How commonly used is the term 'flatrate'? (flatrate vs. flat fee)

[Torsten]

The other day Ralf mentioned to me that although the term 'flatrate' is an English word it might not be as commonly used in English speaking countries as it is in Germany. I guess that's because the concept of a 'flatrate' is rather new in Germany.

So, how familiar are you with the term 'flatrate'?

Thanks,
Torsten
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[Ralf]

Since I've been living in Germany for almost 7 years now, the term sounds pretty sound to me. But you'd probabably call it a flat fee when referring to a low and unlimited telecommunication charge. I think the Americans call this charge "unmetered (local) calls".
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[Yankee]

.
The term 'flat rate' (note: two words) is not new to me, and in the US, the usage of this expression is not restricted to telecommunications.

The expression "unmetered calls" strikes me as a usage that might possibly be more British than American -- maybe because I can't recall ever having heard a telephone plan with "unlimited" calls or minutes commonly referred to as "unmetered" anywhere I've ever lived in the US.

Google serves up tens of millions of results for the expression "flat rate". Happy reading!
flat rate
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Torsten]

Hi Amy, So what is the difference between a flat rate and a flat fee? It seems that the term flat rate is sometimes connected to taxes.

Thanks,
Torsten
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[Jamie (K)]

A flat rate is usually a fee you pay periodically, for example monthly. A flat fee is generally paid only once. If I got unlimited calling for a flat fee, it might sound like I have to pay just once and never again for the rest of my life, unless they say a flat monthly fee.

"Flat rate" can also indicate that there is no difference in rate no matter where you call. So one of my friends lives in Detroit, but he has a Chicago cellphone number, and we don't limit our calls, because the rate is the same whether I'm calling next door or across the country.

I've never heard the term "unmetered local calls" in the US, because our local calls have never been metered, the way they are in Europe. They usually say you pay a flat (monthly) rate for unlimited local calls. The usual plan nowadays is described as "a flat $XX.00 for unlimited local calls and free long distance in the US and Canada". (Sometimes Canada isn't included, and sometimes both Canada and Mexico are.)

[Ralf]

A basic charge, so to speak.
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[Jamie (K)]

The fun now can be to watch what imaginative, nay, surrealistic new meanings the Germans will devise for their new word "flatrate".

"Entleeren Sie den Darm flatrate oder nicht jeden Tag?"
"Sie gehen miteinander flatrate aus, aber ihre Beziehung wird wahrscheinlich nicht lange dauern."