PRTC Keeping You Connected

My Bill

• Can I pay my PRTC bill online?

  Yes, simply click on the pay bill tab on the website. You will need to set up an account first and then follow the instructions as listed.  If you have any further questions please let us know.

• Can I view my current and previous bills online?

  Yes you can view your PRTC bills online.

• Can I set up Auto-Draft?

  Yes, a PRTC representative can help you set up to Auto-Draft your checking or savings account each month.

• At which locations may I pay my bill?

  You may pay your bill at any PRTC location or mail to P.O. Box 249 Laurens, SC. 29360

• What if I have a question about my bill?

  We will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding your bill.  You can call, email, chat, or come in to one of our locations for help.

• Can anyone get information about my bill?

  No, only you, the account owner can be given information about your bill.  You should have a CPNI passcode set up on your account that only you know.

• What is CPNI?

  CPNI or customer proprietary network information is the way in which we safeguard your information and details about your account.  CPNI requires a pass code be set up on your account that only you know. CPNI is for your protection against fraudulent activity on your account.

• Can I get detailed information about my billed minutes?

  Yes, you can receive call detail both on your monthly bill or on the statement online.

Fees & Taxes

• Do I pay sales tax on my PRTC services?

  Some services are taxed and some are not.  High Speed Internet is not taxed but wireless and home phones are.

• What is the federal subscriber line charge (SLC)? 

  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires local telephone companies to recover a portion of the costs of the facilities we use to connect your home or business through a monthly assessment.  The SLC is a flat monthly charge on your bill and does not result in any additional revenue for PRTC.  The current SLC charge is $6.50 for residential and $9.20 for businesses.

• What is the federal universal service charge (FUSC?

  The FUSC was authorized by the FCC to assist in providing affordable telecom service to low-income individuals and residents in rural high cost areas.  It is currently $.0000 per month.

• What does the 911 charge cover?

  The 911 charge is a state/local government charge to fund emergency 911 services such as fire and rescue.

• What is the state universal service charge ?

  In addition to the federal programs, some states collect fees to support their universal service programs.  South Carolina does require this monthly assessment.

• What is the telecommunications relay services charge?

  Local telephone companies offer telecommunications relay services to help hearing or speech impaired individuals communicate via the telephone.  States recover a small fee on all telephone customers in the state to help offset the costs of the program.

Phone/Device Support

Residential Phone

• Can I get unlimited local and long distance service on my home phone?

  Yes, PRTC offers a wide array of calling plans to meet your needs.

• How much does home phone service cost?

  Basic home phone service costs between $14.35 and $14.95 per month depending on where you live.

• What does it cost to get a phone line installed?

  Costs can vary due to the installation.  Generally it is around $87.00.

• Do I join Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative when I get a home phone?

  Within most of the city limits of Laurens you do not join the cooperative as a voting member, however you are still eligible for capital credits when and if issued.  There are a few areas that are considered in the city limits that do require you to join the cooperative. If you live outside of the city limits of Laurens you will need to join the cooperative by paying a one-time $12.00 membership fee.  This entitles you to a vote on cooperative business and capital credits when and if issued.

• What are Capital Credits?

  Capital credits are refunds paid to the membership of PRTC based on the financial strength of the company and the amount of payments paid in by individual members. If issued they are mailed once a year.

Wireless Phone/Plans

• What different wireless phones do you carry?

  PRTC carries a wide variety of wireless phones. Motorola, LG, Nokia, Samsung, and BlackBerry are just a few.  View all of the available wireless phones.

• Can I buy a wireless phone without a monthly service plan?

  No, PRTC only sells wireless phones to customers who carry a monthly rate plan.

• How many different wireless plans are there?

  PRTC carries all the same wireless plans as AT&T.  We are a full service AT&T partner.  You can click here to view all of the available monthly plans.

• Do I get my bill from PRTC or AT&T?

  Your monthly bill will come from PRTC.

• Can I buy insurance on my wireless phone?

  Yes and No. Some models allow insurance coverage and some do not.  If allowed insurance can be added for between $4.99 and $7.50 a month per phone.  It covers lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair cell phones. There is also a deductible collected at the time a claim is filed.  The deductible varies by phone model.

• How does Mobile to Mobile work?

  When you call or receive calls from anyone on the AT&T network you will not be charged for any minutes of use.

• What time do Nights and Weekend minutes start and end?

  Normally they begin at 9pm and end at 6am. However, you can purchase a feature that will allow them to start counting at 7pm and end at 7am.

• Can I get GPS on my mobile phone?

  Yes, AT&T Navigator is an available feature for you. To use AT&T Navigator on your wireless phone you need:

  • A GPS eligible mobile device
  • An approved AT&T data plan
  • An AT&T Navigator service subscription
  • AT&T network coverage
  • An external GPS receiver for any AT&T approved device not equipped with an integrated GPS Receiver
• Can I get Text Messaging on my mobile phone from PRTC?

  Yes, most all phones now allow text messaging.  We offer plans to meet your needs whether it is individual or family plans.

• How much does Text Messaging cost?

  Unlimited Text Messaging is $20 for and individual line and $30 for family plans.

• Can I get a Data plan on my mobile phone?

  Probably yes! Data plans allow you to stay connected. Get unlimited text, picture, video, and instant messaging, and access to mobile Web, search, email, music, apps and more! You can add unlimited data to individual lines for $15 and $10 for family plans. This is in addition to unlimited text.

High Speed Internet

• Can I get High Speed Internet at my house?

  Chances are the answer is yes if you are in the PRTC serving area.

• How many different speeds do you offer?

  PRTC has three speeds to choose from 3, 6, and 10 Mbps.

• How much does High Speed Internet cost?

  The cost can vary depending if you bundle with other services or not. A PRTC representative will be happy to go over rates with you.

• How reliable is the PRTC High Speed Internet?

  High Speed Internet from PRTC is rated at 99.999% reliable. It is always on when you need it.

• Do I have to be connected to a modem for High Speed Internet to work?

  You will need to have a fixed or wireless modem. If you choose the wireless modem you can connect to PRTC High Speed Internet without wires if your computer is capable.

• Can I Bundle High Speed Internet with other PRTC services?

  Yes you can!

• Can I get High Speed Internet without home phone service?

  PRTC Blue is available which is High Speed Internet and a limited access phone line. You can still call 911 and link to security companies.