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From: Jim.Redelfs@iugate.unomaha.edu (Jim Redelfs)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: "Independent" Coin Phones
Message-ID: <74377@bu.edu.bu.edu>
Date: 9 Feb 91 15:51:50 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 106, Message 2 of 11


On 30-JAN-1991, the Moderator wrote:

> Here in the Chicago area we are seeing a shift away from those
> obnoxious devices also, but not as quickly as other places. The 7-11
> stores here have the discretion to use the phone service of their
> choice, but the two 7-11's I frequent both use genuine IBT phones
> with LD defaulted to AT&T.

> The 7-11 owner turned him down saying he had to use phones 'the
> public would be happy with'. Many merchants are beginning to
> discover the extra commission they receive isn't worth the hostility
> they get from the public.  PAT]

I learned, the HARD way, that even calling LOCALLY, one must use
caution "experimenting" with "Acme" Pay Phones, Inc. devices!  As a
TelCo employee, I receive a concession on all its services, including
intra-lata toll AND local calls billed to my calling card.

I didn't have my coins with me the other day and, needing to place a
call home, I simply walked up to the coin phone and dialed 0+7d and
entered my calling card number.  My next bill made it obvious to me
that my employee concession applies ONLY to such calls made from TELCO
coins - NOT independent stations!

Such a local, calling card-billed call, made from a U S WEST
Communications set normally costs 37 cents.  The call I made from the
"Acme" station came to around $1.50!!

Live and learn!


JR

Copernicus V1.02
Elkhorn, NE [200:5010/666.14] (200:5010/2.14)


[Moderator's Note: It is interesting, isn't it, how the whole
alternative telephone industry got started -- the non-telco, non-AT&T
networks and instruments -- on the theory that AT&T / Ma Bell were
such 'ripoffs' that had to be put in their place. And now the more you
shop around; the more you use the competition, the better telco and
'genuine Bell' service looks. Some of us were saying 'I told you so'
several years ago. I'm beginning to feel vindicated.   PAT]