How come phone companies charge even if no one answers the phone?

Question

Do they charge if one where to call the same number a couple of minutes later?

Answer 1

How else are they going to Nickle and Dime you?

Answer 2

They don't if you hang up before the voice mail or answering machine picks up - yep - they charge every time you complete a call

Answer 3

Cell phone companies charge from send to end, and they round up to the nearest minute to boot. It's how they continue to make money. If your phone call lasts two seconds, you're charged a minute. If your call lasts a minute and three seconds, you're charged two minutes. I used to do customer service  for a prepaid wireless phone service provider, and let me tell you, I've heard all about the company "stealing" people's minutes.

Answer 4

Because they can and because they're greedy.

Answer 5

You've put this in the Land Phones section.  I'm not aware of any companies that charge for incoming calls not picked up on a land line.

Answer 6

Cuz it rang.

Answer 7

because you were stupid enough to call and join that companies plan.

Answer 8

Its because of something called business.

Answer 9

i dont think they do.

it depends on what company you go with. if you have virgin moble then they dont because i have that.

Answer 10

They still charge cause its going through to the phone and yeah they do charge even if its the same number

Answer 11

They charge because it is a service.