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shartlesville
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Joined: June 21 2006
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 11:11am | IP Logged
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I bought a $40 / 1000 minute AT&T phone card and sent it to my son John in Iraq. He went to use it and it said he only had 90 minutes of talk time! 
I put a post on my blog about it and Maria suggested I post a note about it on the boards.
Not all phone card companies charge 11 to 1 and there is nothing on the AT&T cards that indicate the rate is that high. John found cards over there that give him 2 to 1, or somewhere around that ratio. Do some research before you buy.
This is a true scam by a major corporation!  Please spread the word to anyone with family overseas not to purchase these cards.
Blessings,
Krisann
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Krisann
DH Cris;
DC John, Elizabeth, Lilyann ^i^, Emily, Kate, Julia, Sam, & Jack;
DGC Kira, Auston, Travis, & Sarah.
My Blog: Isla del Esperanza
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Ruth
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Joined: Nov 04 2006
Location: Virginia
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 2:53pm | IP Logged
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That's awful.
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Ruth
mom to 7 miracles
My family blog
Loreto Rosaries
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mellyrose
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 3:33pm | IP Logged
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I know my parents have purchased calling cards for my brother (serving in Kuwait), and because of the high rate they stopped. My brother has said the best deals for calling cards are those that can be purchased on base.
I think it should be like the mail -- postal rates are domestic when sending to a military base! Although, I'm sure there's more to it than that, and many other companies are involved in patching telephone calls through internationally.
Melanie
Mom to Colin(6), Nate(4) and baby girl on the way in May!
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Servant2theKing
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 3:52pm | IP Logged
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My daughter and sil live in another state in the US. They recently learned that their local phone service now charges a much higher ratio for in-state long distance, so the phone card isn't the economical option they once had. It may be that the exchange ratio for minutes is not determined by the ones selling the phone card, but by the local phone service. It's really confusing and especially discouraging for those in the military and their loved ones! Is email an option?
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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shartlesville
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Joined: June 21 2006
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 4:20pm | IP Logged
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It is determined by the phone card seller because I called them and they told me that their rate is 11 to 1 from Iraq. They said if I use it in the states it is a lower rate. Also John said he can purchase cards from another company over there and get 500 minutes for about $25. With the AT&T card we got 90 minutes for $40! 
AT&T also instituted some type of fee for in state calls, but other cards don't charge that. There are notices up at Wal-Mart about it.
John took a laptop with him and he gets online almost every day. We use AIM and sometimes even video but it usually doesn't work well. I am very lucky. Many other soldiers and families don't have that luxury.
My point in posting was to hopefully prevent others from being taken by this scam.  I agree that those serving in places like that should be considered to be in the US for phone service just as they are for postal service. Maybe someday!
Blessings,
Krisann
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Krisann
DH Cris;
DC John, Elizabeth, Lilyann ^i^, Emily, Kate, Julia, Sam, & Jack;
DGC Kira, Auston, Travis, & Sarah.
My Blog: Isla del Esperanza
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Paula in MN
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Joined: Nov 25 2006
Location: Minnesota
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 4:45pm | IP Logged
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I used to have an AT&T calling card, because EVERYONE is long distance if calling from my home, and I don't have a cell phone. And yep, several months ago they changed their rates/policy. At the same time, my local phone company decided to offer their current customers unlimited long distance for an extra $10 per month.
It took me all of 30 seconds to sign up!
Years ago I worked in the telecommunications industry - they could change their calling card rates if they want to.
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 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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8kids4me
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| Posted: March 27 2007 at 5:09pm | IP Logged
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I'm glad to see this post now. My son just turned 21 and we planned on giving him an international card when we see him off next month. Maybe I should just give him cash instead?
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Cindy B, mama to 8 great kids, and 5 grandbabies!
http://www.magnolialane.wordpress.com
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jackiemomof7
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 5:21am | IP Logged
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Our son, who Thanks be to God!  arrived home yesterday from Iraq for his 2 weeks leave. And he buys over there a prepaid cell phone so he can call home. When he is not on the FOB he has no access to internet or phones so he got the pp cellphone. The last few months he has been out on COB's and there is no access to anything!
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Jackie wife to Jim for 27!! years, proud army mom of Chris(25),Chef Matthew(24) and Sister Grace of Benedectines (21),Joshua(19),Nicholas(17),Jaymee(15), Elizabeth(13) and 2 in Heaven.Grandma to 3!
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extremeknitter
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 10:00am | IP Logged
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my son (who just left from his R&R ) bought his own in country... much cheaper. unfortunately he rarely gets to a real FOB, so replacing it is difficult. fortunately, he gets more morale calls than others because of his location & access to a sat phone. I've always hated the "partnership" with the Army and AT&T.
Jackie, enjoy your time! It went by way too quickly for us (as always!) but it was so very wonderful and full of great times. We made some great memories. That is my prayer for your family, too.
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blessings and peace,
~knitter
mom to 6 terrific kids (ages 21 down to 1) and 10 little saints
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angiesherm
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 2:44pm | IP Logged
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Hi, you need to get special cards from a PX if possible. Those are the best as far as rates. One other thing you might want to check out is the postal services free packing materials for soldier's families. I used this and it saved LOTS of money. They send all sorts of boxes, pkg. material, labels, etc. It's awesome. You just call 1-800-610-8734. Push #1, then #3 and ask them about it. It's a great service! I sent Dave so much when he was deployed it was nice to not have to buy boxes, etc.
Glad he's doing well!
Take care,
Angela
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Angela in KS.,
wife to Dave, Mom to Brett (10)Ryan (8),Hallie (3)and Emily (born 6-19-08)
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: DON'T send these to your soldier!
