Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!husc6!bbn!mit-eddie!killer!vector!covert%covert.DEC From: covert%covert.DEC@decwrl.dec.com (John R. Covert) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: AOS (from John Keator, National Public Radio) Message-ID: <500@vector.UUCP> Date: 28 Jul 88 01:02:00 GMT Sender: chip@vector.UUCP Lines: 106 Approved: telecom-request@vector.uucp (USENET Telecom Moderator) X-Submissions-To: telecom@xx.lcs.mit.edu (Mailing List Coordinator) X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@vector.uucp (USENET Telecom Moderator) X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 8, issue 115, message 8 FR: John Keator, National Public Radio +1 202 822 2800 TOPIC: AOS >From the Washington Post, 27 July 88 Excerpted without permission, abridged. CURBS SOUGHT ON OPERATOR PHONE FIRMS by Deborah Mesce Two consumer groups yesterday asked the Federal Communications Commission to order the five largest independent telephone operator services out of business, contending that the companies charge excessive rates. Telecommunications Research and Action Center, based in San Francisco, said their survey shows these providers' rates area as much as 3.5 times higher than those of the major long-distance companies. The companies, called alternative operator services or AOS companies, provide service to guests in hotels and motels and at pay phones, as well as at some hospitals and universities, which receive a commission from the AOS. The companies handle credit-card, collect and third-party billed calls, routing "0"-plus calls over lines leased from the major long- distance carriers. David Wagenhauser, staff attorney for the center, said consumers need to be protected from the high rates of these companies. "Just because these are transient consumers doesn't mean they should be moving targets," he said at a news conference outside the FCC headquarters. The FCC, prompted by a surge in complaints about AOS companies last spring, launched an investigation into the industry, which began developing about a year and a half ago. The agency also issued a consumer alert advising callers to ask operators what rates they would be charged. The FCC does not regulate the rates AOS companies charge for interstate long-distance calls. Several states, however, have begun considering regulation of the industry for intrastate calls. The consumer groups criticized the FCC for failing to take action against AOS providers. Greg Vogt, chief of the FCC's telephone enforcement unit, defended the agency against the criticism, noting its inquiry into the industry and its work on behalf of irate consumers seeking credit for AOS calls. The FCC also has been meeting with AOS companies, Vogt said. "I've been pleased with the response with the industry, admitting there are problems and working out solutions." ********************** Letter received from Gerald A. Hines AT&T Card Services Director AT&T, Basking Ridge, NJ Dear -----: Because you're a valued AT&T cardholder, I'm writing to you about an important matter. Recently, a number of hotels, hospitals, colleges and private pay phone companies have chosen firms other that AT&T to provide long distance operator and calling card services to their customers. As a result, from these locations, it could mean you'll pay higher prices for what you believe are AT&T calls. We believe it's important for our customers to be careful when making operator assisted or AT&T card or AT&T CALL ME card calls from any of these locations because not all of the "alternate operator services" readily identify themselves. Even though you think you're using your AT&T card to place AT&T calls, you could be using one of the alternative operator services. If this happens, you call will not be handled or billed by AT&T. Here's a course of action you can follow to reach you choice of AT&T when placing calls away from home or office: - When checking into a hotel, ask if AT&T is used for operator and AT&T card calls. If not, ask how the hotel operator can connect you to AT&T for "dial 0" calls. When you do reach an operator verify you're speaking with AT&T. - When dialing long distance card calls yourself, always listen for the "Thank you for using AT&T" message after you've entered your AT&T card number. If you don't hear it, chances are you've not reached AT&T. Immediately, hang up and redial the call -- without entering your card number -- and wait for the operator to answer. AT&T operators identify themselves when answering. If you have any doubts, ask what company the operator represents. If it's not and AT&T operator, ask how you can be connected to one. - When using your AT&T card from a rotary-dial phone, follow the same procedure. Before giving your card number to the operator, be user you have reached AT&T. ...If you have any questions, please call us at 800-222-0300