Steve Forrette <forrette@sim.berkeley.edu> (08/06/90)
Also, I tried to change my programmable 800 service to dial out to the 800 number directly, to see what that showed up as, but it won't accept 800 destinations. The 800 service I have is from Cable & Wireless. It costs $20/month plus usage, no sign-up fee, and it comes with a 'programmable' feature. I can call a programming 800 number, enter my password, then tell it where I want my calls routed. Then, anyone that calls *my* 800 number gets sent directly to the number I specify. It works great when I'm travelling, as unlike call forwarding my main POTS number, I can change it remotely. There's no charge for each 'change' transaction, and the change seems to take place within one minute. Usage fees are around $.19/minute during the day, so it's quite competitive. Also, their customer service is *excellent*. Once I had a problem and asked to speak to someone that handles the technical side of the 800 numbers, and I was connected without question to a very technical person that could handle my problem. In fact, this is the *only* carrier that I have ever been able to talk to someone that really knew how things worked by going through normal channels.) [Moderator's Note: This sounds like an excellent 800 service! Would you please post the customer service and/or new order service number for others who are interested? Do you get all your long distance service from C&W? Thanks. PT]