telecom@eecs.nwu.edu (TELECOM Moderator) (08/19/90)
I recently decided to sign up for voice mail service from Telecom*USA. I get my own 800 number (not to be confused with the 800 number I have from them camped onto my residential line -- this is a different number) which terminates on voice mail. To enter maintainence mode, I use the 800 number assigned for accessing the Telecom*USA network, and after entering my PIN, I press a couple buttons to access voice mail. The cost is very reasonable: Like the personal hotline 800 numbers, the fee is $2.75 per month for maintaining the number, and 29 cents per minute at any hour for accessing voice mail, either to leave a message or pick up your messages, change your greeting, etc. The 29 cents per minute includes the cost of the called placed to you or your call in to the system, etc. As part of the Telecom*USA Calling Card package, they give you a free speed dial directory of nine numbers for your frequently dialed calls. Telecom*USA customer service is 1-800-728-7000. Patrick Townson
bill@toto.info.com (Bill Cerny) (08/19/90)
In article <11035@accuvax.nwu.edu> you write: >I recently decided to sign up for voice mail service from Telecom*USA. >I get my own 800 number (not to be confused with the 800 number I have >from them camped onto my residential line ^^^^^^ Forgive me, but I must take exception to your use of "camp on." Really now, Patrick, you embarrass me; "camp on" is PBX terminology for queueing to a busy station. I believe you should state that "the 800 number is routed to my residential line." Indeed, until CCS7 connectivity is a coast-to-coast reality, no IXC can "camp on" your residence line. ;-) Bill Cerny bill@toto.info.com | attmail: !denwa!bill [Moderator's Note: You are correct in the strictest use of the term 'camp on'. However, it is also used commonly to refer to the process by which auxilliary phone numbers with no actual wire pair assigned to them are associated with 'real' numbers. The term is also commonly used to describe the condition when a call-waiting is placed on your line in the background -- at the CO -- until you choose to bring it up by flashing. Your phrase 'routed to' is the most accurate way to describe it. PAT]