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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!houxm!mhuxt!mhuxr!ulysses!allegra!mit-eddie!genrad!decvax!decwrl!glacier!Navajo!celoni
From: celoni@Navajo.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: long distance carrier code features
Message-ID: <288@Navajo.ARPA>
Date: Mon, 9-Dec-85 16:19:28 EST
Article-I.D.: Navajo.288
Posted: Mon Dec  9 16:19:28 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Dec-85 04:30:32 EST
References: <213@bbncc5.UUCP> <385@sdcc13.UUCP> <947@osu-eddie.UUCP>
Reply-To: celoni@Navajo.UUCP (James R. Celoni S.J.)
Distribution: net
Organization: Stanford University
Lines: 43
Keywords: equal access ITT MCI Sprint USTelecom SBS Skyline AT&T
Summary: 10nnn lets you do everything
Cc: Celoni@su-score.ARPA

Our exchange went easy access this summer, and the carrier codes are
much more versatile than I realized.


10ITT, 10777 (Sprint), 10444 (Allnet), 10333 (USTel), 10888 (SBS)

code+call sends call over carrier; telco or carrier bills depending
on whether you set up account with carrier (only way to get volume
discounts).  None have a monthly minimum except SBS, which blocks
calls unless you have an account.

PLUS: code+# connects you free to carrier's local switch (even from
pay phone), as if you just dialed their local access number.  So you
can use your 5-8 digit authorization code and have calls billed to it
from any phone without paying zone charges.  Or you can call "inward"
numbers like 10777# 593539, 10444# ALLNET, 10888# ASKSBS.  (10444# is
the same as 950-1044, 10333# as 950-1033, 10888# as 950-1088, and
10777# as 950-0777.)  I've heard this type of access talked about but
never advertised; it may not be true in all equal-access areas.


10222 (MCI), 10ATT

same as above, except no 10nnn# service.  You can dial 10222 0 call
MCIcardnumber or 10288 0 call ATTcardnumber to place a card call (and
pay the $0.55-1.05 surcharge) or 10288 0 call 0 for human AT&T
operator assistance.



700/ 555-4141 is the free call to see what carrier you're using;
e.g., 10222 700 555 4141 gives an MCI recording no matter who your 1+
carrier is.  Most recordings incorrectly assume you've chosen them as
your primary carrier.  MCI's bills now show 700 MCI HELP for billing
inquiries:  "no charge when dialed over MCI".  (Will other carriers
will complete the call and bill for it?)

It's sure convenient to have a non-ATT primary carrier (though after
the highly misleading choose-us mailings they sent to us I'd avoid
them anyway), but even better, not being locked in to anyone, to be
able to shop/choose each call.  If more people knew about it, it
might stimulate even more competitive improvements in services and
rates.  +j