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From: rborow@bcm1a09.attmail.com
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: Alliance Teleconferencing
Message-ID: <15161@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 3 Dec 90 16:45:24 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 861, Message 1 of 12


For those who have asked, here's a bit more on ALLIANCE teleconferencing:

*While traditionally a conference system for several users, it can be
used for from two callers to 58, although it's more cost-effective to
utilize three-way calling if your local service allows such.

*ALLIANCE can even be used for local conferencing. Seems many local
telcos no longer provide such conferencing abilities. When I inquired
about it from my LEC (Illinois Bell), they suggested using ALLIANCE.

*Charges are 25c per minute per location (the bridge charge as it's
called), as well as the regular LD charge for each location (based on
the bridge location used: Chicago, White Plains, Dallas, and Reno),
charged as calls from those locales.

*Local conference calls are billed at the usual 25c/min. bridge
charge, but because they are not truly LD calls, they're billed at
rates dependent on time of day, at a minimum rate. The rates vary, but
the operator quoted me a ballpark figure of c. 18c first min., 8c each
additional (lower for evenings and night/weekends).

*When calling after the automated access can no longer be used, the
operator will assist you in setting up and passing control to you
without being charged operator-assisted rates.

*The originator can hang up early and pass control to another
conferee; however, originator's billing will continue (of course).

*ALLIANCE's "Meet Me" service (which can also be done automatically)
allows callers to set up conference calls individually by calling a
special # at a predetermined time and punching a few keys, etc.

All in all, ALLIANCE is a convenient, and easy service to use. If
anyone desires more {printed} information regarding ALLIANCE, I have a
limited number of brochures and/or wallet cards available.


Randy Borow (Rolling Meadows, IL.)                               
attmail!internet!bcm1a09!rborow
(800) 323-9292, ext. 7614