January 19, 2001

A no hesitation recommendation:
FB Connection works!

Long distance carriers make a lot of promises and offer good prices to get new customers, but do they make good on them and will they survive the test of time?

One does, according to Carol Ann Sagebiel of Cuero, who signed up for the Farm Bureau Connection, a telephone service for members, over two years ago.

"I like the Farm Bureau Connection very much. I did a great deal of research before I decided to make the switch from AT&T. It isn't easy comparing apples to apples," notes Carol Ann. "The bottom line is what I am interested in. I added up the bills and figured it both ways for a couple of months before I switched."

Another thing Carol Ann likes is the fact that when she gets her Farm Bureau Connection bill, there are no hidden charges.

"I especially like the six-second increments and the straightforward pricing. I think that is a real good deal. Also, I like that your rates keep going down and you don't have to switch back and forth between carriers to take advantage of savings," Carol Ann notes.

According to Roger Jenkins, director of services development for the Texas Farm Bureau Building Corporation, Farm Bureau Connection has reduced rates for three consecutive years. Rate reductions are automatic for Farm Bureau Connection subscribers.

In fact, the latest rate reduction was effective July 1, 2000. The state-to-state rate is now 5.9 cents per minute, 24 hours a day. Other rates include the following: In-state, 9.9 cents per minute, 24 hours a day; Personal 800, 9.9 cents per minute; Calling Card, 13.9 cents per minute; and 800 Loop Around, 9.9 cents per minute.

"FBC rates are the same regardless of the time of day or the day of the week. Plus there are no minimum call lengths—you pay for only what you use," Roger says.

Another area where the program has improved is with the "800" Loop Around service.

"This is for members where we do not currently have access lines due to the high access fees charged by cooperative and community telephone companies," says Roger.

Carol Ann particularly likes two Farm Bureau Connection services.

"I didn't go right away with the 800 number and the Farm Bureau Connection calling card, but I have them now, and I really like these services," Carol Ann adds. " I can see where people with kids in college or whose relatives don't live near would really benefit from the 800 number."

The DeWitt County woman thinks enough of the long distance program to recommend it to others.

"I've told a lot of people about the Farm Bureau Connection long distance service. I know of two of my neighbors who have it now. I'm totally pleased and have no reservations in recommending it to my friends," she says.

For additional information call 1-800-537-8298 or visit Farm Bureau Connection at www.fbstore.com or www.txfb.org.