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From: smk@attunix.att.com (S M Krieger)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: COCOTs, FCC, DPU, etc
Message-ID: <10037@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 23 Jul 90 17:19:47 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 508, Message 2 of 5


> > I wish to complain (loudly) about various local COCOTs practices of
> > prohibiting access to long distance carriers via 10XXX or 950-10XX and
> > of disabling the keypad after the call is completed.

> Oh yes -- the FCC has decreed that COCOTs will allow access to all
> long distance carriers doing business in the area. That really got the
> COCOT owners worried. I believe the real penalty for non-compliance is
> that the FCC will think bad thoughts about the guilty COCOT owner. Has
> anyone ever--repeat EVER--found a COCOT that allows 10XXX access to
> multiple carriers? I rest my case.

When I was in Las Vegas last week, my observation was that at least
75% of the public telephones are COCOTs (CenTel is the local operating
company).  What made things really rough is that the COCOTs I did use
looked like the Bell company phones.

First of all, besides not supporting 10XXX, these phones do not
support 1 (700) 555-2368 either, so users cannot determine the LD
carrier without asking.

Anyway, when I hit "0" and got the CenTel operator, she said she
couldn't connect me to AT&T, and that I should use a CenTel public
phone.  When I then hit "00", I got a recording telling me how to
place the call directly, but to hit a "3" if I need a live person.
Anyway, an ITI operator answered, and I asked to be connected to AT&T;
she did connect me.

Now, I asked the second operator if he was AT&T, and when he said he
was, I placed the call through him, asking for the calling card rate.
So if I do find an AOS charge on my phone bill next month, I will
merely report to NJ Bell about the fraudulent misrepresentation by the
LD carrier, and that they should stop trying to collect the money from
me for the AOS.

Finally, from other sources, I believe the COCOT owner position on LD
selection is that as long as they do connect you, they are in
compliance with the FCC regulations.  Giving customers a choice of LD
carrier doesn't mean they have to support 10XXX.  Also, what the COCOT
owners want for having to support LD carrier selection is payment for
the use of their phone, either in the coin slot or from the selected
LD company.  


-- Stan Krieger Summit, NJ
 ...!att!attunix!smk