The ad: Sprint "7 Cents Anytime" long-distance service offer, advertised through a printed flier mailed to Sprint PCS wireless customers.
The offer: The big headlines on the mailing scream "Save up to $71 a year on your residential long-distance service!" and "Just 7 cents a minute and no monthly fee!"
The scoop: The basic messages in the advertisement are correct. In smaller print, customers learn that the 7-cent rate applies only to state-to-state long-distance calls and that prices vary for in-state long-distance. Sprint's in-state rate in California is 5 cents a minute, but the price can be higher in other states.
The $71 in yearly savings Sprint touts stems from waiving the plan's $5.95 monthly service fee. It's important to remember, though, that there are plans available that do not carry monthly fees.