schweige@cs.nps.navy.mil (Jeffrey M. Schweiger X2502) (10/20/89)
Thought I'd pass along a few personal observations on phone service following the earthquake, from the southern portion of the affected area, the Monterey Peninsula (actually we were closer to the epicenter than San Francisco, and while not downplaying the tragedy of the damage in the San Francisco/Oakland area, the physical damage in and around Santa Cruz is extensive). I have MCI dial 1 service. I was initially unable to call the east coast (to inform family of my status), using my dial-1 MCI service. I, instead received a 'circuits busy' recording. I thought I would then try AT&T via 10288 - I wasn't even able to finish dialing. Announcements were made over the radio stations operating (not having a battery operated TV, I didn't know or care whether any TV stations were transmitting), that AT&T was intentionally restricting long distance service in and out of the affected areas, in order to support emergency communications. I was finally able to reassure my family by switching back to MCI, but using 950-1022, as opposed to dial-1. This worked without much difficulty. I realize that my above experiences are not described to the level of technical detail normally seen on this group, but thought they might be of interest. Jeff Schweiger