Patrick_A_Townson@cup.portal.COM (02/19/88)
Dick King (king@kestrel.arpa) suggests that a two digit billing code be added to how we dial numbers, in order to identify <who> -- in a multiple dwelling, for example, made a given call. Not a bad idea, and in fact is being used by the OCC's now, but in a little different format. I assume the use of DD on the front would be voluntary. That is, if someone using a phone thus equipped chose to simply dial the ten digit number, there would be no restriction. Or would there? What Sprint does now on request is require a two digit ID code on the end of the number. If the system administrator requires this, then the call will not be processed without it. In our office, my two digit ID is "48", and my long distance calls are placed: 65 (to get WATS) ACC-PPP-NNNN48. Without it, a recording advises me to use my billing code, or ask the system administrator for assistance. If this were implemented everywhere, I'd prefer to see it on the end of the number. Of course, we <do> have a form of that now. Calls which require special billing can always be placed on your (name of telco here) Calling Card. The format seems to be standard nationally. You dial zero, the area code and number, then wait for the zip tone. Then, enter the ten digits of the phone to be billed and the four digit personal ID number. You can get more than one personal ID per line I am told, but this method does require dialing quite a few more digits. Very curiously, I happen to have an Illinois Bell Calling Card, an AT&T Calling Card and an MCI Credit Card. The first two have the identical data on them including the PIN. The MCI card differs only in one respect; the PIN is different (by a couple digits!). Apparently AT&T assigns all the PIN's and other details on these, regardless of which OCC (or themself) has the account. What I would REALLY like to see under ESS though, is the addition of an eighth digit to the local phone number which would serve as a 'check digit' to help prevent wrong numbers. It (8th digit) would be calculated mathematically from the other seven (or ten) and virtually eliminate wrong numbers unless it 'matched up' correctly to the other seven (or ten). Many credit card processing companies use a variation on this now, to prevent errors by clerks who punch in the account number, etc. Typically, accidental reversal of the digits will result in 'no such number' rather than an incorrect number being charged or credited. Why not to help prevent wrong numbers also? Patrick_A_Townson@cup.portal.com