jimmy@PIC.UCLA.EDU.UUCP (06/03/87)
Someone mentioned that AT&T was adding a toll-free area code of 890.
In fact, Bell of PA (and perhaps the other Bell Atlantic companies?) has
created the toll-free *prefix* of 890. This would be accomplished through
agreements with neighboring independent Telcos and appears to actually be a
way for Bell Atlantic to offer a local toll-free service without involving
AT&T. Personally, I don't think Telcos should be allowed to do this. The
area code 800 is well established as a toll free prefix and the introduction
of different toll-free prefixes in each area code will only add to customer
confusion. Uniformity should not be sacrificed in favor of the Telco saving
a few cents.
A different someone mentioned a letter from Pacific Bell warning that a new
switch was being installed. P*B has been routinely sending out these letters
to those about to be converted (usually from crossbar) to a Northern Telecom
DMS100 Digital switch. The switch has many quirks, but especially annoying
is often a lack of CPC (Calling Party Control signal), though P*B has been
adding this to the DMS switches. The letter is just for P*B to cover
themselves ("We warned you!").
Telephone enthusiasts (and anyone else with an interest in communications)
is invited to call the ESSug (ESS Users Group) on (714)973-2000 (300/1200bps)
Jim Gottlieb
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