c186aj@cory.berkeley.edu (Steve Forrette) (02/04/90)
I just had two lines installed by Pacific Bell, one for voice and one for data. Since I wanted the data one unlisted, the rep told me that there would be a monthly charge for this. Not knowing any better, I agreed. Based on John Higdon's recent posting, I called the business office on Friday, and the rep said that indeed a second line at the same address in the same name can be unlisted for no charge, and that he would remove the charges from my bill. Since the last time I had two lines I was paying for the service, it seems like it's Pacific Bell's policy not to mention the "freeness" exception until you ask about it. I told the rep that I thought that was a rather nasty policy, and he said "Well, it wouldn't matter in the long run anyway. Since the maximum profits we make are determined by the PUC, the extra revenue would end up being returned to the ratepayers anyway." What a crock!