ken@sharkey.cc.umich.edu> (06/18/91)
I just received some interesting marketing material from Michigan Bell. It would seem they are taking Pac Bell's lead in marketing second lines to residential customers for business purposes. Only MB is going Pac Bell one better. They want full business line rates! The flyer is entitled "Introducing Second Line from Michigan Bell" The letter and flyer are printed on very nice coated stock and go on at great length how one can save $35 off normal installation if one gets a "Second Line" installed. They also want to know if one plans on using an answering machine, FAX machine or modem on the line. (Why? To market future services?) They continue on about all the supposed advantages of a "Second Line" (emphasis theirs). Normal residential installation is around $40 from MB, so I thought the $35 off sounded pretty good. Then I reread the material very closely. They are definitely selling a business rate line as the $35 reduction is only 30% off the installation. Since business rates are higher and are all measured service, this is no big bargain. Ken Jongsma ken@wybbs.mi.org Smiths Industries ken%wybbs@sharkey.umich.edu Grand Rapids, Michigan ..sharkey.cc.umich.edu!wybbs!ken