The Nigerian Communications Commission says that pre-paid phone cards represent a convenient way of placing International calls and often provide huge savings over traditional telephone lines.

A top official at the Port Harcourt office who pleaded anonymity, said that with pre-paid cards, subscribers do not need “International Direct Dial” (IDD) facility on their phones.

The NCC top official, who spoke with journalists on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, noted that pre-paid cards offer much lower rates for internal calls than a telephone company’s basic international rates.

He pointed out that consumers called purchase pre-paid phone cards at Post Office, super markets etc at the cost of about N500 – N3,000.

He also revealed that the number of companies offering pre-paid cards had increased in recent times, adding that its use is gaining popularity among consumers of telecommunications services.

He further advised that consumers should look out for the rate of international and long-distance calls on the card’s package.

The NCC boss, also explained that consumers always check the expiration dates, and keep track of the date, in order not to lose unused time.

He however informed consumers to insist on receiving their pre-paid phone cards in a sealed envelop, so as to avoid exposing the Iersonal Identification Number (PIN).