weekdays or weekends, depending upon your location in the USA. But dish connection companies like Dish Network offer round the clock access to Zee TV, Asia Network, etc. Also, you can get live cricket coverage on Dish connections, but these are not available over the cable!

You can consider any one of the following two satellite dish companies, viz.1. Dish Network and 2. Direct TV. Both of these companies offer services (i.e. satellite broadcasts), through franchising agreements with different retailers. They have contracts with different companies, both for national TV broadcast, as well as for other package deals.

Dish Network uses its own satellite dish to broadcast Indian programs like TV-Asia, and ZeeTV. Few specific packages like ZeeTV (Gold), South Indian channels you will need another receiver.

Direct TV uses Satellite receivers mfd. by either RCA, Sony, HNS, Pro Scan etc., and has different contracts for broadcasts with some companies. These Indian Channel packages and deals are subjected to change from time to time. Find out, what is offered at the time you want to subscribe.

The advantage of dish over cable is, that you can get the Indian channels, as well as live cricket matches from time to time.

Important links:

Well known satellite dish companies are: Dish Network, Direct TV.

Where to File Complaints Regarding Cable Service?

Getting a telephone connection in the United States is very easy and very quick. But it is when you recieve the bill that you will be in for a few surprizes. Almost everyone that has been through the process will have a story - good, bad, or ugly - to tell you.

Unlike in India, where paying your bill is simple, the telephone companies here have a number of schemes. You can apply for your connection over the phone itself. The only problem is that your conversation with the telephone company employee may confuse you, and you may be lured into signing up for an expensive scheme without clearly understanding the details, or what the company will provide you.

Only later, when you receive a huge bill, which includes the cost of services you never asked for, will you realize your mistake. as every average person has atleast some bitter experience with telephone companies here in USA.

• Apply wisely
• Useful tips
• Beware of Telecom Frauds
• Important telephone numbers
• FAQ
• Glossary of telecom terms

How to apply for a phone connection wisely?

When you apply for a Telephone connection, there are two different companies involved. 1) Local or Basic residence services, and 2) a Long Distance telephone company, which provides you with the facility to make long distance or International calls. Before calling for a new telephone connection, ask your friends what kind of services you actually need, name of the different plans, and a reliable long distance Telecom company.

• When you apply over the phone, make it very clear in exact terms what services you need, and what you don’t.
• Also call up the long distance Telecom company, and find out what kind of plans you are interested in. Find out what charges will be applicable for you.

A free telephone directory for your area, will be delivered to your place. In case you don’t receive it, call your telephone company, and ask for it. It is also available at most of the shopping stores free of charge.

Have you wondered why there are so many charges on your telephone bills that are unrelated to your calls?

Check out this link for details: Know the charges On Your Phone Bill?

In case of Unauthorized, Misleading, or Deceptive Charges Placed on Your Telephone Bill?

check this out -> Understand your Telephone bill

FCC Top Ten Telecom Tips

Tips

Beware of Telecom Frauds

Don’t make International Calls without Realizing It

Generally, all international calls begin with “011″. But there are a few locations outside the U.S. whose telephone numbers may look like domestic long-distance calls though they are international calls and international rates apply.

For example, 809, 284 and 876 are area codes in the Caribbean. There are many scams that deceive consumers into calling international numbers. Similarly all 900 numbers have high rates.

If you are on Internet

You need to be extra cautious with Adult web sites, which may tempt you to download viewer s/w which basically connect you to a 900 or any such number where u will be charged heavily without knowing. You will realize this only when you receive you bill.

Links:

10 tips to spotting a scam
The 90# Telephone Scam

Important telephone numbers

911: Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade or any other emergency.
411: for online telephone directory service.

Important Links:

Major long distance carriers are AT&T,MCI, Sprint Check out these web sites for their different plans and rates.

Long Distance area codes Finder.

FAQ?

Q. I’m in california and have some problem with my telephone bill, where should I complain?

If you believe you have been billed incorrectly, you may contact the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at 1 800 649-7570 to register your complaint. The addresses of the CPUC are:

Consumer Affairs Branch,
505 Van Ness Avenue,
San Francisco,
CA 94102,

or

320 West 4th Street,
Suite 500,
Los Angeles,
CA 90013.

Glossary of telecom terms:

• long distance call: Calls you are making to some other area code within US.
• International calls: Call outside of America.
• Pre Paid cards: Calling cards available on the stores with some pre paid amount.
• Connection fee: Per call fixed connection charge by telecom company.
• Caller ID: Telephone number of the incoming call.
• Voice mail box: A facility offered by the telephone company with some nominal monthly fee, to record and store voice messages of the missed calls for you. It’s located at your telephone exchange.
• Call forwarding: To forward a call automatically to some other number.
• Call waiting: This facility enables you to attend to an incoming call while engaged on other call
• Toll free number: Numbers starting with area code 800, 888 etc. are toll free numbers, as these numbers are not billed to the caller. Owner of this number is responsible for its billing.