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From: veeneman@mot.com (Dan Veeneman)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Information Needed on AT&T Select Saver Plan
Message-ID: <15486@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 17 Dec 90 16:35:15 GMT
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Organization: TELECOM Digest
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 888, Message 6 of 13


Netters,

     Recently I received in the mail a "Request for Change in Billing"
from AT&T (my default LD carrier), and would like to get the opinion
of the readers of TELECOM Digest.  The letter begins:

"A review of your AT&T account indicates that you could save money by
choosing an alternate AT&T billing plan.  This package includes your
opportunity to do so.

Your present AT&T Long Distance accounts shows that you are currently
being charged standard prices for your out-of-state, direct-dialied
AT&T Long Distance calls, and that you frequently make calls to area
code (301) in Maryland.

We recommend that you consider the AT&T Select Saver(TM) Plan.

For just $1.90 per month, this plan will provide with low per minute
rates each and every time you call anywhere in the (301) area code.
24 hours a day.  7 days a week."

     The letter goes on to explain the 12 cents/minute rate effective
M-F 5pm to 8am and weekends, and 20 cents/minute rate M-F 8am to 5pm.

They'll also throw in a 5% discount on all LD calls to other area codes.

There is an 800 number for me to call to sign-up, and if I order now,
they'll waive the normal $5 sign-up fee.  Gee !

My questions are:

1.  If I sign up for this, am I making it easier for AT&T in the
    future to get a different (and more expensive) LD rate
    structure approved ?

2.  If not, why is AT&T so wont to help me save money ?

3.  When 301 splits, my calls may go to both 301 and 410.  How will
    this effect the rates ?

4.  More generally, what can I expect as far as rate increases under
    this plan ?

I have two lines coming in to my house, a main line and another line I
use for intra-LATA data calls (i.e. no LD, but AT&T is listed as the
default carrier).  This letter lists my home number as the data line
number, *not* the line on which I make (301) calls.


Dan    veeneman@mot.com