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Below is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not answered, simply click on the "Contact Us" tab in the toolbar. From there, you can send an e-mail to Customer Service, to which you can expect a response within 24 business hours. Alternatively, you may contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-444-3333.

Questions About This Website

Why should I use Online Account Manager?
If I sign up for Online Account Manager, will I have to pay my charges with a credit card?
Can I change my Online Account Manager username and password?
How do I view my MCI statement online?
I am having trouble using Online Account Manager, and can't find the answer to my question here. Who can help me?

Questions About Your Account

How will I know when my MCI long distance service is activated?
Why does MCI need my e-mail address?
How can I update my personal information like my e-mail or regular mailing address?
I've heard of companies changing a customer's service without getting authorization. How can I prevent this from happening to me?

Questions About Your Bill

How do I view my MCI statement online?
If I don't recognize a number on my bill, how can I find out who I called?
How can I request credit for an inaccurate charge on my statement?
Where do I send my payment?
Can I pay my MCI bill with my credit card?
Can I pay my MCI bill via direct debit?
In what languages does MCI offer online billing?
I see something called the Federal Universal Service Fee on my statement. What is that?

Questions About Your Privacy/Security

How can I ensure the safety of my credit card information?
Does MCI have an online privacy policy?

Questions About MCI Services

How can I change or add to my MCI services?
Does MCI offer local phone service?
What are Spam Blocker and Web Mail?
What is Local Toll service?
Can I select MCI as my Local Toll call carrier?
Are there monthly fees for MCI Local Toll service?
How do I make an international call with MCI?

Questions About Voicemail and Other Local Calling Features

How do I access my Voicemail?
Can I change my Voicemail account settings?
Can I turn my Neighborhood Voicemail off?
How do I retrieve, save or delete messages with my new Neighborhood Voicemail?
Is there a maximum number of rings I can set up before Voicemail picks up?
Is there a way to set the personal greeting back to the original default greeting?
Is there a stutter tone to notify me when I have Voicemail messages?
What will happen to my current Voicemail box when I sign up for the Neighborhood? Will I experience a delay?
What features automatically come with my Neighborhood account?
How do I use my local calling features?
What if I don't want one of the features that automatically come as part of my Neighborhood calling plan?
 
Why should I use Online Account Manager?
Online Account Manager can be used to handle any concern that would otherwise require a phone call to MCI. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can use it whenever it's convenient for you. With Online Account Manager you can:
  • View your invoices;
  • Make an Instant Payment;
  • Update your personal information;
  • Add or change MCI products and services;
  • Learn about new payment options;
  • Find phone numbers with Online Directory Assistance;
  • E-mail Customer Service - and more!

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If I sign up for Online Account Manager, will I have to pay my charges with a credit card?
Enrolling in Online Account Manager does not change your current payment method. However, if you are interested in learning more about the various payment options available, click on the 'Payment Options' tab in the toolbar to see the most up-to-date information on all the convenient payment options offered by MCI.

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Can I change my Online Account Manager username and password?
You may change your username and password at any time. To do so, click on the "Account Maintenance" tab in the toolbar and then select the "Change Your Username/Password" link. Your account will be updated immediately to reflect the changes. Remember, your username and password are case sensitive, must be between 8 and 16 characters, and consist of at least 3 of the following: upper case letters, lower case letters, numeric or the following special characters (.,:\()/;^-*_~#).

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How do I view my MCI statement online?
Simply click on the 'Statements' tab in the toolbar, decide whether you wish to view your bill in the interactive or paper format, and select the appropriate timeframe. You may view interactive invoices as far back as one year ago, or paper invoices as far back as seven years ago.

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I am having trouble using Online Account Manager, and can't find the answer to my question here. Who can help me?
If you are having trouble using the site, simply click on the "Contact Us" tab in the toolbar. From there, you can send an e-mail to Customer Service, to which you can expect a response within 24 business hours. Alternatively, you may contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-444-3333.

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How will I know when my MCI long distance service is activated?
Call the following toll-free number from your home phone: 1-700-555-4141. A computerized message will identify your long distance service provider. Your local phone company will actually make the change if you are switching to MCI from another service provider. In order to provide them ample time to make this change, we suggest you wait 7-10 days after signing up with MCI before calling the toll-free number.

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Why does MCI need my e-mail address?
E-mail is the best way for us to inform you of important news and information about your MCI service, as well as to respond to any inquiries you send to MCI e-Customer Service. So please keep your e-mail address updated.

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How can I update my personal information like my e-mail or regular mailing address?
If your phone number has not changed but you wish to update your name, mailing address and/or e-mail address, you may either click on "Your Information" in the left-hand column of any page or select the "Account Maintenance" tab in the toolbar. From the Account Maintenance page, you can choose the specific information to update. Upon submitting your new information, your account will be automatically updated. If, however, you have moved, please click on "Moving?" from the Account Maintenance page and submit all changes to your information there.

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I've heard of companies changing a customer's service without getting authorization. How can I prevent this from happening to me?
To prevent another long distance company from switching your long distance service without your authorization, call your local phone company and ask them to put a "PIC Restriction" on your account. This ensures that your approval is needed before your service can be switched from MCI to another carrier.

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If I don't recognize a number on my bill, how can I find out who I called?
Simply click on the phone number in your statement. If the number is listed, the corresponding name and address will appear.

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How can I request credit for an inaccurate charge on my statement?
If you want to request a credit for a misdialed call, click on the 'Request a Credit' link above your statement. Fill out the form and your account will be automatically credited. Or, if at any time you want to dispute a charge on your statement, simply send an e-mail to Customer Service with your request. Be sure to include specific information about the charge you're disputing. We'll respond within 24 business hours.

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Where do I send my payment?
If you pay your bill by check each month, the address to send payment appears on your invoice. To find this address in Online Account Manager, please look at the paper version of your statement. Your payment address will appear on the right-hand side of the page. You may have to scroll down slightly to see it.

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Can I pay my MCI bill with my credit card?
Yes! You have two easy options for paying with a credit card – quick, one-time payments online or hassle-free, automatic monthly payments. To pay automatically each month, click on the "Payment Options" tab in the toolbar, and then choose "Credit Card" under the invoice delivery method you prefer. To make an online one-time payment, click on the "Payment Options" tab in the toolbar, and then choose "Instant Payment By Credit Card".


Instant Payment By Credit Card
Paying your phone bill has never been easier. Click to make a one-time instant payment using your credit card. You choose when to pay — and the amount to be charged to your credit card (up to your balance due).
Please note, the option to make a one-time Instant Payment is not available if you are already signed up for Easy Pay billing

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Can I pay my MCI bill via direct debit?
Yes! Direct debit allows you to pay your bill by transferring funds directly from your bank account to MCI without having to write a check each month. Any type of financial institution (bank, credit union, savings & loan) can participate in direct debit. Each month your MCI statement will clearly list the amount to be deducted from your account. That transaction will occur 12 days after the statement date. Your monthly bank statement will then list a deduction that reflects your payment to MCI. (If you know you do not have sufficient funds to cover your invoice, please send us an e-mail to make other arrangements). To sign up, click on the "Payment Options" tab in the toolbar, and then choose "Direct Debit" under the invoice delivery method you prefer.

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In what languages does MCI offer online billing?
At this time, MCI offers online billing in English. Customers who currently have an MCI account supported in a language other than English and who wish to take advantage of online billing will have their account changed to English when they enroll in any of the EasyPay options.

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I see something called the Federal Universal Service Fee on my statement. What is that?
The 1996 Telecommunications Act requires all long distance companies to contribute a portion of their revenues to the Federal Universal Service Fund which provides discounted telecommunications services to schools, libraries and low income consumers. The current rate may be found by visiting http://consumer.mci.com/mci_service_agreement/res_fusf.jsp.

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How can I ensure the safety of my credit card information?
MCI employs the latest security technology to help protect the confidentiality of your data. By using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology, MCI ensures that you can safely and easily enter your credit card number and it cannot be read in transit. Also, when enrolling in credit card billing, you need only provide your credit card number once. Your information will be stored in MCI's secure internal database.

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Does MCI have an online privacy policy?
Yes. MCI is very concerned about the privacy of our customers and has a policy to which we strictly adhere. To view that policy, simply click on "Privacy Policy" at the bottom of any page in Online Account Manager.

Access, Delete or Correction of personal information

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How can I change or add to my MCI services?
Click on the "Contact Us" tab in the top toolbar to send an e-mail to Customer Service with your request. The ability to make changes to your MCI services has been restricted in most locations.

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Does MCI offer local phone service?
MCI currently offers local phone service in several states, referred to as: "The Neighborhood, built by MCI", however new activations are no longer being offered in many locations.

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What are Spam Blocker and Web Mail
Spam Blocker filters your e-mails according to your preferences and keeps out unwanted junk mail. Web Mail gives you the ability to access your e-mail from any computer with an internet connection.

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What is Local Toll service?
Local Toll calls, also referred to as regional toll or local long distance calls, are calls within your local phone company's service area where it is generally necessary to dial a "1" before the area code and number. These calls are beyond your local phone service area, but are not considered to be long distance. You can usually find these calls itemized on your local phone service bill. Unless you select a specific carrier like MCI for these calls, they are carried by your local phone company and are billed to you by that company in addition to your local service fee.

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Can I select MCI as my Local Toll call carrier?
Yes! MCI offers Local Toll service in portions of 49 states. If you live in an area where you can select your Local Toll call carrier, you can enroll in Local Toll service in the Account Setup section. Or you can contact your local phone company and request to have your Local Toll service changed to MCI. If you request that MCI switch your Local Toll service, it will take approximately 5 business days. If you request that your local phone company switch your Local Toll service to MCI, it usually takes about 3 business days. In areas where you cannot select your Local Toll call carrier, you can dial 10-10-222 + 1 + Area Code + Telephone Number to have MCI carry the call and receive our great Local Toll rates.

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Are there monthly fees for MCI Local Toll service?
There are no additional monthly fees and no additional minimums directly associated with Local Toll calling. You pay only for the cost of your Local Toll calls.

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How do I make an international call with MCI?
If MCI is your long distance provider, you can place international calls from your home phone by dialing 011 + Country Code + City Code + Telephone Number. See a full list of country codes. (Note: This will launch an additional Internet browser.)

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How do I access my Voicemail?
Access your Voicemail anywhere, anytime, with one simple number. Just follow these easy steps to access your messages or record your greeting:

To access Voicemail:
Choose one of the following two methods:
  1. Dial 1-800-555-2522.
  2. Enter your home or business telephone number and Voicemail PIN.
  3. Follow the voice prompts.
OR
  1. Dial your home telephone number.
  2. When your personal voicemail greeting begins, press the * key
  3. Follow the voice prompts to enter your voicemail PIN.
To access Voicemail online:
  1. Go to http://messagecenter.mci.com/. (Note: This will launch an additional Internet browser.)
  2. Enter your home telephone number and Voicemail PIN.
  3. Click on the Inbox tab to retrieve messages.

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Can I change my Voicemail account settings?
Yes, our Voicemail is very easy to use. Simply access your Voicemail and follow the prompts on the main menu to option [3] Account Options. The system will provide further instructions to change your Voicemail settings, change your Voicemail PIN and much more.

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Can I turn my Neighborhood Voicemail off?
When it comes to Voicemail, The Neighborhood provides you with the best options. You may turn your ability to accept messages on or off anytime, anywhere by simply accessing your Voicemail and changing your Greetings to the "Not Accepting Messages Greeting." Please note: this will only turn the ability to accept Messages on/off. Your Voicemail will still play a message explaining that your Voicemail box is not accepting messages at this time.

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How do I retrieve, save or delete messages with my new Neighborhood Voicemail?
Simply access your Voicemail and follow the prompts on the main menu to option [1] Retrieve Messages. The system will provide further instructions to save, delete, replay, skip, fast forward or rewind messages.

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Is there a maximum number of rings I can set up before Voicemail picks up?
Voicemail is set to answer after 4 rings, but you may change that depending on where you live. If you would like to change your ring count please call 1-888-MCI-LOCAL (1-888-624-5622). Please note, if you currently have an answering machine that is set to pick up messages after 5 rings, MCI Voicemail will pick-up first.

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Is there a way to set the personal greeting back to the original default greeting?
Yes, simply access your Voicemail account and follow the prompts to option [2] Greetings. Choose either the system name or number greeting.

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Is there a stutter tone to notify me when I have Voicemail messages?
The Neighborhood is always improving! Stutter tone may be available in your area in the near future. If you hear a "beeping" noise on your phone this means your stutter tone is now active and you have new messages. If you need to be notified immediately of new messages, the Notify Me feature allows you to be alerted via e-mail, pager or cell phone every time a new Voicemail message arrives in your mailbox. You can set this feature by logging in to the Message Center at http://messagecenter.mci.com/. (Note: This will launch an additional Internet browser.)

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What will happen to my current Voicemail box when I sign up for the Neighborhood? Will I experience a delay?
As soon as your Neighborhood account is activated, your Neighborhood Voicemail box will immediately begin accepting messages. At this time, your old Voicemail box will be deactivated and you will no longer be able to retrieve saved messages.

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What features automatically come with my Neighborhood account?
Your Neighborhood account comes with Call Waiting and Caller ID. (These features may vary slightly depending on your calling plan.)

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How do I use my local calling features?

Call Waiting
Call Waiting alerts you when there's another incoming call, then it allows you to put the first caller on hold while you answer the incoming call. Simply press the receiver or "flash" button and release. This will put the first caller on hold and allow you to speak to the incoming caller. To return to the first call, press the receiver or "flash" button again.

Caller ID
Caller ID identifies incoming calls before you answer the phone. To activate press *65. To deactivate, press *85.

Three-Way Calling
Three-Way Calling allows you to call two people in different places at the same time. You can talk with two people at once or put the first party on hold while you have a private conversation with the other. Simply dial the first party you wish to join your three-way call and when they answer, press the receiver or "flash" button and you will hear a second dial tone. Dial the second number of the party wish to join your three-way call and when they answer, press the receiver or "flash" button again and all parties will be connected. Note: If the second party is busy or does not answer, just press the receiver or "flash" button twice, and you will be reconnected to the first party.

Speed Dial 8
Dial up to 8 numbers you call most often with a one-digit code. When pressed, the phone number which you've assigned that code will be automatically dialed. To program, add or change a Speed Dial number dial 74# and listen for the dial tone. Dial any one-digit code (2 through 9) and enter the phone number you'd like that code to represent, when you hear two short tones, that code and number are now programmed into your Speed Dial system.

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What if I don't want one of the features that automatically come as part of my Neighborhood calling plan?
The ability to make changes to your Neighborhood calling plan has been restricted in most locations. Please contact Customer Service to see if changes can be made to your calling plans.

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