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The Syndicate Report Issue 01
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NorthWestern Syndicate
Presents:
THE SYNDICATE REPORT
Issue No. 1
Written by The Sensei
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Introduction:
This file of many to come, will be available to users through-out
the datacommunications world. It's purpose is to strictly inform users on
current Bell information, and other assorted bits of news which I think will
benefit users. NOTE: This is as I said before, strictly Bell information,
and without some background could cause a problem to understand completely.
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PC SYSTEMS/EXCHANGE NAME CHANGE:
PC Systems/Exchange has changed to NorthWestern Syndicate.
Also, if you have been calling the number above, and keep getting a Bell
recording, take it easy. NWS will be up soon enough. I will estimate on
the 6th month, of the 1st day. This is just an approximation. And If decide
to not set it up, then don't call. I'll simply not use the number anymore
in my files.
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CCSN CARD HOLDERS:
Corporate Communications advises that, for Bell Employees' convenience,
starting April 14, they will hear an additional dial tone when using their
CCSN Calling Card. Existing instructions indicate that before entering the
authorization code they "PAUSE FOR 3 SECONDS...THEN"; effective April 14,
that instruction will be "LISTEN FOR DIAL TONE...THEN".
Information on CCSN Cards, please get a hold on me. On most
popular Ascii Express Lines/Bul.Board Systems.
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CENTREX/CENTRON CALL FORWARDING:
There is a change of instructions to activate the call forwarding
feature. All station users who use the call forwarding feature, there are
changes to be aware:
OLD Instructions:
1) Enter the call forwarding - activate code
2) Enter "9"
3) Enter the telephone number that calls are to be forwarded to.
NEW Instructions:
1) Enter the call forwarding - activate code
2) Enter "Alternate Access Code"
3) Enter the number that calls are to be forwarded to.
Also note that any call placed using the "Alternate Access Code" will
on the local or to toll network and be billed the standard
DDD Rates.
Sorry, they "Alternate Access Codes" will not be presented in this
present file. Look for the next issue. The codes will be only in regional
states with the 612 Area. Sorry for the rest of you, but if you ask me, I
can give you information on retrieving them.
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MESSAGE SERVICES:
Information Services announces it plans to expand two Message Services
products starting June 4 in NorthWestern Bell's regional states.
Selective Class of Call Screening, is a Bell product being offered to business
customers. This service provides the ability to restrict certain types of
operator handled calls placed from their phones.
Billed Number Screening, is available, but not offered. Formed is a product
team: thus, product development is underway. Product features allow users
to prohibit certain operator handled calls from being to their phones. I know
a lot of people that do this, but I see they will have a much tougher time
getting away with it.
Information Services' objective has been to expand customer base and provide
additional revenue to line of business and Bell.
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U.S. WEST INFORMATION SYSTEMS SELLS PBX TO GSA:
U.S. West InfoSystems Inc. has sold and InteCom Inc. Integrated
Business Exchange (IBX) s/80 voice data PBX to the U.S. General Services
Administration. The 8,500 line switch will be installed in the GSA's new
670,000--square-foot building in Portland, Ore., and the U.S.West company will
install, support and maintain the switch. Cut over is scheduled for
July '86, according to the Bell.
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FCC RESTRICTS MINOR ACCESS TO DIAL-A-PORN:
The FCC passes new regulations that will restrict access by minors to
dial-a-porn services. Under the rules, users of the dial-a-porn recorded
messages must arrange for special access codes or make calls
by credit card. Access codes will be issued by providers of the services
after proof of age by applicants. No real loss.
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GALLUP POLL REPORTS MA BELL ISN'T MISSED:
A new Gallup Poll reports 84 percent of consumers say local phone
service is equal to or better than two years ago. Only 14 percent say it
is worse, in a survey conducted for the U.S.Telephone Association. But the
respondents have mixed opinions of local phone companies since divestiture.
There are 46 percent who have a less favorable attitude and 47 percent who
it's the same or better.
These polls should be given to regular users of the telephone. I know
I could give them a few harsh stories about their better phone system.
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AT&T PROPOSES LONG-DISTANCE RATE DECREASE:
AT&T proposed steep rate cuts on its LD service that will mostly
benefit business users and will increase pressure on smaller LD competitors.
AT&T said it proposed to the FCC rate cuts amounting to more than 1.5 billion
a year. The steepest cut would be calling during the day and evening hours,
when businesses make an estimate 90% of their calls and residents make about
two-thirds of their calls. AT&T said regular LD rates (as will as rates for
WATS and 800 services) would be cut...AT&T said it was passing along recent
larger-then-expected rate cuts by the local telephone companies.
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This concludes this Issue No. 1 presented by:
The Syndicate Report
Copyright (C) May 18 1986 by The Sensei
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Other System Operators may use this file as long as nothing is altered.
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