telecom@bu-cs.BU.EDU (TELECOM Moderator) (11/25/88)
I've been told by a contact at IBT that some new features under consideration for custom calling users here are as follows -- 1) Music on hold for the person on the short end of the stick on your call waiting line. Choice of light classical music or pop. Nothing heavy. Cost will probably be fifty cents or one dollar per month. 2) Last number dialed, probably using *1. Redial those constant busies. Will probably cost $1 per month. 3) Call back when not busy. The dialed number is busy. Flash, dial *79 and hang up. Busy line will be tested periodically. When it is free, system will first ring you back and give you three or four rings before the call is abandoned. *After you answer* then system will automatically connect to desired number. Cost two or three dollars per month. 4) Reminder/wakeup service. Dial a code, and enter a four digit number followed by A or P, as in 0630A. Phone will ring at appointed time to wake you up, etc. Monthly charge plus *charge for each call*. 5) Store and Forward. I cannot reach you (line busy, etc) and I cannot wait around any longer. Call the Store and Forward machine. Enter the desired number, and your voice message. Indicate if system is to attempt repeatedly if line is busy (every 15-20 minutes if line is DA) or if system is to deliver message at a specified time. When connection is made machine will announce a 'store and forwarded' call in its own voice, then play out your message in your own voice. Cost will be $8-10 per month. This machine will also be used as an answering machine or voice mailbox which you can forward to when out. Actually you will not call- forward to it in the conventional sense; but instead you will dial a two digit code like *77 which tells the central office to begin diverting you into the machine. I wonder if anyone will actually subscribe to all these new services. They sound like very attractive additions to custom calling.