The World of Computer Software/World_Of_Computer_Software-02-385-Vol-1of3.iso/t/tc13-018.zip/TC13-018.TXT

Text File | 1993-01-12 | 20KB | 537 lines

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 11 Jan 93 23:03:00 CST    Volume 13 : Issue 18

Index To This Issue:                     Moderator: Patrick A. Townson

    Interesting Statistic on Calls From Prisons (Larry Cipriani)
    Cordless Key Systems? (Jonathan Edwards)
    Updating Survey of E-Mail Services - Need Help. (Donald R. Newcomb)
    PC Software for ATTmail (Donald R. Newcomb)
    Panasonic KX-Txxxx Mailing List (Bill Cerny)
    Opinions on PBX - Toshiba Strata DK-56 (Raul Rathmann)
    Audiovox Cellular Phone MVX-500 (ie Minivox) (Steve Wachtel)
    Hooking up a US modem in Czechoslovakia (Raul Rathmann)
    Modem Won't Hang Up (Richard Budd)
    Area Code 610 (Carl Moore)
    FAQ About 900 Numbers? (Stephan Meyers)
    Will a UK Telephone Work in the US (Will it Ring?) (Richard Lamb)
    Phoneline Simulator to Test Modems - How? (George Planansky)
    About C&P's "Swipe Reader" Phones (Paul Robinson)
    Info Wanted: Telecom in Holland? (Bryan Petty)
    Internet / UUCP / Compuserve / Anything in Belize? (Larry Krone)
    Need Help Dealing With PacBell and Harrasing Calls (J. Eric Townsend)
    Cellular One Offers FREE Weekends in NC (Alan M. Gallatin)
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Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 15:43:34 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Interesting Statistic on Calls From Prisons
Organization: Ideology Busters, Inc.


I work on a small part of the AT&T Automated Alternate Billing System,
i.e., the speaker independent voice recognition call processing
product that is being trialed in Seattle, WA, Jacksonville, FL,
Phoenix, AZ and probalby a few other places by now.

One of the customers of AABS is an RBOC; they connected telephones in
prisons to the AABS.  In this situation, the caller can only make a
collect call, and the caller cannot reach an operator except if by
some fluke a network failure occurs.  One statistic which was
suprising is the number of abandoned calls, i.e., the caller hung up
on the system before their call was completed.  80% of all collect
calls were abandonded, and 97% of those were from a prison.  I'm
guessing the large number of abandonded calls from prisons is due to
prisoners trying to beat this system.

The motivation for this feature was to (a) eliminate the abuse
operators received from prisoners -- operators like this feature quite
a lot by the way, and (b) prisoners have been known to have their
friends get jobs as operators who can give them free calls.


Larry Cipriani, att!cbvox1!lvc or [e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Jonathan Edwards)
Subject: Cordless Key Systems?
Organization: IntraNet, Inc.
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 15:53:33 GMT


I am thinking of putting a "key" phone system into my home. The main
reason for this is to gain paging capability.  But I also want to be
able to use cordless phones.  I presume that if this is possible at
all I would lose the paging function at the cordless phones.  Is there
any solution to this, or should I just install a separate intercom?
Thanks


Jonathan Edwards    [e-mail]
IntraNet, Inc        617-527-7020

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Donald R. Newcomb)
Subject: Updating Survey of E-Mail Services - Need Help
Organization: University of Southern Mississippi
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 23:37:59 GMT


A year and a half ago I did a survey of e-mail providers which one
might use for his personal e-mail. I noticed recently that this was
put in the telecom archives under the name "e-mail.systems.survey" and
is beginning to need an update. I will undertake to update this survey
but need some help. I tried to include those systems that had some
sort of inbound communications system (e.g. Telnet, PSN, 800 number,
etc) that would provide access from, at least, the continental US. A
word or two were included about Fidonet and DASnet.

The systems surveyed were:

MCImail, ATTmail, EasyLink, GEnie, Pinet, Telemail (Omnet), World,
Portal, Netcom, Compuserve, Fidonet and DASnet.

I will not have room to include every public-access site and BBS in
the country but would like to include pointers to where this
information can be found.

If you are interested and have experience as a user of these or other
systems which should be included, please review the report in the
archives and respond to me by email regarding updates, changes,
additions or corrections. Thank you.


Donald R. Newcomb      [e-mail]    [e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Donald R. Newcomb)
Subject: PC Software For ATTmail
Organization: University of Southern Mississippi
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 23:50:15 GMT


I would like to know the experiences of anyone using an inexpensive
non-ATT software package for the PC to interface to ATTmail. ATTmail
imposes a stiff fee for "online composition" of messages but this can
be avoided by composing messages off-line and up-loading via various
mail transfer packages. Most of the PC packages marketed by AT&T are
more expensive than I feel is necessary.

I understand that a UUCP protocol can be used. How do addresses such
as TELEX and X.400 work in various packages? How are they formatted.
I would appreciate specific experiences and recommendations.  Thank
you.


Donald R. Newcomb   [e-mail]  [e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Panasonic KX-Txxxx Mailing List
Organization: Sun, Surf 'n Sushi, San Diego, CA
Date: 11 Jan 93 03:06:56 GMT


Due to the popularity of the Panasonic KX-Txxx series of key systems,
there's a new mailing list starting up to discuss features, bugs and
other work-arounds for this wonderful family of electronic key
systems.

To subscribe, mail to:  [e-mail]

To post an article, mail to:  [e-mail].


Bill Cerny  <[e-mail]>  10288-0-700-FON-BILL

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Raul Rathmann)
Subject: Opinions on PBX - Toshiba Strata DK-56
Date: 11 Jan 1993 07:58:47 GMT
Organization: CERFnet Dial n' CERF Customer Group


Hi folks:

I am considering picking up a Toshiba Strata DK-56 PBX with various
handsets.  Does anyone have any opinions on this unit, good or bad?

Also important, I will be hooking up a PC based voice mail system to
this PBX, probably with Dialogic equipment.  Anyone know of any
gotchas?  I understand that some systems don't signal a disconnect
correctly or at all.  Does this unit have this problem?


Thanks - Raul    [e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Steve Wachtel)
Subject: Audiovox Cellular Phone MVX-500 (ie Minivox)
Date: 11 Jan 93 08:13:50 GMT
Organization: CERL/EE, Georgia Tech, Atlanta


I just recently got a Minivox portable phone.  I found out after I had
paid for the phone that there are phone options that are not user
configurable.  These require the service provider (ie my authorized
agent of PacTel) to set these options.

One option which I consider important is the assignment of the
security code.  My agent told me that it was customary for them to set
my security code to the last digets of the telephone number.  Is this
right?  After much complaining I was able to get them to change the
security code.  But I want to learn the procedure so that I don't have
to rely on them.


Please, if anyone has the programmer's manual for this phone or some
information on how I might obtain one, or just the code sequences
necessary to do this and other phone options, please post a response
or send me email.

Thanks.


Stephen Wachtel                     [e-mail]
Georgia Institute of Technology     [phone]
400 Tenth St. NW, CRB 376           Atlanta, GA  30332-0540

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Raul Rathmann)
Subject: Hooking up a US Modem in Czechoslovakia
Date: 11 Jan 1993 08:22:52 GMT
Organization: CERFnet Dial n' CERF Customer Group


Hi,

I have a friend of a friend that is teaching at university in
Czechoslovakia.  He wants to hook up a modem to the university phone
system.  I'm assuming that he can use the extension line coming in to
his office to dial out, then with his modem hooked up, he can get the
modem to grab the connection with an AT command and he's on his way.
Problems I can forsee will be mainly with the phone system and wiring.
Could he splice into the phone system and expect the modem (and phone)
to work?  I'm sure the power situation will be a concern.  Does anyone
have any good ideas here?  By the way, he has said that there is no
way to get this info from the university, they're in the dark ages and
information is not readily shared.


Thanks,

Raul     [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 10:16:03 EDT
From: Richard Budd <[e-mail]>
Subject: Modem Won't Hang Up
Organization: CSAV UTIA


We are experiencing difficulty with our modem connecting with an IBM
Control Unit Model 7171.  There are 16 lines here at the Czech Academy
of Sciences Informatics Institute connected to an IBM 4361 host.
Because of the poor quality of phone lines in Eastern Europe, our
external connections through modems and the CU are frequently dropped,
but the modem remains on-hook and we have to manually power off and
reset.  This is especially a problem over the weekend when the system
is running without operators.  Do you know of any software that could
automatically take the modem off-hook when the connection is dropped?
We use Gandalf ACCESS Series 24A and Hyundai HMD 2404M external
modems.  All modems on the host side use MNP5 because it is the only
way to establish reliable connections for more than five minutes
given, again, the quality of the lines.  The Czech government is
working on improving phone quality, we may have digital fiber optic
lines in Prague by the end of 1993.


Richard Budd  | USA  [e-mail]    | CR    [e-mail]
              |      139 S. Hamilton St.    |       Kolackova 8
              |      Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 |       18200 Praha 8

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 14:39:13 EST
From: Carl Moore (VLD/VMB) <[e-mail]>
Subject: Area Code 610


Last Octwober, the Digest had a message (repeated below) about the 610
area code.  I have lost track of which digest it was in.  Because 610
has just been announced for a split of 215, I am re-sending the
message.


 >Date: Wed, 21 Oct 92 09:08:32 +0200
 >From: [e-mail] (Spyros Bartsocas)
 >Subject: Area Code 610

 >Recently the Greek newspapers are filled with ads of '900' type of
 >services located in Australia and North America.  Examples of prefixes
 >used are 609-490, and 609-426.  Are these local 976 type prefixes?  A
 >lot of these are 610-204-xxxx numbers.  Where is 610 located?

 >Spyros Bartsocas    [e-mail]

[609-426 & 490 are in Hightstown, NJ; a Moderator's Note, omitted
here, followed.]


[Moderator's Note: I wonder what will become of the +1-610 premium
services once 610 gets used legitimatly here in the USA?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Stephan Meyers)
Subject: FAQ About 900 Numbers?
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 21:36:25 GMT


I am interested in getting a 900 or a 976 number in the Chicago area.
The information about starting something like this up seems to be
pretty hard to get -- most of the "customer service" people have been
really rude, treating me as a crank caller.  I'm just curious, about
how it works, costs, etc, and maybe I'd start up a line.

    I have found out the basic startup and monthly charge (AT&T
wants $2300 install + $750/month + 30 cents/minute + 10% of whats left
after 30 cents/minute -- breakeven on a $1/minute call would be around
1200 minutes per month, or 40 minutes per day, without counting
startup).

    Of course, what I would really want is a service who has the
equipment, can help me set up a line, and would operate based on a
percent of the money (if they take 50% of the money, say, instead of
hefty startup costs, that's fine by me).

    It's strange, in fact, how hard this is to find out.  You'd
think one or two phone calls would do the trick, and that the phone
companies would be dying to sell you the service, but everyone is so
rude!

me:  Hi, I'm interested in finding out how to start a 900 line

them:  What sort of information would you be providing
    [as in "Are you another phone sex jerk?"]

me:  Ummmm, well, I'm kicking around some ideas, but I was thinking about
    something about the art scene in Chicago.

them:  You want customers in all 50 states to call you and find out
       about art.
    ["you really think ANYONE would be interested in what you
        have to say?"]

me:  Well, really just Chicago, but who knows?

them:  Well you'll have to call Illinois Bell about 976 number service.
    [she almost hung up on me]

me:  Well, I'd still like to know about the nationwide service, I'm
     just trying to figure out what it costs, etc

    And then I finally got her to tell me how much it costs, and
after a little more prodding, she gave me a number for AT&T's
equipment leasing for 900 service.

    Arrgh!  It's a multi-billion dollar industry, and I want to
(maybe) buy something from you!  Give me a little respect, please!!!

    Anyway, as in the subject line, if anyone has an FAQ with
everything you ever needed to know about 900 services, please email
to:

[e-mail]

Thanks!


Stephan Meyers | [e-mail]
(Art)^n Laboratories, inventors of the Stealth Negative PHSCologram
[phone]


[Moderator's Note: The main reason they start the conversation by
asking what kind of service you wish to operate is because if you plan
on some sort of phone sex thing, they will  immediatly tell you they
no longer will bill for phone sex. They will give you the lines, but
you have to figure out how to do the billing, via some service bureau
or otherwise on your own. That little 'gotcha' discourages many
would-be sex line operators from beginning. None of the carriers will
bill for sex these days ... too much hassle and fraud.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Richard Lamb)
Subject: Will a UK Telephone Work in the US (Will it Ring?)
Organization: XtcN Ltd
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 21:28:38 GMT


I bought a phone in the UK and am using it in the US.  The DTMF stuff
works fine, but I cant seem to make it ring.  Should I be able to ?



Rick
XtcN Ltd, [e-mail], Tel:[phone], FAX:[phone], Telex:6504829720
11 Roxbury Ave.,Natick MA 01760,4425 Butterworth Pl.N.W.,Washington D.C. 20016

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (George Planansky)
Subject: Phoneline Simulator to Test Modems - How ?
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: HMass, Boston MA
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 01:32:17 GMT


To test modem/terminal-server settings I would like to connect connect
the modems directly via a phoneline simulator.

I gather that just a modular four-wire flat cable won't work, since
the modems, for one, want to see a carrier.

Is this something simple to coble together (or not simple and
expensive to buy)?

Please reply by email, thanks.


George    [e-mail]

------------------------------

Reply-To: [e-mail]
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993  21:39:37 EST
Subject: About C&P's "Swipe Reader" Phones


The number to call to get information about C&P's "Swipe Reader"
telephone is 1-800-999-9699.  If this call is not accessible from your
area, let me know.

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Bryan Petty)
Subject: Info Wanted: Telecom in Holland?
Date: 12 Jan 93 04:12:51 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh


I am doing some research on the Telecommunications infrastructure in
Holland. If anyone can recommend any references or contacts for
information it would be greatly appreciated. If there is any interest
I will post a summary.


Thanks!

Bryan Petty    University of Pittsburgh   Graduate Telecom Student/Slave

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 11:20:16 -0800
From: Larry Krone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Internet / UUCP / Compuserve / Anything in Belize


Is there any type of Net access available from Belize (Central
America?)

Please Email responses to:   [e-mail]


Thanks,

Larry Krone

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (J. Eric Townsend)
Subject: Need Help Dealing With PacBell and Harrasing Calls
Organization: Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation, NASA Ames
Date: 11 Jan 93 16:09:39

Sometime during the night of 6 Jan 93, some individual(s) with a fax
decided that my home voice number was also a fax and started dialing.

Since then, I've received a *lot* of calls from this fax machine,
often on regular intervals (10min before the hour being common).  I
suspect it's on the east coast, since things started up around 5am
this morning.

PacBell is being less than helpful. "Hope they notice that the fax
isn't getting through."  "There's no way for us to figure out where
the call is originating from."

So I started dropping computer-words. :-)

Me: "Can't they set up a line trap?"

Them: "Uh... yes..  but, uh, that might not work."

Me: "Well, can PacBell at least determine if it's coming in LD or if
it's originating from a local exchange?"

Them: "uhm, probably."

Repair Service just took a call on it, they think that maybe they "can
figure out who's calling you and get them to stop".

Anybody know the "right" questions/requests to make of PacBell so that
they do this sort of thing a bit more quickly?


J. Eric Townsend --  [e-mail] -- 415.604.4311 (DoD# 0378)


[Moderator's Note: Can you temporarily call forward your phone to a
line with a fax machine and recieve a transmission from the idiots? If
so, then I presume once their identity is discovered, you could call
them yourself and give them a piece of your mind.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Alan M. Gallatin)
Subject: Cellular One Offers FREE Weekends in NC
Date: 11 Jan 93 23:27:30 GMT
Organization: Duke University; Durham, N.C.


Cellular One in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is offering
a new feature on most of their calling plans.

In addition to whatever monthly charge you are currently paying, for
an extra $10 they will give you unlimited airtime on the weekends
(defined as 11:59pm Friday to 12:01am Monday) for all calls made (or
received) while in your local calling area.  The only charges incurred
would be for directory assistance or long distance land charges.

Off-peak minutes with C1 go as low as $.20/minute with some plans (and
are often more than that) so the break-even point is 50 minutes (or
less).

Any ideas why they'd just open the floodgates like this?

As an aside, Centel (the only competitor in this market) is not
matching the program or even coming up with something remotely close.


Alan M. Gallatin <[e-mail]>

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End of TELECOM Digest V13 #18
*****************************