Free long-distance calling. Enohg said?

If you’re searching for a way to bypass high telephone rates, then one visit to FreeWay will conclude your journey. The extraordinary FreeWay service that ABC World News Tonight said would not go anywhere is quickly catching on among college students.

Junior Michael Ross lives in Cleveland, while his girlfriend attends the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Thus, Ross is relegated to talking long-distance often; his girlfriend’s discovery of the FreeWay service definitely lessens the pressure of high telephone bills.

Ross signed up for the FreeWay service six months ago and receives two hours a month of free long distance calling time. Prior to that monumental discovery, Ross spent $40-$50 a month on phone bills and bought $12 prepaid calling cards on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free phone call, as evidenced by all the advertisements callers must wade through to receive the talking minutes. Most advertisements run 20 seconds, which in turn award approximately two minutes of calling time. Each advertisement includes pertinent information about the company’s web site and telephone number.

Upon initially visiting BroadPoint, a new member fills out address information and a personal-interests questionnaire. The answers given influence the type of advertisements a member receives.

"They actually plan on what advertisements they’re going to give you," Ross said.

After signing up, BroadPoint sends the new member a confirmation notice by e-mail with their secret pin number. Also, a membership card should be sent in the mail.

A simple 800 number allows members to absorb commercials and use that free air time.

"It’s very user friendly," Ross said.

Free long-distance calling certainly comes with its own downside, however.

"You plan on the person you’re calling is going to be home," Ross said. "You listen to advertisements for about two or three minutes, then they’re not home."

Furthermore, some of Ross’ friends signed up but did not receive the service.

"They never heard back from them," he said. "They never got a membership card or an e-mail from them."

Despite its faults, FreeWay can save everyone on telephone calls to family members, friends, and significant others. After all, money saved is money better utilized.

"When you’re in college, it’s beer money and food money," Ross said.

FreeWay provides one way to save a little bit of both.