Calling card

Calling Card is a type of telecommunication service that allows users to pay for phone calls in advance. The concept of the calling card originated in the 1970s and has since evolved with advancements in technology.

History

The first calling card was introduced in Italy in 1975 by a company called SIDA. This was a system that used optical reading to deduct the cost of a call from the card. In the 1980s, the technology was adopted by other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Types of Calling Cards

There are two main types of calling cards: prepaid and postpaid. Prepaid calling cards require users to pay for their calls in advance, while postpaid calling cards allow users to pay for their calls after they have been made.

Prepaid Calling Cards

Prepaid calling cards are purchased with a certain amount of credit on them. When a call is made, the cost of the call is deducted from the card's balance. Once the balance on the card is depleted, the card can no longer be used to make calls.

Postpaid Calling Cards

Postpaid calling cards work on a credit system. Users are billed for their calls after they have been made. This type of calling card often requires a contract and monthly fees.

Usage

Calling cards are often used by individuals who do not have a regular telephone service, or who need to make international calls. They are also popular among travelers, as they can be used from any phone, including payphones and hotel phones.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of using a calling card is the ability to control spending on phone calls. However, there can be hidden fees associated with calling cards, such as connection fees, maintenance fees, and surcharges for calls to mobile phones.

See Also

• Telecommunication
• Prepaid calling card
• Postpaid calling card

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