Bob_Frankston@world.std.com (06/30/91)
I ran across two interesting customer-owned phones recently. They booth took quarters for local calls. While this might seem normal to most of you, those of us in Massachusetts still think that phone calls cost a dime. But I don't really mind the 150% price increase given that it only brings us to the national average. I tried to place a credit call on one and was surprised to find that the LD carrier was ATT. That was a pleasant surprise. I wonder whether it is become common for premises phones to use a major carrier. Location: Papa Gino's Needham Street, Newton Mass. The other was assigned to an outfit called IMR. I tried calling their number (800-227-1010) for more info but only got a recording. What makes this one interesting is that it was competing as being cheaper that NET for LD calls. The deal was .25/minute for anywhere in the US vs $2.04 for NET. This is a bit suspicious since NET doesn't place the LD calls and the rates look rather inflated (even for operator assisted). The table went, I think, up to four minutes. I don't know if the charges are linear or not beyond that point nor what the credit card/operator charges are. Still, it was an interesting ploy. I wonder if anyone is more familiar with them? Location: Ground Round, Highland Ave, Needham, Mass.