Comtel Purchase of
VarTec Companies
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be any interruption to my service during this purchase period?

You will not experience any service interruption due to the purchase by Comtel. 

2. Will the provider of my phone service change?

As stated in the notification letter, your local and/or long distance services will continue to be provided by VarTec, Excel, Clear Choice or VarTec Solutions. Your wireless, paging and internet services will also continue. Even though Comtel is acquiring the assets of these companies, they will continue to do business under the names currently used.

3. Will my bill look any different after the purchase?

The appearance of your monthly bill from the VarTec Companies will not change. You will be responsible for charges incurred before and after the effective date of the purchase.

4. Will my telephone number change after the acquisition?

Your telephone number will not change. The only time your telephone number will change is if you request a new number.

5. Will my rates change?

There will be no change in rates related to Comtel’s purchase.

6. If I change local providers before April 21, 2006, will my phone number change?

If you convert to another telecommunications provider, your phone number will not change. We are confident that the service you have been provided in the past will continue and you will want to remain our customer.

7. If I change providers after April 21, 2006, why will there be a delay in processing my request?

Some telecommunications providers in some states may not process your request until after the purchase is finalized. We are anticipating completion of purchase activities on or before May 22, 2006. 

8. If I am a local customer, do I have a contract?

No. Local customers can change service providers at any time, however, we do not prorate your bill. If you elect to change service providers and it is in the middle of your billing cycle, you will be responsible for the entire month’s charges of the VarTec Companies.

9. I am a wireless customer. Will I have to sign a new contract?

No new contract or signature will be required. You are still under the same terms and conditions of your existing contract.

10. I am a VarTec Solutions Customer. Will I have to sign a new contract?

No new contract or signature is required.

11. I pay my payments through the APPR process. Will that change?

There will be no change to the way the APPR process works before or after the completion of the Comtel purchase.

12. Who will I call after April 21, 2006 (or after close)?
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You will refer your questions to the same customer service number you currently use:

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VarTec Telecom Local Service	800-708-7395
VarTec Telecom Long Distance Customer Service	800-583-6767
Clear Choice Communications Customer Service	800-668-4872
Excel Telecommunications Local Customer Service	877-668-0808
Excel Telecommunications Long Distance Customer Service	800-875-9235
VarTec Solutions Customer Service	800-981-0999
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VarTec Solutions Customers can also contact their account managers

13. What is a “freeze”?

A “freeze” on your account is placed there by you. It prevents your local or long distance provider from being changed unless you call to have the “freeze” removed. In some states, we may be required to remove the “freeze” before the purchase is finalized. We do not believe this will be required but if it does occur and you want the “freeze” reapplied to your account, you will have to call your local telephone company to have it done. 

14. When do you expect to get approval for the purchase?

Our target is to obtain all regulatory approvals and finalize the purchase on or after May 22, 2006.

15. Who is Comtel?

Comtel Telcom is a telecommunications company based in Texas which is purchasing the assets of the VarTec Companies. This purchase requires no action on your part. 

16. Is there anything I need to do?

This purchase requires no action on your part.

17. Where is company headquarters?

The Company headquarters is in the Dallas, TX area.

18. Is VarTec going out of business?

After the purchase, the services provided by VarTec will continue, and the purchase should be seamless to you.

19. I don’t have service with VarTec. Who is VarTec?

Your local, long distance and/or wireless services are currently provided by one of the companies in our family of telecommunications companies. These companies are VarTec Telecom, Inc., Excel Telecommunications, Inc., Clear Choice Communications and VarTec Solutions, Inc. All customers of these companies are receiving notification of this purchase.