Frequently Asked Questions Who is Everybody's Phone Company?  Everybody's Phone Company (EPC) is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. EPC provides pre-paid local phone services for its customers in Texas.  EPC markets its services to those customers who cannot access service from their local providers due to credit issues and/or lack of banking identification and to customers who would like a more flexible alternative to their current local carrier. If Southwestern Bell, Budget, or any other phone company has disconnected me, will EPC still provide me with phone service?  Yes, absolutely! It doesn't matter if you have been disconnected by another telecom provider, have outstanding unpaid bills, have bad or non-existent credit, cannot afford a large security deposit, have no steady job or permanent address ID or Social Security number -  EPC can still connect you with telephone service! Is there a security deposit or credit check required?  No, EPC's local service is pre-paid! You will not have to worry about credit checks, security deposits, payment records with other providers, ID, bank accounts or even previous job records!  What information do I need to provide when I apply for service?  All that is needed is your name and address. Can I use this service for the Internet?  Yes, if your Internet dial- up is through a local provider, you can use our service! What is considered my local calling area?  This is usually your immediate local calling area. It is probably the same area that you had with your previous phone company. Do I need to provide my own telephone?  Yes, EPC does not provide any of the telephone equipment required for service.  Can I get this service as an additional line?  Yes, you can! An extra activation will be needed for the line and EPC must be notified that this will be an additional line. Your residence must already be wired for two lines. What if my house/apartment does not have phone jacks?  EPC does not provide telephones or telephone jacks. These products and their installation services are available from outside contractors and electricians. Does EPC install or fix lines and jacks?  No EPC does not provide any line maintenance or hardware support. What services does EPC offer?  EPC provides pre-paid local telephone services. We will also notify you when your pre-paid services are about to expire. This will give you time to reapply for the next month's service. What does pre-paid local telephone service include?  Basic local residential service allows customers to make and receive unlimited local calls, initiate collect, toll free and 911 calls, receive non-collect long distance calls and initiate outgoing long distance calls using simple phone cards. What additional services are available?  You may purchase additional services including:  Unpublished Number, Call Waiting, Caller ID and Call Forwarding. The application form outlines the rates for these services. Is there a customer referral program at EPC?  Yes!  We are pleased to offer a referral program that will reward you with a $5 credit on your next bill when you tell someone about our services and they sign up with us. In addition, your friend will receive a $5 discount from their initial payment. How long does it take to get connected?  Once your initial payment has been received it will take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days for your service to be activated.  EPC has no control over this time as we are using the local phone providers' telephone lines. However, the usual connection time is 5 days or less. How will I know my phone number?  You should call EPC to receive your activation date and telephone number.  Typically, this information is available within 1-2 business days after placing your order for new telephone service. Who provides my customer service?  EPC maintains a Customer Service Department who will provide all of your customer service needs. If you have any problems with your service, just call us and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to assist you. What are your Call Center hours?  Our call center is available to serve you daily during business hours.  Can I make long distance calls?  It is possible to initiate collect long distance calls where the second party will be accepting the charges. Also non-collect outgoing long distance calls can be initiated using simple phone cards available at many retailers. EPC does not currently provide a billable long distance calling service although one is in the planning stages for the future.  Can I receive long distance calls?  Yes, you can receive long distance calls if you have EPC phone service, as the cost of incoming long distance calls is paid for by the caller. Can I receive collect calls?  You may make collect calls, but you cannot receive them.  Is my service with EPC transferable from one address to another if I move?  Yes, this is possible for a fee of $25.00. Will my telephone number be in the phone book?  Yes, it will be unless you purchase an Unpublished Number option (see below).  What if I do not want my number published?  You can purchase an unpublished number as a call feature option which may be discontinued later if you change your mind and would like to have a published number. How much does it cost to get connected?  The cost of service is affected by the service package you choose. For specific service information, we encourage you to read our application. You may also contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you have. Are there any additional charges or fees?  The only additional charges will be for added service options such as Unpublished Number, Call waiting, Caller ID and Call forwarding or Address transfer.  When will I receive a bill?  We will send you a bill fourteen days before your due date. We will also make a courtesy call to remind you of your payment.  When is my first payment due? Your first payment is due when you sign up for our service. For example, if your service is connected on the 7th of the month, your monthyl payments will be due no later then the 7th day of the following month.  Where do I make my monthly payment?  Your monthly payment can be made at the original location where you set up your service or at any other authorized retail distributor. What forms of payment does EPC accept?  Our retail distributors accept cash, debit card payments or Money Orders.   What happens if I do not make my monthly payment on time?  Your service will expire and disconnection will occur if payment is not made after our friendly reminder notice has been given. To avoid this you must pay your next month's bill by its due date.  If you are disconnected you will have to purchase new service to have your telephone reconnected. EPC cannot guarantee that you will have the same phone number as previously assigned although we will try our best to facilitate it.