David Rabson <davidra@theory.tc.cornell.edu> (06/06/91)
Some months ago, before moving to Canada, I called all the US long-distance companies to enquire about calling-card rates from Canada to the U.S. MCI quoted very favourable figures, which I verified on two subsequent calls to customer service. When I received my bill, I found that they had charged between double and quadruple the rates they had quoted me (taking into account the calling-card surcharge, naturally). To their credit, MCI eventually adjusted my bill to reflect the originally-quoted rates, rebating my account about $40. I would not recommend using either MCI or Sprint from Canada; both charge more than B.C. Telephone. After abandoning MCI, I found that while Canadian regulations have apparently prevented the establishment of large, national alternative long-distance carriers as in the U.S., there are numerous local outfits in Vacncouver. Most I called had moderately large volume requirements. One, however, is well suited to the average home user. CamNet charges 35% less than B.C. Tel during all rate periods to the U.S., 25% less to Ontario and Quebec, and roughly 10% less on most international calls. Set-up is $10 (CDN), and there is a $2/month service charge. This puts them about where I remember MCI being ten or twelve years ago. Users can also call U.S. 800 numbers for a flat charge of 30c/minute. They apparently do not have call supervision, for some calls of less than 15 seconds seem not to be billed. Access is through a local number and touch-tone code. They do not advertise, and most people here have never heard of them. I hope this will be of some use to readers living in or moving to B.C.