Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request From: John Higdon Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Here We Go Again Message-ID: <10411@accuvax.nwu.edu> Date: 4 Aug 90 02:53:01 GMT Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu Reply-To: John Higdon Organization: Green Hills and Cows Lines: 74 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 540, Message 9 of 13 Pac*Bell bill insert: After August 5, 1990, all pay telephones will be required to provide: * Basic local calls costing 20 cents * Free access to: - 9-1-1 emergency service - 411 information service - "0" operator service - "00" long-distance operator service - 800 services - 950 dialing (long-distance company code dialing) - repair service * Clear, easy-to-read signs that explain: - dialing instructions - cost and any time limits that apply - company indentification Local phone companies and independent private providers of pay phones may charge 25 cents extra for completing calls that do not require coins, such as Calling Card and collect calls. The agreement sets limits on pricing and establishes guidelines for enforcing those limits. It is designed to benefit both the consumer and those in the pay telephone industry. ***End of quote from Bill Insert*** Well, what do we have here? August 6 is on Monday -- this should be interesting. "...local calls...20 cents" There are MANY COCOTs still out there charging 25 cents. Do you suppose they will all be changed in four days? "..."0" operator service" That's a good one. The call comes up on Pac*Bell's TOPS board as a COCOT. The operator can do NOTHING for you. "...'00' long-distance operator service" Oooh, that's wonderful. ITI or NTS will be most happy to complete your call (and drain your wallet). "...800 services" But you had better hope that you don't reach any interactive device -- remember the TT pad goes dead. "...950 dialing..." Now that's a real hoot. All 950 LD calling requires the use of a TT pad. I guess everyone will have to own and carry with him a pocket dialer. "This agreement ... establishes quidelines for enforcing..." HaHaHaHa ... etc. I'll tell you what enforcement would be. Announce via the media that on Monday, Aug. 6, any member of the public who finds a COCOT that is not in compliance with these rules may deface, smash, or otherwise destroy the offending instrument without fear of civil or criminal penalties. That's enforcement! Anyone want to join me for a "phone inspection cruise" on Monday? John Higdon | P. O. Box 7648 | +1 408 723 1395 john@zygot.ati.com | San Jose, CA 95150 | M o o !