[comp.dcom.telecom] Beating Intrastate Long Distance Ripoffs

eli@pws.bull.com (Steve Elias) (07/29/90)

One method to avoid the bogus high prices of intrastate calls is to
use a long distance carrier to complete the call.  An 800 number to a
commonly called number (like your home), might be worthwhile.  Sprint
bills these calls in six second increments, so you only pay a few
cents for a short call.  Of course, there's a $10 or $5 monthly fee
for 800 numbers.

950 or 1-800 access to most carriers has a 75 cent or more access 
charge, so you'll have to talk for more than a couple o minutes if 
you want to recoup your losses by using your fabulous US Sprint
foncard, or your ATT card.  

/eli


[Moderator's Note: Telecom*USA only charges $2.75 for their 800
numbers, which simply camp on whatever number you designate. And yes,
they *are still being marketed*, although they are rather low-key
about it. And when using a genuine Bell payphone, there is no access
charge to contend with either.   PT]

la063249@zach.fit.edu (Bill Huttig) (07/30/90)

>[Moderator's Note: Telecom*USA only charges $2.75 for their 800
>numbers, which simply camp on whatever number you designate. And yes,
>they *are still being marketed*, although they are rather low-key

I have mine through ATC (use to be TelUs) .... its only $2.50 /mo
25.9 /min daytime 19 /min evenings/weekend/nights

I called Telecom*USA and they are not marketing it in their
SouthernNet area -- just the Teleconnect area. Different rate
structures, too.  The GA office said they are working on changes for
the 800 services and should be ready in a month or two.


Bill