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From: jcp@cgch.uucp (Joseph C. Pistritto)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: The CCITT Recommendation on International D.A.
Message-ID: <4609@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 1 Mar 90 12:11:31 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 136, Message 3 of 7


        Living in Europe, let me tell you its a PITA that I can't
access directory assistance in the US...  (Yes, even 555 1212 is
blocked from over here in Switzerland).  Until USA Direct service came
to Switzerland (about 18 months ago), I had to impose on friends in
the US to call DA over there for me.  Usually did this with folks with
3 way calling.  Really freaked a few operators out...

        This was in fact, the major reason I subscribed to USA Direct
(they issue 'imaginary number' calling cards, as I no longer have a US
valid phone number).  Is it possible that the CCITT directives
mentioned before are the reason they WON'T give a calling card to
someone who isn't a US citizen, by the way?  (It's worth noting that
over here they bill your calling card calls to your American Express
or Visa card ONLY, direct billing is *NOT* allowed.  I would think
that by having your verified credit card number would be enough of a
credit verfication, they wouldn't need my US passport number as
well...)  Besides, I don't think the State Department collects bad
debts, or is that a new service...  (maybe that's the REAL story with
Noriega... :-) )

                                                -jcp-

======================================================================
Joseph C. Pistritto  HB9NBB N3CKF
                    'Think of it as Evolution in Action' (J.Pournelle)
  Ciba Geigy AG, R1241.1.01, Postfach CH4002 Basel, Switzerland
  Internet: jcp@brl.mil                       Phone: (+41) 61 697 6155
  Bitnet:   bpistr%cgch.uucp@cernvax.bitnet   Fax:   (+41) 61 697 2435
  Also:     cgch!bpistr@mcsun.eu.net