Long distance companies are doing a number of things to bring in more money. They're raising rates, tacking on new fees, and adding minimum charges for some calling plans.

"Yeah, they're always inventing new fees," says Rich Sayers, founder of the Web site 1010phonerates.com.

Sayers says, "it's basically a split market right now."

You've got the big guys, AT&T, Sprint, MCI and Qwest "that are definitely pushing upward" and you have some aggressive competitors "that are offering great deals, no fees and low rates, for the smart consumer."

So, it's more important than ever to find out what you're paying for long distance calls.

First, are you on a calling plan? If not, why not? If you've been on a plan for awhile, check to see if the terms have changed. You might be surprised to find out they have.

Also ask yourself: Is there a monthly fee? Is there a minimum? How much are you paying per minute? That's the only way to know if its time to make a switch.

With rates as low as 3 cents a minute now available, that 7 cent a minute bargain plan you signed up for a short time ago, isn't really a bargain anymore.