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From: Kenneth_R_Jongsma@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Automated Operators
Message-ID: <telecom-v09i0158m02@vector.dallas.tx.us>
Date: 5 May 89 23:06:07 GMT
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X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 9, issue 158, message 2 of 8

Just received an insert in this month's bill from Michigan Bell
(Ameritech). It seems that they are about to implement a form
of the automated operator services some of the COCOTs have
been using for collect and third party billing. According to
the flyer, if you are making a 0+ call withing the LATA and
do not enter a credit card number after the "bong", you may
get connected to a computer asking you to touch a number
corresponding to your billing request (collect or third
party). You will then be asked to record your name. The called
or billed number will then be called, a computer generated message
will be played with your name inserted appropriately, and the
receiver asked to touch a number corresponding to whether or
not they accept charges.

I tried it this evening a got a real operator, so I can't
give any more details right now or comment on the possibility
of spoofing the system.

Ken@cup.portal.com