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Gateway To The Underground 01
ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ»
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º Gateway To The Underground º
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º - G.T.T.U. - º
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º An Ezine for the society of underground hackers and phreakers º
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ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ
File: gttu1-01.doc
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Disclaimer - The G.T.T.U. is an ezine meant for informational purposes. The
authors of this mag. are intending this info for real use. So by reading
this disclaimer you have made it clear that we can not be blamed for your
actions, in anyway! So if you get caught, blame it on someone else!
*****************************************************************************
Who are the G.T.T.U.??
The G.T.T.U. is a group of people (in 413) who decided to write a
little mag. discussing what most important people of society today, would
not like anyone to hear. Topics like: Hacking, Phreaking, Telco problems,
and so on....So please enjoy and take notice of the disclaimer.
G.T.T.U. Staff -
Dr. No - executive editor - QBasic dood
Dr. Shmoo - Co-Editor - Mac Man - Pascal boy
OSMan - Writer - IBM - C/C++ - Master of all OS's
if we add anyone we will let you know...
Where can G.T.T.U. be reached??
We can be reached at the following addresses:
gttu@pobox.com - to contact other writers, or for submission, or questions.
dr.no@pobox.com - to contact Dr No
dr.shmoo@pobox.com - to contact Dr Shmoo
These will change periodically, so please note. If you would like to
contact one of the staff please do the following:
Subject: <staff_member> <Topic>
Do that, so we can sort out the mail. Article submission info will be
provided in this issue as well as in future issues. As for VMB's, we have
none officially yet, but will in the future. So look out!!
*****************************************************************************
Editors Note -
Well, here we are with our very first issue. Whew! Finally we got
it out. We had to go through some trouble with writing articles, but most
magazines have this sort of problem. To let everyone know, we are a mag for
hacking, phreaking, etc.. Why are there so many mags that deal with this
subject? Well, there are many very intelligent individuals who wish to show
others their expertise. We understand that, and we will try to bring the
most upto date info on all underground topics. A regular feature to this mag
will be the Telecom Update. I have a few for this issue. They are well
written and talk about canadian teleco issues. You will enjoy them. We also
have a few articles.
We would like to have people send in submissions. They will be
edited or rejected because of lack of informative content or if the info is
not valid. If a person get 2 or more articles published in our mag, they
will become known as regular writers and there name will be shown in each
issue. We hope that many people send in submissions. The instructions will
be below. Thanx alot, and I hope you enjoy the first issue.
-Dr No
*****************************************************************************
Table of Contents
-----------------
1) Submission Instructions - by the entire staff
2) Telecom Update Info - by Angus TeleManagement
3) Telecom Update Issues - by Angus TeleManagement
4) Ye Olde Beige Box - by Dr No
5) Hacking the Meridan VMS - by CRAZYBYTE of PHATE
6) Aol Hate Mail - an anonymous submission
7) Phreaking 101 - by Dr No
X) Shouts Out! - by the entire staff
*****************************************************************************
G.T.T.U.
Submissions
Here at gttu encourage submissions. You know the topics. Just write
about them. We will edit them or reject them, but you will be informed when
one or the other occurs. To make a submission:
email - gttu@pobox.com (dont send mail to anyothers concerning this)
subject: Submission <Topic>
that is it! Obviously, the article must be attached. We will try to get back
to you as soon as possible and hopefully things will work out. As I said
before, if you write 2 or more articles you will get the "reg. writer" status.
Also, once we setup our own VMB's, we will help set you up with one. Hope
fully these things will encourage you!
*****************************************************************************
Telecom Update Info
by Angus TeleManagement
============================================================
HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE
E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca
FAX: 905-686-2655
MAIL: TELECOM UPDATE
Angus TeleManagement Group
8 Old Kingston Road
Ajax Ontario Canada L1T 2Z7
===========================================================
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)
TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:
1. The fully-formatted edition is posted on the World Wide
Web on the first business day of the week. Point your
browser to www.angustel.ca and then select TELECOM UPDATE
from the Main Menu.
2. The e-mail edition is distributed free of charge.
To subscribe, send an e-mail message to
majordomo@angustel.ca. The text of the message
should say only: subscribe update
To stop receiving the e-mail edition, send an e-mail
message to majordomo@angustel.ca. The text of the message
should say only: unsubscribe update <Your Name>
===========================================================
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER: All contents copyright 1995 Angus
TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For further
information, including permission to reprint or reproduce,
please e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone 905-686-5050 ext
226.
The information and data included has been obtained from
sources which we believe to be reliable, but Angus
TeleManagement makes no warranties or representations
whatsoever regarding accuracy, completeness, or adequacy.
Opinions expressed are based on interpretation of available
information, and are subject to change. If expert advice on
the subject matter is required, the services of a competent
professional should be obtained.
============================================================
*****************************************************************************
Telecom Issues
by Angus TeleManagement
************************************************************
* TELECOM UPDATE *
* *
* Angus TeleManagement's weekly summary of telecom *
* news, published for the information and possible *
* profit of clients and friends *
* *
* Number 11: November 13, 1995 *
* *
* Telecom Update (including all back issues) is also *
* available on the World Wide Web at *
* http://www.angustel.ca *
* *
************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
** AGT Seeks Rate Increase
** Bell vs. Internet Providers
** Teleglobe Okays Competition, If ...
** Kedar Plans Overseas Carrier
** Private Cash Cards?
** SaskTel Tries Voice Dialing
** Rogers Offers Internet Access
** Moderating the Highway
** Alliance on Communication Policy Formed
** Dual Mode Wireless Tested
** Toll Free Internet for Remote Locations
** Bell Offers Telecom Glossary
** Telular Sales Up
** Cable Competition Nears
** TELEMANAGEMENT Analyzes Split Rate Base Decision
============================================================
AGT SEEKS RATE INCREASE: AGT Limited is asking the CRTC for
an interim increase in local rates, effective February 1.
The company says that without higher rates, its 1996 Utility
segment Rate of Return will be only 2%. The requested
increase is in addition to the $2/month rate hike ordered by
the CRTC on October 30.
BELL vs. INTERNET PROVIDERS: Internet Service Providers
across Ontario and Quebec are protesting a Bell Canada
decision that will raise prices paid for network access. On
Bell's recommendation, many ISPs had installed Centrex
lines. Now the telco says they must use Information System
Access Lines (ISALs) instead, at triple the price.
** For our view of the dispute, see "Bell Canada vs.
Internet Service Providers: A Review of Facts and
Issues," an analysis paper by Ian Angus. It's on our
Website: http://www.angustel.ca/isp-bell.html
TELEGLOBE OKAYS COMPETITION, IF... : Teleglobe Canada says
it won't ask for an extension on its overseas telecom
monopoly, which is due to expire in 1997. In return
Teleglobe wants deregulation of overseas prices, an easing
of rules limiting foreign and telco ownership, and a bar
against Stentor members entering the overseas market for an
unspecified time.
** Teleglobe's statement: http://www.Teleglobe.ca/en/
KEDAR PLANS OVERSEAS CARRIER: Mike Kedar, founder of Call-
Net, has announced plans to launch an overseas
communications company to compete with Teleglobe. GeoReach
Telecommunications Inc. will act as a carriers' carrier.
PRIVATE CASH CARDS? The Mondex cash card system, sponsored
in Canada by Bell Canada, the Royal Bank and CIBC, will get
its first test soon in Guelph, ON. "Cash" is transferred
onto the cards at ATMs or special telephones and off the
cards to a merchant's terminal -- a supposedly anonymous
transaction. But a complaint filed in the UK says that
Mondex, in fact, can trace all transactions made with each
card.
SASKTEL TRIES VOICE DIALING: SaskTel is testing
VoiceConnect, a service which allows customers to call
businesses by speaking the company name. The companies pay a
monthly charge of about $20 plus usage fees ranging to 20
cents/call.
** Nortel on VoiceConnect: http://newswire.flexnet.com/
month12/message/nov1995/c11456.htm
ROGERS OFFERS INTERNET ACCESS: Rogers Communications is now
offering Cablelink, a home Internet access service, in
Newmarket ON. $39.95/month gets you a cable modem and
unlimited use. One-time set-up is $100. A system-wide roll-
out is planned for 1996.
MODERATING THE HIGHWAY: Recently, the Internet newsgroup
can.infohighway has been deluged by off-topic messages,
overwhelming discussion of the topics the group was created
for. In response, several participants have proposed that
all messages be screened by a moderator before they are
posted. Discussion of this proposal is now taking place in
the groups can.infohighway and can.config.
ALLIANCE ON COMMUNICATION POLICY FORMED: The Alliance for a
Connected Canada aims to defend Canadian content,
employment, and the availability to all essential services.
Its founders include the Council of Canadians, the
federation of Quebec consumer groups, and the
Telecommunications Workers Union.
DUAL MODE WIRELESS TESTED: Business Link, now being field
tested by Bell Mobility, provides wireless phones that
connect to a customer PBX, with free airtime, while on site.
They convert to regular cellular service when taken off the
premises.
TOLL FREE INTERNET FOR REMOTE LOCATIONS: The Internet
Outpost Network, a package of Internet services via
satellite, is being offered by Canadian Satellite
Communications (Cancom) for businesses in small and remote
communities.
BELL OFFERS TELECOM GLOSSARY: A pocket-size bilingual
glossary of some 400 telecommunications and computer-related
words is available from Bell Canada for $20. Explanations of
Bell's products are included. Orders can be placed at Bell
Canada's Website:
** http://www.bell.ca/bell/eng/products/glosform.htm.
TELULAR SALES UP: Telular Canada says sales for the three
months ending September rose to $2.0 Million, six times last
year's level.
CABLE COMPETITION NEARS: The CRTC says that it will no
longer prohibit Cable-TV companies from competing in each
other's territory. The prohibition will not usually appear
in new or renewed licenses -- and current licensees may
apply to have it removed.
TELEMANAGEMENT ANALYZES SPLIT RATE BASE DECISION: What did
the CRTC decide? Why are the telcos unhappy? Was "US
Benchmarking" worthwhile? Read all about it in
TELEMANAGEMENT #130, published this week. Also: area code
chaos, numbering plan changes, virtual network rates,
reinventing telecom management. For a detailed Table of
Contents, see http://www.angustel.ca/tmin95.html. To
subscribe, call 905-686-5050 ext 227.
************************************************************
* TELECOM UPDATE *
* *
* Angus TeleManagement's weekly summary of telecom *
* news, published for the information and possible *
* profit of clients and friends *
* *
* EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA *
* Number 12-B: Nov. 21 1995 *
* *
* Telecom Update (including all back issues) is also *
* available on the World Wide Web at *
* http://www.angustel.ca *
* *
************************************************************
BULLETIN:
BELL CANADA TO NEGOTIATE SOLUTION
WITH INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
November 21: Bell Canada has agreed to work with Internet
Service Providers to develop new services and tariffs for
the ISP environment.
Late yesterday afternoon, Don Morrison, Bell's Group Vice
President for Local Services Marketing and Sales, faxed a
letter to several Toronto-area ISPs. Morrison wrote, in
part:
"We will work with the CRTC to help them understand that
Bell Canada does not consider the existing Centrex
tariff nor the ISAL tariff to apply to the ISP
application....
"Bell Canada proposes to continue applying Centrex III
rates for new and existing services until a new
alternative is developed."
This reverses Bell's previous position that the Internet
Service Providers must pay the ISAL rate for their incoming
telephone lines. That would have resulted in billing
increases of as much as 300% for the ISPs. Bell was willing
to delay the increase on existing lines for six months, but
intended to charge the ISAL rate for all new lines. On
November 16, the ISPs asked the CRTC to overrule Bell.
Morrison's letter asks the ISPs to "join us to work on the
development of new alternatives to be filed with the CRTC by
November 30th." November 30 is the CRTC-set deadline for
Bell to reply to the ISP Appeal.
We will continue to report on this question in regular
weekly issues of TELECOM UPDATE, and we are planning a
feature article on the dispute for the next issue of
TELEMANAGEMENT.
************************************************************
* TELECOM UPDATE *
* *
* Angus TeleManagement's weekly summary of telecom *
* news, published for the information and possible *
* profit of clients and friends *
* *
* Number 13: 27 November 1995 *
* *
* *
* Telecom Update (including all back issues) is also *
* available on the World Wide Web at *
* http://www.angustel.ca *
* *
************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
** Local Service Affordability Hearings Set
** Bell and ISPs Begin Discussions
** Bell Offers Internet Service
** Call-Net Challenges Unitel Buyout
** Broadcast Ownership Rules to Be Liberalized
** Competitors Oppose BC Tel's Review Request
** Telco Bond Ratings Cut
** Residential ISDN Okayed
** Business ISDN Changes Coming
** Call for Canadian ISDN Users' Group
** TeleZone Signs $300 Million Agreements
** AlphaNet Plans Unified Messaging by Internet
** Canada Trust Offers Account Info by Internet
** Corporate Results: Newbridge, Shaw
** Bell Toll Restriction Service Approved
** Last Chance for TELEMANAGEMENT Special Offer
LOCAL SERVICE AFFORDABILITY HEARINGS SET: The CRTC has
opened a proceeding to examine options for maintaining the
affordability of local phone service to low-income
customers. The public hearing will begin in Hull April 15;
those wishing to take part must notify the CRTC by December
19 and file written submissions by January 19.
** The text of the CRTC's notice is available at
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/telecom/notice/files/p9549.txt.
BELL AND ISPs BEGIN DISCUSSIONS: As we reported in Telecom
Update's Special Bulletin last week, Bell Canada announced
on November 20 that it wants to work with Internet Service
Providers to develop a new service specifically designed for
them. Angus TeleManagement's Ian Angus has agreed to act as
a third-party facilitator in the discussions. The
participants hope to have a preliminary description of
the new service prepared for submission to the CRTC on
November 30.
** Our Website now includes a special section on the Bell-
ISP dispute, including Ian Angus's reports on the
negotiations. See: http://www.angustel.ca/isp-bell.html
BELL SUBSIDIARIES TO LAUNCH INTERNET SERVICE: BCE
subsidiaries Bell Sygma and Worldlinx say that on November
29 they will launch an Internet service "designed with
families and small businesses in mind," which will "make it
easier than ever for Canadians to find the information they
want most on the Internet." More details next week.
CALL-NET CHALLENGES UNITEL BUYOUT: Call-Net, Sprint Canada's
parent company, has asked the CRTC to rule that Unitel
cannot continue to operate as a Canadian carrier. Call-Net
says that the Unitel buyout agreement between AT&T and three
Canadian banks, announced in September, violates the foreign
control provisions of the Telecom Act.
BROADCAST OWNERSHIP RULES TO BE LIBERALIZED: The federal
cabinet has agreed to loosen foreign ownership rules for
Canadian broadcasters and cable companies, to allow foreign
investors to own up to 1/3 of a holding company's voting
shares. This will harmonize the ownership rules in the
Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act, a measure
recommended in October by the Information Highway Advisory
Council.
COMPETITORS OPPOSE BC TEL'S REVIEW REQUEST: Sprint, Unitel
and Westel told the CRTC last week that BC Tel's stated
grounds for appealing its 1995 contribution rates are
without foundation.
TELCO BOND RATINGS CUT: Canadian Bond Rating Service has
downgraded the bonds and preferred shares of Bell Canada,
AGT, BC Tel and MT&T, citing a significant decline in
financial performance.
RESIDENTIAL ISDN OKAYED: The CRTC has given interim approval
to Bell Canada's proposed Residential Microlink (ISDN 2B+D)
service. Rates are $51-$57/month, plus $1.00/hour for usage
between 7am and 7pm. At the CRTC's request, Bell added a
usage cap, so that the total monthly cost cannot exceed the
cost of a flat-rate business Microlink line. Residential
Microlink will be available December 1; the usage-billing
component will not be implemented until March.
BUSINESS ISDN CHANGES COMING: We have learned that Bell
Canada will soon ask for major changes to its Business
Microlink service. The proposed tariff, to be filed this
month, will remove Microlink from the Centrex tariff and
eliminate the 1B+D version. Customers will be given a choice
between usage sensitive service ($50/month plus $1.00/hour)
and flat-rate service ($130-$150/month).
CALL FOR CANADIAN ISDN USERS' GROUP: Anyone interested in
helping to form a users' group to support ISDN technology in
Canada should e-mail isdn@telco.on.ca or contact Vance
Shipley, 416-410-5475 (voice) or 519-884-9017 (fax).
TELEZONE SIGNS $300 MILLION AGREEMENTS: Memorandums of
understanding with Nortel and AT&T cover building the first
stage of TeleZone's national wireless network, if TeleZone
wins a 1.9 GHz national PCS license.
ALPHANET PLANS UNIFIED MESSAGING BY INTERNET: AlphaNet
Telecom of Toronto, which runs the 10-country InnFax
network, is seeking strategic partners to implement its
UniPost technology for unified fax, data and voice messaging
via the Internet.
CANADA TRUST OFFERS ACCOUNT INFO BY INTERNET: Customers
using Canada Trust's phone banking system can now get
account balances and transaction histories at Canada Trust's
website, http://www.canadatrust.com.
CORPORATE RESULTS: NEWBRIDGE, SHAW: Newbridge Networks
posted $45.4 Million profits in the three months ending in
October, almost unchanged from this period in 1994 but up
22% from the previous quarter. Shaw Communications reported
net income of $31.4 Million for the year ending August 31,
down 6% from last year.
BELL TOLL RESTRICTION SERVICE APPROVED: The CRTC has
approved Bell Canada's Toll Restriction service, which for a
$5 monthly fee blocks toll calls while maintaining local
service.
LAST CHANCE FOR TELEMANAGEMENT SPECIAL OFFER: Until December
4, save $50 on a year's subscription to TELEMANAGEMENT: The
Angus Report on Communications Systems, Services and
Strategies.
** "An invaluable service ... concise and highly readable
reports on the industry and its events as they occur,
direct from the scene." -- Bud Sherman, past Vice
Chairman, CRTC, on TELEMANAGEMENT
** Special price (until December 4): $247 for ten issues.
Fax your order to 905-686-2655 or call 905-686-5050
ext 225.
** For selected TELEMANAGEMENT articles and an index to past
issues, see our website, http://www.angustel.ca/tm.html.
************************************************************
* TELECOM UPDATE *
* *
* Angus TeleManagement's weekly summary of telecom *
* news, published for the information and possible *
* profit of clients and friends *
* *
* Number 12: NOVEMBER 20, 1995 *
* *
* Telecom Update (including all back issues) is also *
* available on the World Wide Web at *
* http://www.angustel.ca *
* *
************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
** Number Portability Working Group Formed
** Internet Providers Appeal Bill Increase
** AGT Rate Hike Details Announced
** BC Tel Seeks Higher Contribution Fees
** Third Bid for Direct-to-Home TV
** AT&T Offers Buyouts to 78,000 Managers
** Fonorola Provides Electronic Phone Bills
** Fonorola Debt Offering
** Digital Cellular Hazard
** Quebec Schools to Go on the Net
** Ericsson, AGRA Support Cantel Expansion
** MTS Cuts Staff by 5%
** MCI Finalizes SHL Buyout
** Amdahl Completes DMR Acquisition
** Call Center Conferences Planned
============================================================
NUMBER PORTABILITY WORKING GROUP FORMED: In a bid to hasten
the arrival of local telephone competition, the CRTC has
announced a "working group" to examine technical,
administrative and regulatory issues related to local number
portability. In Telecom Public Notice 95-48, the Commission
says it wants to have an interim solution operating by early
1997. All federally-regulated telcos are ordered to
participate; other organizations wishing to take part must
notify the CRTC by November 24. The first meeting of the
working group will take place on December 7.
** CRTC's Public Notice on portability:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/telecom/notice/files/p9548.txt
INTERNET PROVIDERS APPEAL BILL INCREASE: Seven Internet
Service Providers have filed an appeal against Bell Canada's
plan to charge them for Information System Access Lines
(ISALs) instead of standard Centrex lines -- a change which
increases their line rates by as much as 300%. The
application, submitted to the CRTC on November 14, asks the
CRTC to rule either that the ISAL tariff does not apply to
ISP services, or that the ISAL tariff is discriminatory and
therefore invalid.
** For our view of the dispute, see Bell Canada
versus Internet Service Providers: A Review of
Facts and Issues, by Ian Angus, at our website
(http://www.angustel.ca).
AGT RATE HIKE DETAILS ANNOUNCED: If AGT's proposal is
approved, local service rates in Alberta will increase on
February 1. Residence lines, which now cost between $11.98
and $13.98 a month, would go to $19.98/month for all
subscribers. The range for business lines, now $22.43 -
$62.08 a month, would be $30.43 - $66.08 a month. November
27 is the deadline for public comment on the application.
BC TEL SEEKS HIGHER CONTRIBUTION FEES: BC Tel has asked the
CRTC to "review and vary" its Decision 95-21. The telco
wants 1995 contribution fees, paid by BC long distance
providers, to be set at 5.04¢, instead of 4.49¢ as ordered
by the Commission. BC Tel contends that the CRTC
overestimated 1995 long distance traffic and made
calculation errors. November 21 is the deadline for
public comment on the application.
THIRD BID FOR DIRECT-TO-HOME TV: Shaw Communications and
several other cable companies (but not Rogers) have asked
the CRTC to licence a direct-to-home satellite television
service called Homestar. Projected start date: September
1996. The other two DTH contenders are Power DirecTV and
ExpressVu.
AT&T OFFERS BUYOUTS TO 78,000 MANAGERS: Half of AT&T's
managers received a severance proposal last week; those who
do not take the package must submit resumes for a staffing
decision early next year. By one report, AT&T may cut 20,000
of its 302,000 employees in this round.
** For AT&T's statement on the offer, see:
http://www.att.com/press/1195/951115.cha.html
FONOROLA PROVIDES ELECTRONIC PHONE BILLS: Using Fonorola's
Billmaster service, customers can analyze their bill on a
PC, specifying criteria and generating corresponding
reports. Fonorola sends diskettes monthly by courier --
free to accounts above $1,500/month; other customers pay
$35/month. The software, supplied without charge, is from
Datex Communications in Oakville, Ont.
FONOROLA DEBT OFFERING: Fonorola aims to issue US$100
Million in secured notes in order to pay off existing debts
and fund future fiber expansion. The notes will not be sold
in Canada.
DIGITAL CELLULAR HAZARD: Health Canada has warned that
digital cellular phones can interfere with pacemakers if
operated within six inches of the device. Pacemaker users
are advised to hold the phone to the ear opposite the
pacemaker and to avoid carrying the phone in shirt or jacket
pockets.
QUEBEC SCHOOLS TO GO ON THE NET: As part of its Beacon
Information Highway Project, Bell Canada has announced a $5
Million plan to link more than 2,000 Quebec schools to each
other and to the Internet. The pace of the rollout will be
up to local school boards.
ERICSSON, AGRA SUPPORT CANTEL EXPANSION: AGRA
Industries, a Canada-based engineering firm with 5,000
employees, has formed a strategic alliance with Ericsson,
the Swedish telecom giant. Their first project: equipment
and systems for the Rogers Cantel network, which will
increase its digital cell site locations by more than 40%.
MTS CUTS STAFF BY 5%: Forty-five Manitoba Telephone
employees were laid off November 14; 176 others had
previously accepted an early retirement offer. Employment
before the cuts was 4,300.
MCI FINALIZES SHL BUYOUT: After receiving the needed
Canadian government approval, MCI Communications has carried
out its US$1 Billion purchase of SHL Systemhouse, the
Ottawa-based consulting and systems integration firm.
AMDAHL COMPLETES DMR ACQUISITION: Amdahl has now purchased
94% of the shares of Canadian systems integrator DMR Group,
and will shortly acquire the remaining shares, having outbid
IBM Canada and BDM International. Founder Pierre Ducros will
stay on as chairman and CEO of DMR.
CALL CENTER CONFERENCES PLANNED: Angus TeleManagement Group
and Incoming Calls Management Institute will hold three
conferences on incoming call centers in 1996:
** CALL CENTRE CANADA, April 1-3 in Toronto. This new
educational conference will include a day of
preconference seminars and two days of tutorials and
workshops.
** THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON INCOMING CALL CENTER MANAGEMENT,
August 27-29 in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to seminars
and workshops, ICCM, now in its eighth year, will feature
the world's largest call center exposition.
** CALL CENTERS ON THE INTERNET, August 27 in Phoenix. The
first conference devoted to this theme, it will discuss
how and why to provide customer service, technical
support, orders and reservations via the Internet's World
Wide Web, and how the Internet is changing the mission
and management of incoming call centers.
*****************************************************************************
Ye Olde Beige Box
By Dr No
What is the beige box you ask?? Well to put it simply, it is a
linesmans test set. It is a phone that is easily connected to the outside of
a house, or a phone pole in order to test if the line is working properly. Can
you say ANAC??? Obviously, we can do the same thing with ease. This is so
easy that most little kids could do it, although they would most likely end
up with orange hair because of the electric shock. Oh, well. Anyways, the
idea behind this is that you take a touch tone phone and hook it up to the
outside of a house. I will tell more as this goes on....
While, fooling with telephone wires and (good) stuff like that, my
good (elito) friend and I figured a very easy way for hooking up an extra
phone jack. Obviously, this is very easy, so dont bother telling me so.
After this, we looked at each other and thought "Damn, this is so easy I bet
we could do the same thing to another persons house!" Well, this thought was
exciting. So, the next evening, we dressed in black (hehe) and went to an
unidentified house, and searched around. We found two boxes with "Telephone"
on them. The first, a small black box, and the second, a small grey box. We
opened both, and we found that the black box had the most possibilities. With
flashlight in hand, we noticed that it had all four telephone wires (red,
green, yellow, and black). Since we had hooked up our other phone jack to
wires like these, we thought "Heh, this is easy!" Now for the process:
Now, you need a few things:
- a standard out-of-wall jack(I ferget the name!!)
- a standard touch-tone phone, with the tele. cord
- some aligator clips (2)
- telephone wire
- wire strippers
The first step is to set up your jack. All you have to do, is use
the tele-phone wire and set it up normally. Now, make sure you have some
excess wire, so you can cut some. Use, the wire strippers, first for the
outer telephone wire, then for the red and the green wires. You should have
good inch or 1/2 inch of copper wire. Take the alligator clips and attach
them to the ends of the red and green wire. You might want to use some super
glue to make sure that they stick. Last, Take your touch-tone phone, with
telephone cord, and get dressed in black(hehe) or whatever you prefer to ware.
For this next step, you should know and understand that trespassing
is illegal, and that stealing phone calls from another person is illegal. So
I cant be blamed for any illegal activity that you might do!! Take this
seriously!!! Anyway, when you go, search for a small black box. It should
be able to be opened. Look for the red and green wires. Hook the alligator
clips to their respective places, and you are ready. Plug your touch-tone
phone into the jack. If you hear a dial-tone, then you are set, if you dont
then just adjust the wiring. It should work, not matter what. Make your calls
and then get out of there!
Here are some tips for the beige boxer:
- Dress in clothing with big pockets, to hold your tools
- Bring these tools(recommended):
a pocket flashlight
small phillips screwdriver
extra telephone cord
- Bring a list of phone numbers you wish to call, therefore, you won't be
stuck with a bad memory...
- Ware gloves that will protect you from shock...this is VERY helpful!
- Make a clean and non-suspicious getaway. This is key, considering the
consequences...
Most of these "Helpful Hints" have come from past experience. I have
gone through: almost getting caught to very, very numb fingers. Such as one
time(it was my second time boxing) I fergot my phone list. So, stupidly(err
very stupidly) left my stuff still outside, all set up. The people must have
tried to use the phone, and when I came back. Oh Sh*t...Where is my stuff, I
thought! All of my stuff was gone. Yet did not have time to think about it
considering there were like voices coming from the front of this house. I
ran faster than an antelope! I laugh about it now, but who knows where my
stuff is. Another little anecdote I have is, one time, I kept try'n to set
the wires straight and I kept gettin shocked. I could hardly move my hands
at the end, when leaving. It suxored bad!! From then on, I started using
either shock protected tools or gloves. What ever I can get.
Now I understand that this way of beige boxing is mainly from the
'80's, but still it works. There are other, newer ways of beige boxing. More
Hi-tech ways, like using a charged base. This option will allow you to be
farther away from the actual box, therefore resulting in a lesser chance to
get caught. I feel this is a very good way, but I am not familiar with it.
Maybe someone would like to fill us in. Also, there are different add-ons
you can do with my type of beige boxing. One thing is to use a duplex jack.
This is quite obvious (and an insult to your intelligence) Another thing, is
to set up a box like the lunch box(transmitter/reciever). This new box would
allow you to record, phone out, and listen in to a phone! I may try and work
on this, but everyone else is welcome to do the same. I feel that this box
(if not already out) would be very useful. So, as you can see, the beige
box has many options. You should try and explore them, I know that I will.
Thanx to Dr Shmoo and ReDragon for the help....
*****************************************************************************
Here at gttu, we sometimes take articles from other mags. This article was
from PHATE 1.1 and it is by CRAZYBYTE. We dont do this to fill space, we do
it because we think the article is important to the readers. We also give
full credit to the mag and the author of the article (We dont plagirize!!)
HACKING MERIDIAN MAIL VMB'S PART II
BY CRAZYBYTE/Phate
NOVEMBER '92
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
DISCLAIMER
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
Since I don't like disclaimers I won't put the usual shit in them.
I don't want to say this text is for informational purposes only, but I do
want to say this: Don't unnecessary annoy the normal VMB users, or extremely
abuse the outdial functions, it's immoral (hahahahaha).
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
INTRODUCTION
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
OK then... In may I allready wrote a textfile on meridian mail systems.
Now, 6 months later, I found out lots of phun things about this very nice
system, and decided my old text needed a good update, so here it is.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
IDENTIFYING A MERIDIAN MAIL VMB
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
It's VERY HARD to identify a Meridian Mail system, when you call a VMB and
hear a womans voice saying 'Meridian Mail....mailbox' then you found one.
(Phew, this was hard (hehe)). Anyway, it isn't always this easy-to-recognise
welcome message. Other ways to know for sure that you're dealing with
Meridian Mail is that when you don't enter a box number after about 5 seconds
it will say 'Please enter your mailbox followed by number sign'. After you've
entered the 4-digit mailbox number, it will ask 'password'.
A lot of times you won't be directly at the logon-prompt, so you'll first
have to find a way to get to that prompt. So far I only found one meridiam
mail you can't access from an outside line, so I guess that's really an
exception. To access it, try typing different things like 81 (logon), 0, #81,
1#, 10#,... In some cases you will get a menu after the VMB answered stating
like 'press 1 to leave a message... press 2 to logon...' in such a case you
press whatever the message says to logon ofcourse.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
FINDING A VALID BOX
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
Even when the box you entered is not valid, the system will ask for a
password. The boxes are 4 digits, and usually grouped in blocks. I suggest
that you first try these box-numbers: x000,xxxx,xy00. On allmost all vmb
systems I've found valid, hackable boxes with these 'templates'. I think they
usually set up boxes like 1000, 6666, 2600, 9800,... for testing purposes, or
when they're used by many people, and the number has to be easy to remember.
On all Meridian Mail systems I found, the default password was the same as
the box number. I haven't found system administrator boxes yet, but I think
they're probably located as on other vmb systems (ex: 9999,9000,...).
However, it might be possible that there aren't any system administrator
boxes because Meridian Mail is controlled by an IBM compatible, with a special
card to control the phonelines and recognise DTMF tones and so on, a HUGE
harddisk to store all those messages, and a soundblaster. HOWEVER, I'm NOT
sure about this. Someone told me that he found the dialup for such a system,
but I don't know if he was telling the truth or just bullshitting.
Also, if someone can get me the name or telephone number from the company
that manufactures Meridian Mail, I'd be extremely thankfull.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
WHEN YOU FOUND A BOX
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
Don't change anything in it, use the one you found to scan for other unused
boxes. I'll explain how to scan for them later. I would say don't listen to
the messages, because then the legit owner (if there is one) could be warned,
but hey, I like to listen to other peoples bullshit too, so... (I once had a
box from a woman, and two different guys used to call her a couple of times a
day saying that they missed/wanted her, and stuff like that (Belgians: it was
on the JD fuckin' EDWARDS system)).
NOW, the MOST important thing (in my humble opinion)... Try if it allowes
outcalling. Press 0*, you will here a message, then try any of the following
numbers:
9+local number+# (ex: 95551212# -> dir. assistance)
9+0+local number+# (ex: 905551212# -> dir. assistance)
9+1+local number+# (ex: 915551212# -> dir. assistance)
8+local number+# (ex: 95551212# -> dir. assistance)
8+0+local number+# (ex: 905551212# -> dir. assistance)
8+1+local number+# (ex: 915551212# -> dir. assistance)
9+ACN+# (ex: 93054439903#)
9+1+ACN+# (ex: 913054439903#)
8+ACN+# (ex: 83054439903#)
8+1+ACN+# (ex: 813054439903#)
9+011+cc+nr+# (ex: 90113238252274# to reach Sin City)
!!! USE YOUR IMAGINATION !!!
These are the 'templates' I have used, except for the 8+blah which I heard
from someone that had used it. It's quite possible that other 'templates'
also work, just try everything you can think of, meridian mail outdials will
'last' several months.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
MAILBOX OPTIONS
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
0* : Outcalling !!!
* : get info about what you're doing, and all available options.
2 : play message
4 : goto previous message
6 : goto next message
9 : call the sender of the message
70 : message options
71 : reply to the message you've just listened to
72 : play envelope : hear all info about the message
73 : forward the message to another box
74 : record one reply for all messages
75 : record a message (5 to start, # to stop recording)
76 : delete the actual message
79 : send message
80 : mailbox options.
1 : change operator assistance number
This will change the number that is called when you enter 0
for operator assistance. These numbers are usually other box
numbers, but I found a systems which will connect me to some
local prefixes too.... might be interesting.
81 : logon to another mailbox
82 : change the internal and external greeting of your box
1 : change internal greeting
2 : change external greeting
Don't do this, or you'll lose your box very fast...
83 : logoff
84 : change password (enter new pw + #)
85 : create a distribution list
!!! This option can be used to scan for other unused/valid boxes.
Just enter 5 to compose a new distribution list, and then enter the
box number followed by #. Note down boxes that respond with
'mailbox xxxx' because they're unused, and I still have to find such
an unused box that hasn't got the box number as password. When you
found enough unused boxes, press ## to stop your distribution list,
and then 76 to delete it.
86 : goto message #. This option will ask for the number from a message,
end then go to that message (like you could by using 4 and 6).
89 : personal verification (will say name of owner)
5 : record name
4 : exit
Well, those were the most important commands. Remember that you can allways
get help by pressing *.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
SCANNING FOR BOXES USING YOUR MODEM
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
Well, since I'm a VERY lazy person I like to write scan programs for anything
I'd normalle have to press numbers on my phone for... So I also made some
to scan Meridian Mail systems. The first one is written in MicroSoft Basic
(yeah, I know it's lame, but who needs lightning speed for a scan program ?),
and will only work if after a toll free number hangs up you get a busy-tone
in your country/city/area/whatever. In Belgium when you call a tollfree
number you'll get a busy tone when it hangs up. So what this program
basically does is dial the Meridian Mail dialup, wait for a while, and
then starts sending 3 times a random 4-digit number with the same number
as a password, each time followed by #. Because this probably isn't clear,
here's an example:
First I send f.e.: ATS8=4D<VMB dialup>,,,;
Now my program checks for 'OK'
Then it sends f.e.: ATS8=1 (1 is enough and quicker)
ATDT2789#,2789#,7765#,7765#,2112#,2112#
Now when any of these numbers was correct, your modem will return a
'NO CARRIER'. Otherwise you'll get a 'BUSY'.
I know in some countries you get a dialtone when a tollfree number hangs up,
so you can check by using 'W' for a dialtone, and if it says 'NO DIALTONE'
you found a box !
The second method goes as follows:
Do exqctly the same as with the first method, BUT after sending the
second dialstring, send a third one containing the following:
ATDT0*,,0#
This will start the outcalling option, and call the operater, which will
ALWAYS give at least one 'RING', so you need to have a modem than can detect
RING's, and have to enable that option. So, if you detect a RING, then you
found a valid box, and you can hangup. Otherwise if you haven't detected a
RING after about 5 seconds, hangup, you haven't found a valid box.
To this 2 methods there's one disadvantage: if the first or second box you
try is valid, AND the next box(es) contain(s) an option in their digits
(like 81 or 83) then it might be possible you won't detect the valid box.
However, using this method I found boxes on several Meridians, and Freud
has also used it with success.
If you want to contact me, try these boards:
Devils Triangle, Hangar 18, Sin City, The Empire, Tone Town, Unphamiliar
Territory.
These are the ones I call at least once a week, so you'll receiver an answer
on questions you might have soon.
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
THE END
[-]-----------------------------------------------------------------------[-]
*****************************************************************************
The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of gttu.
Please take this into serious consideration!
Aol Hate Mail
an anonymous submission
The other day, I was on irc, and some idiot started fuxering up the
channel. He scrolled and said stupid stuff. I did a /whois on 'em and I
found out that he was on AOL. Geez...whats new. Many people on irc have
experienced this and most hate it. I just cant understand why someone would
want to scroll or say stupid things. Just stay mellow. Hang out, and learn
from other guys. If you think you are god, and others on AOL think you are
god, twenty bucks says you have a long way to go. You will realize this if
you just wait, before you scroll, and just listen in, or ask a question. We
can learn together (enuff of the 'why cant we all just get along?' shit). So
anyway, to all you AOLers: Either chill out or get out! And if you are cool
and are on AOL, no offense. I just had to write the article. Later...
*****************************************************************************
Phreaking 101
by Dr No
In each issue, I will be teaching phreaking and doing updates about
certain phreaking topics. This will hopefully help not only the beginners,
but also give the veterans a tip or two. So far in this issue, I have
covered the 1980's version of the beige box. In the future I hope to add on
to that, maybe making a long range beige box...oh well..enuff of that. On to
this issues teachings!!!
In this issue, I will discuss PBXs. What are PBXs any how? Well the
standard name for these is: Private Branch Exchange. It is a switching
device that handles internal switching among phones within the organization;
PBX telephone systems are designed for larger organizations(more than 20 out-
side lines and over 60 telephones). A PBX will serve a building or a series
of buildings much as a central office(CO) serves a community. The PBX is the
switching center to which all telephones are connected. The PBX must then
provide interconnection with all phones connected as well as with the local
central office for the purpose of accessing the long-distance network.
PBXs may also provide many services that a central office provides at
additional costs. PBXs can handle internal calling, conference calling, and
controlled access to long-distance lines and can keep accurate records of all
phone usage. A growing number of businesses are viewing the PBX as a tool to
use in gaining control over rising telecommunications costs while providing
users with enhanced telephone features.
So what, you ask. Well, we can access these PBXs as well. We can
use their long-distance calling features as well. But, before we can even
access a PBX, we must know the numbers of some PBXs. There will be some
listed at the end of this article.
To recognize a PBX, you must realize how the system works. Since it
is within a business, it will most likely use PIN numbers for allowing people
to use their services. Each person/employee will get their own PIN number.
These PIN numbers are usually 4 digits long, yet I have actually seen a 5
digit one, believe me it was a shock. As you may guess, you must brute force
it, it may help with a program (maybe I will write one for the next issue).
Good Luck!
Yet, there is another way to recognize a PBX. If you dial a number
and it goes directly to a dial-tone, then you most likely have a PBX. Now to
gain access, you must figure out the outdial codes, conference codes, and so
on. So, as you may realize, PBXs get to be exciting, especially when you
start accessing them. This type of PBX is the most difficult to access.
Although some systems may have the same outdial codes, etc. they are still
hard to find. So, I suggest, go to a pay phone and fool around with there
system for a while. Just to get a sense of what werks and what does not. So,
it is up to you to work on getting in!
Here are a couple of features performed regurarly by PBXs:
Automatic Route Selection (ARS), is an example of a common feature.
With the growing number of long-distance telecommunications carriers, the
selection of a company to handle calls becomes more difficult. An ARS feature
will then connect the phone to the type of service or to the long-distance
company that can handle the call at the lowest price. The PBX can perform
this route analysis and selection without the phone user even being aware of
the process.
Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) is another feature designed for use
with PBX systems so that calls can be routed to the first open line to mini-
mize caller waiting time. Another feature that is becoming available for PBXs
as well as other telephone systems is Automatic Number Identification (ANI).
With this feature, the party being called can identify the phone number of
the calling party. The legality of this feature, related to privacy rights,
is being tested in many states.
So as you can tell, PBXs have some interesting features, one of which
is ANI, which most of us despise. But, we can use it to our advantage, as
well. I bid you farewell, with my first Phreaking 101 article over. I hope
this info on PBXs will be helpful. I know it is useful info to anyone with a
good mind. later...
*some PBX #'s*
8003332500
8003333425
8002031235
8008685995
Those are a few fer now. I will give some more next issue.
*****************************************************************************
Shouts Out!
by the entire staff
*We would like to acknowledge the following peoples:
emmanuel, ReDragon, Knight, zachary, damien, and hi-tech
*We would like to acknowledge the following ezines or reg. zines:
2600, Phrack, BTR, and the Private Line. These are all inciteful.
*****************************************************************************
Editors end note -
I hoped you enjoyed this issue. There will be much more to come,
especially from other writers. You should look forward to articles by OSMan
and Dr Shmoo. They are intelligent, and are good writers as well. So, I will
check y'all later...
-Dr No
******************************TheEND*****************************************
