crew@polya.stanford.edu (Roger Crew) (01/20/89)
Here's one for you:
This one was at a payphone in Milford, PA. Evidently, the area is
serviced by ConTel. So I have a US Sprint calling card that I want to
use to make a call to NJ:
Tried 950-1033. Doesn't work, but then, I didn't really expect it to.
Tried 800-877-8000.
Recording ``your call cannot be completed as dialed. Check the
number and try again or stay on the line and a customer service
representative will be with you shortly...''
Well, I wasn't completely sure about the 800 number so...
Try the 800 number again... Same recording. Ok this time I'll wait
for customer service. ``Hello. MCI customer service.''
``...actually I'm trying to place a call on US Sprint.''
``... oh, this is MCI.'' I then explained the problem
``well, the number we have for US Sprint is 800-531-0008''
``Ok, thanks, bye.''
Try 800-531-0008. Recording
``The number you have dialed 800-531-0008 has been changed.
``The new number is 800-877-8000.''
Great, so I was right the first time.
Back to the MCI people.
``Well maybe you can try US Sprint customer service at 800-531-4646''
Try 800-531-4646.
``The number you have dialed 800-531-4646 has been changed.
``The new number is 800-877-4646.''
Try 800-877-4646.
``your call cannot be completed as dialed. Check the
number and try again or stay on the line and a customer service
representative will be with you shortly...''
There's a pattern here.
Back to MCI.
``looks like the numbers you have are out of date, and the new
ones don't work. Maybe YOU could dial the call for me.''
``...well, I'm just a customer service rep; you need an operator
for that... I know,... maybe you can check the number with 800
directory assistance'' Well, I suppose it's worth a try.
Try 800-555-1212
No problem getting through, but...
``Sorry we don't list LD access numbers.'' Well, f**k you very much...
I know. If I need an operator, I'll use an operator:
Dial 0
Explain the situation. ``...now I can't seem to dial this number.
I know it's the correct number --- it's supposed to work
nationwide; I just can't seem to reach it from this phone.
Do you suppose you could connect me?''
``Sure, no problem.''
Operator dials the number. Same recording. ``Well gosh, I can't
seem to get through either... You need to talk to a long distance
operator.''
``How do I get a long distance operator?''
Dial 00
Explain the situation. ``...do you suppose you could connect me?''
``Sure, no problem.''
Operator dials the number. I find myself listening to the same
recording as before. Unfortunately, the operator has long since
gotten off the line by the time the recording comes on...
Dial 00
Different operator. Explain again.
``...do you suppose you could stay on the line this time?''
Operator dials. We get the same recording.
``I'm stumped.''
``Well, can you connect me with a US Sprint operator?''
``No.''
``How about an AT&T operator?''
``You're talking to an AT&T operator.''
``Oh, sorry, I thought you were MCI... Anyway, what can I do?''
``You're travelling right?''
``Yup.''
``Go down the road about 20 miles until you're out of that service
area and try again...''
Bottom line: You can't get there from here. Period.
Didn't this all work five years ago?
--
Roger Crew Copyright 1988 -- All Rights Reserved. (so there!)
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