Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!uwm.edu!lll-winken!telecom-request From: john@zygot.ati.com (John Higdon) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Can Someone Please Help us in SO-Cal GTE-Land Message-ID: Date: 31 Mar 91 19:23:00 GMT Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Reply-To: John Higdon Organization: Green Hills and Cows Lines: 75 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 258, Message 10 of 11 Ron Schnell writes: > Recently GTE converted our C.O. to a "much more advanced and improved > digital switch", according to a letter sent to all customers (I assume > it was 5ESS or similar). However, since this "improvement", I have > noticed several degradations. The switch you describe is none other than an Automatic Electric GTD-5, probably the worst affliction to ever plague the telecom industry. It is (by modern standards) featureless, had been virtually abondoned by the manufacturer (for good reason), and has the worst feature implementation of any digital switch on the planet. For some reason, GTE droids always refer to that switch as "advanced". The last time I quite properly badmouthed the GTD-5, I got some flack from GTE types about how it was really a wonderful switch with all kinds of capabilities. All of that is total rubbish; the switch IS garbage. It has software and hardware deficiencies that render it only suitable for GTE CO service (since GTE couldn't care less about its level of service in the first place). It does not have, nor will it ever have ISDN, CLASS, or any other advanced features. The three-way calling problem you describe simply indicates that GTE did not think you were worth ordering the advanced conference bridge and that you would put up with the standard pathetic digital three-way. > What I would really like is some advice on the best way to take these > complaints to GTE. Especially since they are highly technical > compared to what most business office reps could understand. Sorry, you are out of luck. First off, GTE will cancel your first three trouble reports as "resolved" to make its report to the PUC look good. Second, since GTE could not care less about customer satisfaction, you will be told, in essence, to take a hike. > 1. Three-way calling - When I flash and dial the third party, I > can't flash back right away. Inherent in the switch; nothing can be done. > 2. Three-way calling - THIS IS THE WORST PART OF THE WHOLE THING - > During three-way calls, the line suddenly becomes one-way. This is the digital conferencing. It COULD be solved, but would require the installation of a hardware/software pack. Remember, you are dealing with GTE. > 3. Flashing in general - It seems like flashing the switchook is > much less dependable since the change. Again, inherent in the switch. > 4. Infinite Dialtone - Sometimes I get a dialtone that won't go > away. This is a hardware malfunction. It can be fixed, but good luck trying to get GTE to do anything about it. > I dread trying to bring these things to GTE's attention. You should. My opinions on Pac*Bell notwithstanding, you stand a much greater chance of having it all work if you moved into PB territory. Pac*Bell may have thin feature offerings, but what it has seems to work perfectly. From the GTE Definitions Handbook: reorder -- What you typically get after dialing most numbers from a GTE telephone. John Higdon | P. O. Box 7648 | +1 408 723 1395 john@zygot.ati.com | San Jose, CA 95150 | M o o !