I had nothing but trouble with Essential. They told me I would receive the $50 promotional check yet when they finally sent it, it was only for $25. I called and emailed them several times only to find their customer service to be ignorant and rude. In the end I gave up on them and I did fire off a complaint to the BBB. I doubt it will do any good but I WOLD NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS FIRM!!!
For cheap rates on long distance you might try this:
http://ld.net/fcmi