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From: malcolm@apple.com
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Free Local Phone Calls
Message-ID: <2580@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 3 Jan 90 14:01:08 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 5, message 2 of 12


The following annoucement was sent to me by a colleague.  I thought it
might be of interest to the list.  Maybe the blipvert isn't as far
away as we thought.....

								Malcolm
    
Isn't technology wonderful? --

Phone Spots Inc. (Weston, MO) has received a patent for a device that
places recorded messages in the four second interval between rings of
a telephone.  The company is in the early stages of developing one
application, called Freephone Service, for its invention.

The Freephone concept involves distinctively marked, coinless public
telephones that allow anyone to make free three-minute local calls.
Callers will hear short advertising messages between rings while
waiting for the phone to be answered.  When the called party picks up
their receiver, the messages stop.  Sites for the phones include
airports, hotels and convention centers.  Currently there are over
48,000 public pay phones in these areas.  Phone Spots expects
advertising revenues to support the service.


VoiceNews, December 89