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From: USEREAFJ@MTS.RPI.EDU.UUCP
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Message-ID: <807015@RPITSMTS.BITNET>
Date: Thu, 29-Oct-87 04:06:04 EST
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Posted: Thu Oct 29 04:06:04 1987
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Bell Canada Calling Card Service
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     Just an minor question (I think):
On numerous trips to Toronto and Vancouver a few years ago, (1985/6), Ih
noticed that all Calling Card Service is handled by the operator.
IE, there is no automated Calling Card system to handle 0+ calls. Even
in the most remote areas of the US there seems to be automated 0+
service , and even in some exchanges not equiped for Touch Tone service
(like many areas in eastern Springfield, Mass) there is automated Calling
Card service. (Pretty silly since an operator has to come on anyhow. I
guess they did this for the Charge-A-Calls, which in these non-tone
exchanged seem to have their Touch Tones converted to pulse in order
to initially get to the automated Calling Card Service. Its really
weird using a Charge-A-Call from a Crossbar, no 950 service, you have to
dial 0-800 to make an 800 call, etc...!)
     In any event, it would seem if Bell (NE Tel) could do this for
certain Springfield exchanges, then Bell Canada could certainly 
implemeny automated Calling Card service up in Toronto, where I suspect
there is a greater demand for Calling Card and 0+ services than therer
is in Chicopee, Mass (near Springfield). Doesn't the automated service 
save Bell some money? Seems as if it would free a lot of operator-assist
time.....
    Secondly, speaking of Canada, I was looking through a Toronto book
recently, and saw no reference made to Custom Calling Services, such
as Call-Waiting, Call-Forwarding, Speed-Dial and Three-Way-Calling.
(These are the 'standard' ones. Pac*Bell offers "Call-Hold" and 
"Call-Waiting-Block" , which is not that standard, yet....) Are
these services available there? Or has Bell Canada been somewhat
slow in implementing Custom Calling as well?
     Guess thats it...Any responses would be appreciated!
     Thanks,
     -Doug
                 Reuben@Weslyn.Bitnet
      (please don't repsond to address in header...thanks!)