Telecom/1996-04-telecom-walnutcreek.iso/back.issues/1994.volume.14/vol14.iss151-200

Internet Message Format | 1994-05-03 | 1MB

Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa00547;
          28 Mar 94 13:22 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06313; Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:13:28 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06304; Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:13:27 CST
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:13:27 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #151

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:13:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 151

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Data Communications in Mobile Environment (Lee Chang-Geun)
    Radio Contest Overloads 911, Business Lines (Ottawa Citizen via D. Sellers)
    Re: Bell South ISDN Announcement (Juergen Ziegler)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? ([e-mail])
    Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces (Dave Lakerson)
    Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces (David Hough)
    Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links (Terry Gilson)
    Re: Competition and Technology ([e-mail])
    Re: Country Code For San Marino (Anton Sherwood)
    Re: Country code for San Marino (Richard Barry)
    Re: Los Angeles Phone Fire Update (Marty Brenneis)
    Re: Los Angeles Phone Fire Update (Paul Robinson)
    Re: Area Code 215 Changed to 610, Why? (Carl Moore)
    Re: International Free Numbers (Anton Sherwood)
    Re: Murata Business System Email, Fax or Voice Address Wanted (PPI Yvonne)
    Re: The Day 905 Went Solo (Ed Leslie)
    Re: Extension Cord For Cell Phone (Dave Held)
    Re: Area Code 562 (David H. Close)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Lee Chang-Geun)
Subject: Data Communications in Mobile Environment
Organization: SNU,KOREA
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 10:26:07 GMT


I am interested in PCS, PCN, Wireless Communications, and cellular
systems. We (our study group) want to study these topics more
systematically.  We have tried to find some appropriate text on the
PCS, Wireless and cellular systems. We could obtain some articles and
papers on specific research area (eg. Mobile IP protocols, base
station networking, channel allocations, and location strategies).

We want to study these topics step by step, from erectronical aspects
to mobile network architecture, protocols for mobility supports, and
application aspects. We want a good text book summarizing researches
on these topics. I am sure you can give me a clue.

I am especially interested in data communication in mobile environments.
I heard briefly about CDPD (low speed data communication on cellular
phone systems). But I am studying multimedia communication over mobile
environment.  So I am walking through the same way that many researchers
(who consider internetworking High Speed Backbone (like ATM) and
Cellular System) are walking.  Some (like Goodman) think about data
loss and recovery caused by hand-off problems. But I have no quantative
data about data loss during cell hand-off.  And I will be happy if I
can get some information about this research.  I also want your help
about this.


Thank you.

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 94 16:48:45 EST
From: [e-mail] (Dave Sellers)
Subject: Radio Contest Overloads 911 Lines, Business Calls


As reported in the {Ottawa Citizen} March 27, 1994, radio and television.

Canada's national capital was put on hold Friday night when a local
radio station (CHEZ 106) gave away tickets to a Pink Floyd concert to
the first 53 callers.

The problem started when the radio station offered pairs of tickets to
the Pink Floyd concert to the first 53 callers, it was swamped with
calls -- more than 306,000 in about an hour.

The calls overloaded Bell Canada's switching equipment even thou the
radio station was using special "contest lines". The switches
responded by making callers wait up to a minute for dial tone.

CHEZ's general manager, Chuck Azzarello, said the station was suprised
by the response to its contest -- and the outcome.

"The station at no time set out intentionally to cause something like
this to happen. It's unfortunate that it did and, as concerned
corporate citizens and individuals, we are concerned that this sort of
thing could occur."  said Azzarello Saturday night.

Phone service was affected whereever the radio station had listeners --
as far south as Cornwall and Smith Falls and as far north as Pembrook.
Many business were affected, like Pizza Pizza which Friday night is
their busiest. Pizza Pizza estimates they lost $12,000 because people
could not get through to place their order.

The phone problems also hampered other services such as 911. Many
people called to complain about their problems with the phones. About
280 calls were made to 911 between 5 to 9PM compared to about 125 on a
normal Friday night. Tony Yantha of the Ottawa Police said "I normally
have three clerks working on 911. Last night I had five and still
wasn't enough."

Sandra Cruikshanks of Bell Canada said that the phone service was back
to normal by 9:30PM (started at about 6:20PM). The station's contest
number designed by Bell, is designed to allow large number of callers
to hear a busy signal if the line isn't available, without affecting
other lines.

She said that the sheer number of calls to the radio station during
the ticket give away "is just unheard of". But she said the phone
system responded exactly the way it should have. "It worked perfectly
well."

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 17:16:00 +0100
From: [e-mail] (Juergen Ziegler)
Subject: Re: Bell South ISDN Announcement
Organization: Aldebaran Marine Reserach & Broadcast <[e-mail]>


In article <[e-mail]> is written:

> 3/21/94 Release from Bellsouth:
> BELLSOUTH ANNOUNCES LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC DEPLOYMENT OF ISDN IN THE NATION

> "Previously, you had to be served directly by a central office switch
> equipped with ISDN capability.  Under this new alternate serving
> arrangement, ISDN capabilities can be routed from a nearby ISDN-capable
> switch to your home or office -- at no additional charge. This arrangement
> is a cost-effective and expeditious method of deploying ISDN region wide,"
> Carter said.

I don't doubt that Germany is years behind the USA in regard to a
modern and efficient telecommunications infrastructure, but this "new
alternate" method of providing ISDN lines is commonplace in Germany
ever since.

Most German ISDN subscribers are not served by their local switch, but
through a remote switch. As a result of this method general availability
of ISDN in Germany (excluding from East Germany) could (will) be reached
within five years since 1989. In my hometown ISDN is available since
January 1991. And this remote access arrangement is offered at no extra
charge, if the ISDN line will be served by the designated remote switch.
If there was no designated ISDN switch, then a remote access charge
was imposed. Since most local access areas have now ISDN, general
availability will be reached within this year.


Juergen Ziegler * Obervogt-Haefelinstr. 48 * 77815 Buehl (Baden) * Germany
[e-mail] ****** Fax: [phone] ***** Voice Mail: 900686

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 23:35:45 -0500
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?


In TELECOM Digest Volume 14, Issue 149, Message 13 of 16, the Editor
wrote:

> Here in the USA, you have to be very careful about getting involved.
> It is best not to, since if you do, you are often treated like a
> criminal and the (true) criminal like the victim. It goes against my
> grain to say it, but you are better off not getting involved unless
> the crime is against you personally.

What would happen to you if you simply called the police?  I guess
that if you shot at the perpetrator then you could easily get into
serious trouble; but if you merely called the police then you won't
get into legal trouble.  If you did it anonymously then the perp won't
get back at you either.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Sometimes when you call 911 the dispatcher
puts you through a alot of questions ("how do you know that is what he
is doing?"; "are you the owner of the property?", etc.) and they never
do respond or they tell you the police have already responded and consider
the report unfounded.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 94 17:24:43 EST
Subject: Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces


Let me relate a story to you about this pager scam.  My company is
located in Pennsylvania.  Our VP religiously carries his pager, giving
all our customers his pager number to call "anytime day or night".
Last year he was in New York visiting a client.  Two hours after the
meeting he got a page which began with 212 (I won't put in the rest of
the number since its not really necessary.)  He was back in Pennsylvania
at home when he got the page.  He called the number and got through to a
'porn line'.  At the time he had Sprint for his home service.

Two months later he got a charge on his Sprint bill for $25 for the
one minute call to the number.  He got into quite a fight with Sprint
about it. Sprint was going to make him pay for the call.  As the
Director of Telecom for our company I was asked to check into the
situation.  (We had Sprint in most of our 60 locations at the time and
the VP thought I could have our account team look into it.)  Our
account team said there was nothing they could do about it either.
Around this time we were putting out an RFP for long distance service
with all three carriers since our committment with Sprint was almost
over.

While meeting with representatives from MCI and AT&T I related the
story.  Both reps told me there had been several occurances of the
'pager scam' taking place and that authorities in New York were
investigating.  The MCI rep gave me the name of the person to report
our problem to in New York.  She also gave me a copy of a newspaper
article about it as well.  I gave the information to Sprint who
advised me they knew nothing about it.  They still wanted our VP to
pay for the call.  He did and subsequently cancelled his service with
Sprint. Our company chose not to renew with Sprint as well ... I won't
say who we went with ... but when they said 'let us show you' they did!


David Lakerson  Harrisburg PA  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Hough)
Subject: Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 22:26:39 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> Stephen Goodman <0003945654@
mcimail.com> writes:

> Be aware that the pager scam using area code

>                        212/540-XXXX

> has resurfaced.

> If you receive a page to call this number, DON'T return the call.  The
> 212/540 is translated to a 900 number and you/we can be billed $50.00
> or more per call.

I have never understood how/why the US authorities allow such diverts,
because the only purpose I can see for hiding a 900 number in this way
is to con people into ringing it and getting charged. Is there any
other valid reason for wanting to hide a 900 number behind an
otherwise 'normal' number?


Dave
G4WRW @ GB7WRW.#41.GBR.EU AX25     [e-mail]  Internet
[e-mail]      Amprnet


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Authorities are not allowing a 900 service
to 'hide' or be 'diverted' simply because any area code + 976 (or in the
case of New York '540') is an equally valid premium charge number. There
is no diversion taking place. The differences in numbers is due to billing
requirements.  900 is typically national in scope and is handled by long
distance carriers while 976/540 is local in scope; limited to a specific
area or LATA and handled by a local telco. Some local telcos also offer
their own 900 service, however no long distance carriers offer 976. There
is nothing 'normal' about 976 (in more than one sense of the word where
some of the programs presented are concerned, but we won't get into that
can of worms - grin!), but I suppose you'd need to be in the USA and
familiar with the USA phone numbering system to know that. Consider then
that we basically have two premium type numbers here: 900 and 976, each
with different ranges or geographic service areas. Nothing is being
hidden or diverted. Generally our domestic long distance carriers here
will not connect to 976 and generally one local telco will not connect
with another local telco's 976 numbers.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Terry Gilson)
Subject: Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links
Date: 28 Mar 1994 03:43:44 GMT
Organization: Delphi Internet Services Corporation


> These products are for direct links between RJ11 jack and the cellular
> phone.  Perhaps other/better products are available?

NEC makes an interface which provides dial-tone and RJ-11 jack for the
P110, P120, P180 and P300. It's called the INT4000.

Motorola also makes something that I think is called the "PC Data Link"
which provides dial-tone and RJ-11 jack for all the "Flip" phones.

I have tested both of these units and they work very well. Each is battery
powered and can be used just about anywhere there is a cellular signal.

I think all of these units can trace their roots (through some kind of
licensing fee) to a company called Telular, which has successfully
defended it's patent on the dial-tone technology against quite a few
companies.


Terry Gilson                  [e-mail]
DCN Cellular  805-379-3333    [e-mail]
Westlake Village, CA          [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Competition and Technology
Date: Sat, 26 Mar 94 10:37:56 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


One of the surveys from the {Economist} magazine a few years ago said
the reason that cost may not decline is that the telcom industry is
one of the largest provider of taxes.  Few governments will kill their
favorite cash cow.

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

From: [e-mail] (Anton Sherwood)
Subject: Re: Country Code For San Marino
Organization: Bureau of Making Sure You Eat Your Vegetables
Date: Sat, 26 Mar 1994 08:16:40 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Clive D.W. Feather <clive@
sco.COM> wrote:

> I have a note in my files that San Marino has been allocated the
> country code 295 but is not yet using it. HOwever, I recently saw a
> posting, here I believe, that it has been allocated 378.

29x is typical for Atlantic islands.  But with German reunification,
37 came free; I've seen 37x codes for two of the Baltic states.  It
would seem that the assigners-of-codes, seeing that 295 though assigned
was not being used, took the opportunity to give San Marino a European
code.


Disclaimer: The above is likely to refer to anecdotal evidence.
Anton Sherwood   *\\*   [phone]   *\\*   [e-mail]

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

From: Richard Barry <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Country Code For San Marino
Date: 28 Mar 1994 06:39:02 -0000
Organization: Ireland On-Line


Bob Smeets writes:


> The Dutch telephone authorities mention +39 549 for access to San Marino.

The ITU has issued a batch of new country codes which includes a new
code for San Marino (+378 effective 26.10.93). Other countries that
will be getting their own country code include Andorra (Autumn 1994)
and Monaco (in 1995) when France Telecom introduces its 2-digit new
area code plan.

The 370 to 379 range of country code numbering space was created when
the former DDR (used to be 37) telecom network was integrated into the
Deutsche Telekom system.  Prior to that there was no unallocated
country code numbering space in the European range (3 and 4).  The
former Yugoslavia (code 38) is also being divided into three-digit
ranges; eg. Slovenia is now +386.  Following the break-up of Eastern
Europe, there has been heavy demand for new country codes as countries
like Lithuania and Latvia wanted to disconnect themselves from the
Russian network.


Richard Barry  Ballsbridge
IRL-Dublin 4   [e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 18:58:11 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Marty the Droid)
Subject: Re: Los Angeles Phone Fire Update
Organization: Sparkology


With 'telecommuting' being the wave of the future, how about the
telcos set up workstations at all of the switch locations. Then the
DA, TSPS, 611, customer service, and other droids could work from the
location closest to their home. It seems that the telco office worker
type jobs can be done with an isdn line, i.e. a voice path and a data
link. Perhaps they could decentralize all of the telco droid type work
and be more efficiant. I would think that they could even have personnel
work from home. There really is no real technical reason now for these
people all being in a specific location. It could even make the network
more resiliant since it couldn't be compleatly downed by a disaster.


Marty 'The Droid' Brenneis                              [e-mail]
[phone]     ~~~   KAE7616 - 462.700 - 162.2      ~~~      KC6YYP

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 23:52:45 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Cliff Sharp <indep1!clifto>, whatever address that is, writes to
TELECOM Digest as follows:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
> (Mark A. Cnota) writes:

>> [PAT said:]

>>> According to Mr. Eibel, a vice-president of Illinois Bell
>>> at the time, staffing a phone office *with even just one
>>> clerk* at all times to prevent situations like this was not
>>> cost effective.

>> I agree with Jim Eibel. He's one of the better executives
>> IBT has had in the past ten years, in my opinion.

>   Let's see ... ten dollars per hour, figure twenty with
> benefits etc.  365.24 days per year.  That's $175,315.20
> per year.  Say 200 thou with holiday pay, overtime, etc.

>   Figuring the cost of Hinsdale at $100,000,000, that means
> Eibel must have planned a useful life of the equipment there
> at something over 600 years.

Mr. Sharp, you are much too kind.  A clerk sitting in an office like
that can probably be paid what the night operator at a gas station
makes, probably minimum wage, which is about 1/2 of what you stated,
at most perhaps $5 an hour and considerably less ten years ago.
Average overhead is probably 100% of what they are paid, so figure it
means that the phone company should have budgeted about $8 an hour
around the clock, or something less than $1200 a week for continuous
coverage.  That is about $60,000 a year.  Based on that number, it
means that if nothing happened for 20 years, the company would have
wasted about 1 1/2% of the facility cost for onsite protection.  Want
to bet its insurance costs more than this?

I'll bet there are a lot of things that are unimportant that IBT spends
more than $60,000 a year on, that are far less critical than a major
statewide switching facility.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You are headed in the right direction
on this but your calculations are off. First of all, you have three
shifts per day, not just one. Therefore you need three people for week-
ends. I assume you would need one person for overnight coverage during
the week and on holidays (no, Mr. Eibel, Mother's Day is not a holiday
but to paraphrase President Roosevelt, it is a day which will live in
infamy at Illinois Bell for many years to come). So figure four times
your numbers shown above. Second though, you don't really want people
who are willing to work for minimum wage. Either they are very young
and not yet completely mature/responsible enough to do the job right
or if they are old enough/mature enough, etc then they've got other
problems or excess baggage to deal with. I'd go with Cliff Sharp's
figures; those folks should be paid very nicely, expected to stay
awake, and trained to deal with anything which should go wrong. Even
using then the higher figures, telco still gets quite a good deal,
don't they?   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 05:21:24 EST
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Area Code 215 Changed to 610, Why?


> The other day I managed to dial a non-existing number in the USA.
> Area code was 215 and number 385 xxxx.  The error message said I
> called area code 610 and number 385 xxxx and, of course, that the
> number did not exist.

If the 385 is correct, then (depending on my memory) that is Douglass-
ville, along U.S. route 422 between Pottstown and Reading, and it is
indeed going into area code 610, with 215 remaining useable until Jan.
7, 1995.

But I called directory assistance within the past seven days for 610
(I had to leave my car at a shop in Wind Gap, which uses 863 prefix at
Pen Argyl), and the DA operator passed me along to the automated
response, which included the area code BUT used area code 215!  Like
385, 863 is going into 610.

KYW news-radio ran an item asking that people who have trouble with
the use of 610 please call repair service.

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

From: [e-mail] (Anton Sherwood)
Subject: Re: International Free Numbers
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 08:22:43 GMT


What do you do when you want to call Britain from America (or vice
versa) and all you have is an 800 number?  I'd happily pay the toll,
but last time I tried it the call was simply refused.


Anton Sherwood   *\\*   [phone]   *\\*   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: '800' is simply a shorthand way of saying
(quote) "... if you are in the USA (or a given section thereof) and wish
to call us with charges reversed, we will automatically pay for the call."
800-anything is *not* to be taken to be a 'real' phone number in the
same sense as some other area code and seven digit number. What you do
when 'all you have is an 800 number' is you ring up the directory enquiry
for the place in particular and get the real number for the company.
Then you call *that* number, and 'happily pay the toll'.

Ah, but I hear your next question even as the words begin to form on your
lips: what if the company does not give an address, or at least a city
and state where you can begin to search for the number? What is all they
have given you is an advertisement in the papers with an 800 number? Then
you accept them for the ignorant fools they are; if they would waste a lot
of money on a large advertisement (for example in the British newspapers)
and not even accurately or completely tell you how to reach them, then they
are unworthy of your patronage. You'd trust them to build a computer for
you, or a scientific instrument? You know, we see the same thing here in
reverse in the USA: if we read the London newspapers or a trade journal
or whatever from Europe we now and then see only the toll-free numbers a
person in the UK might call for information with no recourse for the
Americans. In practice though, USA companies are the worst about this. So
many Americans seem to feel the sun and moon revolve around the USA. We
see some of that attitude from Europe, but not nearly in the quantity it
goes from this side back to you.  So for those non-telephone-number/no
address firms in the USA which advertise abroad, you've got to simply let
*them* eventually wonder why their international advertising never seems
to do them much good; that is, if they ever do wonder about it.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (PPI Yvonne)
Subject: Re: Murata Business System Email, Fax or Voice Address Wanted
Date: 28 Mar 1994 07:02:02 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

> Please help me to find Murata Business System Inc. adresses

Lev,

I'm not sure how updated this information is but I have a listed
number in Texas of: 214-403 3300


Good luck,

Yvonne

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

From: [e-mail] (Ed Leslie)
Subject: Re: The Day 905 Went Solo
Organization: York University
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 00:46:30 -0500


[e-mail] wrote:

> Friday (25 Mar) was the last official day of Bell Canada's permissive
> dialing period for the 416/905 area code split in the Toronto region.
> This means that calls to 905 points will no longer be processed using

[stuff deleted]

> Ten digit local calling can be used within an area code (optionally).
> That is, someone in 416 can dial elsewhere in 416 (Toronto) as 416 +
> seven digits, as well as just the seven digits.

True, and thankfully so for cell phone users. I asked Bell Mobility
what would happen if I were in Mississauga, and tried to call a
Toronto exchange using seven-digit dialing, ans was told that the call
would not go through. I then asked just how someone driving on a road
near the Metro Toronto boundary would know whether their call would be
processed by a cell within or outside of Toronto, and was told that
there would be no way to predict, and that if a cell on the 'wrong'
side was used, the call would not go *and the user would just have to
try again, or try the other dialing style*. Note that in theory, you
could go at this for quite some time before getting through. Also
consider the hassle of keeping two sets of speed dial numbers, one for
when you are in, the other for when you are outside of Metro :-(

Anyhow, from my tests so far, ten-digit dialing *always* works, so
I've updated my memory dialer numbers to all be ten-digit numbers.

The original note also referred to the use of 416-210 for messaging. I
just ordered a PrimeLine number, and it will be a 416-410 number.
What's PrimeLine you say -- fodder for another note another day,
except to say that it is a new offering of a phone number not tied to
any physical phone *line*, and which you can use to allow others to
use a single number to reach you anywhere in the world that touchtone
is available.

Ed


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: PrimeLine is essentially the equivilent
of AT&T's 'Easy Reach 700' service.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Extension Cord For Cell Phone
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 94 23:21:49 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


<[e-mail]> writes:

> Can anybody tell me where I can purchase an extension cord for my
> cellular phone?  I tried my local Radio Shack but they don't carry
> this.  It appears to be an 8 wire connection.

The connection is very likely to be an 8-wire modular connector,
called RJ-45.  These connectors are commonly used for PBX extensions,
intercom stations, etc., and are widely available.  You can find an
extension cord at a local electronics store (perhaps you will need to
go a tad more sophisticated than Radio Shack).

I _still_ think you're crazy.  Nearly any cellular connection will
cost more than nearly any equivalent wired connection.  Please check
this out carefully.

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

From: [e-mail] (David H. Close)
Subject: Re: Area Code 562
Date: 27 Mar 1994 03:34:00 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You know, this is getting to where it
> isn't even funny any more. Thirty years ago I knew every area code and
> where it was located. Now I can't remember half of them ... and wait until
> next year when all those strange ones start popping up everywhere.   PAT]

But is the problem one of multiplying codes or an aging moderator? Creeping
Alzheimer's?


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa        "Always" and "never" are two words you
[e-mail]         should always remember never to use.
[e-mail]            Wendell Johnson


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Ice Cold Note:  Thank you for participating
in our little Digest. I really appreciated your comments as another
week gets underway. I'll always remember to never forget your gracious
commentary.  PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #151
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa01103;
          28 Mar 94 14:07 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07213; Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:49:05 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07204; Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:49:04 CST
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:49:04 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #152

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:49:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 152

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Paul Robinson)
    Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Sean Slattery)
    Re: Hunt Groups/Ring-No-Answer-Call-Forwarding ([e-mail])
    Re: Ripped By InfoAccess (Paul Robinson)
    Faculty Position in Telecom (Jane Fraser)
    Ruling on Dark Fiber (Robert P. Vietzke)
    Re: Who Paid For My 550? (Paul Robinson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 23:38:53 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Steve Lindsay <[e-mail]>, writes to TELECOM Digest
as follows:

> Does anyone know of a little DOS or Windows shareware program
> that will act like the one of those caller ID boxes?

> Or is there some AT commands I can type in to my communication
> program to extract the phone number that is calling me?  I
> don't want my modem to answer; just tell me what number is
> dialing me.

As I have mentioned to people, many times, you *cannot* get caller ID
information on a computer modem (or any other device) unless *all* of the
following is true:

1.  You must be on a telephone switch that support it.
2.  Your local telephone company must offer it.
3.  You must have subscribed to caller-id service.
4.  The caller must be on a telephone switch that supports it.
5.  The caller must not use *67 or otherwise be blocked.
6.  All connections between you and the caller must support caller-id
    and retain the information, and the intervening long distance
    carriers must provide it.
7.  Your modem or (receiving telephone) has to have the circuity to accept
    the special 1200 baud signal which is *not* the same as regular 1200
    baud data.
8.  Your modem must have the caller-id code enabled.

Only if all eight conditions are true will you receive the information.
If all but step five is not true, you get "P" or "PRIVATE".  If step four
or six is not true, and all others are, you get "O" or "OUT OF AREA".

Then you have to enable the code.  And the modem package will clearly
indicate if you have Caller-ID capability.

Six months ago I purchased a Practical Peripherals 14400FX internal
for about $200.  This modem advertises that it supports Caller-ID,
which you do by using %CCID=0 for no Caller-ID, or =1 or =2 to get the
Caller-ID information either in ascii or in hex, sent to the screen
either before or after the second "RING" message.  I'll probably write
an article on Caller-ID and some games you can play with it someday.

Because I am unable to disable one of the serial ports on my computer's
everything card (IDE/Floppy Disk/Game/Serial port), I had to go out and
purchase an external modem.  The least expensive external 14400 is a
very nice Intel PCFM7600 in a metal case, and only $159.  I still have
the internal modem which I'll probably put into another computer once
I have time to do so.

This modem *does not* support Caller-ID.  If it did, it would advertise
it. Nice modem; feels professional and looks it.  But there is no way I
could get Caller-ID information out of it since the capability isn't
there. Not important to me because I don't need it, but for you to get it,
it has to be there before your modem can provide it.  If it does, it will
prominently advertise it on the package and in the instruction manual.

If your modem does support it and you have it, you will get the
information in the data stream same as the "RING" and "NO CARRIER"
information.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 09:17 EST
From: Sean Slattery <[e-mail]>
Subject: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Howard  Gayle) writes:

> A friend suggested to me that, sometime in the future, almost
> everyone will carry around a cellular phone almost all the time.  She
> thinks this will significantly reduce the amount of crime, because it
> will be very easy to report a crime or other suspicious behavior that
> one observes.  I'm skeptical, but it seems like an interesting topic
> for discussion.

I seriously doubt that crime will be reduced.  A lot of people in
society today avoid "getting involved".  Why would the sudden availabil-
ity of communications change them?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Here in the USA, you have to be very
> careful about getting involved. It is best not to, since if you do,
> you are often treated like a criminal and the (true) criminal like the
> victim. It goes against my grain to say it, but you are better off not
> getting involved unless the crime is against you personally.  PAT]

Sorry Pat, this is the kind of crap that keeps things the way they
are.  If you are not willing to get involved you have no right to
complain about how screwed up things are.  We will not have an end to
crime until the criminals view each and every one of us with the same
fear and respect that they view a uniformed police officer.

I am not advocating that people act foolishly, use your head.  Usually
the most effective thing that one can do to help is to contact the
authorities.  But DO IT !!

Here in Mass. the state police have commented that due to the increase
in popularity of cellular car phones they now know about each and
every accident and breakdown, sometimes within SECONDS of its occurring.
They also get a lot of DWI reports with detailed descriptions of car
and plate numbers and often actually find the car in question and make
an arrest.  Of course, Boston was also where the Stewart case occurred.
And no one can deny that portable cell phones have been a boon to the
drug trade.

Back to the original question, will the proliferation of cell phones
reduce crime?  The answer is: no, but your use of one might.


Sean Slattery   Network Administrator  Airflow Research.

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: Hunt Groups/Ring-No-Answer-Call-Forwarding
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 14:45:35 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Scott M. Pfeffer <sp9183@
swuts.sbc.com> wrote:

> The basic idea is to provide 32 dialup modem lines with a backup
> configuration in case a modem goes bad or the rack containing half the
> modems goes bad.

> If the line chosen by the switch is one of the first sixteen, but
> there is no answer after two rings, find a line in the second sixteen
> and ring it instead.

We have about 60 lines with a mix of 1200/2400/9600 modems.  We're
using "forward on busy/noanswer" from each line to the next.  We're
also on Centrex and a university, so when I tell folks that I make
sure they understand they need to check with their telco, as some
places charge per call or even per minute for calls forwarded in this
fashion, or have problems with forwarding multiple calls from a single
dialed number.

After the third ring, calls will go to the next line.  Even with a
number of consecutive lines out, eventually you will get one that
works if you wait long enough.  The only time it won't forward is if
all the lines further down are already in use, then it will sit on the
one line and ring.

If you're concerned about a rack of modems going down, you could
alternate lines between the two racks.  Keep in mind though, that as
lines fill up in the rack that works, it will still have to skip
individually over all the non-working ones between.  If you have a LOT
of people trying to call in, some will be skipped over immediately
because other folks are already ringing on those lines.

Distributed calling, if you have that available, might help SOME
callers avoid lines that are down, but other WILL get those line, and
once there will stick there -- they need to replace the call -- the CF
on busy/noanswer will eventually get them to a working modem.  Usually
you are concerned with just one modem or line not working at a time,
and this seems the best solution for us.


[e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 23:15:03 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Ripped By InfoAccess
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


[e-mail], writes in TELECOM Digest:

> Has anyone had any DEALINGS with InfoAccess? For some reason 4
> EXPENSIVE calls to this service was added to my phone. Although NO
> calls to it were made from our phones! There are only two people in
> my house, me and my wife and neither of use dialed this number.

Jabussey doesn't say whether this is a company that charges an arm and
a leg for long distance calls either as local or as an "operator assisted"
provider, or whether it's a 900 number.

You have several options depending on what the call is.  If it's a
long distance call or operator assisted call, you have these choices:
if you cannot afford the charges, then you can (1) complain to the
phone company and ask for proof of connection; (2) and complain that
the charge is fraudulent and you want proof; (3) Pay the bill minus
the disputed amount and inform them of such; (4) file a claim of mail
fraud with the postal inspectors claiming that the phone company or
the biller has intentionally sent you a charge for a call you did not
make.

If you can afford to pay the disputed charges, you have these choices:

If you can pay for the call, pay your bill to the public utilities
commission for your state, filing a grievance saying the call is
fraudulent and should be zero.  Or pay them and sue the telephone
company in small claims court for refund of the disputed charge.

Here's a fairly good idea: take item (3) above and send the payment
minus the disputed amount to the state Public Utilities Commission
dictating the circumstances.  The PUC *will* send your check back
since it's not for the full amount of the bill, and the phone company
will hear about it, but in this case someone at the phone company
*will* look into the matter.  This may be the best choice for you
under the circumstances.

Another option if you can't afford to pay the bill (or if you take
option #1 of reducing the bill by the disputed amount and get a
disconnection notice) is to sue the telephone company and perhaps the
long distance carrier and subpoena their records, as well as the
carrier's records, to have them show proof of their claim that you
dialed the number in question.

Another option is to get ahold of your local newspaper or TV station
ombudsman who handles problems between sellers and customers.

The reason for making this distinction is that -- if I'm not mistaken
 -- under new federal laws, your phone service *cannot* be disconnected
for nonpayment of calls to 900 numbers, but the tariffifs state that
you *can* be disconnected for nonpayment of a long distance carrier
(since often the local telephone company purchases those bills from
the carrier at a factor's discount then bills them to you at the full
rate.)

You might simply refuse to pay for the 900 number and the phone
company will most likely block access to 900 numbers in the future.
But you might want to find out if there is a leakage on your phone
line, e.g.  that your line can be accessed somewhere else, or if the
phone company computer is wrong or is billing you for someone else's
calls, or what.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 09:22:23 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Faculty Position in Telecom


University of Missouri - Kansas City
Computer Science Telecommunications Program

As the Information Age unfolds, the science and technology of
communications has become critically important.  The Computer Science
Telecommunications Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
is focused on Computer Networking, Telecommunications and Software
Engineering in the context of communications.  Motivated research
scientists in these disciplines who wish to join a distinguished
faculty in a stimulating work environment should apply.  The Computer
Science Telecommunications Program is organized to support basic and
applied research, prototyping and product development, with unusual
opportunities for professional advancement.  Degrees are offered at
all levels.

We are looking for applicants whose research productivity is
established in one of the fields named above.  Nine-month regular
tenure track appointments are available at competitive salaries.
Non-teaching, non-tenure track research positions are offered in the
Center for Telecomputing Research where the focus is on multimedia
networking with applications in distance learning and collaboration.
Visiting appointments are available as well.  In addition to the usual
research funding opportunities, support for research is encouraged
through industry collaborations.

Send resume and names of three references to: Andrea Duncan, Computer
Science Telecommunications Program, University of Missouri-Kansas
City, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110.  Applications will be
reviewed until position is filled.  UMKC is an Equal Opportunity/
Affirmative Action Employer.

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

From: [e-mail] (Robert P. Vietzke)
Subject: Ruling on Dark Fiber
Organization: University of Connecticut
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 1994 23:20:42 GMT


Some time ago I read an article about the Dark Fiber Wars which stated
that the FCC had ruled fiber was subject to equal access rules. The
deal was one RBOC had provided dark fiber to a customer and then said
no to another because they thought they might lose money on the deal.
Supposedly the FCC ruled that if you provide it to one you must provide
it to all.

If anyone could point me towards the ruling and where I might find it
or the details of the case I would be -greatly- appreciative. This
would assist my research immeasurably.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I would also direct your attention to
the Telecom Archives and the collection of essays by George Gilder there.
One such essay deals with the dark fiber matter.  The Telecom Archives
is accessible using anonymous ftp lcs.mit.edu. When logged in, then
'cd telecom-archives'.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 00:16:59 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Who Paid For My 550?
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Jim Cluett <[e-mail]>, writes in TELECOM Digest, as follows:

> Can anyone explain the economics of the $50 Motorola 550?  The
> 550 is selling locally at a discount department store for $50.
> Motorola can't build 'em for that.

Probably not.  But don't bet with the falling price of circuitry and
components that the actual cost is all that high.

> The department store is acting as an agent for both an A and
> a B carrier ...

Unusual.  I've never seen it here in the Washington, DC area; the
seller either sells for the A carrier (Cellular One) or for the
telephone company B carrier (Bell Atlantic).  I've never seen one
handle both.

> but I don't think they can recover enough from a year's contract to
> make up the difference.

Oh don't bet on it.  Here, the cellular companies make a good sized
kickback to the seller to get the customer to sign up with them.  The
customer must keep the service for a year or they have to pay the
cellular company back the rebate, which is quoted at around $165.

So figure that the cellular company gives up about 3/4 of the monthly
charge for the first year to the seller as commission for the sale on the
assumption that the customer will keep the service longer than one year.
The carrier also figures they'll make up a lot of the commission on the
airtime.

When you purchase life insurance, if you were to check into it, you would
discover that the insurance company pays the agent *MORE* than your first
year's premiums as commission.  Because most people don't change their
insurance carriers over time.

> Who's subsidizing this? It's probably me, but I don't quite see how.

Yeah, you are.  On the installment plan.

Well, figure you keep a cellular phone for two years.  Let's say you make
a total of $10 in charges in the two years beyond your allocation.  Let's
say the rate for service is $29 a month and they charge you $25 to
activate your phone.

Monthly Charges     $29 x 24  = $ 696
Installation charge                25
Air Time                           12
 Gross                            731
Commission to seller             -165
         Net                     $568

These figures are low to show that where the rates are even higher,
the cellular companies can make a nice piece of change.  Don't forget
the kickbacks the "A" carrier could get by forcing your service to,
say, MCI or Sprint since -- if I'm not mistaken -- they are not
required to offer equal access the way the B landline carrier is
required.  Or not even forcing your service to them, but simply having
the long distance carrier connect direct to their switch and keeping
1c/minute of the 2c/minute or more charge the carrier normally would
pay the local telephone company for access to its facilities.

So this means, for subsidizing your phone to the tune of $165, they can
make $568 in two years from someone who only uses 50c worth of airtime a
month!  Can you imagine what they make from people who spend upwards of
$20-100 a month on cellular calls?

King Camp Gillette learned this strategy more than 100 years ago:

Give away the razors and charge for the blades!


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Normally the agents are on the A or B
side but not both; that is in their contract with the carriers. The
exception is the very large agents such as Radio Shack and quite a
few large discount chain stores, etc. Their volume of business is such
that *they* tell the carriers what they will do and won't do. For
example, Radio Shack is on the A side in some parts of the country and
the B side in others. In a few places, they work both sides of the
cellular scene at the same time. Tandy has the kind of money and influ-
ence with the carriers that they can get away with it. Its the same
kind of thing where Pepsi and Coca-Cola are concerned. You never see
them both in the same vending machine; you never see them both in the
same restaurant as fountain drinks. You never see either one dispensed
in the paper cups bearing the logo of the other. They are both very
strict with their dealers and distributors on this point. Oh really?
Try going to your local 7-Eleven: one fountain dispenser handles both
and the logos on the paper cups say both. That's because Southland,
like Tandy is large enough to say do it our way or it won't get done.
Pepsi and Coca-Cola make Southland the exception to their vending
machine rules; the cellular carriers are equally respectful of Tandy
and certain other major dealers/distributors.    PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #152
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12248;
          29 Mar 94 13:20 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA04948; Tue, 29 Mar 94 08:51:07 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA04939; Tue, 29 Mar 94 08:51:06 CST
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 94 08:51:06 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #153

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 29 Mar 94 08:51:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 153

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Caller-ID Will be Available Nationwide (FCC News via Steve L. Rhoades)
    Competition in Calls From China (Laurence Chiu)
    Receive Junkmail and Get Paid Cash Scam (Brock Meeks via Graham Toal)
    Observations About Area Code Splits (Linc Madison)
    Warning: Private Payphone "Fraud" (Clive D.W. Feather)
    Average Call Duration (Bob Schwartz)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Steve L. Rhoades)
Subject: Caller-ID Will be Available Nationwide
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 19:24:12 PST


The following news release is from fcc.gov under /pub/Common_Carriers/
nrcc4002.txt  (lots of other neat stuff here too!)


Report No. DC-2571        ACTION IN DOCKET CASE     March 8, 1994

CALLER ID TO BE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE; FCC ADOPTS FEDERAL POLICIES
                         FOR REGULATION
                       (CC DOCKET 91-281)

     The Commission has adopted a federal model, effective April 12,
1995, for interstate delivery of calling party number based services.
These services include caller ID, which is available today in many
states, as well as services that will permit businesses to serve
customers more efficiently and will permit increased security of
computer networks.

     The rules adopted today enable these services to become available
to consumers and businesses nationwide and require free, automatic,
per call blocking to protect privacy interests.  They also require
carriers to educate consumers about these services.

     The Commission also adopted rules to address privacy concerns
raised by the reuse or sale of information generated by automatic
number identification (ANI).  Specifically, the Commission found that
a federal model for interstate delivery of calling party number is in
the public interest, that calling party privacy must be protected, and
that certain state regulation of interstate caller ID must be
preempted.

     The availability of calling party number based service, including
caller ID, requires end to end interconnection of Signalling System 7
(SS7) networks between carriers, so that the calling party's number
can be transmitted from the calling party to the called party.
Interstate delivery of calling party based services is thus not
feasible until interstate SS7 interconnection and calling party number
delivery between local exchange carriers and interexchange carriers
becomes widespread.

     The Commission noted that a consistent, nationwide interstate
policy will contribute to economic growth as businesses employ the new
technology for a number of uses.  These uses may include pay- per-view
television, order/entry verification, voice messaging storage,
customized customer service, business fraud reduction, call routing,
emergency dispatch, health care services, telephone banking, home
shopping, dealer locator, and selective call message forwarding.

     While the technology for nationwide caller ID service is being
deployed and used on an intrastate basis, several regulatory and legal
issues have delayed its introduction nationwide.  Today's action
supports the efforts of carriers, standards setting bodies, states,
equipment manufacturers and others to provide caller ID in an
efficient manner.  In the federal model the Commission recognizes the
value and benefits to the public of this service and promotes the
transmission of the calling party number from the originating carrier
to the terminating carrier.

     The Commission has balanced the reasonable privacy expectations
of both the calling and called parties and removed obstacles to the
development of calling party based services posed by uncertainty and
non-uniform state policies.

     In today's action the Commission found that:

     -- Common carriers using Common Channel SS7 and subscribing to or
offering any service based on SS7 functionality must transmit the
calling party number parameter (CPN) and its associated privacy
indicator on any interstate call to connecting carriers; (The CPN is
the subscriber line number or the directory number contained in the
calling party number parameter of the call set-up message associated
with an interstate call using SS7.  The calling party number parameter
includes an associated privacy indicator.)  In other words, local
exchange carriers (LECs) must transmit both the calling party number
and its associated privacy indicator to interexchange carriers (IXCs)
and vice versa;

     -- Carriers offering CPN delivery services must provide, at no
charge to the caller, an automatic per call blocking mechanism for
interstate callers. Terminating carriers providing calling party based
services, including caller ID, must honor the privacy indicator;

     -- The costs of interstate transmission of CPN are so small that
the CPN should be transmitted among carriers without additional
charge; and

     -- Carriers participating in the offering of any service that
delivers CPN on interstate calls must inform telephone subscribers
that the subscriber's number may be revealed to called parties and
describe what steps subscribers can take to avoid revealing their
numbers.  In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this
proceeding, the Commission is seeking comment on whether more detailed
customer education rules should be adopted and whether the policies
adopted for interstate calling party number-based services like caller
ID should be extended to other services that might identify the
calling party.

     The Commission also adopted rules to limit the use of information
generated by ANI to call set-up, routing, screening, billing and
collection and other services by end users, with exceptions for most
law enforcement and emergency uses and for marketing by the ANI
recipient only.  The reuse or sale of ANI would be prohibited absent
affirmative subscriber consent, and carriers would be required to
educate callers regarding ANI services.  (ANI based services were
developed in the pre-SS7 signalling environment as the billing
telephone number of the calling party.  Because this technology
predates SS7 technology, ANI is not blockable in the same way as the
calling party number in an SS7 network.)

     In considering whether to extend its existing rules governing
disclosure of customer proprietary network information (CPNI) to cover
residential and single line business customers as protection of their
privacy interests, the Commission said it would seek comments through
a separate public notice to be considered in the context of the
Computer III Remand Proceeding.

     Action by the Commission March 8, 1994, by Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 94-59).  Chairman Hundt,
Commissioners Quello and Barrett, with Commissioner Barrett issuing a
separate statement.

                             - FCC -

     News Media contact: Rosemary Kimball at [phone].
    Common Carrier Bureau contacts: Olga Madruga-Forti at (202)
634-1816 and Suzanne Hutchings at [phone].


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

Steve L. Rhoades          Voice: [phone]
1000 Video Road           Internet:  [e-mail]
Mt. Wilson, Calif 91023   Finger me for PGP public key.

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

From: [e-mail] (Laurence Chiu)
Subject: Competition in Calls From China
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 12:39:02 -0900
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access


       I just got told by my wife that AT&T was offering discounts for
USA Direct Calls from China (if placed collect).  The rate would be
$1.70/minute which reflects a 20% discount.  Apparently these are
significantly cheaper than local calling rates.  If the call is billed
to a calling card there is a $3.50 surcharge but an additional 5%
discount. The USA Direct caller calls 10810 (from memory) and reaches
a Mandarin speaking operator in the US. As an aside when I tried to
get information on this plan by calling my normal AT&T customer
service number, I was put on hold for ten minutes and I eventually
hung up. I asked my wife to call the number in the ad she had seen and
reached a Mandarin speaking representative immediately.  Of course not
being telecom literate, I had to relay questions to her!

       Since I can call China for $0.59/minute in weekends on AT&T and
$0.49 via MCI (to one specific number) if I use their International
Friends and Family rate, it makes sense for our friends/relatives to
call us collect, we eat a minute charge and then call them back.  In
fact I am sure there are ways to avoid even the 1st minute charge but
I will leave that as an exercise for the reader :-)


Laurence Chiu             Walnut Creek, California
Tel: [phone] (work)  Internet: [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Graham Toal)
Subject: Receive Junkmail and Get Paid Cash Scam Revealed
X-Organisation: An Teallach Limited
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 20:12:23 GMT


This scam was discussed here before. Here is the latest update.

  Date: Tue, 8 Mar 1994 15:16:48 -0800
  From: "Brock N. Meeks" <[e-mail]>

CyberWire Dispatch//Copyright (c) 1994//

Jacking in from the P.T. Barnum Port:

Washington, DC --  Thwart the proliferation of electronic junk mail and
make yourself some cash as the same time.  Ask Me How!

Interested?  There's more.  You get a free Internet account,
accessible through a toll free number.  All you have to do is let poor
capitalist slubs pour junk mail into your free account and you get an
average of 6.5 cents for every message that you receive.  You don't
even have to read the stuff.

Remember, there's "absolutely no charge, periodic charge, hourly
charge or phone charge."  And for all your effort, you'll likely get
an annual check of $500 "and likely more," according to a company
called Electric Postal Service (EPS).

Such are the claims made by the mysterious EPS during a February
Internet E-mail blitzkrieg. All EPS said it required was that you
"send E-mail to our internet address at [e-mail]."  And be
sure to include you name and address, EPS said. Or there was an 800
number to call.

The EPS offer intrigued thousands of Internet users, who rushed to
forward their electronic application and sat back to waiting to
collect their piece of the Internet pie.

Fat Chance.  The EPS information never arrived.

A month-long Dispatch investigation has revealed that EPS is nothing more
than a shell company for a direct mailing scam run out of Canton, Ohio.

Bait and Switch
===============

After weeks of waiting, no information, electronic or otherwise, has
ever appeared from EPS.  Instead, those requesting information were
sent a curious mailing from an outfit called "Suarez Corporation
Industries" headed by one Benjamin Suarez.

The Suarez information arrived in an envelope annotated "Important:
The information you requested."  Inside an "approved letter of
requisition" tells how you can receive a new book called "Seven Steps
to Freedom II -- How to Escape the American Rat Race."  The book
supposedly tells you how to birth a corporate creature called a "Net
Profit Generation System" (NPGS).

Such a deal!  An NPGS can produce $30,000 to "over one million dollars
a year" in income, Suarez says.  The catch?  The book and associated
software only costs you $159.  But that's a steal, Suarez says,
because if you buy the book and software separately, they cost you
almost $200.  But hurry, the offer expires within ten days, because
Suarez doesn't want "an order to be wasted on the curiosity seeker."

Small problem: The supposed authorization letter contains no date, no
authorization code, no bar code. Nothing to determine when it was
received or when the supposed 10 day expiration clocks starts to tick.

Oh... and the "Seven Steps"  book ("not sold in stores") doesn't show up in
the Dialog "Books in Print" database.

Suarez claims in his letter to be one of the richest people in the
nation, "one of the truly rich" unlike those that are "only paper
rich" because they count stock.

Published reports put Suarez Corp. Industries (SCI) worth at only $100
million, with some 630 envelope stuffing employees.  What Suarez is,
however, is a slick direct mail baron.  The letterhead from SCI lists
a host of "divisions" all of which operate out of SCI's headquarters
in North Canton.  One of those divisions is "CompuClub Software and
Computer Services."

Dispatch called SCI's main number to ask if EPS was, in reality, one
of the infamous Suarez, Net Profit Generation System companies.  After
a few rounds of questioning, a Suarez operator admitted that EPS was,
indeed, an NPGS, "a subsidiary of CompuClub."  She wouldn't answer any
further questions about EPS. Calls to CompuClub weren't returned.

What's the real story on Benjamin Suarez?  Let's flip this latest
Internet scam on its back and gut that soft white underbelly. (Gloves,
please ...)

The Rap Sheet Two-Step
======================

Suarez, it appears, is attempting to pull off some kind of Internet
P.T.  Barnum routine.  He's infamous for his questionable direct
marketing scams.  And he has a mean streak.  His record speaks for
itself.

In February, Suarez agreed to quit all operations in the state of
Washington, agreeing to pay more than $70,000 in refunds to some 4,500
consumers there who bought jewelry, cutlery and other products from
his companies since 1992.

The Washington State attorney general's office brought suit against
Suarez, alleging his company violated the state's prizes and
promotions laws by selling fake diamonds under the company name
Lindenwold Fine Jewelers (also a Suarez "division").  One tactic that
apparently pissed off the attorney general was an offer that gave a
"free gift" of a cubic zirconia to customers along with an offer for a
"discount" on the cost of getting it mounted.  That arrangement
violates Washington law: If a recipient must spend money to use an
award, you can't use the term "free prize."

Blaaaahhh!!!!  Thank you for playing, Mr. Suarez.

The suit so enraged Suarez that he began running negative campaign ads
slamming the attorney general who was, at the time, running for the
governor's office.  Suarez even offered to pay the attorney general's
opponents up to $50,000 to front his own hit-squad negative campaign
ads.  They declined.

In a second case in Washington, Suarez offered the same rhinestones,
claiming they were worth more than $100.  Natch, said former Attorney
General Ken Eikenberry, the real value of those stones were about
$2.65 a pop.  Eikenberry called the promotion, a "blatant deception."
In that suit, Suarez settled out of court by paying $15,000.

According to court records and published reports, other charges
brought against Suarez by the state of Washington in 1992 include: (1)
Making false promises of saving. (2) Making deceptive price represen-
tations.  (3) Conducting charitable solicitations without registering
with the secretary of state.  (4) Failing to state the odds of winning
a sweepstakes.  (5) Distributing a simulated check that doesn't have
the phrase: "This is not a check" plastered on its front.

For all those charges, Suarez is no prohibited from doing business in
the State. Seems he's moved his operation to the Internet.

The attorney general's office says Suarez is also involved in lawsuits
in Indiana and Ohio, but could give no details.

Suarez, in previously published interviews with the {Seattle Post-
Intelligencier}, defended his company, saying he offers a money-
back guarantee and has a return rate of less than two percent.

Life On the Laugh Track
=======================

For Suarez, adversity and conflict are his Rice Krispies and whole milk.  A
newspaper database search finds:

            *  The Idaho attorney general making Suarez
               change its jewelry-marketing pitch.

            *  FDA challenged a Suarez company claim of certain
               "health benefits" he advertised that arose from a
               2,000-year-old secret recipe for Himalayan bread.
               Suarez successfully defended his right to
               advertise the alleged health benefits.

            *  The U.S. Post Office files suit against Suarez in
               1986, stemming from certain marketing tactics for
               his book on how to recover money from the government.

All in the Family
=================

For the Suarez boys, blood is thicker than lawsuits.  In 1990, a
company called Consumer Direct, run by Richard and Luann Suarez, was
hammered by the Federal Trade Commission for making false claims about
a product called the "Gut Buster," an exercising device.  The company
was also sued by government agencies over marketing tactics for a line
of diet plans and pills.

Seems only five minutes a day with the ol' Gut Buster had you buffed
and ready for Muscle Beach.  But the FTC didn't buy off on the hypefest.
Instead, the FTC insisted that there was no "competent and reliable
evidence" to prove such claims.

You'd think with all these hard knocks, these guys would learn. What's
the motivation?  Do the math.  Some 2.4 million Gut Busters were sold,
according to FTC files, for total revenues of $55 million.  (Minus a
couple of slap-on-the-wrist fines.  Question: Who's going to box their
ears for scamming the Net??)

Suarez headquarters were swamped with hundreds of reports of injuries
to Gut Buster users when the springs on the damn thing broke. "Approxi-
mately 1,000 people have reported injuries caused when the Gut Buster
spring broke and snapped back to hit them as they exercised," the FTC
testimony reads.

Search and Verify
=================

All this will come as no surprise to Benjamin "Gary Hart" Suarez. In
his rogue mailing, it clearly states: "These facts are all verifiable
by you, if you wish to investigate."

Thanks for the tip, Ben.  It's been real.

Meeks out ...

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 18:43:33 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Linc Madison)
Subject: Observations About Area Code Splits


I was looking at David Esan's 1/15/94 NPA-NXX list and noticed quite a
number of surprising numbers.  There were a couple of instances where
I hope the answer is that a previously-effected split is not yet
reflected in the number of exchanges shown for the old area code.  For
example, 212 shows 639 exchanges, and 168 for 917.  I hope that the
total for 212 still includes the prefixes now in 917 and/or the Bronx
prefixes now in 718.  Colorado's 303 is also one I hope is wrong: it
shows 601 prefixes against 184 in 719.  Atlanta's recent split
apparently isn't yet (fully?) reflected: 404 shows 590 and 706 shows
308.

Even if my suspicion about the number for 303 is correct, it still
shows that the split was very poorly designed: at best, the split is
417/184, worse than a 2:1 margin.  Clearly, a much larger portion of
the state should have been moved into 719.  The split in Dallas also
should have been done more tightly -- 214 now has 585 exchanges
against 291 in 903, again more than 2:1.  Clearly, areas not local to
Dallas should not have been left in 214.  The split in Houston would
have been difficult to tighten, but it was also a worse than 2:1
split.  As for the 917 split in New York City, I recently read an
article from someone who has a cellphone that has remained in 212, and
his carrier stated that it has no plans to switch it to 917.  I
thought that the point of 917 was that *ALL* cellular and pager
numbers in New York City would be moved to 917; deviation from that
plan would seem quite unwise.

The splits in areas like Detroit were performed much more judiciously:
313 will have 364 prefixes to 356 in 810.  If I'm correct about
Atlanta, its split is 282/308, which is quite good, although it would
indicate that Atlanta was not nearly as ready for a split as other
areas.  Perhaps the source material on Atlanta has deleted some but
not all of the old exchanges from 404.

There are also some historical splits that look quite silly.  For
example, in Ontario, 705 and 807 between them have only 381 exchanges.
In Massachusetts, 413 has fewer than one third the number of exchanges
of either 617 or 508, and is one of the least populated NPAs.  In New
York, 607 and 315 between them have only 448 exchanges.  Some splits
that don't make sense from a telephony viewpoint have clear political
and economic roots: Marin County logically belongs in 707, but has
remained in the overpopulated 415.  Upper Peninsula Michigan doesn't
warrant its own area code, but the geographic logic is clear.

Although I can't exactly lay claim to a crystal ball, I'll post in a
separate article some predictions about area codes that will split soon
and others that will probably *never* split in my lifetime.


Linc Madison   *   Oakland, California   *   [e-mail]

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

Subject: Warning: Private Payphone "Fraud"
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 02:29:32 BST
From: Clive D.W. Feather <[e-mail]>


The following appeared in uk.telecom recently:

   From: [e-mail] (Alon Risdon)
   Date: Sun, 13 Mar 1994 13:21:48 GMT

 SECTION: Business & City Page
 DATE: 12-03
 HEAD: One penny worth 20 in phones
 BY: MARY FAGAN, Industrial Correspondent of
    The Independent Newspaper in London

THOUSANDS of owners of private payphones are facing financial loss
because the phones mistake some one penny coins for a 20p piece. More
recent penny coins are copper-plated steel rather than bronze and,
according to BT, have a different density that allows them to be
mistaken for 20p.

Although the plated coins have been in circulation since late
1992, the problem of people using them for cheap telephone
calls has only recently come to light. BT said: "It is fraud, but
it is not a problem for BT. The people who are losing out are
those with private payphones."

The company estimates that there are up to 70,000 private payphones,
many in pubs and shops. Some large families also use them to avoid
running up huge bills. BT charges the owners for the use of the line,
but does not get any of the coins inserted by those who make the
calls.

BT said that it had been aware of the problem for some time and was
adjusting payphones free of charge by changing the software.  The
spokesman said the adjustment itself was no problem, but that the
company did not necessarily know all those who operated private
payphones. BT said that one reason the problem affected private rather
than public payphones was that they were often cheaper and less
sophisticated or robust. It added that the Royal Mint was careful to
warn in advance of changes to coins that could affect public
telephones and other coin-operated equipment.  University unions,
which often obtain revenues from campus services including payphones,
are likely to be among the main victims. The union at Surrey has asked
the National Westminster bank on the campus to be wary of students
asking for large quantities of pennies or asking cashiers to sort out
new ones from old.


Clive D.W. Feather     | Santa Cruz Operation
[e-mail]          | Croxley Centre
Phone: [phone] | Hatters Lane, Watford
Fax:   [phone] | WD1 8YN, United Kingdom


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The problem of one coin successfully
imitating another happens from time to time in automatic coin collection
devices. Back in the early 1970's there was quite a problem here with
people cheating the Chicago Transit Authority subway turnstiles. It
seems CTA tokens were almost identical in size, shape and weight to
the Brazillian centavo coin, a virtually worthless thing by our stand-
ards here. It took a hundred or more of the darn things to equal just
a few cents in United States money. When it was discovered these foreign
coins were accepted by the subway turnstiles suddenly there was a big
rush to purchase them from coin dealers and such here. Of course the
excuse the buyers gave was they used them in 'costume jewelry' and such.
The CTA started putting heat on the coin dealers to quit selling them,
but there was nothing legally they could do to force the dealers to
stop (other than use old-fashioned Chicago style political pressure
by city hall) the sales, and eventually the Transit Authority had to
change the size of their tokens and rework the turnstiles to accept
the new tokens instead of the old ones.  CTA lost a couple million
dollars before they got it under control.   PAT]

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

Subject: Average Call Duration
From: [e-mail] (Bob Schwartz)
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 14:56:45 PST
Organization: Bill Correctors, Inc., Marin County, California


Does anyone have, or know where I can find, information on averege
hold time which to me means average call duration (length of call)
(number of properly billable minutes? Are they listed by industry
group?  My long distance bill shows a rate with a series of discounts.
The discounts equal 30.33% which would put their Intrastate rate at
about .09 for day calls! Problem is that I don't see this rate echoed
by their competitors. It's too good to be true (sort of).  The average
call duration however is about 3.03 minutes.

I thought the national average hold time to be more like 2.6 minutes.
If they inflate the call duration there goes the benefit of my
discounts! Oh yes, another important detail, this is a switched
service.  Also, thought I'd check another premise; does anyone in
California see Intrastate rates for switched traffic at or about .09?


Thanks,

Bob Schwartz                                       [e-mail]
Bill Correctors, Inc.   [phone]   Marin County, California


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Intrastate rates are peculiar things,
aren't they?  Very odd in how they are calculated, a very much left
to the whims of the state PUCs, which frequently are nothing more
than tools of the local Bell company. If you can figure this out Bob,
an article here in the Digest would be welcome.   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #153
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12871;
          29 Mar 94 14:09 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07367; Tue, 29 Mar 94 10:06:02 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07358; Tue, 29 Mar 94 10:06:00 CST
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 94 10:06:00 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #154

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 29 Mar 94 10:06:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 154

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Africa Telecom - Lunchbag Discussion (Barry Laina Raveendran Greene)
    Newton PCMCIA Fax Modem to Cellular (Michael Eskin)
    Question About IS-54 Standard (Sathyadev Uppala)
    Predictions About Future A/C Splits (Linc Madison)
    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Ralph Becker)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Andrew C. Green)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Jeff Hibbard)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Dave Ptasnik)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Andrew Robson)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Danny Burstein)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Rhett Salisbury)
    LEAGUE @ AT&T Press Release (Tom J. Tilkey)
    About the Chicago Post Office (Paul Robinson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Barry  Laina Raveendran Greene <[e-mail]>
Subject: Africa Telecom - Lunchbag Discussion
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 94 03:44:26 -0500
Organization: Baha'i Computer and Communications Association


           "EMERGING COMMUNICATION MARKETS IN AFRICA"

The event will also present some issues to be discussed at the Africa
Telecom'94 Forum (April 25-29 in Cairo). It is open to the public but
space is limited. RSVPs are required (for security passes to the World
Bank) by the 12 April 1994.

GTS members who RSVP by 11th April 1994 will receive priority.

For RSVP call 833-3322 to leave a message.

     SPEAKERS: JOHN RICHTER, Regional Director for Africa,
                                           US Trade &
             Developmental Agency
             NOAH SAMARA, CEO, Afrispace
             HAMADOUN TOURE, Regional Director for Africa,
             INTELSAT

         WHEN?- WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL 1994, 12 noon-2 p.m.
           WHERE?- 1717 H Street (World Bank Building)
                           Room T-7070
                         Washington D.C.


The Global Telecommunications Society, (GTS), is a non-profit,
non-partisan organization. The Society is dedicated to promoting
understanding of the issues involving international telecommunications.
The Society seeks to establish chapter organizations in countries and
cities throughout the world because of the growing need to bring
together professionals and specialists who are focused on the
accelerating field of international telecommunications. GTS brings its
members together through electronic mail and also builds human links
through friendships and professional cooperation and respect that
overcome differences in various disciplines, cultures and geography.

If interested to join the Global Telecommunications Society, call
202-833-3322 to leave a message.

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

From: [e-mail] (Michael Eskin)
Subject: Newton PCMCIA Fax Modem to Cellular
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 20:39:42 GMT
Organization: Brooktree Corporation


I am looking for recommendations for equipment and experiences in
sending data and fax from a Newton MessagePad 110 with the internal
Apple PCMCIA Fax Modem using an external interface to a Mitsubishi
4000 pocket cellular phone.

Can it work? I am pretty much limited to 2400 baud data by the speed of
the Newton so a basic data connection is all that is needed.

I've heard reports that this should work, others that it shouldn't. I am
looking for some real data.


Michael Eskin   Brooktree Corporation   [e-mail]
9868 Scranton Road        AOL: BTRE MichE
San Diego, CA  92121      AppleLink: D4729       CIS: 76376,541

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

From: [e-mail] (Sathyadev Uppala)
Subject: Question About IS-54 Standard
Date: 28 Mar 1994 17:31:07 GMT
Organization: Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle


Does anybody out there have a copy of EIA/TIA/IS-54B TDMA standard
proposed for cellular telephony?

Any information like ftp sites for the document, or address of the
organisation from where I can get it will also be appreciated.


sathya

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 18:43:38 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Linc Madison)
Subject: Predictions About Future A/C Splits


I looked through David Esan's posting of the 1/15/94 NPA-NXX list and
came up with a few predictions of area codes that will split in the next
couple of years and others that will likely never split in my lifetime.

DON'T WORRY: YOUR AREA CODE WON'T BE CHANGING SOON

The following area codes could all at least TRIPLE the number of
exchanges in use without requiring a split.  Any split is thus quite a
long ways off.

807 - Thunder Bay, Ontario
906 - Upper Peninsula, Michigan
302 - Delaware
413 - Western Massachusetts
401 - Rhode Island
607 - Binghamton, New York
307 - Wyoming
802 - Vermont
719 - Colorado Springs, Colorado
506 - New Brunswick
707 - Napa/Eureka, California
417 - Springfield, Missouri
308 - Grand Island/North Platte, Nebraska
901 - Memphis, Tennessee
603 - New Hampshire
509 - Spokane, Washington
608 - Madison, Wisconsin

Others that could more than DOUBLE the number of exchanges include:
806 TX, 709=NF, 309 IL, 315 NY, 814 PA, 705 ON, 902=NS+PE, 518 NY,
507 MN, 812 IN, 712 IA, 808=HI, 606 KY, 202=DC, 218 MN, 918 OK, 613 ON,
609 NJ, 208=ID, 819 PQ, 815 IL, 715 WI, 915 TX, 805 CA, 702=NV, 618 IL,
505=NM, 319 IA, 517 MI, 419 OH, 304=WV, 318 LA, 207=ME, 204=MB, 912 GA,
519 ON, 605=SD, 701=ND, 418 PQ, 801=UT, 502 KY, 217 IL.

I've left out a few that are recent products of splits or are
otherwise experiencing considerable growth.  An '=' means "entire
state/province."  All of the above should be good for at least 35 to
40 years at currently projected rates of growth.

HOLD OFF PRINTING STATIONERY, YOU'RE NEXT IN LINE

Splits have already been announced for 205=AL, 602=AZ, 206 WA, 708 IL,
713 TX, and 213/310/818 CA.

703 - Virginia suburbs of D.C. and down along WV border
403 - Alberta/Northwest Territories/Yukon Territory
      Might well be the first three-way split (two in AB, one for NT/YT)
604 - British Columbia
216 - Cleveland/Akron Canton Youngstown, Ohio
803 - South Carolina
303 - Denver, Colorado (previous split was ineffective?)
615 - Nashville/Knoxville Chattanooga, Tennessee
503 - Oregon
813 - Tampa, Florida
214 - Dallas, Texas (again)

A little bit farther down the list we have:

612 MN, 305 FL, 501=AR, 203=CT, 904 FL, 619 CA (again), 405 OK, 817 TX,
804 VA, 310 CA (just created and filling up rapidly), 717 PA, 312 IL,
414 WI, 514 PQ, and 718 NY.  Most of these are at least 3 to 15 years
off, though.

The splits in 703 and 214 in particular may put to the test the
sanctity of the "you must dial 1 for all toll calls, and you must be
able to dial all local calls without a 1" arrangement, because of the
considerable likelihood that the new area code assigned will duplicate
an existing prefix in the affected area or an immediately adjacent
area.  If so, the preservation of 10-digit "metro dialing" will
require moving 10,000 customers at a chunk, and considerably more
complicated advance planning (adding lead time for the prefix change
to the normal lead time for the area code split and later trying to
route calls to the old number to the correct recording for wrong NPA
or wrong prefix).


Linc Madison   *   Oakland, California   *   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Ralph Becker)
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 09:00:23 ET
Organization: Xyplex Customer Support


In article <[e-mail]> Paul Robinson <[e-mail]> writes:

> Steve Lindsay <[e-mail]>, writes to TELECOM Digest
> as follows:

>> Does anyone know of a little DOS or Windows shareware program
>> that will act like the one of those caller ID boxes?

>> Or is there some AT commands I can type in to my communication
>> program to extract the phone number that is calling me?  I
>> don't want my modem to answer; just tell me what number is
>> dialing me.

> As I have mentioned to people, many times, you *cannot* get caller ID
> information on a computer modem (or any other device) unless *all* of the
> following is true:

> 1.  You must be on a telephone switch that support it.
> 2.  Your local telephone company must offer it.
> 3.  You must have subscribed to caller-id service.
> 4.  The caller must be on a telephone switch that supports it.
> 5.  The caller must not use *67 or otherwise be blocked.
> 6.  All connections between you and the caller must support caller-id
>     and retain the information, and the intervening long distance
>     carriers must provide it.
> 7.  Your modem or (receiving telephone) has to have the circuity to accept
>     the special 1200 baud signal which is *not* the same as regular 1200
>     baud data.
> 8.  Your modem must have the caller-id code enabled.

This article about the requirements to get caller ID was interesting
and informative, but does not address the question being asked (I
believe).

I am in the same situation as the original author.  I have Caller-ID
service at my home, and I have a stand-alone Caller-ID box that
usually displays the numbers of callers in my local area codes (508 &
617; BTW, I've never seen one from outside those areas ... yet).
However, I have a Practical Peripheral PM14400FXMT modem, and it
supports Caller ID, and I, too, would like a Windows utility that
basically acts like my stand-alone Caller-ID box.  I want the utility
to display incoming caller information in real time, and also have to
ability to log this data to a file if I want.  I should be able to
scroll thru some number of recent calls, etc, etc.

The question is: does such a utility exist?


Ralph Becker
Xyplex Customer Support [Tech. Support hotline [phone]]
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 11:27:51 CST
From: Andrew C. Green <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?


Peter M. Weiss <[e-mail]> writes:

> I wonder if a parallel answer can be extrapolated based upon CB radio
> and/or cell phones on the highways?

I think results will differ; most reporting from the highways tends to
involve mechanical difficulties and medical emergencies (e.g.
crashes), though of course drunk drivers are also called in.

I do a good amount of highway travel, and have equipped my car with
both a CB radio and cellular phone. On various occasions I have used
both, to different ends: the CB is useful for line-of-sight conversa-
tion with both truckers and State Police, though the latter don't
always monitor either Channel 19 (the truckers' channel) or Channel 9
(the emergency channel), at which point my cellular phone will call in
the cavalry. I've heard more than a few frustrated truckers trying to
contact the police over the CB about breakdowns or accidents, but
receiving silence in return.

For no-holds-barred emergencies, I can either try calling a 10-33 on
the CB (Channel 9 is usually deserted within the short range of my
antenna but Channel 19 will always get a response), or I can dial *999
for a more certain response, if not a more prompt one.


Andrew C. Green
Datalogics, Inc.          Internet: [e-mail]
441 W. Huron
Chicago, IL  60610-3498   FAX: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jeff Hibbard)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 28 Mar 1994 11:42:46 -0600
Organization: Bradley University


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Sometimes when you call 911 the dispatcher
> puts you through a alot of questions ("how do you know that is what he
> is doing?"; "are you the owner of the property?", etc.) and they never
> do respond or they tell you the police have already responded and consider
> the report unfounded.  PAT]

This must be a regional difference. I've called 911 (or its seven-digit
equivalent from my cellular phone) several times from various cities
here in downstate Illionis, and I've always been surprised by the
complete lack of interest in who I am and how I'm involved.  They just
politely take the report and either say that they'll send someone out,
or say that they've already heard about it and an officer is on the
way.

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Ptasnik)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 28 Mar 1994 19:10:56 GMT
Organization: University of Washington


[e-mail] (Howard Gayle) writes:

>> A friend suggested to me that, sometime in the future, almost everyone
>> will carry around a cellular phone almost all the time.  She thinks
>> this will significantly reduce the amount of crime, because it will be
>> very easy to report a crime or other suspicious behavior that one

[e-mail]@math.fu-berlin.de(James, Slupsky) writes:

> I seriously doubt that crime will be reduced.  A lot of people in society
> today avoid "getting involved".  Why would the sudden availability of
> communications change them?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Here in the USA, you have to be very careful
> about getting involved. It is best not to, since if you do, you are often
> treated like a criminal and the (true) criminal like the victim. It goes

Wandering a little far afield from hard telecom issues -- One SF author
has postulated a world where anyone who wants to can wear "glasses"
that include cameras and microphones that digitally transmit everything
that the wearer sees to some big storage system.  Then if they see a
crime, they can immediately report it to the police, and the police
have an easy time of getting convictions.  Most of the wearers are
retirees who end up "spying" on kids.  Greatly reduced the amount of
violence against the old folks, even in rough parts of town, and
greatly cut down on graffiti, greatly cut down on personal freedom.
Even making obscene gestures to the watchers was a harshly punished
crime.  To misquote Heinline, an observed society is a polite society.

All of the above is nothing more than the personal opinion of -


Dave Ptasnik     [e-mail]

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

From: uswnvg![e-mail] (Andrew Robson)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 15:43:30 -0800 (PST)


The Half Moon Bay Review (a local paper in CA) carried an article on
the front page about a bank robbery foiled by a cell phone.

When the getaway car roared away, a local citizen was offended by the
reckless driving.  He didn't know about the robbery, he just wanted
safe driving on the local streets.  He followed long enough to call
the licence, a description of the car, and its direction to 911.
There are only three roads out of town, with no turn off for several
miles.  The robber was arrested a couple of minutes later.

It may not help much overall, but cellular will help catch some of the
bad guys.


Andy

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

From: [e-mail] (danny burstein)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 29 Mar 1994 03:02:26 -0500


(Stories and scenarios of people witnessing crimes, then using
cellular phones to call for help, police arriving and making the world
safe for democracy, deleted).

A similar thread made its way onto some radio oriented groups umptity
months ago, and the consensus was that yes, as the cost of individual
telcom equipment went down we'd see lots more people with them. Also
suggested was that there'd be rentals of 'emergency only' phone/radios
by the same folk who brought you the 'I've fallen, and I can't get up'
stuff.

HOWEVER, an equally plausable scenario was raised. Namely that Mrs.
Fletcher, when she witnesses a crime (or is about to be a victim),
doesn't pick up her communicator, but instead, pulls out her revolver
and wastes the bad guy.

An interesting concept ...


[e-mail] (or [e-mail])

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

From: [e-mail] (Rhett Salisbury)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 29 Mar 1994 07:11:18 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway


>> A friend suggested to me that, sometime in the future, almost
>> everyone will carry around a cellular phone almost all the time.  She
>> thinks this will significantly reduce the amount of crime, because it
>> will be very easy to report a crime or other suspicious behavior that
>> one observes.  I'm skeptical, but it seems like an interesting topic
>> for discussion.

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Here in the USA, you have to be very
>> careful about getting involved. It is best not to, since if you do,
>> you are often treated like a criminal and the (true) criminal like the
>> victim. It goes against my grain to say it, but you are better off not
>> getting involved unless the crime is against you personally.  PAT]

> Sorry Pat, this is the kind of crap that keeps things the way they
> are.  If you are not willing to get involved you have no right to
> complain about how screwed up things are.  We will not have an end to

     -- good stuff deleted --

> Back to the original question, will the proliferation of cell phones
> reduce crime?  The answer is: no, but your use of one might.

In total agreement with Sean Slattery -- Pat should excercise a
certain measure of responsible judgment.  When someone flippantly
tells an international community that not only we live in a extremely
dangerous country, but also that it is dangerous to become 'involved',
someone will be injured due to your inaction.

If you have had instances when you have been put in danger or harassed
because of your involvement you should document it and report that.
The 911 operator should be fired and charged with something.  If you
are just ranting and raving about a urban legend, remember that
excuses are like b--- holes, everyone has one and they all stink.


Rhett Salisbury aka RS2510     [phone]
dice.nwscc.sea06.navy.mil (130.163.1.200)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But it is true. Ask German citizens who
come to visit the USA in Florida whether or not the USA is a violent
country. Check the crime statistics in the USA versus around the
world.  We have the highest rate of crime in the world. Sorry if you
don't like hearing it told to people outside the USA, but that's the
way it is.  Ask the residents of Milwaukee who called the police to
report Jeff Dahmer (serial killer two years ago) only to have the
police brush them aside if it pays to get involved. Ask anyone who
has called the Chicago Transit Authority to report the constant and
blatant thievery by subway collection agents who pocket fares without
registering them if it pays to get involved -- or if in fact, if you
are an employee of the CTA and you report your fellow employees if
it isn't *you* that gets punished instead. Ask at the US Department
of Justice what happens if you are an employee who complains about
all the *stolen and pirated software* your agency is using. Ask a
social worker for the Chicago Board of Education what happens when
you report that the principal of the school where you are assigned
is a pedophile -- because the children have confided in you what
happened. You'll lose your job! Ditto the few honest people who work
for the CTA. I see it happen over and over again. And if you witness
a crime and report it, you'll spend the next six months or a year in
court getting harassed by the defendant and his attorney. My advice
is don't get involved unless you like being a martyr. Criminals are
given so many rights, *you* will be made to be the villian instead.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom J Tilkey)
Date: 29 Mar 94 12:59:16 GMT
Subject: LEAGUE @ AT&T Press Release


News Release
For further Information:

Tom Tilkey
201-644-7904 (office)
201-993-8581 (home)

Charles Turner
508-960-2695 (office)

    BOSTON - - LEAGUE (Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay United Employees
at AT&T) will hold its third national conference here from May 18 to
21, at the Swissotel.

    More than 350 AT&T employees are expected to attend the three
day professional development conference which focuses on workplace
issues for bisexual, lesbian and gay employees.  Theme for the
conference is "United in Diversity".

    Conference guest speakers include the Honorable Barney Frank,
member of Congress from Massachusetts; Rabbi David Horowitz; Reese
Smith and Cynthia Balogna, Levi Strauss Co.; and Ken Sheppard of the
Liberty Consulting firm.  Award winning author Brian McNaught will
present a session on internal homophobia.

    In addition, two senior level AT&T executives, Jerre Stead and
Pat Russo, will discuss the corporation's Diversity Strategy Plan.
They will update participants on efforts to create productive and
inclusive work environments where everyone can contribute to the
success of the business.

    Workshop topics include domestic partner benefits; managing
careers; race, class and gender issues in the gay community; lesbian
invisibility; and countering hate groups.

    LEAGUE is an educational and support group that addresses
workplace environment issues affecting employees or their families,
friends or colleagues who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The organization has more than 2,000 active members in 26 chapters
nationwide.

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 1994 06:49:33 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: About the Chicago Post Office
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Thought you might find this interesting:

Unofficial Summary of the Rush Limbaugh Show
for Wednesday, March 23, 1994

BRIEF SUMMARY OF TOPICS:

Chicago postal workers burning and abandoning mail instead of
delivering it;

o Investigators for the U.S. Post Office in Chicago have found that stacks
  of mail were thrown under bridges, stashed in garbage cans, burned,
  etc. - the postal workers involved evidently were lazy and didn't want
  to do all their job. Chicago residents are livid at this, so when
  Postmaster Marvin Runyon went out there to take a look for himself, 300
  of them bombarded Runyon at a recent town meeting.

  Tens of thousands pieces of mail dating back to 1979 were found burning
  recently, and last month 40,000 undelivered pieces of mail were discovered
  in a postal worker's truck; that postal worker was suspended, but not
  fired. In January, test letters that were sent to Chicago addresses were
  discovered in a dead letter office in Minneapolis.

  Runyon has promised to "fix this," although it might take up to five
  years. Rush asks, though, if it is any wonder that the Chicago Post Office
  is in such bad shape, given that Chicago is Dan Rostenkowski's home
  district; Rostenkowski, of course, is implicated in the House Post Office
  scandal.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #154
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23780;
          30 Mar 94 15:46 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07378; Wed, 30 Mar 94 12:22:05 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07367; Wed, 30 Mar 94 12:22:02 CST
Date: Wed, 30 Mar 94 12:22:02 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #155

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 30 Mar 94 12:22:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 155

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Newton PCMCIA Fax Modem to Cellular (Gregory Youngblood)
    Switch Problems (From OPERS-L) (Paul Robinson)
    Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access? (John R. Grout)
    History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T (James H. Haynes)
    Re: Pacific Bell Voice Mail Types (Todd Inch)
    Re: Observations About Area Code Splits (Bob Goudreau)
    Re: Observations About Area Code Splits (Dave Niebuhr)
    Re: Observations About Area Code Splits (Danny Padwa)
    Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System (Steven King)
    Re: Voice and Data Through PBX (David Hough)
    Re: Voice and Data Through PBX (James Slupsky)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Newton PCMCIA Fax Modem to Cellular
From: [e-mail] (Gregory Youngblood)
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 94 21:15:48 PST
Organization: TCS Computer Systems


[e-mail] (Michael Eskin) writes:

> I am looking for recommendations for equipment and experiences in
> sending data and fax from a Newton MessagePad 110 with the internal
> Apple PCMCIA Fax Modem using an external interface to a Mitsubishi
> 4000 pocket cellular phone.

> Can it work? I am pretty much limited to 2400 baud data by the speed of
> the Newton so a basic data connection is all that is needed.

> I've heard reports that this should work, others that it shouldn't. I am
> looking for some real data.

Assuming that you can plug the PCMCIA Fax Modem into a phone line and
it works, and you have the RJ11 interface for the Mitsubishi 4000, and
you realize you'll have to disable dial tone detection and dial the
number on the mitsubishi and press send yourself (unless you've got an
interface that provides dial tone and/or can automatically dial the
numbers) it should work.  2400 is no problem.  I know I can send a fax
at 4800 on cellular without the best conditions, and that's going
thruogh ADPCM connections from the cell site to the switch (I run the
cell sites and soon will have a local switch to run too).

I also know 2400 is no problem data wise.  Just today I did a UUCP
poll via cellular at 2400/v.42 bis, as well as a few 1200 data calls
as well.  If your going to do 2400, then it would be a very good idea
to have some form of error correction, otherwise your more prone to
see lots of garbage..unless your in a great area.  Faxes, I believe,
have a built in form of error correction, though I don't know anything
about it.


Greg
The Complete Solution BBS     Allfiles List:    Anonymous UUCP Calls Accepted
707-459-4547 (24hrs, v.32)    ~/tcsbbs.lst      Login: nuucp  Password: nuucp
Telemate Distribution Site  [e-mail]      Cellular Telephony Groups

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

Date: Wed, 30 Mar 1994 11:49:01 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Switch Problems (From OPERS-L)


The following was posted on the OPERS-L list on bitnet (Mainframe
Operations).  Perhaps someone on TELECOM Digest can help Mr.
Osterlin with his problem.  Please reply directly to him:


 Date: Fri, 25 Mar 1994 11:57:09 -0600 (CST)
 From: Bob Oesterlin <[e-mail]>
 Subject: Digital Telephone Switches and Modems

Early last month, our local phone company (US West) replaced our
"aging" analog telephone switch with a new digital one, which was
designed to bring us "into the information age".

Well, no sooner was the switch installed, people started having
problems connecting to our dial-in service for home terminal support.
The current system consists of a front-end box (made by Traqnet) and a
Cisco terminal server.

The problems seemed to be widespread but intermittent:

- Dropped connections
- Can't connect at 14.4 KB (drops back to 1200!)
- Can't connect at all

After some lengthy (and still ongoing) investigation, the problem
turned out to be that the time bases of three digital switches involved
are not in sync! The three are:

- The Rochester switch (run by US West)
- The IBM Rochester Local ROLM switch (local PBX)
- The NPN Switch (which connects IBM to the corp network run by Advantis,
Inc)

Comments from our local communications rep:

"I have been told that there are three national master clocks. Each
phone company must sync their digital switch with one of these master
clocks."

"U.S. West's switch is sync'd with a master, I don't know which."

"NPN's switch is sync'd with a master too, this may be the same master
that U.S. West is sync'ing to but, this is not important yet."

"Our ROLM switch is sync'd with NPN and cannot be changed."

BTW, the problem "seems" to be getting worse as time passes.

It would seem to me that this could become a widespread problem as
more DSS's are used. Is someone causes a master clock to become out of
step, then you could (potentially) disrupt communications over wide
areas.


Bob Oesterlin, IBM AS/400 Division, Dept 54T, Rochester MN 55901
[e-mail]  (IBM IPNET: [e-mail])  (507)-253-4528

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

From: [e-mail] (John R. Grout)
Subject: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access?
Date: 30 Mar 1994 17:19:23 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Reply-To: [e-mail]


Does the FCC permit _local_ call charges for calls to 950 exchanges or
to 800 LD numbers?  If so, which states/telcos do in fact allow/make
such charges (at telco-operated payphones, or on lines for which telco
makes a charge for each local call)?

I remember having to pay for such a call at a C & P-operated payphone
in Maryland ... so that might be one such state/telco combination.


John R. Grout            | INTERNET: [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally it is only the rip-off
private payphones (COCOTS) which have charges for 950 and 800. They
are not supposed to either, but they get away with it. I am surprised
it was at a C&P phone. Maybe there was a programming error.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (James H. Haynes)
Subject: History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T
Date: 30 Mar 1994 06:51:05 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz


There's some interesting stuff in the new book, "The Story of
Telecommunications" by George P. Oslin.  Oslin is the 93-year-old
former PR man for Western Union.  A lot of the following is quoted
from the book, slightly altered.

Theodore N. Vail was related to Alfred Vail, one of Morse's partners
and one of the most important inventors in early telegraphy.  Theodore
was a telegraph operator, got a job as a mail clerk on trains, and
improved mail handling so much that he was called to Washington in
1873 to improve the railway mail.  In 1876 he was appointed General
Superintendent of Railway Mails.  He quit to join the Bell Telephone
Company in 1878.  He was given charge of the territory within a
33-mile radius of New York.

An experimental office was used at the Holmes Burglar Alarm Company at
194 Broadway [note that Western Union headquarters, and later AT&T
headquarters was at 195 Broadway].

AT&T was incorporated in 1885 as a long-distance subsidiary of
American Bell, with Vail as president.  He resigned as president in
1887 because he was dissatisfied with the American Bell president and
directors declaring a dividend payment instead of plowing the profits
back into the company.

In 1907 AT&T was was in dangerous financial condition.  The bankers
asked Vail to return as president.  At first he refused, saying that
at sixty-two he was too old, but he had just sold a South American
transit development for $3 million, his wife and son had died, and he
needed to keep busy, so he accepted.

At the time Western Union had a near monopoly on the telegraph
business.  It was owned by Jay Gould and run by his man Thomas Eckert;
they ran the business for their own profit and left it in seedy
condition.  Vail in contrast stressed service, cultivated public
relations, was popular with the press for keeping the public informed.

In 1909 AT&T was rich enough and WU was poor enough that AT&T bought
control of WU and made Vail the president.  Goes on to tell how Vail
made over WU with redecorating offices and raising salaries.  AT&T
moved its headquarters into the WU building at 195 Broadway after a
$1.3 million improvement.  In 1913 the Justice Department complained
about the communications monopoly and AT&T agreed to divest WU.
Newcomb Carlton because president of WU and continued Vail's policies
there.  Vail resigned from AT&T because of ill health in 1919 and died
the following year.


[e-mail]  [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thanks for that great bit of history.
Most all readers of this Digest know that WUTCO and AT&T had a very
long history together over the years, but little tidbits such as yours
today are news to many folks. I also strongly recommend reading the
book by Oslin; you'll learn much about how things came to be as they
are. Without question, Ted Vail was the man who made AT&T what it is
today, or at least what it was for more than half a century.   PAT]

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

From: Todd Inch <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Pacific Bell Voice Mail Types
Date: Wed, 30 Mar 1994 09:48:43 PST


[e-mail] writes:

>> Also, do Telco's provide voicemail to customers with their own PABX?

> Possible but unwieldy.  The PABX would have to have additional trunks
> back to the CO where the Telco's VM box is.

>> If so, how are the calls routed to the Voicemail equipment? I take it
>> the Telco will have a centralized VoiceMail node, and will route (divert)

We have third party off-site voicemail (where each mailbox has it's
own real phone number but you can also select a different mailbox once
you're connected to the system) and use it in conjunction with our
PBX.

We use Centranet (GTE's brand name for "Centrex") to allow incoming
PBX calls to to be transferred to another number through the telco
(flash, dial number, hang up) without tying up our PBX phone lines.
We use this for forwarding to voicemail, to cell phones, and to our
recently split-off sister company.  Centranet also allows us to
forward our main number to the main voice mailbox after hours and
after the fourth ring.

Since we have an 800 number which rings in on our main number, this
works well for me to get my own voice mail from out of the area after
hours.  During business hours, I tell whoever answers in our office to
please transfer me to my voicemail after reading me any paper messages
first.

It really helps that we have system-wide speed dial numbers programmed
for each person's voicemail and the speed dial includes the required
"flash".  The only "kludge" is the PBX requires you to wait until it
has dialed the whole number before you hang up.  Fortunately the LCD
display shows the number as it is being dialed so you simply hang up
when you see all seven digits in the display.

Interestingly, when I call and voice mail answers, I never hear any
ringback tone -- I dial the number and almost immediately hear the
voice mail message.

I am looking into possibly getting our own in-house voicemail,
however, because (1) I think it would be cheaper than the service, and
(2) it would allow the message waiting lamps on the phone to light up,
and (3) an auto- attendant would allow fax/modem calls via our
existing 800 number and "inside" callers could bypass the receptionist
person with a backdoor number.

It's kinda silly -- we now get paper slips that say "check your
voicemail."

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

Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 12:11:50 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Bob Goudreau)
Subject: Re: Observations About Area Code Splits


[e-mail] (Linc Madison) writes:

> There are also some historical splits that look quite silly...
> In Massachusetts, 413 has fewer than one third the number of exchanges
> of either 617 or 508, and is one of the least populated NPAs.

Yes, but 413 and 617 were never split from one another at all; they
were both there from the start of the area code system.  In fact, I
remember an article in the Digest several years ago describing how 413
reportedly arrived a bit earlier than *that*, because a small region
in western MA was used by AT&T to prototype area codes, and 413 was
the code they tested it with.  Supposedly, that's how come such a
small and underpopulated region got one of the "best" area codes (by
using only 8 pulls, 413 is tied for sixth place for fewest-pulses-to-
dial), while Boston and the rest of MA ended up with 617.

That historical anomaly also explains why the original MA area code
boundary was drawn so far west, leaving 617 with two-thirds of the
land area and 80+% of the people in the state.  If things had been set
up more rationally, 413 probably should have extended at least as far
east as Worcester, and the need to split 617 (out of which 508 was
born in the late 1980s) could have been deferred for many years.


Bob Goudreau        Data General Corporation
[e-mail]    62 Alexander Drive
[phone]        Research Triangle Park, NC  27709, USA

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

Date: Tue, 29 Mar 94 12:46:15 EST
From: [e-mail] (Dave Niebuhr)
Subject: Re: Observations About Area Code Splits


In TELECOM Digest Volume 14 : Issue 153 [e-mail] (Linc
Madison) wrote:

> I was looking at David Esan's 1/15/94 NPA-NXX list and noticed quite a
> number of surprising numbers.  There were a couple of instances where
> I hope the answer is that a previously-effected split is not yet
> reflected in the number of exchanges shown for the old area code.  For
> example, 212 shows 639 exchanges, and 168 for 917.  I hope that the

Area code 917 is not a "true areacode" in the sense that it is restricted
to pagers, cell phones, and similar services, etc.

NYTel could have left the exchanges in 212/718 available and/or in use
after the overlay took affect.  What probably happened, and maybe
someone from NYTel/NYNEX who is more familiar with this could answer,
is that since there were available exchanges after the overlay, more
connections could be made for voice and data lines.

Or, Bellcore might not have deleted them from their V&H tapes.

I just can't see a company sitting around doing nothing with valuable
equipment.


Dave Niebuhr      Internet: [e-mail] (preferred)
                            [e-mail] / Bitnet: niebuhr@bnl
Senior Technical Specialist, Scientific Computing Facility
Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973  (516)-282-3093

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

Date: Wed, 30 Mar 1994 08:45:46 EST
From: [e-mail] (Danny Padwa)
Subject: Re: Observations About Area Code Splits


Not sure about cellulars, but the 212-vs-917 split is still proceding
in terms of pagers.  While "new" numbers have been allocated out of
917 for well over a year (at least I have one much older than a year),
we are still just entering the "permissive" period for the switchover
for some of our older pagers.

I expect (not sure) that the above mentioned cellular provider will
soon be getting a surprise from NYTel (oops ... NYNEX).


Danny

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

From: [e-mail] (Steven King, Software Archaeologist)
Subject: Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System
Date: 30 Mar 1994 16:49:16 GMT
Organization: Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group
Reply-To: [e-mail]


I asked some questions regarding the AT&T Cellular Privacy System.  Mr.
Arneke kindly responded and indicated that I could post his response to
the Digest.  Thanks for the info, guys!


  From: [e-mail] (David R Arneke)
  Date: 28 Mar 94 09:45:44 GMT
  Subject: Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System

Here is a more complete answer to your message of last week regarding
the AT&T Cellular Privacy System. This comes from our cellular privacy
product manager, Ben Bratcher (214 280-9410).

1.  Is the scrambling technology simple inversion?

No.  The scrambling algorithm uses split-band frequency inversion,
translation of the upper band's frequencies, frequency dispersion of
both bands, time compression of both bands and independent time
displacement of the individual bands.

The combinations are determined by a key generator driven by a common
key that is negotiated for each privacy activation by using a public
key technique.  This is the strongest scrambling algorithm available
for handheld, transportable and mobile cellular subscriber equipment.

2. Is the signaling channel scrambled?  How about the blank-and-burst
signal sent on the voice channel to change power level or to do a
handoff?

Neither the signalling channel nor the inband signalling are
scrambled.  The Advanced Cellular Privacy System scrambles only the
user's audio.  However, the system is designed to maintain all
functions of the cellular telephone system without degradation.

3.  Is the SAT tone affected?

No.  The common channel interface of the cellular network is not
affected by the cellular privacy system.

4.  How does the mobile recognize that it's in a scrambler-capable
system?  How does the base site recognize that a mobile has a
scrambler attached?  Does the mobile scrambling unit recognize when
the mobile is roaming into an incompatible system and turn itself off?

The mobile system when activated sends a signal to the switch that
includes its part of the public key.  If the switch is scrambler-
capable and the user's electronic serial number (ESN) relates to a
privacy class of service mark, the switch will respond with its part
of the public key and privacy is established.  If there is no response
from the switch, the mobile system will return a fast busy, alerting
the user that privacy is not available and preventing communication
until the user releases the privacy request, indicating that
clear-only operation is acceptable.

The Mobile Switching Equipment (MSE) will first recognize that a user
has a privacy class of service from the relation of the ESN and the
home or visitor location register.  This causes the MSE to route the
call to the MSE-based scrambler equipment.  The MTSO Privacy Unit
(MSE-based scrambler equipment) then recognizes the initial signal
from the mobile subscriber and returns the confirmation.

If a user is roaming in a non-privacy capable system and tried to
initiate privacy, the mobile unit will not enter the privacy mode and
will alert the user.  If the mobile unit is operating in the privacy
mode and enters a non-privacy capable sysyem, the mobile unit also
will alert the user.  Every three seconds the mobile scrambler and the
switch scrambler exchange information.  After five failures (allowing
time for tunnels and fades), the mobile scrambler will return a fast
busy call and block communication.  The user can then choose to return
to clear mode.

5. Is the MTSO scrambler unit part of the base site or the switch?  If
it's part of the base site, can a scrambled call be handed off into a
cell with no scrambler unit attached?

The MTSO scrambler unit is attached to the MSE and therefore is always
available to cell sites associated with the MSE.  Through networking,
a MSE unit can continue privacy service as the mobile transits between
MTSOs.

6.  If there are no MTSO scrambler units available, does the
subscriber get any indication that the call is being sent in teh clear
rather than scrambled?

Yes, as described above.

7.  What is Ameritech charging for the service?

Confirm this number with Ameritech, but I believe it's $14 per month.

Thanks again for writing.  Feel free to pass this on to Telecom Digest
or anyone else who might be interested.


David Arneke
Media Relations Manager
AT&T Secure Communications Systems
[e-mail] (!darneke on AT&T Mail)

                       ===================

Steven King <[e-mail]> -- Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group

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

From: [e-mail] (David Hough)
Subject: Re: Voice and Data Through PBX
Date: Wed, 30 Mar 1994 09:03:52 +0000


In article <[e-mail]> Thomas Humphreys <trans-
[e-mail]> writes:

> I have asked the question "Would you recommend running both voice and
> data (LAN) traffic through a PBX?" of 11 individuals. 4 said yes, 7
> said no.

> I am interested in what the readers of this newsgroup think about this
> issue.

I have to admit to some bias, because the company I work for is
developing a PABX which will do just this, as well as other features.

<hype on>

Basically, the intention is that the PABX is connected to the LAN and
can accept instructions from a PC on the LAN to dial numbers, answer
calls etc.  This allows you to use Windoze to pop up a phone directory
and click on a number to dial. The PC tells the PABX, the PABX dials
the number and kicks your keyphone into life in handsfree mode. When
the other end answers you can either pick up the phone handset or talk
handsfree. It doesn't take much of a leap from this to be able to
select a file and a destination and have the PC request the PABX to
set up an external data connection to the destination and transfer the
file. Even dial-on-demand routeing of individual network packets is
possible. Other options include the facility for a remote user using
ISDN to dial in and appear as an ethernet address on your LAN (CLI can
help with security here), which is ideal for the sales force who might
not have to visit the office quite so much.

<hype off>

No we can't do all of that yet, but it is coming! It is about time the
telephone was properly integrated with everything else. After all,
digitized speech is only another 64kb data stream -- it has to be
switched the same as all other data streams.


Dave
G4WRW @ GB7WRW.#41.GBR.EU AX25
[e-mail]  Internet
[e-mail]      Amprnet

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

From: [e-mail] (James Slupsky)
Subject: Re: Voice and Data Through PBX
Organization: Alberta PWSS Telecom
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 21:12:57 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Thomas Humphreys <trans-
[e-mail]> writes:

> I have asked the question "Would you recommend running both voice and
> data (LAN) traffic through a PBX?" of 11 individuals. 4 said yes, 7
> said no.

> I am interested in what the readers of this newsgroup think about this
> issue.

In my opinion, there are much better products available for switching
LAN traffic than a PBX.  For voice, a PBX works great; for switched
data, a PBX also works great (although in some cases, a packet network
would be better).  But for LAN data, existing LAN networking
hardware/software costs less and is more mature.

If you desire to connect two lans, then ISDN links through a PBX may
also be an option.


Regards,

James Slupsky   [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #155
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa10878;
          1 Apr 94 13:38 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA20188; Fri, 1 Apr 94 09:22:10 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA20179; Fri, 1 Apr 94 09:22:08 CST
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 09:22:08 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #156

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Apr 94 09:22:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 156

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    ISDN in Texas? Your Input is Requested, Please ([e-mail])
    Canada Direct to European Customers - Why Not Possible? (Francois Dufresne)
    Anyone Attending the APCC Show? ([e-mail])
    RS-423/RS-422/RS-232 on a DB-25 Connector (Robert Inch Jr)
    UC Berkeley Short Courses on SONET/ATM and Wireless Networking (H. Stern)
    Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (David S. Greenberg)
    Where Can I Find A Copy of Mosaic? (Ellis Claggett)
    Telemarketing Systems - Need Help/Suggestions ([e-mail])
    Address of 'Planet Connect' Needed (Christian Ekhart)
    Wireless Standards: GSM, UPT, UMTS, and FPLMTS (Kimberly Kirlin)
    Privacy on Rolm Switch (Chris Michael)
    Hacking != Fraud (was Re: Cellular Phone Hacking) (Nick Sayer)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 09:01:58 CST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: ISDN in Texas? Your Input is Requested, Please


            PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS
REQUESTS COMMENTS ON INTEGRATED SERVICES DIGITAL NETWORK (ISDN)

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (the Commission) has
established a project (Project No. 12756) to examine Integrated
Services Digital Network (ISDN) issues.  The Commission seeks comments
from interested parties in response to the following questions.  If
your answers would differ depending upon time-frame considerations,
please provide answers for each time-frame.  Parties are requested to
organize their comments to address the specific questions asked in the
order asked and are encouraged to include an executive summary
emphasizing the main points of their comments to each question.

Comments (13 paper copies) should contain a reference to Project No.
12756 and should be submitted to John M. Renfrow, Secretary of the
Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 7800 Shoal Creek
Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78757, no later than April 30, 1994.

Informal comments may be sent to Ms. Pam Whittington at the Commission
via e-mail addressed to:

          [e-mail]

Or you may call her at [phone].

1. To which local exchange carriers (LECs) should a rule on ISDN
apply?  Why?

2. Should ISDN-based services be considered to be a replacement of or
successor for "plain old telephone service"?  Why?

3. Should all Texas customers and customer classes have access to
ISDN?  Why?  If not, why not?  What policies should be adopted by the
Commission regarding customer access to ISDN?  Why?

4. What are the policies which the Commission should adopt regarding
the determination of costs and the pricing of ISDN and ISDN-based
services?  Explain why. Provide detailed cost information for each
position if available.

5. Should the manner in which ISDN is deployed affect the price?  How?

6. Should the Commission grant regulatory incentives, penalties, or
flexibility in exchange for a LEC's provision of ISDN?  Why?  If yes,
describe the incentives, penalties, or flexibility.

7. Does the Commission have jurisdiction to compel the provision of
ISDN?  Why?  Explain the legal basis for your position.

8. Should the LECs be required to provide ISDN services in a manner
that is conducive to competition in the provision of ISDN?  Why?  If
so, how?

9. What policies should the Commission adopt regarding the deployment
of ISDN?  Should the Commission directly mandate deployment, require
deployment to be driven by customer demand, or require deployment in
some other manner?  Why?  Describe in detail how.

10. Describe in detail how these policies regarding deployment should
be implemented and enforced.

11. If customer driven demand deployment was ordered by the Commission,
should the trigger for deployment be thirty customer requests for ISDN
per central office?  Why?  If not, why not, and provide evidence to
support your position.  If thirty requests is not the appropriate
number, explain what is.

12. Should LEC compliance with deployment requirements be monitored on
a periodic basis by the Commission?  If so, explain in detail how and
why.

13. What are the appropriate time frames for completion of deployment
of ISDN in a LEC's service territory and in the entire state respectively?
Why?

14. What are the technological options of the LECs with respect to the
system upgrades necessary to deploy ISDN within their service areas?
Explain in detail how the costs should be determined and reported to
the Commission.

15. Are there any other policies, aspects, technical characteristics,
costs, or obstacles (e.g. switch architecture, software, or SS7)
regarding deployment that the Commission should consider?  If yes,
list and describe each and explain why.  Provide detailed cost
information for each item if available.


16. What policies regarding ISDN standards should be adopted by the
Commission?  Why?

17. To what standards (e.g. National ISDN, ITU-T standards, etc.)
should the Commission require ISDN be deployed and provided?  Why?

18. What specific service capabilities (e.g. bearer services,
teleservices, supplementary services, etc.) should be required to be
provided to customers?  Why?

19. How should the policies regarding ISDN be implemented by the
Commission?  Why?  If tariff filings were required, what should they
contain?  Why?

20. What end-user applications (e.g. telemedicine, distance learning,
telecommuting, and video conferencing) using ISDN are available?  Will
these applications be available using technology other than ISDN?
Should the Commission consider this in its rulemaking?  Why?

21. Does Texas need ISDN to compete with other states?  Why?

22. Would the widespread availability of ISDN have a beneficial impact
(e.g., through telecommuting, video conferencing, etc.) on Texas'
compliance with the Clean Air Act?  Explain how.

23. Are there any other aspects or characteristics of providing ISDN
that should be considered by the Commission?  If yes, describe each
and explain why.

Parties interested in providing additional comments are welcome to do
so.  The Commission also welcomes data and documentation supporting
the parties' comments.  General Counsel and staff will review the
comments and use them in preparing a recommendation to the Commission.

Comments (13 paper copies) should contain a reference to Project No.
12756 and should be submitted to John M. Renfrow, Secretary of the
Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 7800 Shoal Creek
Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78757, by April 30, 1994.

Informal comments may be sent to Ms. Pam Whittington at the Commission
via e-mail addressed to:

          [e-mail]

Or you may call her at  [phone].

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

From: [e-mail] (Francois Dufresne)
Subject: Canada Direct to European Customers - Why Not Possible?
Date: 31 Mar 1994 13:42:47 GMT
Organization: Cypherpunks


Hi there!

Does anyone know why Teleglobe Canada can not offer the service Canada
Direct to European customers? Are there legal reasons?  Agreements
with other countries? Is it because it belongs to Bell Canada?

I would be very interested to have access to this service since their
rates are much better than those of the Swiss PTT.

Thanks in advance.


Francois Dufresne
Ecole des HEC, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
e-mail: [e-mail]
tel.: [phone]    apres/after: 1994.04.05 : 41.21/692.33.74
fax : [phone]                              41.21/692.33.05

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Anyone Attending the APCC Show?
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 23:05:56 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


Is anyone out there going to the APCC show in Vegas?

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

From: [e-mail] (Robert Inch Jr)
Subject: RS-423/RS-422/RS-232 on a DB-25 Connector
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 04:32:22 GMT


Here at work, we have a sparc 1, and an hp laserjet 4. The sparc
manual says it uses rs-423 to talk to printers on the serial line, and
the hp has rs-232 and rs-422, both using db-25 connectors (the sparc
and the printer). When I print I get 22 error message which means
protocol confusion. So, I think it is true that rs-423 and rs-422
could not talk since rs-422 uses balanced send and receive lines or
whatever (send and send-inverse), but rs-423 I think uses equivelant
or one to one matchable lines. So, my questions is what is the pin
layout for rs-423 over a db-25 coming out of a sparc, and can I
connect it to the printer as if it were rs-232?

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: UC Berkeley Short Courses on SONET/ATM and Wireless Networking
Date: 31 Mar 1994 01:52:53 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley


U.C. Berkeley
Continuing Education in Engineering
Announces 3 Short Courses on
Communications Technology

SONET/ATM-BASED BROADBAND NETWORKS: Systems,
Architectures and Designs
(April 18-19, 1994)

It is widely accepted that future broadband networks will be based on
the SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) standards and the ATM
(Asynchronous transfer Mode) technique.  This course is an in-depth
examination of the fundamental concepts and the implementation issues
for development of future high-speed networks.  Topics include:
Broadband ISDN Transfer Protocol, high speed computer/network
interface (HiPPI), ATM switch architectures, ATM network
congestion/flow control, VLSI designs in SONET/ATM networks.

Lecturer: H. Jonathan Chao, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Brooklyn
Polytechnic University.  Dr. Chao holds more than a dozen patents and
has authored over 40 technical publications in the areas of ATM
switches, high-speed computer communications, and congestion/flow
control in ATM networks.

GIGABIT/SEC DATA AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS:
Internetworking, Signaling and Network Management
(April 20-21, 1994)

This short course aims to provide a general understanding of the key
issues needed to design and implement gigabit local and wide area
networks.  The topics are designed to compliment those covered in the
SONET/ATM-Based Broadband Networks course (above).  Topics include:
technology drivers, data protocols, signaling, network management,
internetworking and applications.  Specific issues addressed include
TCP/IP on ATM networks, design of high performance network interfaces,
internetworking ATM networks with other network types, and techniques
for transporting video over gigabit networks.

Lecturer:  William E. Stephens, Ph.D., Director, High-Speed Switching
and Storage Technology Group, Applied Research, Bellcore.  Dr.
Stephens has over 40 publications and one patent in the field of optical
communications.  He has served on several technical program committees,
including IEEE GLOBECOM and the IEEE Electronic Components
Technology Conference, and has served as Guest Editor for the IEEE
Journal on Selected Areas in Communications.

PERSONAL (WIRELESS) COMMUNICATION NETWORKS:  Cellular
Systems, Wireless Data Networks, and Broadband Wireless Access
(April 20-22, 1994)

This comprehensive course focuses on principles, technologies, system
architectures, standards, equipment, implementation, public policy,
and evolving trends in wireless networks.  Topics include: modulation,
coding, and signal processing; first generation systems; second
generation systems; broadband networks; third generation systems; and
applications and technology trends.  This course is intended for
engineers who are currently active or anticipate future involvement in
this field.

Lecturer: Anthony S. Acampora, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical
Engineering, Columbia University.  He is Director, Center for
Telecommunications Research. He became a professor following a 20 year
career at AT&T Bell Laboratories, is an IEEE Fellow, and is a former
member of the IEEE Communications Society Board of Governors.


For more information (complete course descriptions, outlines, instructor
bios, etc.) contact:

Harvey Stern
U.C. Berkeley Extension/Southbay
800 El Camino Real Ste. 150
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (David S. Greenberg)
Subject: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!
Date: 31 Mar 1994 09:48:27 -0600


Hi all, just thought I'd let everyone out there know that I just
received in my daily pile of junk mail yet another company (which
shall be named shortly ...) which has decided that they have the right
to sell ****YOUR**** name and address AND PHONE NUMBER on CD ROM!  Not
only are they doing this for your home, but also for businesses as
well!  They pull no punches and have an ad which has several
subheadings: "The Hook", "The Line", "The Sell", "The Close" -- they
designed the paperwasting junk mail flyer for resellers. At any rate,
I called to protest this unlicensed and unwanted use of my name/address
and was told by the wonderful person I spoke to (after being forced to
wait on hold with a joyful voice mail system for several tortous
minutes) that "she'd certainly pass my request along".

All I've got to say is that they'll be getting a FAX from me shortly
and from my lawyers as well.  I'd encourage EVERYONE out there reading
this to call and protest this as well -- let your friends know and
have them call as well.

If you recall, the only reason that Lotus dropped their moronic
Household CDROM was because they received 20,000 letters/calls
requesting removal from the database.  Lotus LEARNED THE HARD WAY HOW
TO ALIENATE YOUR CUSTOMER BASE -- MAYBE THIS COMPANY NEEDS A GOOD KICK
IN THE *&*(& AS WELL...

CAll and let them know just how you feel about this sort of crapola:

ProCD, Inc.
8 Doaks Lane, Little Harbor
Marblehead, MA  01945-9866

1-800-992-3766  (800-99-CD-ROM)

FAX: [phone]

For DOS machines only ... worst of all, this product allows UNLIMITED
downloading/searching of the database -- no metering, no extra fees so
it encourages people to use it (or abuse it...).

CALL NOW! Protect your right to privacy!  Stop the abuse!


Microcomputer Support Specialist, Student Residential Programs, WIU,
Macomb, IL  61455 Internet: [e-mail], [e-mail]
GEnie: GREENY (once a month, Internet's preferred)
AOL: [e-mail] (really infrequently....use the internet!)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The thing is, they *do* have the right
to see compiled listings -- as did Lotus or as does anyone else -- if they
wish to do so. If a telephone book containing alphabetical listings is
not illegal then neither is a consolidated listing of several telephone
books made into one. Neither is the same thing when the medium happens
to be CD Rom. Lotus decided it was in their best business interests to
discontinue the sale of the product when sufficient numbers of people who
expressed interest in all their products were angered by this. I think
what you will find in this case however is that the company in question
is merely a list seller. They specialize in lists for other companies to
purchase, and they are not going to be impressed very much one way or
the other by consumers, per se. Lists like this in all sorts of formats
(both alphabetical by name and numerically by street address and/or phone
number) have been compiled for over half a century. Haines of Cleveland,
Ohio and R.L. Polk of Detroit were the pioneers at this, starting back
in the 1920's. All of a sudden because the medium has changed (from great
big hardover books with several thousand pages each in several volumes)
to CD Rom the complaints become more vocal. Why? Is it because the ease
and availability in obtaining the information has become greater?  PAT]

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

From: Ellis Claggett <[e-mail]>
Subject: Where Can I Find A Copy of Mosaic?
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 09:14:00 PST


Hello,

I recently heard of a product called Mosaic which acts as a front end
for Internet access.  Could some one provide me additional information
on this product an where I might locate a copy on the internet.  Your
help will greatly appreciated.


Ellis R. Claggett   The Travelers  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Telemarketing Systems - Need Help/Suggestions
Date: 31 Mar 1994 00:49:03 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


I am trying to put together a telemarketing function for a small
start-up software firm.  To facilitate this I am looking for any
information I can on software to support the telemarketing function by
doing things such as: tracking phone calls, tracking customer leads
(including automatic "tickler" call reminders), interfacing with an
email system to alert other parts of the organization of customer
issues that might be of concern to them (e.g.  reporting a bug to
engineering), etc ...

Does anyone have any thoughts on what systems might do this and where
I could get info.  Also can anyone recommend any journals that I might
peruse to get a better handle on these products.

Thanks in advance. I can be reached directly at [e-mail].


Marc

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

From: [e-mail] (Christian Ekhart)
Subject: Address of 'Planet Connect' Needed
Date: 31 Mar 1994 12:16:41 GMT
Organization: Graz University of Technology, Austria


Hi,

I need the address and fax number of a company called Planet Connect.
They offer direct satellite uplinks at data rates of 19.2 kbit/s for
about $500/month.

Is that correct and is this possible with connects Europe-USA? This
would be very cheap leased lines. One idea (grin) would be to link
this line to the US-phone system (whereas only 9.6 kbit/s would be
needed for compressed voice data) and to obtain that way an
US-phone-line routed to Europe ;-)

Are there any other providers for reasonably priced direct satellite
uplinks.


Thank you!

Christian Ekhart
University of Technology            voice: [phone]
Department of Organic Chemistry     fax:   [phone]
Stremayrgasse 16, 8010 Graz         email: [e-mail]
Austria - Europe                    fidoNet: 2:316/3.0, DTP-Mailbox

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 13:09:54 -0600
From: Kimberly Kirlin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wireless Standards: GSM, UPT, UMTS, & FPLMTS
Organization: Texas Metronet, Internet for the Individual  214-705-2917 (info)


These are statements that I have taken from articles about GSM (Global
Systems for Mobile Communications) in telecom trade journals:

"... no one yet knows how first generation digital will mesh or evolve
into PCS/PCN or from there into wideband FPLMTS or UMTS."

GSM Phase 2 will provide for the "integration of GSM in UPT to make
provision for UPT subscribers and services through GSM networks and vise
versa."

In fact in many articles there is reference to the eventual evolution
of second generation digital cellular into UPT or UMTS or FPLMTS.

FPLMTS - Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunications Systems (I think);
UMTS - Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems;
UPT - Universal Personal Telecommunications.

My QUESTION is:  What is the difference between UPT, UMTS, and FPLMTS?

 From what I have read they all refer to having a personal number
which is unique to each subscriber, which can be registered on any
terminal on any network, fixed or mobile.

And what makes these technologies so different from what GSM is trying
to accomplish with the use of a SIM card?

Any input to this debate is greatly appreciated!


Kim Kirlin   University of Colorado
Telecommunications Program  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Chris Michael)
Subject: Privacy on Rolm switch
Date: 31 Mar 94 23:18:20 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL  USA
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Chris Michael)


My company has a Rolm 8000 (9000?) (something) switch.  It's configured
so that certain supervisors can monitor conversations on certain exten-
sions by hitting the right key on their phone.  This is all above
board and well understood by everyone.

There is a persistent rumor, however, that these people can monitor
*all* conversations.  The person who manages the switch believes this
to be true, although she's never configured anything like that.  The
Rolm service people say it can't be done.

Is it possible?  If it were, could it be hidden from the switch console?


christopher michael, george s. may international, 708-825-8806 x 395


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Persons with the ability to monitor the
calls can probably do it on all extensions except that possibly there is
some class of service higher than theirs and they are unable to monitor
the extensions 'above them' in class of service. But if they can monitor
anyone in class of service 'below them' then they can monitor all such
lines. I've seen that feature on a couple of Rolm systems.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 16:47:26 -0800
From: Nick Sayer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Hacking != Fraud (was Re: Cellular Phone Hacking)


Might I interject at this point to mention that EVERYONE in this
thread so far has mis-used the term 'hacking'? Until I saw the
reference to cloning phones, I thought the original poster might have
wanted tips on NAM programming his phone to roam differently, or
perhaps to do any of the other things that are perfectly legitimate
ways to alter the behavior of ones phone that have nothing at all to
do with fraud of any sort.

The term has, unfortunately, been hijacked and now those of us who
hack (traditional definition) are left linguistically orphaned by the
prevalance of the incorrect definition.


Nick Sayer <[e-mail]>   N6QQQ @ N0ARY.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NOAM
[phone], log in as 'guest'  PGP 2.2 key and geek code via finger


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Programming the NAM in a phone is not
the same thing as duplicating the ESN. The only people who have permission
to install, record, or change an ESN are the manufacturers of cell phones.
Everyone else, keep away!  That's the law.  You are correct about how
the words 'hacker' and 'hacking' have been confiscated. It reminds me
of the word 'gay' and how traditionally it always meant happy, cheerful
or merry. Now if the word is used, it is always taken to refer to persons
who are, well, gay ... times change and so do definitions of words.   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #156
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa11413;
          1 Apr 94 14:51 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA22060; Fri, 1 Apr 94 10:32:03 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA22051; Fri, 1 Apr 94 10:32:01 CST
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 10:32:01 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #157

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Apr 94 10:32:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 157

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    April NPA Report (David Esan)
    Mexican Audiotext ("Dial 900") ([e-mail])
    911 Chatline (Richard Baum)
    Extended 911 and Cellular Phones (Dan Leifker)
    Is 800 Really Portable Yet? (Dave Leibold)
    900 and Other Premium Numbers (was Pager Scam) (Atri Indiresan)
    976, 540 Services (John R. Levine)
    AccessLine and 700 Service Information Wanted (Marita Anne O'Brien)
    USRobotics Email Address Wanted (Ralph Spitzner)
    Ethernet via Cable TV (John Biederstedt)
    STAR*Telecom Dialback Experiences Wanted (Daniel Winkowski)
    Getting Wired: Leased Line vs. Dial-up For 14.4kps Data Comm (P. Rukavina)
    Satellite/Mobile Data Applications (Carl Silva)
    Voice and Data Simultaneously Over Modem? (Tom W. Tomlinson)
    FAX Mailbox Services (Lars Nohling)
    New Area Codes List Wanted (David Winters)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (David Esan)
Subject: April NPA Report
Date: 31 Mar 94 20:24:00 GMT
Organization: Moscom Corporation, Pittsford NY


This is my quarterly report on the number of exchanges in each NPA in
the NANP.  It is derived from information in FCC #10.  This is article
#13 in the series.

FCC #10 is a tariff issued by BellCore that contains all the area
codes, exchange combinations in the North American Numbering Plan
(NANP).  It also contains lata information and V&H coordinate
information.  There is a lot of additional information that I don't
use, so I won't add here.  It is available through a number of
sources.  The one closest to the FCC is ITS, which can be contacted at
202-857-3800.  My company compiles this information for use in its
products and does not seem to be interested in selling this
information.  Queries are still flowing through the bureaucracy.

I have used pages that are effective prior to April 21, 1994.  I am
not responsible for the information supplied in FCC #10.

I have not included the following in my counts of exchanges:

- NXX's that are not dialable by a standard user (ie nxx's that begin
with a 1 or 0).

- Mexican exchanges in the 52? series of area codes.  I've got them,
you can dial them with 011, but they're not really NPAs.

- Exchanges that are non-dialable in the 88? series of area codes.  I've
got those also, but you can't dial them, so I'm not including them.

Numbers that begin with 88 are nondialable stations in the US, Canada and
Mexico.  They are ranches in the middle of the Nevada or Texas desert,
or isolated outpost of civilization (always wanted to use that phrase) in
the tundra of Canada.  I find place names like the Bar J Ranch, Double B
Ranch, and JD Dye, Texas, Amargosa, Corncreek and Reese Valley, NV, and
Chick Lake, Redknife and Taglu, NT.  I gather they are ringdown stations,
or radio-telephone stations.  [It has been noted in c.d.t. that at least
two of these numbers are for a bordello on the NV-CA border.]

The fields are:
                        ------------ rank last in January, 1994
          213: 736 (1, 7)
  area code --^^^  ^^^     ^------- number of new exchanges
                    |-------------- total number of exchanges

919: 731 ( 1,  8)  206: 699 ( 6, 17)    212: 638 (11,  0)   813: 615 (19, 13)
313: 731 ( 2,  9)  708: 696 ( 8, 11)    303: 625 (17, 24)   803: 609 (15,  7)
205: 729 ( 3, 13)  602: 691 ( 7, 15)    403: 619 (13,  2)   503: 608 (18, 11)
215: 710 ( 5, 14)  713: 670 ( 9,  7)    615: 617 (16, 16)   216: 606 (14,  2)
416: 707 ( 4,  8)  703: 655 (10, 10)    604: 617 (12,  0)   404: 601 (20, 11)


1. 919 - split is in progress.  Number should be reduced by split.
2. 313 - split is in progress.  Number should be reduced by split.
3. 205 - split is planned.  Number should be reduced by split.
4. 215 - split is in progress.  Number should be reduced by split.
5. 416 - split is in progress.  Number should be reduced by split.
6. 206 - split is planned.  Number should be reduced by split.
7. 708 - split is planned.  Number should be reduced by split.
8. 602 - split is planned.  Number should be reduced by split.
9. 713 - split is planned.  Number should be reduced by split.

Note: The Los Angeles Area (213/818/310) area will receive an overlay area
      code.  While none of these NPAs are in the top 20 (they are 64/47/32),
      this is an area of rapid telephone growth.

->  The NPA that is largest and is not splitting nor has plans, at this time,
    to split, is 703.

->   The 3 smallest NPA's were 302, 906, 807.  They are now:

      302: 134 - Delaware (+2 exchanges)
      906: 117 - Michigan's Upper Peninsula (no change)
      807: 107 - Western Ontario (+1 exchange)

->   The NPAs with the greatest growth rates are:

     NPA   % growth

         512     4.91
         917     4.76
         417     4.21
         310     4.02
         303     3.99
         617     3.91
         813     3.89
         719     3.80
         610     3.79
         213     3.63

->   The 10 NPAs with the least growth rates are:

     NPA   % growth
         806    -.76
         718    -.39
         212      0
         217      0
         309      0
         410      0
         418      0
         506      0
         515      0
         519      0

Just for grins:

   The most used NXX (not counting 555) is 754 used in 118 npas.

   The least used are:
        211 and 311 used only in 212,
    900 used in 213,
    950 used only in 716 (my NPA),
    and 959 used only in 808.

All the NPAs and the number of nxx's in each are listed below:

919: 731  214: 595  201: 472  213: 400    912: 360  819: 317  709: 264
313: 731  612: 592  412: 466  316: 396    810: 359  918: 310  509: 263
205: 729  314: 588  913: 460  704: 392    519: 359  613: 309  806: 261
215: 710  809: 577  306: 458  219: 390    204: 358  909: 308  608: 260
416: 707  501: 575  818: 455  910: 385    207: 357  706: 308  603: 251
206: 699  203: 573  407: 454  801: 383    304: 351  218: 303  901: 250
708: 696  904: 571  210: 454  914: 382    419: 347  610: 301  417: 223
602: 691  619: 562  617: 452  406: 382    319: 346  808: 300  308: 217
713: 670  817: 550  614: 452  504: 380    618: 345  202: 299  707: 206
703: 655  405: 546  415: 443  502: 380    517: 344  606: 292  719: 191
212: 638  310: 544  410: 441  908: 376    505: 343  903: 291  506: 186
303: 625  804: 542  515: 440  301: 376    702: 337  712: 289  802: 183
403: 619  717: 525  601: 439  510: 375    805: 335  812: 288  307: 182
615: 617  312: 521  402: 428  217: 375    915: 324  518: 281  607: 180
604: 617  414: 517  714: 426  418: 370    409: 323  507: 281  917: 176
813: 615  514: 510  516: 426  701: 367    815: 322  902: 279  401: 149
803: 609  718: 506  508: 419  408: 366    715: 321  705: 275  413: 136
503: 608  816: 496  716: 415  605: 365    208: 320  315: 273  302: 136
216: 606  513: 488  907: 414  318: 364    609: 319  814: 271  906: 117
404: 601  317: 486  616: 410  512: 363    905: 318  309: 268  807: 107
305: 596  916: 475  209: 402


David Esan      [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Mexican Audiotext ("Dial 900")
Date: 1 Apr 1994 14:38:06 GMT
Organization: Lynn-Arthur Associates, Ann Arbor, MI
Reply-To: [e-mail]


Telefonos de Mexico is offering an audio text product much like our
dial 900 services in the U.S. It is dialed within Mexico by dialing
91-801 xxxxx. The cost is whatever specific service cost associated
with the dialed phone number plus the cost from the caller to Mexico
City.

If your business in Mexico has not prohibited calls from your PBX, you
should consider blocking this number. As in the U.S., your
business/hotel/etc. cannot reliably determine the cost of a call
before you are billed by Telmex. As a result, you are likely to be out
some money.

We provide businesses in Mexico with call pricing data and call
rating software. Our software will rate calls from any place in
Mexico to anyplace in the world. We cover local, national, and
international calling using a full V&H database.

We can also provide Mexican private rating data for those who need it.


Carl A. Wright       Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc.   [phone]
[e-mail]         Operations Support Systems     [phone] (fax)
2350 Green Road      Suite 160                      Ann Arbor, MI, 48105 USA

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

Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 09:01:56 -0500
From: Richard Baum <[e-mail]>
Subject: 911 Chatline


New service to pay for cost of enhanced 911
Date: Fri, 1 APR 94 8:20:19 EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Century Communications announced today plans for an
exciting new 900 service, with profits to go to help defray the cost
of installing and maintaining enhanced 911 service across the country.
Called, 'The 911 Chatline,' it allows callers to choose an area of the
country, and to listen to 911 emergency calls from it.

When asked what prompted this unusual foray into the 900 business,
Century spokeswoman Fawn Lebowitz said, "In recent years we've seen a
dramatic increase in the popularity of reality-based television
shows. The 911 Chatline allows callers to experience real-life drama
while it is going on, all from the comfort of their own home."

While listening to the emergency calls going through, callers to the
Chatline have a number of options. They can listen to just the 911
calls for the area they select, switch their call to a different area,
or, probably the most interesting option, connect their call to the
'911 Chatline' to discuss the details of the emergencies with each
other as they happen, and before the police have even arrived!

Thanks to new voice recognition software from AT&T, callers do not
even need a touch tone telephone in order to use the service. They can
choose which 911 center to listen to simply by saying the area code
and city that they are interested in listening to calls from. Calls
are directed to the 911 center nearest this location.

As 911 centers sign up to recieve their share of the profits, they are
connected to the Chatline network.  Century says it has already wired
up over 50 centers, and that it has coverage in most major
metropolitan areas. They plan to have the whole nation wired by April,
1995.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Probably by April 1, 1995 ... Readers,
take care and think it over before writing me in response to this one.
I guess by now everyone has heard about the infamous magazine article
this past week which talked about new FCC regulations which '...ban
speeding on on the Information Highway or driving on it while under
the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquors ... and which ban any
discussion of sexual matters using networks connected to the Information
Highway ...' A reference number was given and there have actually been
a large number of angry calls to Senators and others in Washington, DC.
April 1 always brings these things to the net.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dan Leifker)
Subject: Extended 911 and Cellular Phones
Date: 1 Apr 1994 13:51:56 GMT
Organization: self


A twist to a recent thread on 911 over cellular phones...

I am trying to gather information on the use of so-called "extended"
911 over cellular phones (e.g., the 911 provider can automatically
zero in and locate the caller's location).  This is relatively
straightforward for fixed-address phone numbers, but with nomadic
telephony it becomes more complicated.

What is the state of the art in this area?  Can anyone point me to
resources that might discuss the technical, legal, and management
aspects of this problem?

Random thoughts and musings would also be appreciated.  Thanks.


Dan Leifker   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Leibold)
Date: 31 Mar 94 00:38:40 -0500
Subject: Is 800 ReallP portablY yet?
Organization: FidoNet


I just received a "New Releases" flyer from Bellcore, and one of the
publications listed was a "Special Access Codes 800/900 NXX
Assignments" (SR-OPT-001843) dated Dec. 1993. For USD$40, one can get
the NXX assignments for 800 and 900 special access codes in North
America. The thing is, there was supposed to be a cutover to
"portable" 800 service last year which rendered the idea of 800 NXX
assignments to carriers meaningless. Canada should also have 800
portability by now (as of January from my latest news).

Does this mean there are still some carrier NXX assignments for 800,
or at least 900 service?

Tangent: a recent ad for a company just outside Toronto listed its
regular number as (905) 819.wxyz while its toll-free number was (800)
819.wxyz, the seven digit components being identical.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: After portability started, I do not think
all the numbers were just tossed in a big pot for everyone to pick from.
I think they were left with the carriers which had them all along but the
earlier prohibition against moving them was dropped. If you, for example,
want a certain 800 number and it is found to be inactive and available,
you go to your carrier of choice and ask for it. They in turn check the
database and find that the number is in the custody of carrier X, where
it always had been prior to portability. Your carrier has to then go to
carrier X and ask to have the number released to them, and carrier X cannot
frivilously refuse to comply. Now if you have existing service with
carrier X and you want to move it to another company, then you have to
sign a standard form all the carriers seem to be using which authorizes
the change. And it must be properly filled out. AT&T for one has been very
stubborn about cooperating with portability. Whenever the form is sent to
them, they always refuse to accept it the first (and usually second or
third) time around, claiming it has been filled out incorrectly. They claim
they can only work with the signature of the president of the corporation,
for example, even if he has nothing to do with the phone service at all.
Then they challenge the signature and claim it must have been signed by
someone else fraudulently; etc. The carrier losing the account is given
72 hours after each time the form reaches them to challenge it, contact
the customer themselves and eventually give over the number or refuse to
do so (without additional 'verification'). In summary, if you try to get
a *working* 800 number away from AT&T, it is not easy.

When it comes to 'good' numbers (i.e. they spell words or end in x000
or some other desirable combination) which are idle from AT&T, then AT&T
always claims the number is 'reserved' for a pending customer. They never
can produce the name of the so-called customer of course, and although
reservations are theoretically only good for sixty days (at which point
a carrier has to make it available without further hassles) AT&T keeps
on renewing the reservations on the numbers they want. Protest all you
like, it does not matter. The big three carriers seems to have an unwritten
rule which says you keep out of our pool of 'good' numbers, and we won't
raid your pool of 'good' numbers where idle numbers are concerned. That
is, if you as a potential customer see that a number is idle and ask your
carrier for it, chances are likely they will try hard to avoid bucking
AT&T to get it ... of course as an existing customer you can change your
800 away to wherever you want -- they can't give you any bull about the
number 'is not available, it is reserved by another customer' -- but
AT&T will insist that the president of your company sign off on it and
even then they will stall. So although portability is the law, it will
only work as it should when the FCC orders all the carriers to start
responding promptly to customer requests for numbers which 'belong' to
other carriers and to quit reserving numbers for customers who do not
exist in order to hang on to desirable numbers.   PAT]

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

Subject: 900 and Other Premium Numbers (was Pager Scam)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 14:20:25 -0500
From: Atri Indiresan <[e-mail]>


I thought that when you called a premium number, by law, it was
required to have a recording that told you what the service cost, and
gave you thee seconds to hang up to avoid invoking any charges? I
remember reading this a long time ago, and it was the case on the one
occasion I had to call a 900 number.

Does this rule apply only to 900 numbers, and not to local premium
services? Or is it voluntary and only more "respectable" services
follow the rule?

It seems to me that if this were applied to all numbers to which
anything but the normal toll charges applied, all such scams would
collapse.

As an aside, 900 numbers get a lot of publicity, and most people know
that they are expensive to call. Until I started reading the Telecom
digest, I was not aware of the existence of 976/540 or any other kinds
of premium numbers. Offhand, I cannot recall seeing a single
advertisement for local premium services, but anyone who has ever
watched late night TV cannot help being aware that 900 calls are
rather expensive.


Atri

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 19:04 EST
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: 976, 540 Services
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


Is there anywhere a list of surcharged prefixes in the U.S.?  In most
places 976 is used for non-porn announcements, but the list of other
surcharged prefixes seems to be large, growing, and largely
undocumented.

Here in eastern Mass, for example, the prefixes (valid in both 617 and 508)
are:

    550 - live chat lines
    554 - live porn
    920 - business info
    940 - recorded porn
    976 - recorded general info

You have to ask in writing to get calls to 554 and 940 turned on.

I am astonished at the report that Sprint billed the surcharge for a
212-540 number.  Has anyone else ever had this happen?


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 19:37:39 MST
From: O BRIEN  MARITA ANNE <[e-mail]>
Subject: AccessLine and 700 Service Information Wanted


Does anyone have any experience with AccessLine service or know how
popular this service is?  AccessLine is a personal communications
services offered via landline telephone service through local
telephone companies (US West, Ameritech, BT, etc).  It allows you to
set up one number access with a personal service profile that will
forward calls where you want, allow prioritization of forwarded calls
via voice prompts, interaction with independent fax or email systems
for paging, etc.

This seems similar to the AT&T 700 Easy Reach Service introduced a
couple of years ago, but I can't find any information about how useful
these products are and how much they're selling.


Thanks in advance,

Marita

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

From: [e-mail] (Ralph Spitzner)
Subject: USRobotics Email Address Wanted
Organization: Christof Junge, Berlin
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 18:39:58 GMT


Subject says it all.  Any tips appreciated.


[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I don't know about their email address,
but their physical presence is here in Skokie just several blocks down
the street from me on McCormick Blvd. I ride past their office on the
bus when going to Chicago.   PAT]

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

Subject: Ethernet via Cable TV
From: [e-mail] (John Biederstedt)
Date: 31 Mar 94 16:01:28 -0500
Organization: The Electronmeister


Is there a product that runs Ethernet (10mbps) over 75 ohm cable?  I
thought I had heard of such a product once.


John Biederstedt     Mankato State University
Mankato, MN  56002   44d 8'N  93d 59'W   El.1000'

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

From: [e-mail] (Daniel Winkowski)
Subject: STAR*Telecom Dialback Experiences?
Organization: SHAPE Technical Centre, NL
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 13:04:16 GMT


I saw an ad in the {International Herald Tribune} for a US dialback
service provider called STAR*Telecom. From their response to my fax
they state very good rates with no enrollment fee, monthly charge, or
access costs. They also have a travel phone card for those on the
move. Sample rates from Europe are:

Netherlands to USA    $0.40/minute
Austria to USA        $0.34/minute
UK to USA        $0.29/minute

This seems almost too good to be true. Does anyone have experience
with this company or dialback companies in general?

Their phone number is (France) [phone] (phone/fax) US +1 305
386 5343 (6352 fax)

If anyone happens to call the Miami Better Business Bureau I would be
interested in their record :-)


Daniel Winkowski    Voice: [phone]
SHAPE Technical Center    Fax:   [phone]
P.O. Box 174        [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 16:11:12 AST
From: Peter L. Rukavina <[e-mail]>
Subject: Getting Wired: Leased Line vs. Dial-up For 14.4kps Data Comm


Our small non-profit organization is trying to become an Internet
service provider with a budget of ~$20,000 which demands that we do
everything that we do on the cheap.  Our plans are to connect our
Linux-based PC to our local Internet service provider, which is using
rack-mounted USR Courier v.32bis modems.  I'm trying to figure out the
best way of doing this given two options:

(1) We get a regular POTS line installed, ($40/month, $60 for the
installation), buy a relatively cheap 14.4kbps modem (~$300) and have
our service provider dedicate a dial-up line to our exclusive use.

(2) We get a leased data line (the phone company calls this an LDDS
circuit, $32/month, $180 for the installation) installed and buy a more
expensive but leased-line capable 14.4kbps modem (~$900) and connect
directly.

The first option works out to a cost of $840 for the year, the second
option $1284 for the year, a not-insignificant difference.

I do not know enough about high-speed modems and leased lines to be able
to evaluate the two options technically, nor do I know enough about the
telephone system to know if I'm missing a third [or fourth] option that
would be a better route to follow.  I would very much appreciate any
advice in this regard.


I am Peter Rukavina at the PEI Crafts Council, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Telephone at work [phone], fax [phone], at home [phone]
Electronic mail to [e-mail] or [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 14:19:20 PST
From: Carl Silva <[e-mail]>
Subject: Satellite/Mobile Data Applications


I am currently investigating what companies provide applications for
mobile data/satellite networks such as remote data collection, fleet
management, stolen car tracking, etc.  Does anyone know of companies
which provide these kinds of applications or would be interested in
providing these kinds of applications?


Carl

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom W. Tomlinson)
Subject: Voice and Data Simultaneously Over Modem?
Date: 31 Mar 94 16:17:21 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada


Hi,

I have read in recent articles in computer magazines about two
different schemes which allow SIMULTANEOUS duplex voice and data
transmission using high speed modems.  Voice is severely compressed
and then multiplexed with the normal modem data.  For example, a user
could be connected to an online service and type away while
simultaneously talking voice to support staff.

Does anyone have ANY info about the above?  It is a software standard
which can be used with standard modems.

Direct replies by E-mail appreciated.


Thanks,

Thomas W Tomlinson  aka Tom, Hylas, Deep Purple
Vancouver, BC, Canada   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 12:34 EST
From: Lars Nohling <[e-mail]>
Subject: FAX Mailbox Services


Does anyone have any info on companies that provide a FAXMAIL service?

What I am looking for is a FAX Number I can give out that receives
faxes and then allows me to retrieve them from any fax machine by
dialing up my code.


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Winters)
Subject: New Area Codes List
Date: 1 Apr 1994 04:23:57 GMT
Organization: Real/Time Communications - Bob Gustwick and Associates


There has been much talk as of late on the new area codes in the Los
Angeles region and elsewhere.  I haven't seen any comprehensive list
of announced area codes to be implemented in the future.

In particular, I believe that I read somewhere that there will be a
second (third if you count outlying metro) area code for the Houston
area (pagers and cellular).  However, I've not seen a posting on this
subject.

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of thus far announced codes
including Houston?


Thanks,

David Winters | [e-mail] [preferred e-mail address]
Austin, Texas | CIS: [e-mail] | AOL: [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Our two resident area code experts here
are David Leibold and Carl Moore. There are various archives files on
the subject of area codes, and these guys generally update them from
time to time.  PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #157
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12133;
          1 Apr 94 16:15 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA25606; Fri, 1 Apr 94 12:07:03 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA25595; Fri, 1 Apr 94 12:07:01 CST
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 12:07:01 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #158

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Apr 94 12:07:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 158

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Call Counting Device Wanted (Paul Cook)
    Any Extra Features I Can Order For Analog Modem Line? (Rich Chong)
    Information About Ermes Project (Stewart Fist)
    Dials! (Bob Frankston)
    ZMODEM - Proprietary? (Christopher Tate)
    Where is alt.2600? ([e-mail])
    Job Opening (Doug Gurich)
    MCI Goes "Both Ways" (Was Useless 800 Number) (Paul Robinson)
    Looking For CID Box With Serial Port (David Vrona)
    Re: Humorous Names For the RBOCs (Ted Hadley)
    Re: Humorous Names For the RBOCs (Dave Ptasnik)
    Primeline Service (Peter Tindall)
    Modern Times (Jerry Leichter)
    *999; CB Channel 9 (Jonathan)
    Re: *999; CB Channel 9 (Andrew C. Green)
    Re: New Area Code 630 (Andrew C. Green)
    Re: Who Paid For My 550? (Jack Hamilton)
    Re: Country Code For San Marino (Jack Hamilton)
    Re: CATV Modems ([e-mail])
    Re: Ruling on Dark Fiber (Tom Watson)
    Re: Extension Cord For Cell Phone (Gregory Youngblood)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 18:46 EST
From: Paul Cook <[e-mail]>
Subject: Call Counting Device


Does anyone know of a box that could install in series with multiple
phone lines to not only count calls, but deliver reports on the exact
time between the first ring and when each call was answered?

Output could be a printer or RS232 port.


Paul Cook   Proctor & Associates
206-881-7000   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 08:12:16 CST
From: Rich Chong <[e-mail]>
Subject: Any Extra Features I Can Order For Analog Modem Line?
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago, ADN Computer Center


I'm getting an analog phone line installed to be used for only modem
work. I'll be using a v.fc modem. I understand that a normal voice
grade line *should* work fine. But since the company is paying for it,
I was wondering if there was any special conditioning I can request to
be installed with that line to assure things are clean at my end; what
it roughly costs; and is it worth it?  I know v.fc and v.fast are
different than normal v.32bis, but i've seen some problems where some
14.4k modems just dont want to connect at 14.4k on some phone lines.
thanks.


rc

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

Date: 31 Mar 94 07:00:34 EST
From: Stewart Fist <[e-mail]>
Subject: Information About ERMES Project


Lars Kalsen requested information about the ERMES project.  I doubt if
I have anything substantial enough to interest him, and I think a lot
of us would like to know what's happening here.

Here's an outline for those who don't know Ermes.  Iit is the European
Radio Messaging System from ETSI.  It is planned to be a pan-European
VHF multi-channel, wide-area alphanumeric paging network with (originally)
a 1993 launch date (which has since slipped).

The European commission allocated 200 kHz of spectrum between 169.6
and 169.8MHz for Ermes, and other frequencies around 800 MHz have been
reserved in the VHF band.  It will use frequency-agile receivers which
scan 16 possible frequencies.  The data-rate is 6250bit/s and the
system allows the transparent transmission of data.  Ermes devices may
eventually be able to receive common frequencies across the US, Asia
and the Pacific region.

The problem with the system appears to be the additional costs imposed
by the need for agile receivers.  Normal pagers only use a single
frequency.

Don't confuse Ermes with Hermes, which is a European development of a
space shuttle. There's also a cut-down pre-Ermes standard called
Euromessage in the UHF band, which is limited to the UK, Germany,
Italy and France.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Dials!
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 09:47 -0400


My son (11) confronted a dial phone this past weekend and couldn't
figure out how to use it. He tried pressing the "buttons" but nothing
happened. We finally had to show him the concept of turning the dial.
It took a little practice to get it smooth.

I guess we've reached a milestone. What if he were confronted by the
"anti-drug" pay phones with dials and had to dial 911? He'd be stuck.

In designing UI's we make assumptions about cultural norms or icons.
Most people see the phone dial as a very obvious interface. It isn't,
it's just something most of us learned at an early enough age to
assume it is a part of the natural world.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: ZMODEM - Proprietary?
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: DCRT, NIH, Bethesda, MD
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 01:04:43 GMT


I'm trying to determine whether the Zmodem transfer protocol is
proprietary.  Specifically, are there any *free* (i.e. non-shareware)
tools for sending/receiving files utilizing the Zmodem protocol?


Christopher Tate    MSD, Inc.   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 13:54:49 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: where is ALT.2600?


Hi,

We do not receive any ALT newsgroups at our site ... ARGHHHHHHHHH

Could someone please inform me how/if I could get on the mailing list
for alt.2600


Thanks,

Richard Filchock    [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You don't receive any alt groups at your
site? What a horrible deprivation that must be!  :)  I could understand
your sysadmins deciding to only take alt groups and dump all the Usenet
groups ... but not the other way around.  I dunno if alt.2600 even has
a mailing list (electronically, of course they have their printed maga-
zine) but surely somene from there reading this will get back to you
with details if they do.   PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 13:59:02 CST
From: [e-mail] (Doug Gurich)
Subject: Job Opening


GlobalCom International, a diversified telcommunications firm with
world-wide operations, is seeking a Proposal Engineer with significant
experience in data communications, ISDN and video conferencing.  The
ideal candidate would also have voice communications experience.

This request is for a part-time consulting position which maycould lead to
permanent employment.  Applicants from all areas of the world are
encouraged to apply (most work will be done on a telecommuting basis).

Please forward credentials and accomplishments to the attention of Doug
Gurich.


Internet     [e-mail]
Compuserve   71650,3012
Fax          [phone]
Address      9311 San Pedro, St. 700, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 02:31:04 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: MCI Goes "Both Ways" (Was Useless 800 Number)
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Monty Solomon mentions MCI's 800-WOW-ITS-HOT number, to make us think
of how hot it is during summer.  (Actually it's a demonstration of
MCI's network, of course.)

Item three on MCI's WOW-ITS-HOT recording is of seagulls at the beach.
This was also in their demonstration last summer, for numbers to
listen to so we can cool off!  I guess they figure this sound works
both ways!


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Your mention of this brought to mind
our illustrious former president Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963-1968).
One of his campaign slogans was 'all the way with LBJ' ... but during
his term in office, the person who was his chief of staff, principal
right-hand man and confidant of many years standing -- a fellow named
Walter Jenkins -- got caught in an indelicate situation in the public
men's room at the YMCA in Washington, DC. Caught with his pants down
in a manner of speaking, the newspapers had a great time with it for
a few days and Jenkins was forced to resign, all the while President
Johnson pleaded ignorance of his long time associate's predilection.
Before long the slogan 'all the way with LBJ' was more commonly said
as 'either way with LBJ' or 'both ways with LBJ'. If you recall the
man, you'll appreciate well the slogan could fit him. He was a coarse
and rough-talking old geezer; sex was never far from his mind.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Vrona)
Subject: Looking For CID Box With Serial Port
Date: 31 Mar 1994 11:50:02 -0600
Organization: WorldWide Access (SM) Chicagoland Internet Services
Reply-To: [e-mail]


Hi All,

I am looking for a box like the old Classmate that does CID and has
serial output.  I know I can buy a modem like the ZyXEL that does this
but I am looking for something for under $100.

Oh, and also, I would like name as well as number capability.


Thanks,

David Vrona N9QNZ           [phone] (voice)  Internet: [e-mail]
Computing Engineers Inc.    [phone] (data)  [phone] (fax)
Home of WorldWide Access (SM), Internet services for the Chicagoland area.
Send e-mail to [e-mail] for information, or call [phone] (data).

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 09:59:34 PST
From: [e-mail] (Ted Hadley)
Subject: Re: Humorous Names For the RBOCs


>     US West            Taco Bell

FYI:

Stockbrokers call Telefonos de Mexico (The newly privatized Mexican
telephone company) Taco Bell. Fits better than with US West, IMO.
                   ^^^^^^^^^

Ted A. Hadley     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Ptasnik)
Subject: Re: Humorous Names For the RBOCs
Date: 31 Mar 1994 18:54:28 GMT
Organization: University of Washington


DAVID AUS <[e-mail]> writes:

> When the Bell System was broken up, some wags came up with a cute name for
> each of the then new RBOCs.  I think I remember some of them:

>     Ameritech          ?
>     Bell Atlantic      Liberty Bell
>     Bell South         Southern Belle
>     Nynex              ?
>     PacTel             Tinker Bell
>     Southwestern Bell  Mission Bell
>     US West            Taco Bell

> Does anyone remember all the names?

Ameritech was Cow Bell as I recall.


All of the above is nothing more than the personal opinion of -

Dave Ptasnik     [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 00:31 WET
From: [e-mail] (Peter Tindall)
Subject: Primeline


PAT said:

> PrimeLine is essentially the equivilent of AT&T's 'Easy Reach 700'
> service.

Pat - Unless I am mistaken about 'Easy Reach 700' - they are not the same.

PrimeLine is a service in Toronto that gives you a 416-410-NNNN number
on a DMS switch. Software on the switch (written by a company called
AccessLine I believe) answers the call and plays a message of your
choice to the caller- and then handles the call according to your
instructions.  Transfer to Home/Office/Cellular/Other-In town/Other-
Out of Town/Pager/ Messaging/Meet me Service (Caller hears jazzy
elevator music while party is paged -- then calls are connected).

An assortment of screening options are included: Prompts caller to
identify if call is urgent/Forces caller to enter private DTMF code/
Forces caller to speak name & reason.

You can also setup a weekly schedule in advance to vary your call
processing options.

My only complaint is that all long distance transfers are billed to
your calling card. (With appropriate transaction charges -- and a
slight delay as the DMS is DTMF'ing your calling number -- (caller
does not get to hear)).

Also the service is available in Ottawa area.

Definately not a new advance in the Telecom world, but new for
Ontario.  You could duplicate this with a PC -- two phone lines and a
Voice Mail card.

But having used Primeline since March 2 I have only good things to say
about it (except for comment above). It has simplified my life, and
lowered my voice mailbox costs.


Regards,

Peter

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 16:02:30 EST
From: Jerry Leichter <[e-mail]>
Subject: Modern Times


The following appeared last Wednesday in the {New York Times} "Metro-
politan Diary" section, a compendium of amusing little stories about
life today:

Lobby conversation overheard while waiting for an elevator in midtown
Manhattan.

First guy:   Well, I sure wasted a buck and a half last night.
Second guy:  How's that?
First guy:   That TV program "Hard Copy" did a segment on Tonya
        Harding and invited viewers to phone in, at 50 cents
        per call, yes or no, to the question, "Should Tonya
        go to jail?"
Second guy:  And...?
First guy:   I dialed the 'Yes' number but after I hung up I realized
        I'd phoned the 'No' number by mistake so then, of
        course, I had to dial the 'Yes' number twice to make
        my vote count.
Second guy:  Remember when you could just sit and watch?


Jerry

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 21:09:06 -0500
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: *999; CB Channel 9


Hello.

I am wondering why the police do not routinely monitor CB channel 9,
since the primary use of this channel is to report emergencies.

Also, I have never heard of *999.  Does it only work in Illinois?

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 23:04:00 CST
From: Andrew C. Green <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: *999; CB Channel 9


Jonathan <[e-mail]> writes:

> I am wondering why the police do not routinely monitor CB
> channel 9, since the primary use of this channel is to report
> emergencies.

I think I generalized a bit there. I have heard conversations on
Channel 9, including participating in one with an Indiana State
Trooper trying to get through backed-up traffic to the scene of a
rather nasty accident on I-65 one night, so Indiana State Police are
listening. I think it's reasonable to assume that in all the
technology packed into those squad cars, particularly Highway Patrol
cars, they probably have sprung an extra fifty bucks or so for a CB
radio, or included the appropriate wavelengths in the tuners of
whatever equipment they have. Nevertheless, the fact remains that on
many occasions I've heard legitimate requests for State Police help,
in the middle of Chicago rush hours when you just _know_ they're
around, and those requests are not answered.

Similarly, the "Minutemen" Department of Transportation heavy tow
trucks on routine patrol seem to be unreachable via CB radio. Now, I
know they are in contact with dispatchers, but it's somewhat
ridiculous to be in line-of-sight with a Minuteman who's unaware of,
say, some incident occurring behind him, and be unable to get his
attention via a simple CB radio.

> Also, I have never heard of *999.  Does it only work in Illinois?

It's an arrangement between the cellular providers and the State
Police, and I know it's not unique to the Chicago area, but beyond
that I don't know the details. PAT, please advise!


Andrew C. Green
Datalogics, Inc.  Internet: [e-mail]
441 W. Huron      Chicago, IL  60610-3498   FAX: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: *999 goes to a state police dispatcher
who in turn can dispatch it out or forward the call to the appropriate
city authorities as needed.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 10:19:44 CST
From: Andrew C. Green <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: New Area Code 630


Carl Moore <[e-mail]> writes:

> Just today, I have received note of 630 in Illinois and 562 in
> California ...

> 630 might get landlines (that would affect some people who shifted
> from 312 to 708 only in November 1989);

On further reflection here in 708-land, I would have to assume that
630 would overlay 708, not be created from a renumbered chunk of
existing 708. When 708 was introduced as a renumbering of part of 312
(the part outside Chicago city limits), there was a great hue and cry,
of course, but also a rather considerable lead-in time. I believe it
was something much more than the eleven months indicated for the
impending 630. Consider also how much complaining would be generated
from 708 folks having to change their stationery yet again.

The local press has responded with thundering silence to this news item,
by the way.


Andrew C. Green
Datalogics, Inc.  Internet: [e-mail]
441 W. Huron      Chicago, IL  60610-3498   FAX: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jack Hamilton)
Subject: Re: Who Paid For My 550?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 17:04:13 GMT


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Normally the agents are on the A or B
> side but not both; that is in their contract with the carriers.

 ...

> Tandy has the kind of money and influence with the carriers that
> they can get away with it. Its the same kind of thing where Pepsi and
> Coca-Cola are concerned. You never see them both in the same vending
> machine; you never see them both in the same restaurant as fountain
> drinks.

In our vending machine room there are two Pepsi machines.  One has
Pepsi products plus a few other things like Mountain Dew.  The other
contains no Pepsi products, but does have several varieties of
Coca-Cola.  In one of the smaller buildings, there's a single machine
with both Coke and Pepsi.

I'd never heard of this happening before very recently, though.


Jack Hamilton      Postal: POB 281107 SF CA 94128  USA
[e-mail]     Packet: kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Probably they cut a deal with the local
salesman. Whoever is the bottler (distributor) for the area is under
pretty tight constraints with Pepsi headquarters in Purchase, NY or
Coke headquarters in Atlanta, GA regarding those things. Note that
the local Pepsi bottler also has the Mountain Dew franchise, but he
*cannot* have the 7-Up franchise because they are aligned with Coke.
So you won't -- or rarely -- see 7-Up in a so-called 'Pepsi machine',
and you won't see 'Upper-10' or whatever it is called in a 'Coke
machine'. All the little (by comparison) outfits, join one side or
the other in the local bottling and distribution process where Coke
and Pepsi are concerned. But they all want **so bad** to be in the
fountain syrup vending machine at all Southland stores that they
swallow their pride or ambition or whatever. Coke even goes so far as
to say in fountain service, you *will* use their paper cups with
their insignia and their products advertised ... none others. But
7-Eleven gets to break the rules, as does Tandy where cell phones
are concerned. Tandy has tossed around the idea of starting their
own national cellular service, you know. They'd buy *huge* blocks of
capacity from various cell carriers and they would then call the
shots. I'm sure all the A and B carriers would fall in line pretty
fast, or get dealt out of the game completely.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jack Hamilton)
Subject: Re: Country Code For San Marino
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 17:09:14 GMT


Richard Barry <[e-mail]> wrote:

> The ITU has issued a batch of new country codes which includes a new
> code for San Marino (+378 effective 26.10.93). Other countries that
> will be getting their own country code include Andorra (Autumn 1994)
> and Monaco (in 1995) when France Telecom introduces its 2-digit new
> area code plan.

Do you know what the new plan will be?  The two-digit department
number strikes me as being a good choice, although it might not have
enough space for Paris.

If I were in charge of France Telecom, I'd probably use the department
number plus a third digit for overlays and very large departments.

(A department is roughly equivalent to a state or province in North
America.  Postal codes start with the department number.)


Jack Hamilton      Postal: POB 281107 SF CA 94128  USA
[e-mail]     Packet: kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: CATV Modems
Date: 31 Mar 1994 18:07:07 GMT
Organization: Lynn-Arthur Associates, Ann Arbor, MI
Reply-To: [e-mail]


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

> Do you know any equipment (modem, remodulator, ...) that allows data
> communication over the CATV cable. On the user side, the modem should
> feature a well-known interface (RS232C, Ethernet, ...).

Check out First Pacific Networks at 408-730-6600. They have been
providing this equipment for years.


Carl A. Wright       Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc.   [phone]
[e-mail]         Operations Support Systems     [phone] (fax)
2350 Green Road      Suite 160                      Ann Arbor, MI, 48105 USA

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Watson)
Subject: Re: Ruling on Dark Fiber
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 12:45:24 -0800
Organization: Apple Computer (more or less)


OK, I'll bite...

What is "dark fiber".

Tom Watson   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Dark Fiber is, as I understand it, simply
the fiber from one point to another, without the intelligence on either
end of the line **as supplied by the telco** to use it. Dark fiber could
roughly be compared to a wire cable from one place to another without
telco's battery and/or switching apparatus on either end; the customer
left to his own devices on how to use it. Although telcos have for many
years provided so-called 'private line service' -- that is, a piece of
wire from one point to another with the subscriber doing his own thing
on both ends of the wire, I understand they (telcos) are not terribly
enthusiastic about providing fiber under the same conditions. George
Gilder wrote about this, and his essay is in the Telecom Archives for
interested parties to review.   PAT]

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

Subject: Re: Extension Cord For Cell Phone
From: [e-mail] (Gregory Youngblood)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 12:57:24 PST
Organization: TCS Computer Systems


> I _still_ think you're crazy.  Nearly any cellular connection will
> cost more than nearly any equivalent wired connection.  Please check
> this out carefully.

Not quite.  Several carriers now have plans with free (yes *FREE*)
airtime on weekends or extremely low rates at night during certain
hours.  In 1988, it was cheaper to call from your basic rate cellular
phone in Galveston after 11PM at night to Houston than it was to use
the regular telephone.  The price was 0.045 cents per minute with
cellular.

Now, my cousin in houston has a phone that has free airtime on the
weekend.  They use it a lot ... and they should.  They pay $70/month
for it, but when you consider that the dialing area for cellular in
houston is so much larger than telco, they can call all their friends
and family in the surrounding Houston metro area for no charge.

So, the idea of going with an extension cord is not a crazy one ... it
could make sense, although you have to check very carefully to make
sure that your plan really is cheaper.  It is possible.


Greg
The Complete Solution BBS     Allfiles List:    Anonymous UUCP Calls Accepted
707-459-4547 (24hrs, v.32)    ~/tcsbbs.lst      Login: nuucp  Password: nuucp
Telemate Distribution Site  [e-mail]      Cellular Telephony Groups


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But would they use $70 worth on a regular
basis if landline was all they had? That is what has to be answered. We
all know that the more service which is available, the more subscribers
will use it. In other words, cellular service comes in many shapes and
sizes. Some very inexpensive plans bill for every single minute day or
night at high rates. There is nothing unusual about spending a lot of
money on cellular and getting a sort of kickback from the carrier in
terms of free or nearly free weekend and night service. And while landline
service offers 'free local calling' in many areas, the geographic
area is smaller as is the monthly fee for the 'free local calls'.
Cellular service gives a larger 'local area' but charges by the minute.
It has to be your own application as to which works out better; but
overall, would you be willing to spend as much money on landline service
call by call as you spend on cellular for the advantage of 'free' service
nights and weekends if landline was all you had available?   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #158
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12729;
          1 Apr 94 17:51 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00513; Fri, 1 Apr 94 13:33:03 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00502; Fri, 1 Apr 94 13:33:01 CST
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 13:33:01 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #159

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Apr 94 13:33:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 159

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Long Distance Dialing in Delaware (Wilmington News Journal via Carl Moore)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (Greg Trotter)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (George L. Sicherman)
    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Fritz Friedlaender)
    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Todd Inch)
    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Nazli Meliha Roth)
    Re: Predictions About Future A/C Splits (David A. Kaye)
    Re: Predictions About Future A/C Splits (James Taranto)
    Re: Observations About Area Code Splits (David Esan)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Jeff Haran)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? ([e-mail])
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Ed Mitchell)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Laurence Chiu)
    Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links (Daniel Goemans)
    Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links (Lynne Gregg)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 11:54:21 EST
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Long Distance Dialing in Delaware


This appeared on page 1 of the {News Journal}, Wilmington, Delaware,
on March 31, 1994.  Notice that 1 is being dropped for 555-1212.
About 2/3 of the way through this article, it says "zeroes and ones as
second digits in local numbers"; I don't know the meaning of this
remark, because: 1. Some Bell Atlantic areas already use N0X/N1X
prefixes.  (New Jersey; 215 in Pa.; 410/301/202/703 in Md./DC/Va.)  2.
As you know, Delaware is way down near the bottom in being crowded w/r
to telephone numbers.  (And in the history file, I do ask what will
become of "no N0X/N1X prefixes unless NNX is running short".)

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

Long-distance dialing in Del. just got longer

By JANE BROOKS, Staff reporter

WILMINGTON -- Beginning April 1, people making long-distance telephone
calls within Delaware should start dialing 11 digits.

     It's no April Fools' Day joke.

     Dial 1 (or 0 for collect), plus area code 302, plus the seven-digit
number of the party you are calling.

     After April 1, however, you can drop the 1 prefix when calling
directory assistance within the state.  Just dial 555-1212.

     But should you forget to add the area code or dial the unnecessary
1 for information, have no fear.  The phone company will be forgiving.
The network will accept old and new dialing patterns for nine months.
And there will be plenty of advertising reminders before the new
methods become mandatory.

     Why change dialing patterns?

     There's no immediate problem in Delaware, but the nation is running
out of phone numbers.

     Until now, all area codes had 0 or 1 as the middle digit, for
instance, 302 and 610.  As the population and telephone service grows,
so does the need for more area codes and the subsequent need for
different middle digits.

     Also, Bell Atlantic will begin using zeroes and ones as second digits
in local numbers next year to open up a multitude of new number series.

     Eleven-digit dialing is designed to help computers distinguish
area codes and local exchange numbers.  The Delaware Public Service
Commission approved.

     So, on Jan. 7, 1995, you fingers will have to walk a little
longer from Wilmington to Dover, from Dover to Delmar.  Bell Atlantic-Delaware
suggests you start now.

     Rates will not be affected.

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

From: [e-mail] (Greg Trotter)
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Date: 31 Mar 1994 01:39:03 GMT
Organization: Home of the TimeLords...


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> LIVINGSTON, N.J. (MARCH 22) BUSINESS WIRE - March 22, 1994 -- A new
> company which is employing Bellcore-developed technology is expected
> to have a far-reaching impact on electronic record keeping and on
> controversies ranging from authenticity of business records to false
> retouching of digital photographs.

[...]

> Surety Technologies welcomes developers and corporations who are
> interested in testing the system and serving as beta sites for Digital
> Notary software.  Call Surety Technologies, Inc.  at [phone];
> fax number is [phone].  Information is also available on the
> Internet at infonotary.com.
              ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My system can't seem to find this place  ... and whois at internic seems
clueless as well. Anybody have any updated information?


greg

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Organization: Save the Dodoes Foundation
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 14:25:59 GMT


In <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] wrote:

> The new company, Surety Technologies, Inc., will offer its Digital
> Notary service that can affix a tamper-proof time-stamp seal to any
> electronic document.  ...
> At the core of the time-stamping technology is an innovative
> application of software that generates a characteristic "digital
> fingerprint" for any document.  ... When a
> user seals a document, computer software generates the document's
> fingerprint and sends it as a "time-stamp request" to a Digital Notary
> server, which immediately sends back a "time-stamp certificate" for
> the document.  ...

Isn't the server a critical weakness?  The details are missing, but it
sounds as if the server encrypts the hashed document with the date and
time, using a private R.S.A. key.  To validate the document, the
public would decrypt the cipher with the corresponding public key.  If
you obtain the private key, by bribery or other means, you can forge
all the documents you like.

For the service company to let the key fall into the wrong hands would
be like a bank's letting a safe-deposit key fall into the wrong hands.
That's bad for the bank's reputation and is not supposed to happen --
but it does.

The lesson for us is that an authentication is no more reputable than
the people doing the authenticating.  In the computer age, everybody's
reputation is on the line!

P.S.  I've never committed all the area codes to memory (though ASCII
codes are another story), but anybody who thinks the Moderator's wits
are crumbling just isn't reading carefully.  The only warning symptom
I've ever seen is his continuing to put out this Digest when he could
be out enjoying life as a coal miner in Kentucky.


Col. G. L. Sicherman   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thank you Colonel. Tell me this: any ideas
how Colonel came to be pronounced 'kernel' rather than 'call-on-nell'?
Or put another way, why is it we make popcorn and have left over kernels
rather than left over colonels?  And even though this is April Fool's
Day, there *was* at one point in the Army an actual person of Colonel
in rank whose last name was Korne. At least it was not spelled 'corn'.
And why do we call it the kernel in Unix instead of the colonel?   PAT

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

From: [e-mail] (Fritz Friedlaender)
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Organization: Purdue University Engineering Computer Network
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 21:46:45 GMT


If you have a modem that supports caller ID (e.g. PP14400 - the mini-
tower and internal version, NOT the pocket version) it is easy to
store the CNID data on a PC.

Get Kermit (for instance), at zero cost, and run a "log file".  This
file will contain all the "ring" entries, and the Caller-ID information,
usually between the first and second ring. Just be sure that your
communications program is running and Caller-ID enabled in the desired
format, IF available on your modem.  See several very recent postings
on the minimum conditions needed to make this work (in essence, if
your Caller-ID box works, so will this scheme with the appropriate
modem). Same information.


FJF

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

From: Todd Inch <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 14:22:10 PST


In volume 14, issue 154 it is written:

> In article <[e-mail]> Paul Robinson
> <[e-mail]> writes:

>> Steve Lindsay <[e-mail]>, writes to TELECOM Digest
>> as follows:

>>> Does anyone know of a little DOS or Windows shareware program
>>> that will act like the one of those caller-ID boxes?

If, as others have said, most modems with Caller-ID can output
formatted, human-readable text, why not simply use Windows'
"Accessories Terminal" or Kermit or whatever to monitor the modem
output?  Most such communications programs will log output to a file
as well.  Of course this won't run in the background and pop up in the
forground when a call comes in or have other fancy features, but the
price is right.

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

From: [e-mail] (Nazli Meliha Roth)
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 00:22:58 +1000
Organization: Michigan State University


> I am in the same situation as the original author.  I have Caller-ID
> service at my home, and I have a stand-alone Caller-ID box that
> usually displays the numbers of callers in my local area codes (508 &
> 617; BTW, I've never seen one from outside those areas ... yet).
> However, I have a Practical Peripheral PM14400FXMT modem, and it
> supports Caller ID, and I, too, would like a Windows utility that
> basically acts like my stand-alone Caller-ID box.  I want the utility
> to display incoming caller information in real time, and also have to
> ability to log this data to a file if I want.  I should be able to
> scroll thru some number of recent calls, etc, etc.

You may do well by just loading up some decent terminal application
(or terminal.exe if you are desperate), typing in the AT command that
starts up your Caller-ID support and let it run in the background.  I
have a SupraFaxModem v.32bis and plan on doing this when (and if) I
ever get the service.

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

From: [e-mail] (David A. Kaye)
Subject: Re: Predictions About Future A/C Splits
Date: 31 Mar 1994 12:52:46 -0800
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access    [phone]  [login: guest]


Linc Madison ([e-mail]) wrote:

> The following area codes could all at least TRIPLE the number of
> exchanges in use without requiring a split.  Any split is thus quite a
> long ways off.

> 707 - Napa/Eureka, California

It's funny that you call this Napa/Eureka, since Santa Rosa is the
largest city.  Anyhow, I don't think they'll be splitting anytime
soon, because aside from the Santa Rosa area there is no growth in the
Redwood Empire.  Eureka has only grown 3,000 people in 10 years, Napa
about 10,000, and Ukiah about 2,500.  Cell phone penetration is not
big in that region, nor is voicemail.  Paging is okay, but has none of
the intensive growth seen in metro areas.  It's not a fad there.  I'll
admit it is unusual to see a California area code amost 300 miles long
and about 100 miles wide, but nobody's there!

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

From: [e-mail] (James Taranto)
Subject: Re: Predictions About Future A/C Splits
Date: 31 Mar 1994 00:59:43 GMT
Organization: The Bad Taranto


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Linc
Madison) wrote:

> The splits in 703 and 214 in particular may put to the test the
> sanctity of the "you must dial 1 for all toll calls, and you must be
> able to dial all local calls without a 1" arrangement.

That arrangement is hardly sacred.  In NYC, for example, we have to dial 1
for all calls between 212 and 718.

Cheers,

James Taranto  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Esan)
Subject: Re: Observations About Area Code Splits
Date: 31 Mar 94 15:42:25 GMT
Organization: Moscom Corporation, Pittsford NY


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Linc
Madison) writes:

> I was looking at David Esan's 1/15/94 NPA-NXX list and noticed quite a
> number of surprising numbers.  There were a couple of instances where
> I hope the answer is that a previously-effected split is not yet
> reflected in the number of exchanges shown for the old area code.  For
> example, 212 shows 639 exchanges, and 168 for 917.  I hope that the
> total for 212 still includes the prefixes now in 917 and/or the Bronx
> prefixes now in 718.

Your hope is in vain.  When the Bronx was moved to 718 there were more
than 700 exchanges in 212.  There were 99 exchanges that moved and 212
must have added a few.  When 917 was created, I understood that all
cellular, fax, modem, etc. numbers would be moved there.  This does
not seem to be the case.  It looks more like all new numbers will be
there, while the old numbers remain in 212.

> Colorado's 303 is also one I hope is wrong: it shows 601 prefixes against
> 184 in 719.  Atlanta's recent split apparently isn't yet (fully?) reflected:
> 404 shows 590 and 706 shows >308.

I stand by my numbers.  The numbers given will reflect the deletions
caused by a split, when those deletions go into effect, usually three
to six months after the end of the permissive dialing period.

I can not speak for why NPAs were split the way that they were.  It is
possible that they were done in the hope that the NPAs would survive
until Time T, when overlays would be more common and available.

It makes sense on a map to draw a circle around Atlanta and say: This
will be 404, the rest will be 706.  It makes no sense from a
telephonic viewpoint.  The 303 split should have a been a overlay.
The majority of the people in Colorado live in or near Denver.  And
yet that wouldn't have been polically expedient in those days.  You
can easily see why most the splits were done in the manner they were,
circles drawn on the map.  Dallas and the 'burbs remain 214, the
exurbs go to 903.  Houston goes by itself.  Toronto, but not the
surrounding area.  Detroit, but not the 'burbs, Chicago but not the
'burbs.  Do these splits actually split?  Do they make sense for the
future?  No.  Houston is now going to split while the surrounding NPA
(409) has only 323 exchanges.  708 is going to split, just a few short
years after the first split.  303 and 404 are bound to be split in the
next few years.

There will continue to be explosive growth in the West.  I have seen
studies that suggest the mountain states could quadruple their
populations in the next 20 years. (Where the water is coming from I
fear to find out.)  This could mean an increase in telephone services
of 6 to 8 times, as the newcomers will not add just one line, but
several, and services will increase.


David Esan      [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jeff Haran)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Organization: CWA Communications Products, Los Gatos, CA
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 01:02:06 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> A friend suggested to me that, sometime in the future, almost everyone
> will carry around a cellular phone almost all the time.  She thinks
> this will significantly reduce the amount of crime, because it will be
> very easy to report a crime or other suspicious behavior that one
> observes.  I'm skeptical, but it seems like an interesting topic for
> discussion.

There is an interesting sci-fi novel that you might still be able to
find on the bookshelves that discusses this very topic (among several
others), sort of. "Earth" by David Brin. Interesting method of
reducing crime, but not a universe I want to live in. My problem is at
this point I think it is a future scenario that is just about
unavoidable in the not so far distant future, and I figure I still
have quite a few years left.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: "Earth" discusses things that even a
few years ago were unthinkable. But a lot of things which were unthinkable
years ago are gradually becoming 'thinkable' ... solutions are being
found for problems that are as frightening as the problems they solve.
Yet they seem to be the only solution; the only real workable answer.
Consider Chicago: what little civilization remains in large parts of the
city is rapidly vanishing. Gangs rule in large parts of the south and
west sides. Twelve children killed in the past two weeks in various
incidents of gun battles between rival gangs ... the murder rate here is
25 percent higher than a year ago. Ditto Miami and Los Angeles to name
two areas here: the inner cities are rotten to the core. I lived in
Chicago for almost all my life and I would never want to go back into
the city again. I cringe when I have to ride downtown to the post office
where I still have my PO Box I've had for 25 years.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 15:57:06 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cellphones Reduce Crime?


Widespread use of cellphones will probably not reduce crime but it
will give ball-less individuals another opportunity to not make a
difference.

Appropriate avoidance of physical involvement in violent situations is
certainly a responsible behavior. However, not calling 911 because it
does not involve 'me' is reprehensible.

I'm glad I don't live in Chicago.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'm glad I don't live there any longer
also. First of all, 911 does not work from cell phones here. You can
dial the oh-operator and ask to be extended if you wish. However, contrary
to what you might hear when listening to a police scanner with the constant
backlog of calls (the Chicago PD dispatchers *never* quit talking; *never*
drop carrier -- seriously, there is a constant backlog of calls being
given out), even though on all sorts of minor matters when the police are
sent somewhere and the complaintant is given as 'citizen refused' or
'Mr. Good Citizen' as they sometimes mock the callers to 911 when talking
on the radio, your number is recorded and they can get back to you if they
wish -- which is fine, except!  Try reporting a serious crime which you
witnessed. If the criminal is caught, *you* will be subpoened to come to
court and give your eye-witness account. *You* will be hounded and harassed
by the ACLU attorney appointed to represent the defendant. *Your* integrity
will be called into question. Defendants have the right, as I believe they
should, to confront their accuser ... that's you if you were the one
calling 911 to report it.   PAT]

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

From: Ed Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 12:06:49 PST
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?


In Seattle WA, the 911 dispatchers have said that they often receive
up to 30 calls from cellular phone users when an accident occurs on a
major highway. This results in a massive overload of the 911 system.
The result is that US West Cellular announced last winter that they
would begin charging 50 cents for each 911 call, in addition to
airtime charges, to discourage overuse of the system and to help fund
additional 911 dispatchers to answer the phone. The Seattle Times
article that reported on this also mentioned that the enhanced 911
system, which provides addresses of the caller, is going to become
worthless in a world full of portable telephones. Clearly, this is a
major problem to which some great minds will need to give a lot of
attention.

Lastly, use your own judgment in terms of reporting a crime. Ensure
your own safety by not putting yourself in danger (an injured rescuer
is worse than no rescuer since now there are at least two parties to
rescue). Do report medical emergencies and serious vehicle accidents.
Minor fender benders do not need a police response.

Your state may wish that you report motorists with disabled vehicles
along freeways. A few years ago, I read where a mother and daughter,
parked will off the right side of the road, in broad daylight, hood
up, flasher on, were slammed from behind by a drunk and killed -- if
someone had called a tow truck or 911, perhaps they would not have
been waiting beside the road so long. A couple of months ago, a woman
was raped in her own vehicle on I-5, right in Seattle. She'd been on
the side of the road, flashers on, for FOUR hours in the darkness of
evening. State records showed that no patrol car had passed by. You
should have called!


Ed Mitchell   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: One thing you do not want to do in Chicago
is get out of your car for any reason on the Dan Ryan expressway where it
runs through the center of the CHA housing projects on the south side.
In general, avoid the Dan Ryan (I-94) whenever possible because they also
shoot at the cars from the highrises nearby.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Laurence Chiu)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 31 Mar 1994 17:42:33 -0800
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access


In article <[e-mail]>, Andrew Robson wrote:

> The Half Moon Bay Review (a local paper in CA) carried an article on
> the front page about a bank robbery foiled by a cell phone.

> When the getaway car roared away, a local citizen was offended by the
> reckless driving.  He didn't know about the robbery, he just wanted
> safe driving on the local streets.  He followed long enough to call
> the licence, a description of the car, and its direction to 911.
> There are only three roads out of town, with no turn off for several
> miles.  The robber was arrested a couple of minutes later.

Out of interest, I presume that when you call 911 from your home phone
you reach a dispatch service which is local to your community.  So if
you call 911 from a cell phone, which dispatch service do you reach?


Laurence Chiu            | Walnut Creek, California |
Tel: [phone] (work) | Internet: [e-mail]  |


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In a lot of places, including the Chicago
metro area you don't reach anyone. 911 goes to intercept telling you
in an emergency to dial the operator for assistance.  In other place where
there is only one central dispatch, it goes there.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Daniel Goemans)
Subject: Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 21:19:25 GMT
Organization: United States Air Force Academy


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(BobFromTN) writes:

> These products are for direct links between RJ11 jack and the cellular
> phone.  Perhaps other/better products are available?

With that link, does anyone know if you then need an MNP-10 standard
modem *in addition* to the link (to package data) ... or does the link
package the data accordingly on its own?


Daniel Goemans    USAF Academy

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

From: Lynne Gregg <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 13:15:00 PST


From: [e-mail] (BobFromTN)

> A competitor's product is made by AXCELL, but I have no other information
> about this product.

I've used the AXCELL (Spectrum) product under the Fujitsu label.

The Spectrum product performs very well and worked with a number of
devices from PC's to fax machines.


Regards,

Lynne

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #159
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa13040;
          1 Apr 94 18:18 EST
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02629; Fri, 1 Apr 94 14:21:10 CST
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02620; Fri, 1 Apr 94 14:21:08 CST
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 14:21:08 CST
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #160

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Apr 94 14:21:00 CST    Volume 14 : Issue 160

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    PC Pursuit Has Ended (Steven H. Lichter)
    Re: CATV Modems (Barton F. Bruce)
    Re: CATV Modems (Steve Kalkwarf)
    Re: CATV Modems (Darren Swartzendruber)
    Re: Telecom Business Idea (Paul Robinson)
    Re: Telecom Business Idea (Mike Lanza)
    Re: Telecom Business Idea (Robert L. McMillin)
    Re: Area Code 562 (Alan Larson)
    Re: Cellular Roaming Charges (Carl Jones)
    Re: Digital Cordless Phones -- How Private? (Bill Mayhew)
    Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces (David G. Cantor)
    Congo Expedition Video Con Kickoff (Steve Eggleston)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.

     *****************************************************
     DON'T FORGET! THIS IS THE WEEKEND WE IN THE USA MUST
     CHANGE OUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR ON SATURDAY NIGHT
     OR SUNDAY MORNING. SPRING AHEAD AS 'THEY' SAY!!
     *****************************************************
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Steven H. Lichter)
Subject: PC Pursuit Has Ended
Date: 1 Apr 1994 19:29:13 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)


PC Pursuit has now gone into The Information Highway history books. As
of 9:00 PM Pacific Time it went down; that was three hours earlier
then it was supposed to on 3/31/94. Many paid for a full month of
$30.00 for 30 hours and got cheated for at least three hours. The talk
among the many users of the service was Sprint killed the program by
not advertising a service that could have made money.

Global Access hasa service much like Pursuit but at a higher cost but
from what I have seen soon to be 9600 and it covers much more of the
country the Pursuit did since they have switched or are switching over
to Tymnet.


Sysop: Apple Elite II -=- an Ogg-Net Hub BBS
[phone] 12/24/96/14.4 V32/V42bis Via PCP CACOL/12/24

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: CATV Modems
Organization: Digital Equipment Computer Users Society
Date: 31 Mar 94 01:00:43 -0500
Organization: Cambridge Computer Associates, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Aaron Leonard) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

>> A CATV cable has a huge bandwidth available. A part of it is usually

> I understand that Zenith also has (or is working on) such a device,
> although Zenith's is cheaper and only provides .5Mbps.

Zenith is what Continental Cable and PSI are using in their 500kb
Internet to the home service in Cambridge MA.

The Zenith NIC fits in you ISA bus PC and has NDIS and other reasonable
drivers.

A short cord ties it to a box that the CATV cable goes into. This per
home stuff **LISTS* at $500, and obviously wholesales in CATV
quantities for a LOT less.

The 'headend' stuff (headend here is the 20 or so 'neighborhoods'
Cambridge is split into -- done for normal video, before data) is a
$2000 box plus another at $1000 to get to ethernet.

Zenith puts four 500kb channels on a video channel, and two (one each
way) are used for each 'LAN' of customers. More video channels can be
used if needed, and 'neighborhoods' can be split into smaller ones. It
is all fiber back to headquarters.

Recent trade press has Continental buying MANY $100,000 each ATM
switches to feed out to various towns.

Zenith has the hardware, just order it. Oh, and while you are at it,
you probably better BUY a cable TV company too ...

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

From: [e-mail] (Steve Kalkwarf)
Subject: Re: CATV Modems
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 06:04:01 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] wrote:

> Do you know any equipment (modem, remodulator, ...) that allows data
> communication over the CATV cable. On the user side, the modem should
> feature a well-known interface (RS232C, Ethernet, ...).

I've seen PR flack from Zenith Data Systems that promises 4 .5mb
Ethernet "stripes" per 6mhz channel. The burning question in my mind
that an engineer from TCI (my local franchise) couldn't answer is,
"What can you do to guarantee that ingress won't snuff my network?"


Steve

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

From: [e-mail] (Darren Swartzendruber)
Subject: Re: CATV Modems
Organization: Northern Telecom, Network Application Systems
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 16:49:11 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

> A CATV cable has a huge bandwidth available. A part of it is usually
> not used for TV channels and could be used (at least from a technical
> standpoint) for data transmission, if a return channel is available.

> Do you know any equipment (modem, remodulator, ...) that allows data
> communication over the CATV cable. On the user side, the modem should
> feature a well-known interface (RS232C, Ethernet, ...).

I have been looking into PSICable. For $125 a month (flat fee) they
offer a 500 Kb/s connection to the Internet to your home via cable.
Small businesses and larger organizations can get a 2 Mb/s connection.
Unfortunately, it is currently only available in Cambridge (not
here!). I have a call into my cable company's VP of Marketing to find
out when the Rochester, NY area will get it.

Try PSICable at 1 800 827 7482 (1.800.82psi82).

For me, forget ISDN!


Darren Swartzendruber        Internet: [e-mail]
Northern Telecom NAS    Packet->Internet: [e-mail]
Rochester, NY

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 12:22:00 EST
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Telecom Business Idea
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Mike Lanza <[e-mail]>, writes in TELECOM Digest:

>> Since many people are buying computers with modems and
>> software (and often trial Compuserve memberships), I feel
>> there may be a market for providing a local access number that
>> would give them a dial-tone in a neighboring city, thus
>> allowing them to dial the service of their choice.

> If the economics were there to do this, I don't see why the
> packet networks wouldn't have already done it.  Besides, it
> seems to me that the most cost-effective way to get this done
> is either through 800 access or 950 access for those who do
> not have a local access number.

I think they have.  That's what Compuserve did.  But remember that a
large company is going to have large overhead, and higher costs.  A
small, lean company can get by on much less.

What I find -- amazing is the kindest term - are the claims of people
who suggest that using a packet network provider is less expensive.
I've seen people quote rates for someone wanting to use Compuserve's
network to connect their own system, and the rates are something like
$7.80 an hour.  Someone want to explain how this supposed to be an
advantage to me?  I can get $6.60 an hour on AT&T at night without
even having to subscribe to their plans.  Compuserve itself only
charges its own customers $0.30 an hour for connection time through
its network (probably because they make it up in the service fees.)

And if I was doing a wats extender service, I would *never* give
someone raw dial tone; you have something simulate it, let them dial
in, then have your end dial out on a different line, then bridge the
two together, being certain to instantly disconnect if it either gets
CPC or hears dialtone on the distant line.

> At low volume, 800 service (w/ T1 at the receiving end) goes for about
> 14 cents a minute, while 950 access goes for around 18 cents a minute,
> but the latter should definitely come down as its traffic increases.
> This compares to about eight or nine cents a minute for packet access.
> (Of course, keep in mind that the quantity discount for packet access
> is greater since there is no fixed cost of local access -- four cents
> a minute -- to account for.)

This doesn't make any sense.  If a call across the country at night is
around 11c/minute, why would someone pay 3-7c/minute more to allow
someone to be able to connect to them.

I think your rate is much higher than actual rates.  Even the smallest
telephone company providing long distance service (Interexchange Company
or IXC) can match AT&T's rates, which I'm sure they can't do it if a 1-800
access costs 14c, plus costs to then retransmit that traffic.  Yet even a
small IXC can't be doing that large a volume.

Here's an example.  If you have a small town and set up a bank of ten
lines to allow them to be used for reduced-price outgoing calls, here's
the numbers to expect:

Fixed Costs:
10 Computers to do wats extender service-  $5000
20 Installed lines                          2000
Fiber and installation between points       1000
                                            8000
Recurring Costs
20 Commercial lines at $20 a month each          $400
Rental of a closet at each end                    200
Electricity for computers                          20
Connection between both points                    200
 Subtotal                                         820
 One year's charges                         9840
 Total                                     17840

My estimate of "connection between both points" is based upon running
your own connection across private property and leasing pole space.
This does not include any permits or licenses it is claimed you might
be required to obtain.

Now, let's say that you can get the lines used for 50% of the time,
due to the cost difference.  If you charge, let's say 5c per minute,
then 10 lines x 12 hours x 60 x 5 = 36000 minutes @.05 = 1800 a month.

For small towns, there probably just isn't the interest for a larger
company to spend the time and trouble to handle the load.

10% ROI is not bad -- if you can keep the lines loaded.  If this can be
done in several areas that someone can service all of them as one
person, then it may be possible to make a living off of it.  At least
until the phone company wises up and cuts its rates or uses its
political clout to try to allow you to be refused access.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 11:16:59 +0000
From: Mike Lanza <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Telecom Business Idea


>> At low volume, 800 service (w/ T1 at the receiving end) goes for about
>> 14 cents a minute, while 950 access goes for around 18 cents a minute,
>> but the latter should definitely come down as its traffic increases.
>> This compares to about eight or nine cents a minute for packet access.
>> (Of course, keep in mind that the quantity discount for packet access
>> is greater since there is no fixed cost of local access -- four cents
>> a minute -- to account for.)

> This doesn't make any sense.  If a call across the country at night is
> around 11c/minute, why would someone pay 3-7c/minute more to allow
> someone to be able to connect to them.

You're talking about night rates.  I didn't qualify what time period I
was talking about.  What you'll find with volume long-distance pricing
is that it's a bit cheaper for non-peak times (i.e. nights and weekends),
and a *lot* cheaper for peak times.  Having an 800 number adds a small
amount to the total cost.

Let's take Sprint's 800 pricing.  The structure is more complicated
than I want to get into here, but Peak (M-F, 8-5) prices are about 15
cents less at least 12 percent volume discount (low volumes -- around
$5000 month get around 12 percent discount, and the highest volumes
get up to 20 percent).  Non-peak prices are about 12.2 cents less at
least 12 percent volume discount.

These prices were as of about a year and a half ago.  I'm sure that they're
lower now, and will be lower a year from now.

> Here's an example.  If you have a small town and set up a bank of 10
> lines to allow them to be used for reduced-price outgoing calls, here's
> the numbers to expect:

> Fixed Costs:
> 10 Computers to do wats extender service-  $5000
> 20 Installed lines                          2000
> Fiber and installation between points       1000
>                                             8000
> Recurring Costs
> 20 Commercial lines at $20 a month each          $400
> Rental of a closet at each end                    200
> Electricity for computers                          20
> Connection between both points                    200
>  Subtotal                                         820
>  One year's charges                         9840
>  Total                                     17840

It sure looks like you've done your homework on how to do it your way.
One problem that I have with your numbers, though, is that I think a
very large cost of running these sites is the labor cost of setting
everything up at a site (transporting hardware to the site, finding
the "closet" and renting it, traveling to the closet to install the
hardware and to get everything up and running) and maintaining each
site.  There's a *ton* of travel time in there.  After all, these
rural sites are almost always hard to get to by definition.

One other problem -- how do you let the people in these rural areas
know about your service?  I can't think of a way to do it unless you
team up with the online services to inform them.  They'd have to
change their welcome packet literature, software for online signup
(AOL), and they'd have to get this information to all their customer
support people.  You're pretty much dependent on them to do all this,
so you'd have to pay them for it.  You might have to pay them, say,
20% (?) of your revenues.  One thing I can guarantee you -- it won't be
1% or 5%, as you'd like.

> Now, let's say that you can get the lines used for 50% of the time, due
> to the cost difference.  If you charge, let's say 5c per minute, then

50% utilization?  Really?  That's if you're doing *really* well.
That's after you've been up and running for a couple of years and have
tuned each node to match performance well.  And to do the latter,
you're going to have to monitor utilization on all these sites rather
closely.  How will you monitor them?  Won't monitoring cost money (in
terms of up-front software development time, telecom time to pick up
data, and management time to collect and interpret the data)?

I'm just skeptical that adding hardware at rural sites for connection
to the telephone system can be profitable.  As any telco numbers
person -- their rural loops are *incredibly* unprofitable.  The telcos
will continue take a bath in rural loops because they're forced to.
If they didn't have to, they wouldn't.


Mike Lanza

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

Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 20:44 PST
From: [e-mail] (Robert L. McMillin)
Subject: Re: Telecom Business Idea


On 24 Mar 1994 04:09:22 PST, Jonathan_Welch <[e-mail]> said:

> If you're going to go to the trouble of leasing a line you might be
> better off setting up a 486DX50 pc running linux and lease the line to
> an internet provider.  You'd then sell accounts on your machine for a
> flat monthly rate.  You'd have to be sure your local calling area
> encompases enough subscribers so you don't end up losing money.

Good grief!  I run Linux and I know *I'd never* want to run it as an
O/S directly connected to the Net, particularly one that is a public
location.  The networking code still has lots of security holes.

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

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 14:54:26 PST
From: [e-mail] (Alan Larson)
Subject: Re: Area Code 562


In article <[e-mail]> was written written:


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You know, this is getting to where it
> isn't even funny any more. Thirty years ago I knew every area code and
> where it was located. Now I can't remember half of them ... and wait until
> next year when all those strange ones start popping up everywhere.   PAT]

  Well, this is one of the unfortunate side-effects of getting older ...

Alan


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thank you for sharing. Who's next?  PAT]

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

From: uswnvg!uswnvg.com![e-mail] (Carl Jones)
Subject: Re: Cellular Roaming Charges
Date: 31 Mar 94 23:43:53 GMT


Not to be a pessimist here, but your method is not going to work very
well for several reasons.  Usually A system carriers do not have
roaming agreements with B side carriers and vice versa.  So you won't
be able to use your phone on the non preferred system most of the time
(unless you set up as a guest roamer which is expensive to the point
of insanity).  Also your roaming rates are pre-determined by your
cellular carrier.  Your home carrier sets up roaming networks with
other carriers and will charge under the standard rate that the
carrier that you are roaming into charges (or over, for that matter)


I speak for everyone in a twenty mile radius around me.
Any questions  ... E-Mail [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Bill Mayhew)
Subject: Re: Digital Cordless Phones -- How Private?
Organization: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 00:47:07 GMT


I don't know about most models.  I have a Tropez "Digital 900DX".  It
appears to exchange a 16 bit key when it is placed on the base unit.
It appears that the key is not sent out over he air.  If the handset
forgets the key due to a dead battery, the only way to resynchronize
is to put it back on the base unit.  There are three elelctrical
contracts that engage when the handset is on the base.  The logical
extension of this fact is that the same key (or key sequence) will be
used at least until the phone is hung up.  If they were smart, a
working key would be generated based upon the message exchanged
without brodcast.  Without too much work, the 900 MHz phones could be
made pretty darn secure.  It is all a matter of programming, and the
processing power is will within the reach of modern inexpensive
embedded controllers.

I don't know if it is possible to exhaustively search the 65,536 or so
available key combinations.  I'm not terribly familiar with the
operation of the Motorola CODECs and control microprocessors to make a
judgement.  A professional might be able to get your converstion, but
the casual teenager next door with a scanner will be foiled.


Bill Mayhew        NEOUCOM Computer Services Department
Rootstown, OH  44272-0095  USA      phone: [phone]
[e-mail]       amateur radio 146.58: N8WED

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

Reply-To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Pager Scam Resurfaces
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 18:51:37 -0800
From: David G. Cantor <[e-mail]>


In his note the TELECOM Digest Editor stated:

> The other thing which makes this 'modem scam resurfaces' thing fishy
> in my opinion is that suppose you have a pager and get such a call.
> Where do you usually go to return the call?  Either a pay phone or
> you use your cell phone ... and telcos do not connect to 976 or 900
> numbers from pay phones either.  How are they gonna get paid; are
> you gonna stand there and deposit fifty dollars in quarters in the
> box?  And cellphone carriers also typically disallow 976 and 900
> calls.  Usually the only place you can complete these calls is from
> a private phone within the LATA.  PAT]

There are many workmen who go to customer's offices or homes and who
can't afford cellular telephones. They carry pagers.  When they get a
page, they will ask the customer if they can return the page from the
customer's phone.  The customer will almost always say "yes".

Furthermore, at least in California, you can make it very difficult
for the fraudulent scam operator to collect.  The back of my Pac Bell
bill states "Your basic telephone service will not be disconnected for
non-payment [of] 900 and 976 charges or other information services ..."


David G. Cantor         [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You know, failure to pay for your sub-
scription to this Digest will not cause your phone to get turned off
either ... but my phones here are in constant jeopardy of disconnection
due to the high cost versus relatively low income where the publication
of the Digest is concerned. Gifts from readers are always graciously
accepted and may be made payable either to Ameritech or Northern Illinois
Gas Company. Thanks go to a reader who wishes to remain anonymous who
sent a check to the Village of Skokie Water Works; that bill is now
paid in full; at least I don't have to worry about drawing water for
my bath should I be inclined to take one or fixing a pot of coffee now
and then. It was a long and very cold winter here though; I still have
a few hundred to pay off on the gas bill. I've had a few contacts with
a corporate/organizational sponsor for the Digest and I hope that those
arrangements will be in effect soon. My sincere thanks go out to those
readers who have contributed financially to the Digest over the past couple
months; I appreciate the generosity you have shown.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (T. Stephen Eggleston)
Subject: Congo Expedition Video Con Kickoff
Date: 31 Mar 1994 20:59:53 -0500
Organization: Nuance Data Systems - Alexandria,  VA  [phone]


I am posting this for an associate.

                         ++++++ Cut Here ++++++

                                                   28 March, 1994

                       THE CONGO EXPEDITION KICK-OFF
                        Interactive Videoconference

Be a part of the adventure that will capture the attention and
imagination of the world.

This 6,000 mile trek across Africa will bring the excitement of
distance learning to students and teachers across the country. The
Congo Expedition will reenact Stanley's historic search for the source
of the Nile and Congo Rivers.  They will leave Washington, D.C. on
April 20, 1994 to begin their year long adventure.

The Alliance for Environmental Education will use the exciting
expedition to test a new educational model.  This model will
demonstrate the connection between exploration, accurate, timely
information about environmental issues, and hands-on learning on the
educational experience.

                   BEGIN THE JOURNEY WITH US!

Introduce your middle and high school students to the thrill of this
adventure by subscribing to this LIVE-INTERACTIVE videoconference.

April 13, 1993 we will be introducing the Expedition Leader, Jim Owens
and his team, to students who will experience this journey with them.
Jim will discuss what lies ahead for everyone as the Congo Expedition
begins. This 60 minute videoconference will also host other
dignitaries including representatives of the Afrcan Embassies, U.S.
Department of Education and a possible guest appearance from the White
House.

IF YOU SIGN-UP IMMEDIATELY YOUR STUDENTS CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE Q&A
SESSION WITH EACH OF THESE REPRESENTITIVES.

Involve your students in the excitement and thrill of following
scientific experiments, conducting cultural investigations and
exploring environmental questions-all in real time-and from a global
perspective.

Date of Videoconference: April 13, 1994

                   Time: 11:30am-12:30pm  (EST)

 Technical Requirements: Ability to access a satellite
                         downlink facility.

Broadcast Opportunities: The program can easily be captured and
                         rebroadcast to multiple school locations for a
                         nominal fee of $15.00.

           To Subscribe: Schools with immediate interest should contact
                         VideoLinx Communications, Inc. at 703-658-5469
                         for complete subscription details.


Contact: VideoLinx Communications at 703-658-5469 for Details
E-Mail to: Steve Eggleston  [e-mail]

Steve Eggleston                               Internet:[e-mail]
Nuance Data Systems  [phone]                 CIS:72040,713

         "Technology Should Set You Free, Not Make You Crazy"

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #160
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa26121;
          4 Apr 94 15:33 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA15617; Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:40:06 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA15601; Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:40:03 CDT
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:40:03 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #161

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:40:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 161

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    CID Modem Inits and Result Codes (Cid Technologies)
    STU 3 Secure Phones (Mark Kelly)
    Centrex - Disaster Recovery and Remote Access (Keith Luca)
    Question About MIN and ESN (Sathyadev Uppala)
    Satellite Seminar on Convergence of Computing, Telecom and TV (R. Layman)
    AT&T Screws up, Over and Over (Scott D. Green)
    Telco MUX to Home? (Roger Marquis)
    Information Wanted on Univ of Florida, Gainesville (Steven Glinberg)
    Bornstein, Cooper & Associates (Jeffrey Bornstein)
    Information Wanted on ATM (Apurva Shrivastava)
    New Use of ANI (Rob Boudrie)
    Help! Big Problem With Phone Company ([e-mail])
    Last Laugh! Dennis the Menace (Carl Moore)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Cid Technologies)
Subject: CID Modem Inits and Result Codes
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 03:15:37 PDT


I've recently been made aware that Caller ID decoding modems do NOT
all use the same init string and/or now display the CID information on
a terminal the same way.

For example, I *thought* that the standard CID Init to enable Caller
ID detection was: "AT#CID=1" (alternately you can use AT#CID=2 for the
"raw data" output format).

However, a ZyXEL modem user has told me that the Init string for him
is something like "ATS40=4" (or something like that, ie, not the same
as above).

Moreover, I had come to believe that the standard output format for the
CID data was as follows:

TIME: 0900
DATE: 0401
NMBR: 6175551212

(I assume all modems with Rockwell chips look like this ... am I
correct in this assumption?)

However, it seems the ZyXEL outputs the info differently, and this
doesn't even take into account Canadian CID or CNID (with the name
somewhere in the string).

So, if anyone has a Caller ID modem whose Init string is different
from "AT#CID=1" to enable Caller ID detection, and/or whose output
string differs from the above example (including people with CNID and
CID in Canada), could you please drop me a note with what Init string
you use, or a copy of a typical CID output from a call? (You don't
need to use real numbers or anything, just so I'll know what the
format looks like ...)

Thanks in advance for any help!


Doug  [e-mail]

(Since there will hopefully be a number of responses, please reply to netcom
instead of my usual Wesleyan address - thanks!)

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

Date: Sun, 3 Apr 1994 16:23:23 EDT
From: Mark Kelly <[e-mail]>
Subject: STU 3 Secure Phones


Can anyone point me to (or provide me with) information about STU 3
phones. Based on a brief conversation I had with a potential customer,
I believe it is a portable phone that can be plugged into an standard
telephone jack to allow secure (scrambled) telephone calls.

The customer asked me if he could hold multi-party conference calls
using the STU phone through our service. We have direct T1 feeds from
our local telco into our digial conference bridge. DSPs in the bridge
mix the voice signals to do multi-point conferencing.

I suspect that the STU phone scrambles the voice signal and the DSPs
will just end up mixing a bunch of garbage.

If this is true, does anyone know of H/W that can be connected to T1s
to unscramble the incoming voice before it hits the conference bridge
and then rescramble it on its way back out the T1.

E-mail to [e-mail] would be appreciated. Thanks.


Mark Kelly   Advanced Multi-Point Conferencing   Kanata, Ontario, Canada

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

From: [e-mail] (Keith Luca)
Subject: Centrex - Disaster Recovery and Remote Access
Date: 3 Apr 1994 10:57:01 -0400
Organization: The Pipeline


My company has recently switched to NYNEX Intelepath Centrex service.
We were given several disaster recovery options which were all very
expensive.  If you use Intelepath or any other Centrex service,
preferably on an AT&T 5ESS switch, what kind of offsite disaster
recovery plan are you using?

Also, I would like to provide my users with remote access to the
switch but I'm very concered about the security issue. I have not
initiated this with NYNEX yet, but would appreciate any comments about
opening up you switch.

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

From: [e-mail] (Sathyadev Uppala)
Subject: Question About MIN and ESN
Date: 3 Apr 1994 22:53:10 GMT
Organization: Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle


What is the difference between MIN and ESN?

Each mobile unit in a celllular system has a unique ESN, so what is
the need to have a MIN?

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 08:46:38 EDT
From: Richard Layman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Satellite Seminar on Convergence of Computing, Telecom and TV


    The Public Broadcasting Service's Adult Learning Satellite
Service/The Business Channel, the Computer Television Network, and the
Data Processing Management Association have joined together to produce
a series of programs on information technology (IT) and
telecommunications.  {NetworkWorld} magazine is a promotional sponsor.
(Previous programs in this year's series were "Deploying New Computer
Technology Successfully" and "Solving Local and Wide Area Network
Challenges.")

    "Bandwidth and Public Policy: The Data Highway Debate and Its
Impact on Businesses" (4/14/94 - two hours) covers the convergence of
television, computing, and telecommunications, and explores what this
may mean for organizations.

    It features Robert Heldman, director of technical strategies
for US WEST and author of {Future Telecommunications}, {Information
Telecommunications}, and {Global Telecommunications} all published by
McGraw-Hill and Richard Wiley, former chair of the Federal Communications
Commission and the leading telecommunications attorney in Washington, D.C.

    The program features filmed Q&A with George Gilder, one of the
leading "futurists" about convergence, and author of {Life After
Television} and {Microcosm}.  It will also feature filmed pieces with
VP Gore, Rep. Rick Boucher of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee,
and others.

    Mr. Heldman is well-known in the telephone industry for trying
to figure out what their future may be -- his normal audience is made
up of the presidents of the local telephone companies.  Mr. Wiley will
discuss how the federal government and regulation will respond to
bring that future about.

    George Gilder has provocative ideas about how the computing
industry will be in the drivers seat -- and how the laws of the
microcosm and telecosm are driving much faster than 55 mph!  (He has
other provocative ideas too! -- for example, that cable companies and
telephone companies ought to be able to work together TODAY, even in
monopolistic situations, provided there are no barriers to unaffiliated
content-providers.)

    Audience/Objectives: Everyone is talking about "video-on-demand"
and the information highway.  Most of the discussion has focused on the
home consumer.  This program focuses on the "enterprise" -- be it a
profit-making or non-profit organization.  The target audience is IT
and telecommunications managers.

How to receive this program:

    This program is distributed by the Public Broadcasting Service's
Adult Learning Satellite Service, by satellite, direct to a site equipped
with satellite-receive (TVRO) equipment.

    The license fee is based on the type of organization receiving
the program.  Affiliates of PBS-ALSS and Data Processing Management
Association chapters pay $175.  Other nonprofits pay $275.  Businesses
are charged $375.

University Downlink Tips:

    Many of the college and universities that license the ITS
programs do so through a continuing education division.  (This may be
in collaboration with a local chapter of the Data Processing Management
Association and/or computing departments within the university, or with
academic or administrative computing divisions.)  Most charge non-
University attendees a fee for the seminar.  You may wish to explore this
as a way to keep costs down.

Downlink Tips for Businesses and other organizations:

    If your organization doesn't have satellite-receive equipment
it is possible to identify a site in your area which does (colleges,
PBS television stations, and K-12 school districts, etc., to name a
few).  PBS account representatives can provide suggestions about sites
in your area.

    It is also possible that there is a site within your community
which has already licensed the program, and is making it available to
others within your area.  We can help you identify such sites as well
(send an e-mail request to [e-mail]).

For More Information:

    For questions about downlinking, licensing, etc., please
contact PBS's Adult Learning Satellite Service at 1-800-257-2578 or by
fax at 1-703-739-8495.

    You may also send additional queries by e-mail to:

[e-mail]

Thank you for your time and interest.


Richard Layman   Marketing Director
Computer Television Network   East Coast Office
825 6th St. N.E.   Washington, DC 20002-4325
202-544-5722 (voice)   202-543-6730 (fax)
[e-mail] (email)

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

From: [e-mail] (Scott D. Green)
Subject: AT&T Screws up, Over and Over
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 1994 16:36:40


Here's a tale of AT&T Corporate Card/ProWATS hell that I've been going
thru since 11/93.  I share it with you to see if there are other
battle-scarred veterans out there.

My company, thru the Travel office and Telecom, got AT&T calling
cards hooked up with our AMEX statements to provide single-statement
"convenience" for submitting vouchers for reimbursement.  Our rate
schedule is on some sort of ProWATS plan, and provides a 10% discount
of the total.

So I get my 11/93 statement with a few calls between TX and PA listed.
They were all made during night or weekend periods, yet the Rate Code
listed is E(vening) or U (no rate - pretty strange for domestic
calls).  I also notice that calls made between the same CO's during
the same rate period were costed differently: three one-minute calls at
$.90, $.96, and $1.00.  I call their "customer service" line and,
shockingly, my next statement appears with a total of $5.43 in credit,
against original charges of $10.13!

Unfortunately on that (12/93) statement, I also had a bunch of new
calls, but our AT&T/ProWATS page turned into an AT&T/Corporate page,
and didn't have our 10% discount.  So another round with customer
service, only this time it has to go to the Corporate Card Center in
Charleston, WV.  Turns out that the entire university was billed
incorrectly.  They admitted it.  Of course, most folks who use calling
cards, and get reimbursed, have no incentive at all to analyze their
charges and/or discounts, so this is pretty much a ripoff, even though
AT&T pledged to credit back the differences.

So the next statement (1/94) comes in, with no adjustments.  AT&T said
that they're still working on it.

2/94 rolls in, and AT&T's fix was to credit back every call from
12/93, and then re-bill it.  This one is pretty interesting, because
virtually all the calls were re-billed at a higher rate (under
ProWATS) than under "Corporate", *even after the 10% discount*.  And
on top of that, there are several pairs of identical calls (CO's, rate
period, length) that are again billed inconsistently.

First thing I do here is call AMEX and explain to them that I have a
dispute with a vendor (AT&T) and would they kindly not mark my account
delinquent while this is being resolved.  AMEX says they can't do
that, I have to call AT&T.  OK, I've got to call them anyway. :) AT&T
can't explain to me the billing inconsistencies; they can't even tell
me what the calling card surcharge is for the calls!  What follows is
a long series of phone calls to the Corporate Card Center, our local
AT&T AE, and the folks at this university in Travel and Telecom, who are
supposed to be watchdogging their vendor.

It was a frustrating month, because most of it was spent trying to
convince the aforementioned Bozos of the existence of a problem.  The
kicker came on my 3/94 statement.  I had one new call listed, placed
on a Saturday afternoon.  The rate code listed was E(vening).  Honest.
And, AMEX placed a polite "your account is delinquent" message on my
statement.  Another round of calls to my new-found extended family:
AMEX still says they can't deal with the AT&T dispute (why not?  they
handle it with every other vendor whose charges appear on their
statement); AT&T said I need to contact AMEX about the dispute.  AT&T
finally got the three of us on a conference call to fix that.  My
"personal" AT&T CSR tried to foist some of the blame onto *their*
"billing vendor," Cincinatti Bell.

So, while we're waiting for corrected charges, the university is
finally wondering how much we got ripped off for, and whether this
program is really worth it.  Meanwhile, AT&T, which has presumably
been in the business of providing toll-call service longer than
anybody, has not provided me an accurate billing since November, for
calls made in October.  That's six months, with no resolution in
sight.  How the mighty have fallen ...

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

From: [e-mail] (Roger Marquis)
Subject: Telco MUX to Home?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 01:37:19 GMT


When Pac Bell recently installed a second line into my (1940s) apartment
building they didn't run any new wire but instead installed a new demark/
junction box.  When I opened this box to connect my second line I was
surprised to find only the one original line going in, and _two_ lines
coming out!  Could it be my lines are MUXed to the local switch?

I've tested the quality of both lines by making a voice call on one and a
data call on the other (while executing 'sz /dev/zero' at 14.4+) without
finding any measurable degradation.

The alleged MUX measures 2*3*3 in. and is fully sealed except for the
contacts.  Does anyone know what I have here?


Roger Marquis

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

From: [e-mail] (Steven Glinberg)
Subject: Information Wanted on Univ of Florida, Gainesville
Date: 3 Apr 1994 22:57:58 GMT
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept


Sorry for the intrusion, but I was wondering if anyone could email
input on the University of Florida, in Gainesville.  I read this group
all the time and I figured I could reach a lot of people quickly this
way.

I have an opportunity to study there this summer, particularly in the
psych dept, and I would like input from anyone who studied/lived
there, to help me make my decision. (what the campus is like, how big
the school is, how close the campus is to the real world, about the
city, Gainesville, anything about the campus would be helpful)

I will be unable to read this newsgroup this week, but I will have access
to my email, so please email any responses to [e-mail]

Thanks much for your help.


Steve Glinberg
E mail: BEST ADDRESS       [e-mail]
        2nd best address   [e-mail]
        3rd best           [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Sun, 03 Apr 94 20:10:12 EDT
Subject: Bornstein, Cooper & Associates


BORNSTEIN, COOPER & ASSOCIATES functions as a Broker and "Clearing
House" for Agents and Marketing Companies that are already active, or
wish to become involved in the RESALE OF LONG DISTANCE SERVICES,
PRODUCTS, AND ANCILLARY ITEMS.

BC&A Principals have been active in the Telecommunications Industry
for over 40 years! Our Support Staff is located in all geographic
areas of the United States.

BC&A represents only reputable and proven PROVIDERS, RESELLERS, AND
CARRIERS who in most cases, are members of TRA (Telecommunications
Resellers Association). However, in all instances, each has been
carefully screened and researched by our company, it's legal staff,
and Dun & Bradstreet.

BC&A CONTRACTS Agents and Marketing Companies DIRECTLY with the
Providers, Resellers and Carriers that we represent. There are NO
"MIDDLEMEN" involved with you and your COMMISSIONS! However, we are
licensed to discuss all contractual issues so that you can achieve a
proper match and fit. Nondisclosure Forms ARE NOT REQUIRED, since BC&A
guarantees you can not secure a better deal, even if you negotiate
directly with our service providers.

If you are involved in Long Distance and desire: higher commissions,
better and more accurate reporting, and a safer environment to market
in, or ... if you are simply excited about becoming a part of a
growing ($60 BILLION MARKET) and dynamic industry ... look to the
experience and expertise of BC&A.

Our PRODUCT LINE consists of the following:

* OUTBOUND & INBOUND: AT&T, SPRINT, WILTEL, ALLNET,
  LDDS-METROMEDIA, LCI & WCT
* DEDICATED (T-1) ACCESS
* CALLING CARDS
* DEBIT (PREPAID) CALLING CARDS
* INTERNATIONAL CALLBACK
* OTHER SMALL BUSINESS DISCOUNT PRODUCTS & SERVICES
* QUALIFIED CUSTOMER/END-USER LEADS

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Bornstein ([e-mail])
or feel free to FAX/write or call for more information:


Jeffrey Bornstein
BORNSTEIN, COOPER & ASSOCIATES
1001 Village Road
Orwigsburg, PA  17961
[phone]
[phone]
[phone] FAX

Jeff Bornstein   Bornstein, Cooper & Associates  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Apurva Shrivastava)
Subject: Information Wanted on ATM
Date: Sun,  3 Apr 94 22:26:29 EDT


People,

I am looking for material on doing my thesis on routing problems
in ATM as this this is an open issue.

It has been suggested by my guide, Dr. Doreen Erickson, to ask
companies like Bellcore etc for material and also volunteer to do
research on their behalf. Of course all confidentiality papers etc.
would be signed by the entire committee. I have knocked one door after
another but have been very unsuccessful as yet. (My confidence level
seems to be decaying exponentially). All articles and material that I
have read seem to say 'ROUTING IS AN OPEN ISSUE', but nobody elaborates
(proprietory problems?).

I know that this forum is very well and widely subscribed to and hence
would like to take the great opportunity offered by this medium to
request for help from all sympathetic souls.


ADVthanksANCE,

Apurva

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

From: [e-mail] (Rob Boudrie)
Subject: New Use of ANI
Date: 4 Apr 1994 06:37:38 GMT
Organization: Ctr for High Performance Computing, Marlboro Ma.
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Rob Boudrie)


<all policital commentary left out, to address only telecom issues>

800-WHY-GUNS is an 800 number set up by a gun control proponent to
accumulate messages from people wanting to recieve literature on their
cause.

Interesting points :

- Some users report that the message changes after the third call
  from the same number, stating that calls from a single number are
  limited to three because of harassment from opponents [note: I wonder
  if they still pay for a call to their computers to identify the
  caller and leave this message?]

- The voice repsonse unit appears to do some checking on the zip
  code spoken into the system -- it replies invalid entry if you
  read in a nine digit zip (with a spoken dash in it).


Robert Boudrie         Center for High Performance Computing
[e-mail]      293 Boston Post Rd West
[phone] x635    Marlboro, MA 01752

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: HELP! Big Problem With Phone Company
Date: 4 Apr 1994 02:21:40 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway


I have a big problem with the phone company, and I'm not sure how to
deal with it.  This "friend" of mine who lives at the university is
forced to use a single long-distance carrier that charges top dollar
for long- distance calls.  Somehow he got MCI to set up an account
that would allow him to make calls on my phone, using a special code,
and have the bill for the calls sent to his address.  This seemed
rather unusual and so I called MCI to inquire about it.  I was told
that this is not really unusual and that I would not be responsible
for the charges if this guy doesn't pay the bills.  The impression I
was given was that the special code that he would use is something
like a calling card.  That being the case, I told him he could use my
phone.

For several months he has been using this arrangement with MCI to make
numerous, lengthy calls to a foreign country (he is not a U.S. citizen).
However, on my latest phone bill there was listed nearly $700 worth of
calls that this guy made using my phone.  When I called MCI to try to
rectify the situation I was told that his account had been closed by
the fraud department.  Apparently, he racked up between $3000 and
$4000 worth of charges on that account, paid some of it, and then
disputed the rest of the charges.  I was told by MCI that I am
responsible for the $700 bill since this guy used the phone with my
permission.  I was also told that they will probably come after me for
the other charges as well. Apparently, they may try to use the same
excuse -- that he used the phone with my permission.  However, as I see
it, there's a big difference between "Can I make a toll call on your
phone?" and "Can I make a toll call on your phone and have it charged
to my account?".

What are my legal responsibilities in a situation like this?  What is
the best way to handle this predicament?  I suppose I'll have to try
to collect the $700 from this guy so I can pay my recent phone bill.
As for the other charges, I guess I'll just have to wait and see what
happens.  Unfortunately, I don't expect it to be easy to get any money
from this guy.  I'll probably have to put a lot of pressure on him,
and even then I may never collect a penny.  I hope someone out there
can provide me with some helpful advice, as this whole thing is
starting to make me feel rather ill.


Dan   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The long-standing rule in telephony has
always been that each subscriber is responsible for the (physical) use
of his instruments. That is, if someone uses your phone with your per-
mission, then telco will as a courtesy attempt to bill the call however
the party wants; but as a worst-case scenario, if the billing falls
through then it comes back to the subscriber as a last recourse. The
called party could agree to accept your collect call for example, and
if later they change their mind, you get billed. When you, or someone
you allow uses your phone, the tariff says you agree -- if no other
billing is workable (third party, collect, credit card, whatever) to
pay. If your phone is used, billing and collection is your problem.

Now in your case, there seems to be no physical use of your phone, thus
no liability on your part in that way. However, there is a credit issue
involved: did you agree to allow your credit standing with telco to be
used as the basis for an extension of credit to your friend? If the answer
is yes, that you told telco they could rely upon you for payment of your
friend's bills, then indeed you are now responsible for payment. Consider
it like co-signing a note for an automobile purchase or any other credit
purchase. On his own merits, he could not get credit, but you agreed to
help, and as a good customer, telco accepted your guarentee. As 'they'
say, now it is payback time.

But did you really give this guarentee or permission to telco? Your first
paragraph seems to imply otherwise. You say he 'somehow' got MCI to set
up a credit account using your phone number as the basis for credit. Were
you aware that he got MCI to make these arrangements prior to him making
them? If so, then now this is your problem. You say you called MCI and
were told this was not 'unusual'. No, it is not; telcos will issue credit
cards to 'friends' or roomates or whatever, but they do it on the basis
of someone, somewhere having a good credit standing and agreeing to pay.
Your account with the local telco sufficed for this purpose.

You say you were told by the MCI rep (orally I am sure, not in writing)
that you would not be responsible for charges. That amounts to the same
thing as a used-car salesman telling you that if you co-sign for some kid
to buy a car, you won't be held responsible if the kid defaults on the
payments ... of course you will be responsible! And needless to say, MCI
will deny ever making such a statement in the first place; maybe they
did and maybe they didn't. They'll help chase him, but its your problem.

Most likely if you do not pay, one of two things will happen. If the
charges are billed to you via your local telco, then failing to pay,
you will get cut until you do. Telco may require a deposit to turn you
back on. If the charges were billed direct by MCI on a separate statement,
then if you fail to pay MCI will place you with an agency and probably auth-
orize the agency to sue you. If at that point you can convince MCI or the
court that you did not initially know of the billing arrangements and that
the guarentee was not authorized by you, then you will be off the hook. If
you knew about the arrangement from its onset, it is unlikely the court
will accept your word that MCI told you 'that you would not be responsible
if party did not pay ...'. If you can convince the court (should you get
sued, although MCI may simply write you off as a bad debt) that you did not
initially know of the arrangements; that they were made without your
knowledge or permission and that you attempted to void the arrangements,
then you will get off the hook. The catch is, what did you know and how soon
did you know it and what efforts did you take to mitigate creditor's losses
and your own? Only you and your friend know the answer to that, and should
this go to the wall, a judge will decide who owes what.  PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 7:53:07 EST
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Last Laugh! Dennis the Menace


I have just seen an episode of the "Dennis the Menace" TV series, made
in 1959.  It always opens with some mischievous incident; this morning,
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were saying how someone "fixed" their phone so
they could dial long distance without having to go through an operator,
and Dennis then talks about dialing and hearing the ringing sound (he
used nonsense syllables to describe it) and saying that "Aunt ___ was
surprised to hear my voice".  At that, Mr. and Mrs.  Mitchell have
astonished looks; left unspoken is "Dennis, did YOU make a long
distance call?".  (In case anyone is interested, Dennis was played by
Jay North; Henry and Alice Mitchell, his parents, by Herbert Anderson
and Gloria Henry; Mr. Wilson, by Joseph Kearns.  It was based on Hank
Ketcham's comic strip.)

That reminds me that the Nancy comic strip had Aunt Fritzie holding a
$98 phone bill and saying "NANCY, DID YOU MAKE ANY LONG DISTANCE CALLS?".

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #161
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa26757;
          4 Apr 94 16:41 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21283; Mon, 4 Apr 94 12:22:03 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21273; Mon, 4 Apr 94 12:22:00 CDT
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 12:22:00 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #162

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Apr 94 12:22:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 162

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    FAQ: Telephone Call-Back Service Providers (v1.1) (Bruce Hahne)
    Globalcom Inernational Callback Service (Scott C. Bundren)
    AT&T Price Changes on International Calls (Van Hefner)
    LEC Competition/Value of Service ([e-mail])
    Where Can I Find Back Issues? (Javier Montero)
    Need Advice on Terminal Server For PPP Access (Ben Lippolt)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Brian Gordon)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Jon Anhold)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Robert S. Helfman)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: FAQ: Telephone Call-Back Service Providers (v1.1)
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 94 17:38:04 +0900
From: Bruce Hahne <[e-mail]>


        LIST OF COMPANIES PROVIDING INTERNATIONAL CALL-BACK SERVICE
                                version 1.1
                                March 24, 1994

Introduction:

This list started as an attempt to gather information about companies
which provide call-back services to Japan.  Such companies allow you
to call from Japan to the U.S. at U.S. rates instead of at the (much
less competitive) rates set by Japan's 3 international phone
companies.

I have since found that most call-back companies provide call-back
services to many different countries, so I will not limit the
distribution of this post to newsgroups such as soc.culture.japan and
fj.life.in-japan.  However, the pricing information I give has a bias
towards examples connecting to or from Japan.

This document is in the public domain.  Please pass it around freely
and help people to save some money!  Please send additional
information on old or new callback companies to Bruce Hahne at any of
the addresses listed at the end of this post.

Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

This information is NOT guaranteed accurate, and may be based in part
on advertisements or fliers which are out of date, as well as on
3rd-party reports.  For full details and up-to-date pricing information,
contact the companies directly.


NAME: Business Communications Management, Inc.
CONTACT INFO:   Business Communications Management, Inc.
                1320 El Capitan Drive, Suite 300
                Danville, CA  94526
                Phone: [phone]
                Fax: [phone]
                Internet: [e-mail]

HOW IT WORKS: Call your access number (in the U.S.?), then hang up.
  Their computer calls you back at a preselected number.
BILLING: $50 one-time enrollment fee.  $25 monthly minimum.  Billed to
  your credit card.
SAMPLE RATES:   Japan to U.S. or U.S. to Japan: $0.45/min.
                Japan to U.K. or U.K. to Japan: $0.74/min.
                Japan to Canada or Canada to Japan: $0.68/min.
                Japan to Germany or Germany to Japan: $0.91/min.
                (30-second minimum per call, billed in 6-second increments)
COMMENTS:  Rates are the same at all times of the day and week.
  Monthly statement is mailed to you.  No PIN.  You can register as many
  call-back numbers as you want.
NOTES:
- This company is a reseller of the MTC PASSPORT service, also available
  from MTC listed below.  They do not resell the MTC OneCard mentioned in
  the MTC entry.
- [e-mail] appears willing to fax out rate sheets so that you
  have pricing information in writing.


NAME:  CSI (Communications Systems International)
CONTACT INFO:   Communications Systems International, Inc.
                121 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 226A
                Colorado Springs, CO  80903  USA
                Phone: [phone]
                Fax:  [phone] or 1-719-564-0541
                Internet: [e-mail]
                Compuserve: 73174,2250

HOW IT WORKS:   Dial an unlisted number assigned to you in the U.S.
  Their computer doesn't answer, but calls you back after you hang up,
  giving you a U.S. dial tone.
BILLING:  $250 refundable deposit required for account setup.  $27.50
  monthly service fee if your bill is under $100/month.  Billed
  directly or via credit card.  Billed in 6-second increments, not
  1-minute increments.
SAMPLE RATES:
  Per-minute costs from Japan to various sites are, in U.S. dollars:

                  Japan Time:  8am -  2pm       2pm - 11pm      11pm - 8am
                            first   add'l    first   add'l    first  add'l
    Country or ZONE          min.    min.     min.    min.     min.   min.
    --------------------- ------- -------  ------- -------  --------------
    Australia               4.48    2.07     3.98    1.99     4.51   2.19
    United Kingdom          3.36    1.88     3.23    1.79     3.35   1.98
    United States           2.52    1.38     2.41    1.30     2.56   1.48

COMMENTS:    Can be set up for any of 235 countries.  No PIN.  It seems
  as if you will always be called back at the same number, though this
  isn't completely clear from their P.R. materials.  Full pricing
  information available on MS-dos disk.  Speed dialing available.


NAME:  Logical / Kokusai Telecom
CONTACT INFO:   2-1-1 Minamidai
                Nakano-ku
                Tokyo 164, Japan
                [phone]
Other information presently unavailable.  Supposedly their rates are 25%
below those of KDD, at all times.  This company is the Japanese agent
for a U.S. company.


NAME:  MTC OneCard
CONTACT INFO:   MTC Passport Telemanagement
                Call Clearance Center
                55 S. Market St., Suite 1435
                San Jose, CA  95113
                1-800-967-5382  or [phone]
                Fax: [phone]
HOW IT WORKS: Dial local access number, your PIN, the phone number
  you're calling FROM, then hang up.  Their computer calls you back and
  gives you a U.S. dial tone.
BILLING:  $5 for initial account setup.  Billed through your credit card.
SAMPLE RATES:  From Japan to U.S.: $2.50 per call + 46.3 cents/minute?
COMMENTS:  Works from anywhere in the world with a local access number:
  about 45 countries.  Other services (speed dialing, conference calls,
  etc.) also available or will be available soon.
NOTES:
- MTC also sells a callback service called "PASSPORT", listed below.
- I have had serious problems trying to figure out the facts behind what
  services MTC offers and where to contact them to request service.  So
  far I have 3 postal addresses, 4 phone numbers, 2 fax numbers, and at
  least one person has reported being told that MTC doesn't offer the
  "OneCard". This is clearly not true, since I have one.  See the entry
  below for more MTC addresses and phone numbers.
- I do not have anything in writing directly from MTC giving their
  per-call and per-minute rates.  I have reports of $2.50/call plus 46.3
  cents per minute from Japan, but the math on my first bill does not
  match these numbers.  I would suggest contacting them directly for
  pricing information.
- MTC is allegedly receiving 100 new customers a day, so you may need to
  be patient about signing up and receiving information.


NAME:  MTC Passport
CONTACT INFO:   MTC Telemanagement Corporation
                1304 Southpoint Boulevard
                Petaluma, CA  94954
                1-800-999-2682  or 1-800-733-2682
                Fax: [phone]
                        or
                Passport International Telemanagement
                925 Lakeville St. #318
                Petaluma, CA  94952
HOW IT WORKS: 2nd-hand information suggests it works as follows:  dial
  local access number, your PIN, then hang up.  Their computer calls you
  back at a predetermined number and gives you a U.S. dial tone.
BILLING:  $50 one-time enrollment fee.  $25 monthly minimum.
SAMPLE RATES:  From Japan to U.S.: 46.3 cents/minute, no per-call charge?
NOTES:
- See notes above on MTC OneCard.
- The Passport service is also resold by Business Communications
  Management, listed earlier.



NAME: Progressive Communications
CONTACT INFO:   P.O. Box 5890
                Athens, OH  45701-5890
                Fax: [phone]
                Internet: [e-mail]
COMMENTS:
- Information presently unavailable, but hopefully will be in
  place by the time I release version 1.2 of this FAQ.



NAME: Telepassport
CONTACT INFO:   P.O. Box 1003
                Chicago, IL  60690
                Fax: [phone]
HOW IT WORKS: There are two main methods:
  1: Dial a U.S. number given to you by Telepassport, then hang up.  Their
  computer calls you back at your home number.  PIN optional.
  2: Dial a local toll-free number for Japan, enter account number and
  PIN, then enter a number which requests a callback to wherever you are.
BILLING: $25/month minimum.  Billed via credit card or via electronic
  funds transfer (bank to bank).
SAMPLE RATES:
  From Japan to U.S., standard/discount/economy rates:  .98/.85/.79 ($/minute)
COMMENTS: PIN is 4 digits.  You receive monthly statements.  Service
  available all over the world.  Message forwarding, voice mail, and
  other services available.  For extensive information, email the following
  message to [e-mail] :
        reply [e-mail]
        info telepassport
        end


Disclaimer:  I don't work for any of these companies.

Bruce Hahne
Current address:  [e-mail]
Lifetime address: [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Scott C Bundren)
Subject: Globalcom International Callback Service
Date: 4 Apr 1994 05:16:00 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz


  *****GLOBALCOM INTERNATIONAL CALLBACK SERVICE BEGINS APRIL 15******

Globalcom 2000 is a U.S. based telecommunications company offering
Prepaid calling cards and long distance service to residential and
commercial clients.  Globalcom 2000 uses the WilTel fiber optic
network for superior quality telephone service.

On April 15th, 1994, Globalcom will begin to offer International
Callback service to clients worldwide.

HOW IT WORKS: The International Callback user dials a number which is
a toll free call from anywhere in the world, and receives a busy
signal.  The customer then hangs up the phone, and the system calls
them back, giving them access to U.S. lines and low Globalcom rates on
International calling.

SAMPLE RATES: All rates are per minute, for anytime of day

Australia $0.88            France $0.56
Germany $0.57            Hong Kong $0.66
India $1.27            Japan $0.63
Sweden $0.54            United Kingdom $0.44

Features:

-- The most sophisticated and technologically advanced callback system in the
   world.

-- 24-hour operator assistance.

-- Tremendous savings: Call from outside the USA to the USA at discount rates
   saving you 20%-70%.

-- Call from outside the USA to other countries, including across closed
   political borders.

-- Your personal/business voice mail message service in the USA--FREE.

-- Fax service: Store and Foward -plus- Fax Mail Boxes.

-- Access to all USA toll free 800 numbers.

-- Immediate access to Directory Assistance anywhere in the USA.


A complete rate sheet is available by e-mail.  Please send requests or
questions to [e-mail].

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 94 09:00:44 EDT
Subject: AT&T Price Changes on International Calls


AT&T LOWERS PRICES ON INTERNATIONAL COLLECT CALLS
SHORT HILLS, N.J. (APRIL 1) BUSINESS WIRE -

March 31, 1994 AT&T customers can now save money when making collect
calls to the United States from more than 125 countries using AT&T
USADirect (R) Service. The new prices go into effect on April 13,
thanks to a tariff filed this week with the FCC.

"With these reductions, the price of a five-minute collect call on
USADirect will be reduced by up to 27 percent," said Mike Dimperio,
group product manager for AT&T Direct services.

With AT&T's reduced prices, a customer who makes a five-minute collect
USADirect call from London to New York would pay only $9.89, a 23
percent reduction from the previous price of $12.89.  A similar call
to the U.S. from Germany has dropped almost $3.00, from $12.04 to
$9.36, a reduction of over 22 percent.

AT&T also filed modest price increases on AT&T USADirect calling card
rates.  These rate revisions for calling card calls from 113 countries
to the United States average about a 2.5 percent increase per call.

Millions of people worldwide -- business people, vacationers, students
and military persons -- use AT&T USADirect and AT&T World Connect (sm)
Service for fast, convenient and economical telephone access to the
United States and over 75 countries.  "These services let customers
call the U.S., or country-to-country, from more countries than any
other telecommunications company," Dimperio said.

AT&T USADirect and AT&T World Connect Service are available simply by
dialing a toll-free access number.  Callers are connected directly to
an English-speaking AT&T operator or voice prompt to place calling
card and collect calls.  AT&T's international operators provide
service in eight languages.  Additionally, AT&T offers customers
automated calling card and collect calls without operator assistance
from more than 60 countries.  Other AT&T USADirect and AT&T World
Connect Service benefits include:

o Sequential calling of up to 10 consecutive numbers

o Voice messaging services allow callers to record a message

  and have it delivered to virtually any phone in 170 countries

o Callers can conference up to 500 people in up to 270

  countries on the spur of the moment or by reservation

o Callers can gain access to AT&T Language Line Services for over-the-phone
  interpretations from English to more than

140 languages

o Instant connection to all U.S. 800 numbers

o Instant access to U.S. and international directory assistance

o Customer service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

For AT&T Calling Card calls via AT&T USADirect, AT&T True World
subscribers get a five percent discount off the cost of the call. And
True World customers who call their designated country receive an
additional 15 percent -- for a total of 20 percent -- on AT&T Calling
Card calls via USADirect.

For $3 a month, True World offers savings of up to 35 percent for
customers who make international calls.

AT&T USADirect customers who are also enrolled in the AT&T True
Rewards(sm) program and spend at least $25 a month in long-distance
services receive points that can be redeemed for frequent flier miles
and long distance gift certificates.

For more information on AT&T USADirect Service, customers in the U.S. may
call 1-800-331-1140.


CONTACT:  AT&T, Short Hills, N.J.
   Pat Robinson, 908/221-7949 (office)
   201/292-1557 (home)
          or
   Maureen Lynch, 201/564-3265 (office)
   908/580-1125 (home)

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

Van Hefner      Vantek Communications      [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Information Needed on LEC Competition/Value of Service
Date: 4 Apr 94 10:04:02 EST
Organization: Ball State University, Muncie, In - Univ. Computing Svc's


I urgently need information on pricing regulations in the local
exchange with regard to universal service subsidies. I have heard the
term "value of service" but am unable to find how the higher priced
business phone subsidizes the rural phone. Is part of the monthly fee
put into a fund, part of every local call?  Three of us are participating
in a competition and have to present our ideas on Friday, April 8th, in
the morning.

A short explanation or a reference will be appreciated. Anyone who
wants to can have our handout e-mailed to them next week.


Thanks,

Reinhard Nolting, CICS, BSU   00r0nolting

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

Date: Mon,  4 Apr 1994 10:36:17 UTC+0200
From: Javier Montero <[e-mail]>
Subject: Where Can I Find Back Issues?


Hi,

Where can I find the back issues of TELECOM Digest?  Is there another
mag like this?

Thanks a lot.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You can have thirteen year's worth of
back issues of this Digest by checking out the Telecom Archives. You can
get there using anonymous ftp lcs.mit.edu; then when connected you would
do 'cd telecom-archives/back.issues'. They are in batches of fifty issues
with the most recent fifty or so at any given time available individually
in the 'recent.single.issues' sub-directory or the 'telecom.recent' file.
You can also use Gopher or WEB. In addition you can use the Telecom Archives
Email Information Service, and a help file for that is available on
request from me. Since like my competitor {The New York Times} I print all
the news that fits (both the amount of space available and my own philis-
ophical perspective on life), you need look no further. :)   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 04 Apr 1994 06:51:01 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Ben Lippolt)
Subject: Need Advice on Terminal Server For PPP Access
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: PTT Research, The Netherlands


Hi,

We want to start a pilot with PPP. We're looking for a terminal server
(with 8 ports) which will be connected to our ethernet and which
should support at least PPP (and preferable also (c)slip). Any suggest-
ions about good brands, models, etc, positive as well as negative are
welcome.

Thanks for any info.


Ben Lippolt

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

From: [e-mail] (Brian Gordon)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 1994 19:33:43 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Laurence Chiu)
writes:

> Out of interest, I presume that when you call 911 from your home phone
> you reach a dispatch service which is local to your community.  So if
> you call 911 from a cell phone, which dispatch service do you reach?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In a lot of places, including the Chicago
> metro area you don't reach anyone. 911 goes to intercept telling you
> in an emergency to dial the operator for assistance.  In other place where
> there is only one central dispatch, it goes there.  PAT]

In CA, it goes to the nearest CHP (California Highway Patrol) dispatch
center.  At their discretion, they can transfer to an appropriate 911
dispatch center, but a very high percentage of the calls are CHP
matters anyway (breakdowns and the like).


Brian G. Gordon        [e-mail]    bgg on DELPHI
70243,3012 on Compu$erve    BGordon on GENie    BGordon2 on AOL

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

From: [e-mail] (Jon Anhold)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 4 Apr 1994 13:24:48 GMT
Organization: The Ohio State University


In Cleveland, we have CECOM/CEMAC. It's an Emergency Management Agency
with office space downtown. One of the departments is a central
emergency dispatch, where they can talk to all of the suburbs Police
and Fire Departments in case of a city/county-wide emergency. 911
calls go there from Cell phones, so it's city-independant.


Jon Anhold N8USK   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Robert S. Helfman)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cellphones Reduce Crime?
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 00:11:54 -0800
Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'm glad I don't live there any longer
> also. First of all, 911 does not work from cell phones here.

PAT, you seemed to imply that Los Angeles' inner-city was "rotten to
the core". It isn't true. I live here. The streets are not ruled by
gangs, unless you consider the one that rides in the L.A.P.D. cars and
wears blue.

> 'Mr. Good Citizen' as they sometimes mock the callers to 911 when talking
> on the radio, your number is recorded and they can get back to you if they
> wish -- which is fine, except!  Try reporting a serious crime which you
> witnessed. If the criminal is caught, *you* will be subpoened to come to
> court and give your eye-witness account. *You* will be hounded and harassed
> by the ACLU attorney appointed to represent the defendant. *Your* integrity
> will be called into question. Defendants have the right, as I believe they
> should, to confront their accuser ... that's you if you were the one
> calling 911 to report it.

PAT, you should be ashamed of yourself for bad-mouthing the ACLU.

First, the ACLU rarely handles the initial defense of a suspect.
Their work is almost always on appeals (at least in criminal matters).
And they aren't defending a particular defendant - they're defending a
matter of constitutional law. You will note that they have defended
the Ku Klux Klan and Oliver North and other such "non-liberal"
defendants.

Lawyers appointed by courts to defend indigents are almost always a
public defender (or a private attorney appointed to defend one of
multiple defendants when there would a conflict of interest if the
public defender handled all the defendants).

As an ACLU member, I take personal offense at your sometimes mindless
conservative blather. For a guy with a sometimes wicked sense of humor,
you take some things entirely to seriously.

And I'll be the most surprised person on the Net if you let this posting
into comp.dcom.telecom (That's a dare, PAT!)

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In a lot of places, including the Chicago
> metro area you don't reach anyone. 911 goes to intercept telling you
> in an emergency to dial the operator for assistance.  In other place where
> there is only one central dispatch, it goes there.  PAT]

In Los Angeles, dialing 911 from a cellular phone gets the California
Highway Patrol dispatcher.

In Southern California, it's important to know exactly what jurisdiction
you're in. There are embedded sections of unincorporated L.A. County,
served by the County Sheriff, within the City of Los Angeles.

Use of 911 for reporting out-of-service traffic lights, water main
breaks, car fires, etc. is encouraged here, by PacTel cellular and is
free, 24-7. To save the dispatcher time, I just ask for the specific
agency I need: City of L.A. Transportation, L.A. Department of Water
and Power, L.A. Fire Department, etc.

The dispatchers seem to appreciate this approach since it gets them
off the line much faster. By the way, the response time is phenomenal.
I was driving one evening with a friend and spotted a car fire. I
called 911 and 1 1/2 minutes later, as we passed Engine Company 94's
station house, the red lights came on and the guys (and woman, of
course) were roaring out headed for the car. I've had similar response
from DWP for water mains -- which can do horrible things to a street in
just minutes if someone doesn't get on them right away.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Here we do not use 911 to report open
hydrants, out of order traffic signals, railroad crossing gates stuck
in the down position, draw bridges stuck in the open position, etc. If
one wishes to bother -- and I *do* call on things like this, we call
the water department, the department of streets bureau of electricity,
or the appropriate railroad, bridge-tender, etc. The rule here, although
it is not always followed, is that 911 is to be used *only* in a dire
emergency when immediate police/fireman intervention is required. For
example, someone stripped your automobile last night and you found out
about it this morning? That's no longer an emergency; it is over with.

By the way, thus far in 1994 here, *27 children* have been killed in
the crossfire of gang-related incidents in Chicago. Their involvement?
They were on their way (at various times) to/from Ludwig von Beethoven
School, an elementary school located in the middle of the Chicago
Housing Atrocity (oops, I mean Authority) complex of a dozen highrise
buildings on the south side. That's about two per week. Now the teachers
and the police meet the children at the entrances of the buildings to
walk with them acting like human sheilds the *one block* from their home
to their school and back again in the afternoon.

Yet even the little ones too young to go to school are not safe. A
three year old boy was hit by bullets which came through the window of
his family's home. An optical nerve was hit; he will now be blind for
the rest of his life.  He repeatedly asks his father -- in the words
of a three year old -- "Why can't I see?  I'm not a bad boy, I am a
good boy, why can't I see anymore?". His father would like to know how
to explain to his son why gang members with guns shooting from the
windows of highrise apartment buildings are afforded protection from
reprisal by police under some bogus civil liberties theories. How, he
wants to know, could the Fourth Amendment have been twisted and
perverted that badly, that ACLU attornies get court orders to prevent
police from searching the apartments where the shots were fired?
Mayor Daley said it best about Mr. Harvey Grossman, director of the
ACLU here: (quote) "He is a jerk."  You can take all the offense you
want as an ACLU member at my 'mindless blather'; personally I find
the ACLU to be a direct affront to what little decency and civility
still remains in the USA. And yes, I know the constitution quite well
thank you, and the ACLU does not have a monopoly on its interpretation
and implementation even though they think they do.  Since you like
El Lay so much, I'm sure you would love Chicago.  PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #162
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa27368;
          4 Apr 94 17:43 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26790; Mon, 4 Apr 94 13:46:11 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26778; Mon, 4 Apr 94 13:46:08 CDT
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 13:46:08 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #163

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Apr 94 13:46:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 163

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    New OTA Study on Wireless Technology (Todd LaPorte)
    Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (Les Reeves)
    Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (Scott Coleman)
    Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (Tarl
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Carl Moore)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Rob Boudrie)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (H. Peter Anvin)
    Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended (Thomas M. Allebrandi)
    Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended (James Taranto)
    Request For Information on Voicemail Systems (Henry Sobel)
    Small Scale Voicemail Information Needed (Eric A. Litman)
    Can I Use my Cellular Phone in Turkey and Germany? (Yilmaz Cengeloglu)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Todd LaPorte <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 94 13:08:00 PDT
Subject: New OTA Study: Wireless Technology and National Info Infrastructure


     We are pleased to announce that the Office of Technology
Assessment+s study of the implications of wireless technologies for
the National Information Infrastructure (NII) was formally approved by
our Congressional Technology Assessment Board at its February 8th
meeting.  The texts of the request letters for the study, the press
release from Representatives Brown and Boucher, and the proposal for
the study, which outlines the issues we will be considering during the
next 14 months, are all available via ftp at otabbs.ota.gov.  Look in
pub\wireless\ for these documents.  Other study-related documents will
be posted as they become available.

     The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of
the problems and promises of integrating wireless technologies into the NII.
 Wireless technologies and systems--such as TV and radio broadcasting,
new personal communications services, and many kinds of satellite
communications -- will form an integral part of the NII, but the role
they will play and the implications of their widespread adoption are
not yet clear.  In particular, integrating the many wireless and
wireline systems that will comprise the NII will prove a difficult
challenge for Federal, State, and local regulators. Many factors,
including standards development, interconnection and pricing
arrangements, and differing industry regulation, must be addressed
before radio-based technologies and systems can become an effective
part of the NII.

     This study will: identify and discuss the various wireless
technologies that could contribute to the development of the NII,
assess the barriers to greater or more efficient use of radio-based
systems, and explore the economic, regulatory, and social implications
of the convergence of wireline and wireless technologies in the NII.
The study will also present policy options addressing relevant
wireless/NII issues.

     Over the course of the study, we will try to talk to as many
people as we can in order to understand the wide range of interests
and concerns surrounding these complex and difficult issues.  In
addition, OTA will also conduct several (as yet undetermined)
workshops that will address specific issues in more detail.  These
meetings will be announced as far in advance as possible. If you would
like more information, please feel free to contact the study team at
our project e-mail address, [e-mail].  Any suggestions you may
have for people we should talk to, or other sources of data and
information will be greatly appreciated.


David Wye, Todd La Porte, Alan Buzacott, Greg Wallace
Wireless Project Team
Telecommunications and Computing Technologies Program
Office of Technology Assessment  U.S. Congress
[phone]   [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 09:29:07 PDT
From: Les Reeves <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


David S. Greenberg ([e-mail]) wrote:

> If you recall, the only reason that Lotus dropped their moronic
> Household CDROM was because they received 20,000 letters/calls
> requesting removal from the database.  Lotus LEARNED THE HARD WAY HOW
> TO ALIENATE YOUR CUSTOMER BASE -- MAYBE THIS COMPANY NEEDS A GOOD KICK
> IN THE *&*(& AS WELL...

> TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The thing is, they *do* have the right
> to see compiled listings -- as did Lotus or as does anyone else -- if they
> wish to do so. If a telephone book containing alphabetical listings is
> not illegal then neither is a consolidated listing of several telephone
> books made into one.

 ......

> Why? Is it because the ease
> and availability in obtaining the information has become greater?  PAT]

Pat is correct.  The CD Rom has simply brought this well established
list business within reach of anyone with a PC.

The Direct Marketing Association will help you make sure your name is
not used by direct marketers.  It will not remove your name from
lists, but it will attempt to alert all direct marketers who are
members that you do not wish to receive unsolicited mail.

As for the ProCD product, if you have moved in the last five years the
information on the CD is probably wrong.  This company's products are
loaded with errors.  If you are going to complain to them, ask them to
improve their accuracy <G>.


Les    [e-mail]       Atlanta,GA

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

From: [e-mail] (Scott Coleman)
Subject: Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!
Date: 4 Apr 94 14:56:47 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana


[e-mail] (David S. Greenberg) writes:

> Hi all, just thought I'd let everyone out there know that I just
> received in my daily pile of junk mail yet another company (which
> shall be named shortly ...) which has decided that they have the right
> to sell ****YOUR**** name and address AND PHONE NUMBER on CD ROM!

[...]

> CALL NOW! Protect your right to privacy!  Stop the abuse!

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The thing is, they *do* have the right
> to see compiled listings -- as did Lotus or as does anyone else -- if they
> wish to do so.  [...] I think
> what you will find in this case however is that the company in question
> is merely a list seller. They specialize in lists for other companies to
> purchase, and they are not going to be impressed very much one way or
> the other by consumers, per se.

I'd like to add to these points that the above company is by no means
the first to offer residential listings on CD-ROM. Last summere at the
American Library Association annual conference there was a CD-ROM
reverse directory shown, and its booth drew quite a bit of attention.
What this means is the chances are good that you can walk right into
your public library and use, in addition to the standard printed cross
directory, a CD-ROM version, as well. The reference room here at the
University of Illinois has a CD-ROM workstation dedicated to searches
on a reverse directory disc. In short, your campaign, even if
successful, won't make much of a dent in the abuses telemarketing scum
make of our telephones. The information will still be available from
too many other sources, including Compu$erve (via their PHONE*FILE
service) and the 900 number which you can call and punch in a phone
number via DTMF tones and retrieve the directory information.

On the bright side, however, you *can* protect yourself. Call your
phone company and have your listing changed to "city only" - i.e. your
listing appears as "John Doe, Anytown USA." As others have noted, you
can also choose to be listed under an assumed name, provided it sounds
reasonable. There are scads of call screening devices, some designed
specifically to thwart telemarketers, coming on the market now. I use
one which I designed myself based on a PC voice mail card and a
computer CNID interface, but I've seen similar devices in such
catalogs as Home Automation Labs. Using these techniques, I have
managed to cut my junk calls down to near ZERO.

One other glimmer of hope is that the data sources used by these
CD-ROM producers may not always be up to date. I sometimes look up the
"unknown" numbers which show up in my caller logs to see who's calling
me. Much of the time the information simply isn't there. A friend of
mine who actually owns some of these CD-ROM cross directories laments
this fact. Unless the CD-ROM in question has as its source the telco's
proprietary directory assistance data, there's a chance your
information isn't there or is listed incorrectly.


Scott Coleman     [e-mail]
President ASRE (American Society of Reverse Engineers)
Ed Green Fan Club #005

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 94 22:04:00 EST
Subject: Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!


In article <[e-mail]>,  [e-mail] writes:

> to sell ****YOUR**** name and address AND PHONE NUMBER on CD ROM!  Not
> only are they doing this for your home, but also for businesses as
> well!

The Lotus database was more than phone numbers. It included juicy
little details like annual income, credit history and marital status.
This new database sounds more like one large phone book, which is far
less irritating.

[and our Moderator follows:]

> All of a sudden because the medium has changed (from great
> big hardover books with several thousand pages each in several volumes)
> to CD Rom the complaints become more vocal. Why? Is it because the ease
> and availability in obtaining the information has become greater?  PAT]

Yup. As long as it took big money to get that kind of data on me, it
didn't bother me too much. Exxon and IBM have better things to do than
harrass me.  When the price falls down to a couple of hundred dollars,
the local Church of the Latter Rain can get that data on everyone in
town and target accordingly. That bothers me.


        Tarl Neustaedter        [e-mail]      [work]
        Ashland, MA, USA        [e-mail] [home]

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But Tarl, where do you draw the line? I
mean, you do like this information superhighway concept and the ease
with which everyone can get whatever information they want don't you?
Funny part is -- really it is not so funny -- when Clinton talks about
the Information Superhighway, he is not talking about how easy it will
be for every home in America to access the Grollier's Encyclopedia online
at Compuserve or America OnLine. Certainly the ease of obtaining neutral
third-party non-specific information will increase ... but so will the
ease in obtaining information on anyone about anything. We as human beings
can employ some ethical standards and say that normally there are certain
inquiries we won't make about others without their permission or some
definite reason for doing so combined with a 'need to know' ... but to
the computer, its all just bits of data flowing down the wires. The
computer doesn't care what you ask about. Superhighways are designed to
make it easy to get from A to B ... and the church people have the same
rights as everyone else.

Public information is becoming easier and easier for the *public* to
get their hands on ... and I can see where to some people it might get
sort of scary. The time is going to come -- I think in the lifetimes
of most of us -- when there are no hiding places left; no secrets are
hidden; everyone's soiled underwear on display at the laundromat; when
we no longer have privacy to count on to hide our peccadillos. Then the
computer will have metamorphosed from being our trustworthy tool to
being our master instead. When the church people aren't getting after
you, the government will be or your ex-wife or your former husband, or
your parents or your neighbors. Forget Grollier's Academic Encyclopedia
or the Fruitcake Recipe Database ... now the real lookups are getting
underway! Come one, come all, serve yourselves.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:15:10 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?


When the timing belt went bust on my car on March 19, I waited 3 1/2
to 4 hours on the route 33 expressway in Northampton County, PA.  No
one stopped to inquire (at LEAST someone needed to contact police).
Although it had gotten dark, I had to leave the car and walk 1 1/2
miles, along a shoulder that was VERY narrow in some places, to an
exit ramp on my way to a phone.  I was honked at twice or so, but
still nobody made a move to stop me.

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

From: [e-mail] (Rob Boudrie)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: 4 Apr 1994 10:32:08 -0500
Organization: Center for High Performance Computing of WPI


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> A friend suggested to me that, sometime in the future, almost everyone
> will carry around a cellular phone almost all the time.  She thinks
> this will significantly reduce the amount of crime, because it will be
> very easy to report a crime or other suspicious behavior that one
> observes.  I'm skeptical, but it seems like an interesting topic for
> discussion.

Or it can increase it ...

A few months ago, someone in Framingham, MA was held up for their
Motorola flip phone at (I think knife point).  The agressor then
demanded that the phone be unlocked before he would leave.

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

From: [e-mail] (H. Peter Anvin N9ITP)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Reply-To: [e-mail] (H. Peter Anvin)
Organization: Northwestern University Electromagnetics Laboratory
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 00:21:10 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> of comp.dcom.telecom, rs2510@
dice.nwscc.sea06.navy.mil (Rhett Salisbury) responds to TELECOM Digest
Editor:

>> Sorry Pat, this is the kind of crap that keeps things the way they
>> are.  If you are not willing to get involved you have no right to
>> complain about how screwed up things are.  We will not have an end to

>      -- good stuff deleted --

>> Back to the original question, will the proliferation of cell phones
>> reduce crime?  The answer is: no, but your use of one might.

> In total agreement with Sean Slattery -- Pat should excercise a
> certain measure of responsible judgment.  When someone flippantly
> tells an international community that not only we live in a extremely
> dangerous country, but also that it is dangerous to become 'involved',
> someone will be injured due to your inaction.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But it is true. Ask the few honest
> people who work for the CTA. I see it happen over and over again.
> And if you witness a crime and report it, you'll spend the next six
> months or a year in court getting harassed by the defendant and his
> attorney. My advice is don't get involved unless you like being a
> martyr. Criminals are given so many rights, *you* will be made to be
> the villian instead.  PAT]

How about asking the two brave young students in Evanston recently who
stopped a rape and made a citizen's arrest on the perpetrator?  They
got a medal for it.  America has problems largely *because* people
don't get involved, and by saying "it is better not to", we are
exacerbating the problem.  Have some guts.


hpa
INTERNET: [e-mail]               FINGER/TALK: [e-mail]
IBM MAIL: I0050052 at IBMMAIL       HAM RADIO:   N9ITP or SM4TKN
FIDONET:  1:115/511 or 1:115/512    STORMNET:    181:294/101
Linux system administrator (3 systems on the net, one off)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Certainly, and that kind of thing (giving
a medal) happens occassionally in Chicago also. I will never forget the
instance a few years ago of the woman who slipped on the ice and fell
in the Chicago River and the kid about fifteen years old who jumped in
and pulled her to safety. The next day in a rather unusual twist to the
news of the day the {Chicago Sun Times} put a large picture of him on
the front page with a headline, "<his name> is a hero". Mayor Washington
gave him a medal and recognition as well. Now if that kind of thing
happened more often, I might agree with you. Citizen's arrests are very
dangerous things to do however and I have simply seen too many cases
where the police harrassed the person(s) who tried to stop the crime
while doing nothing to the person who *did* commit the crime.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Thomas M. Allebrandi)
Subject: Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended
Date: 3 Apr 1994 17:30:05 -0600
Organization: MCSNet Subscriber Acct, Chicago's First Public-Access Internet!


Steven H. Lichter ([e-mail]) wrote:

> PC Pursuit has now gone into The Information Highway history books. As
> of 9:00 PM Pacific Time it went down; that was three hours earlier
> then it was supposed to on 3/31/94. Many paid for a full month of
> $30.00 for 30 hours and got cheated for at least three hours. The talk
> among the many users of the service was Sprint killed the program by
> not advertising a service that could have made money.

PC Pursuit was originally intended as a way to make some money off of
the unused network capacity that Sprint had after business hours. They
were already providing remote outdial capabilities for thier business
customers who went home at 5:00PM. Overnight, this gear sat their
gathering dust.

Enter PC Pursuit - $15.00 per month for unlimited use of the outdial
network between 6:00PM and 7:00AM weekdays and all hours on weekends.
The growth was incredible, it was not very long until the demand far
outweighed the capacity.

It got to the point that the costs of operating PC Pursuit at the
level required by the demand was significantly greater than the costs
of operating the daytime service for businesses. A way of making some
extra money was turning into a full blown business entity.

Sprint piddled around putting up with the complaints, made a lot of
people mad, and then decided to meet the demand with significantly
higher rates. That's when $30.00 for 30 hours was introduced. (There
may have been a couple of steps before that, I don't recall.) This
made a lot of people mad and there were massive defections. The
problem was that there was no place to go and so people starting
getting into other things like UUCP.

I was using PC Pursuit in '87-'88 as a cheap way to get to Portal who
at that time was $10.00/month. In 1988, $25.00/month for Internet Mail
and USEnet news was a great deal. By the end of 1988, I had UUCP on my
machine so I no longer needed Portal and hence no longer needed PC
Pursuit.

What exactly killed it in the end I canot say. But it would not
surprise me that Sprint was simply tired of dealing with it.


Tom


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I signed up with PC Pursuit about 1982
during the first week or so of its operation when they were using the
'dial us, we call you back' method of connecting callers to the network.
At the time, no one really thought PCP would gain any real popularity.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (James Taranto)
Subject: Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended
Date: 4 Apr 1994 06:33:43 GMT
Organization: The Bad Taranto


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Steven H. Lichter) wrote:

(I am commenting only on the writer's signature):

> Sysop: Apple Elite II -=- an Ogg-Net Hub BBS
> [phone] 12/24/96/14.4 V32/V42bis Via PCP CACOL/12/24
                                          ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Huh?


Cheers,

James Taranto  [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Steve, want to explain it?  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (ECCO BBS)
Subject: Request For Information on Voicemail Systems
Date: 4 Apr 1994 10:55:45 -0800
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


We are a small software development shop looking for a good voicemail
package that we can set up ourselves.  We need about five lines and
will be purchasing all the handsets and hardware.  Any suggestions
would be much appreciated.


Henry Sobel

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

From: [e-mail] (Eric A. Litman)
Subject: Small Ccale Voicemail Information Needed
Date: 4 Apr 1994 11:32:18 -0500
Organization: Proxima, Inc.


I'm interested in purachasing a voice mail system for my company. I've
always been impressed by the features of the Octel line, but my last
investigation (maybe five years ago) revealed only relatively high-end
systems. Audix and its offspring are OK.

What are some recommendations for a system which will need to support
between ten and fifty users? I'm not at all familiar with costs or
administrative features, only with the systems from a user's perspective.

I appreciate any information -- vendors welcome.


Eric Litman         Proxima, Inc.    vox: [phone]
Systems Engineer    McLean, VA       [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Yilmaz Cengeloglu)
Subject: Can I Use my Cellular Phone in Turkey and Germany?
Date: 4 Apr 1994 12:28:01 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway


I use my cellular phone in FL, USA. I would like to know if I can use
that phone in Turkey and/or Germany.

If I can not use it, do you know any phone that is compatible with
cellular system in Germany, Turkey and USA.


Thanks in advance,

[e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #163
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa28235;
          4 Apr 94 20:01 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02097; Mon, 4 Apr 94 15:48:06 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02087; Mon, 4 Apr 94 15:48:03 CDT
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 15:48:03 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #164

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Apr 94 15:48:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 164

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    What's Up With The NANP (John R. Levine)
    New NPA For Virginia (Karl Johnson)
    Re: Ruling on Dark Fiber (Michael P. Herlihy)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (Garrett Wollman)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (Peter M. Weiss)
    Re: Dials! (Tom Watson)
    Re: *999; CB Channel 9 (Chris Sullivan)
    Re: History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T (Mike Eastman)
    Re: Leased Line Connectivity Question (Barton F. Bruce)
    Re: Is 800 Really Portable Yet? (Terry Eugene Knab)
    Re: Is 800 Really Portable Yet? (Steve Forrette)
    Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary? (Matt Silveira)
    Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary? (Linc Madison)
    Re: Charges For 800 and 950 Access (Kurt Albrecht)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: What's Up With the NANP
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 14:13:30 EDT


I just picked up this FCC news release from the fcc.gov ftp server.
Despite the date, it's real.

Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

Report No. DC-2581         ACTION IN DOCKET CASE        April 1, 1994

               CHANGES IN ADMINISTRATION OF NORTH AMERICAN
                          NUMBERING PLAN PROPOSED
                          (CC DOCKET NO. 92-237)

     The Commission has proposed to establish a new, non-government
entity to administer the North America Numbering Plan (NANP).
Administration of the NANP has evolved from its earlier focus on
conventional area codes to include other numbering resources such as
service access codes (e.g., 500 and 900 codes), N11 codes (e.g., 411),
and carrier identification codes.  As a result, the NANP administrator
coordinates many of the telephone numbers used in the United States,
Canada, and other parts of North America.  To explore issues
pertaining to future administration of the NANP, the Commission opened
this docket with a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in October 1992.

     The NOI divided the docket into two phases.  Phase I requested
comment on the identification of an appropriate entity to administer
the NANP, future funding for such administration, and how such
administration might be improved.  Phase II sought comment on the
costs, benefits and technical issues associated with expanding Feature
Group D (FGD) Carrier Identification Codes (CICs) from a three-digit
to a four-digit format.  The expanded format has been proposed to
avoid premature exhaustion of the current supply of three-digit FGD
codes.

     In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission tentatively
concluded that ministerial administration of the NANP should be
undertaken by a new, non-government entity and that the FCC should
impose fees to offset the costs of regulating US numbering resources.
The Commission also asked for comment on whether it, in conjunction
with other World Zone 1 regulators, should impose numbering charges to
finance future international administration of NANP.  In addition, the
Commission sought comment, on whether a new numbering policy board
should be established to assist regulators.

     With respect to Phase II, the Commission tentatively concluded
that FGD CICS should be expanded to a four-digit format. In addition,
it proposed to specify a transition period of six years during which
subscribers could use both the current three digit and the new
four-digit FGD CICs.  The Commission also sought comment on whether it
should require local exchange carriers in equal access areas to
deliver interstate, intraLATA "1+" MTS calls to the carrier preselected
by the end user.  In addition, the Commission sought comment on the
need, if any or for a nationally uniform dialing pattern that would
use the digit "1" as a toll call identifier.

     Action by the Commission March 30, 1994, by Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (FCC 94-79).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioner Quello and
Barrett.

     New Media contract: Rosemary Kimball at [phone].
     Common Carrier Bureau contact: Peyton Wynns at (202)
 632-0745.

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

Date: 04 Apr 94 17:59:36 EDT
From: Karl Johnson <[e-mail]>
Subject: New NPA For Virginia


In the business section of the 1 April 1994 {Washington Post} there is
an article "announcing" a split for NPA 703.  The Post gives the start
date for this split as August (I personaly think that this will occur
a year from August).  No number or geographic location has been
assigned as of yet.  The article also states that over the next three
months that an economic study will be conducted by Bell Atlantic, the
local wireless companies, and 14 other local phone companies in the
region.

I think this will be a normal split with the line somewhere west of
the Washington, DC suburbs, with the western part getting the new NPA.

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

From: [e-mail] (michael p.herlihy)
Subject: Re: Ruling on Dark Fiber
Organization: AT&T
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 11:19:08 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Tom
Watson) writes:

> OK, I'll bite...

> What is "dark fiber".

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Dark Fiber is, as I understand it, simply
> the fiber from one point to another, without the intelligence on either
> end of the line **as supplied by the telco** to use it. Dark fiber could
> roughly be compared to a wire cable from one place to another without
> telco's battery and/or switching apparatus on either end; the customer
> left to his own devices on how to use it. Although telcos have for many
> years provided so-called 'private line service' -- that is, a piece of
> wire from one point to another with the subscriber doing his own thing
> on both ends of the wire, I understand they (telcos) are not terribly
> enthusiastic about providing fiber under the same conditions. George
> Gilder wrote about this, and his essay is in the Telecom Archives for
> interested parties to review.   PAT]

I thought Dark-Fiber was telco run fiber that wasn't being used.

An AAV or CAP would lease it from a LEC and provide alternate access
using the LEC's own facilities ...

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

From: [e-mail] (Garrett Wollman)
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Date: 4 Apr 1994 10:13:37 GMT
Organization: MIT Laboratory for Computer Science


In article <[e-mail]>, PAT writes:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thank you Colonel. Tell me this: any ideas
> how Colonel came to be pronounced 'kernel' rather than 'call-on-nell'?

There is a reason for this, oddly enough.  The English word `colonel'
is a result of the collision between the French word `colonelle' and
the Italian `coronello'.  For some unknown reason, English adopted the
French spelling and the Italian pronunciation.


Garrett A. Wollman   [e-mail]
formerly known as    [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 04 Apr 1994 05:13:30 EDT
From: Peter M. Weiss <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Organization: Penn State University


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Greg Trotter) says:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

>> (...)             Call Surety Technologies, Inc.  at [phone];
>> fax number is [phone].  Information is also available on the
>> Internet at infonotary.com.
>              ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

> My system can't seem to find this place  ... and whois at internic seems
> clueless as well. Anybody have any updated information?

Taking a SWAG, I looked up info.notary.com which resolved to an MX host.


[e-mail]     "The 'NET' never naps"             [phone]
31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Watson)
Subject: Re: Dials!
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 1994 12:42:59 -0800
Organization: Apple Computer (more or less)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
wrote:

> My son (11) confronted a dial phone this past weekend and couldn't
> figure out how to use it. He tried pressing the "buttons" but nothing
> happened. We finally had to show him the concept of turning the dial.
> It took a little practice to get it smooth.

Something similar to this is references to "clockwise" and "counterclock-
wise" as directions to torn something.  It seems that the notion of
direction has been "depreciated" since we now have digital clocks.
Are first and second graders being taught how to tell time on one of
those "old-fashion" "dial" clocks?  This is probably not the correct
place to discuss this, but surfing over to 'alt.folklore.computers'
will probably yield some interesting ideas on this subject ...


Tom Watson    Not much simpler!!
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Prof. Feedlebom)
Subject: Re: *999; CB Channel 9
Date: 4 Apr 94 17:58:17 GMT
Organization: KAIWAN Internet (310/527-4279,818/756-0180,714/741-2920)


Jonathan ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I am wondering why the police do not routinely monitor CB channel 9,
> since the primary use of this channel is to report emergencies.

A few police departments monitor channel 9 across the country, however
even at CB's peak that was not really who was monitoring.

A long time ago, there was a group called REACT who's basic purpose
was to monitor channel 9, and render assistance as needed by calling
the appropriate authorities by telephone and acting as a "relay" for
motorists in trouble.  Unfortunately, even though REACT still exists,
few still monitor channel 9. Most (especially here in LA) just act as
roving reporters for the local traffic service.  I know of entire
TEAMS of REACT members that don't even have one CB radio between them.

If you need emergency assistance while travelling, don't depend on your
CB radio.  Invest the $200 to buy a GOOD cellular phone, or pass the no-code
Amateur license and use ham radio.  You'll be doing yourself a favor.


Chris Sullivan, KD6COS, Santiago REACT #19


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In some places, the REACT people have
moved up to the 462 megs area in GMRS. During the height of the CB
craze back in the 1970's, channel 9 was abused a lot in many places
and what limited police attention it received wained.  PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 04 Apr 94 08:56:38 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T
Organization: AT&T


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (James
H. Haynes) writes:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thanks for that great bit of history.
> .... Without question, Ted Vail was the man who made AT&T what it is
> today, or at least what it was for more than half a century.   PAT]

AT&T has an employee award called the VAIL Medal of Valor given for
acts of bravery (e.g., saving someone in fire). I find it satisfying
that it is not given out for technical achievement or monetary achievement,
just for HUMAN achievement.


Mike Eastman    att!ihlpm!mfe    [phone]
AT&T       Naperville, IL 60566

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Leased Line Connectivity Question
Organization: Digital Equipment Computer Users Society
Date: 04 Apr 94 01:49:21 -0500


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (kostick
christopher) writes:

> I have some questions. I am more of a LAN person and this WAN stuff is
> new to me. Before I approach vendors and providers about equipment and
> connectivity, I like to have some knowledge of what I'm talking about,
> and the net seems to be the place.

> Two offices need connectivity. I was thinking through a leased line of
> 56Kbps. I'm in the Bell Atlantic region, would I talk to them?  AT&T?
> MCI? Sprint? Anyone of them?

> What kind of equipment would be necessary? I've heard of these CSU/DSU
> devices? Do I need one?

Bell Atlantic has frame relay in many places and more coming. If you
are intralata, compare that to a DDS-II circuit or some FT1 circuits.

Whether leased line or frame relay, you will need a CSU/DSU (think of
it as a digital modem).

The CSU/DSU (also spelled DSU/CSU - your choice) you get depends on speed.
DDS to 56 or possibly 64 is one type. T1 or fractions is the other type.

If small groups are at either end and this is otherwise suitable,
bridge.  It will be plug and play -- no configuration hassles. Get a
Gandalf 5220 that does screaming good compression. Lists at 2295 each.
Wholesales at Ingram at 1513, your street price depends on your
bargaining.

The base model used to just do 56kb. 2nd wan port is just $150 more.
S/W upgrade (flash equipped, no less) to support compression to 384kb
and T1 speeds without compression WAS $700, but may now be bundled
free due to competition -- ask. DDS DSU/CSU ***SERIOUS QUALITY** try
Adtran's DSU-III AR listing at $725. Shopping in the back of "Telecom
Gear" may find ads offering it at $479 or less. A BAT brand one that
JUST does 56kb and JUST has a v.35 (no rs232) lists at $299. **LARGE**
discount %s generally available.

A T1 CSU/DSU, oh, probably lists at $1595.  There are MANY options --
best get someone you trust. With a little effort current models with
reduced chip counts should be available just under $1000 with some
careful shopping.

If you really MUST route, get cisco's new 250x models. Hardware is 995
for one ethernet to two T1 capable ports. Software is 1500, 2300, or
3000 per end depending on what you need to do. Cisco discounts, though
definitely available, are more difficult than othe rbrands. But you
are getting 'class' stuff.

The csico 250x router MUST be used if you are using frame relay, as
the Gandalf doesn't do f/r. Cisco can bridge, too, but lacks compression
that is promised in some future s/w upgrade. cisco ALWAYS will need con-
figuring.

If you must go interlata, then you need an IXC. Same leased line vs
frame relay questions should be asked. Try other than the mainstream
ATT/Sprint/MCI.  Wiltel or C&W should be good. Resellers should be
avoided until you get more experience. they tend to want your $s
without really getting the service installed properly, and will help
precious little later.

56kb is probably all you need, but you didn't give many details.
Ignore 8:1 claims. With the gandalfs you probably will get 3:1 or
maybe 4:1 compression on average. With a 56kb line, that is VERY nice.

Get the v.35 connectorized versions even if just starting at 56kb.

One last thing. 56kb DDS *WAS* and in some places still IS the old
hubbed MEGA-RIP-OFF obsolete service. You want DDS-II, or BDS
(Basic...) or GDS (Generic...) or, in AT&T terms ASDS (Acunet Spectrum
of Digital Service).  Specifically you want the LOWEST PRICE non
hubbed generic digital service available. Check BOTH the in state
utility commission tariffs and the FCC ones. *YOU* (in state only) and
you alone can pick which you order under.

There ARE rules saying which to use. No one polices this and no one
seems to really care. Bigest problem if the FCC ones are cheaper
inlata may be getting a local telco sales droid that even understands
HOW to take your order under FCC pricing! Persist.

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 1994 06:01:52 CST
From: Terry Eugene Knab <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Is 800 Really Portable Yet?


I applied for my 800 number (800-900-XXXX) on May 3, 1993 (two days
after the new system started.  When I enquired as to what was
available, (and I was dealing with MCI) they offered me the 800-900-
XXXX, 800-417-XXXX, 800-889-XXXX (all of which either ended in double
0 or repeated i.e.  8989) When I asked the MCI rep why I had these
choices, she told me that all combinations were opened up for general
use.  BTW, 889 was a RBOC NNX.


Terry Knab    [e-mail]
P.O. Box 34 Buffalo, MO 65622   417-345-7979

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

From: [e-mail] (Steve Forrette)
Subject: Re: Is 800 Really Portable Yet?
Date: 4 Apr 1994 10:10:26 GMT
Organization: Walker Richer & Quinn, Inc.
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Steve Forrette)


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: After portability started,
> When it comes to 'good' numbers (i.e. they spell words or end in x000
> or some other desirable combination) which are idle from AT&T, then AT&T
> always claims the number is 'reserved' for a pending customer. They never
> can produce the name of the so-called customer of course, and although
> reservations are theoretically only good for sixty days (at which point
> a carrier has to make it available without further hassles) AT&T keeps
> on renewing the reservations on the numbers they want. ...

> So although portability is the law, it will only work as it should
> when the FCC orders all the carriers to start responding promptly to
> customer requests for numbers which 'belong' to other carriers and to
> quit reserving numbers for customers who do not exist in order to hang
> on to desirable numbers.  PAT]

I had this problem last year.  The number I wanted was not in service,
but when I tried to get it through AT&T, I was told that it was
"reserved" by the original carrier who owned that prefix, Cable &
Wireless.  So I called C&W, and they told me that it was reserved by
themselves for "internal use."  Instead of battling with them to get
them to release it, I explained to them that I wanted to sign up for
800 service, but I will do so with them only if I can get the number I
want, and that if I have to have a number assigned to me other than
the one I want, that I might as well go with another carrier.

I played dumb and acted like I didn't know anything about portability.
Magically, the sales rep was able to get the number "released" and
assigned to me.  Once the account was set up and working, I filled out
the RespOrg switch form and had it moved over to AT&T where I wanted
it.  Once it was in service in my name, there was no argument about
moving it.  Although it introduces a bit of a delay, extra work, and
perhaps a setup charge and first-month's fee from a carrier you don't
want to deal with, it is far easier than trying to battle it out.  I'd
recommend to anyone to do it this way if at all possible.


Steve Forrette, [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  You shouldn't have to play games like
that however. I've had to do the same thing though.  PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 10:16:45 PST
From: [e-mail] (Matt Silveira)
Subject: Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary?


Yes, many modems of like bps rate will not "communicate" due to
proprietary bit compression schemes.  V.fast and MNP are proprietary
and will not "sync-up" with a standard modem. And save your money on
fancy options for LEC lines or IXC lines and buy a better modem with
more robust error correction.

With regard to ZMODEM, it is not proprietary and there are many
"shareware" programs available for Macs, PCs, and UNIX boxes, check a
"mirrored" INTERNET site or sumex.aim at Stanford for Macs.

Good Luck.

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

Date: Sun, 3 Apr 1994 18:20:12 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Linc Madison)
Subject: Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)


In article <[e-mail]> you wrote:

> I'm trying to determine whether the Zmodem transfer protocol is
> proprietary.  Specifically, are there any *free* (i.e. non-shareware)
> tools for sending/receiving files utilizing the Zmodem protocol?

The ZMODEM protocol is definitely NOT proprietary.  Particular
implementations of it (such as the Mark/Space ZMODEM tool for the
Apple Communications Toolbox) are proprietary, but the protocol itself
is not.  You can obtain complete source code for "sz/rz" for Unix.  I
don't recall the FTP site, but I'm sure someone on the net can inform
you.  There are also freeware comm applications for popular micros
that supply ZMODEM (e.g., ZTerm for Macintosh).


Linc Madison   *   Oakland, California   *   [e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 94 13:31:00 EDT
From: National Electric Telephone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Charges For 800 and 950 Access


My company provides public telephones for general public use in
Southeastern Pennsylvania.  Consequently, I'm pretty familiar with
access to 800 and 950 numbers from public telephones.  I'm going to
give you some of the history, rules, and reasons behind the rules.
I'm also going to let you know where I think things are going on this
issue.

In the Telephone Operator Consumer Services Improvement Act of 1990
(TOCSIA) Congress mandated that telephone aggregators (i.e. public
telephone providers, hotels, university provided phones, etc.) must
provide access to 800 and 950 at no higher cost than what they charge
to access their presubscribed 0+ carrier (i.e. the carrier that you
get when you just dial 0).  Since most aggregators don't charge to
access their presubscribed carrier (they receive a commission from the
presubscribed carrier in exchange for sending the traffic their way)
they therefore should not be charging for access to 800 and 950
access.  They definately cannot block access.

TOCSIA also mandated that the FCC decide whether 10XXX should be
handled in the same manner.  In addition, they also directed the FCC
to see if compensation should be granted to the aggregators for
allowing the end user to access their carrier of choice.  The carrier
receives compensation from the end user who pays for the call, why
shouldn't the company that provided the equipment from which the call
originated also be compensated.

In 1992 the FCC decided that 10XXX access should be handled in the
same manner as 1-800 and 950 and that aggregators should be compensated
on a per call basis.  However, they couldn't figure out how to
implement a per call compensation plan so they did nothing.  At the
urging of the American Public Communications Council (A trade group
which represents public accessible communication companies) the FCC
did implement a temporary plan in which the major long distance
carriers pay into a fund.  Each aggregator phone receives $6 per month
to compensate them for interstate access code calls.  Prior to this
aggregators received *nothing* everytime someone placed one of these
calls.

You might wonder why an aggregator should receive compensation for
800, 950, and 10XXX calls when these are free to them to begin with.
Well, if you decided to start a business providing public telephones
for use by the public you would invest money in equipment, personnel,
training, maintenance.  Each month you have to pay a phone bill to the
LEC (local telephone company) for dial tone service.  Each month you
have to pay to keep the phones in good repair (handsets, keypads,
circuit boards, lamps).  And each month you have a payroll you have to
meet.

Everytime someone uses your phone to make an 800, 950, or 10XXX call
they tie up the phone from someone that is actually going to make a
paid call.  Prior to the per call compensation plan many aggregators
felt that it was unfair to give away service for free.  Consumers saw
this as unfair because it had always been free.

Most aggregators have now unblocked access to these codes.  Issues
that still need to be resolved are compensation for intrastate access
code calls, calls to new access services like MCI's 1-800-COLLECT and
AT&T's 1-800-OPERATOR, and subscriber 800 calls (ie. Calls to L.L.
Bean).  The number of 800 subscriber calls far outweighs 1-800, 950,
and 10XXX carrier access calls.  Basically, any call that is
originated from a public telephone should be compensated.  This is no
different than the LEC's that receive access charges for *all* calls
that they send onto an Interexchange carrier (i.e. AT&T, MCI, etc.).
They aren't forced to pass any calls onto the long distance carriers
for free.

It is my opinion that once compensation is awarded on a time sensitive
basis for all originated calls, that are not paid by coin at the
public telephone, you will start to see rates on operator assisted
calls come down.  A lot of the cost now in non-dominant operator
service calls is from the Premise Imposed Fee (PIF).  This is a fee
that the aggregator has asked the operator service company to collect
on their behalf.  Right now, the scales are unbalanced.  If you have
to give away calls for free on one hand you have to make up the loss
elsewhere.  Basically, calling card and collect call users are
subsidizing callers who make 1-800 calls.  Once proper compensation is
in place these PIF fees should be greatly reduced or eliminated and
the scales will finally be balanced.

Hope this was helpful.


Kurt Albrecht     National Electric & Telephone

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #164
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa14239;
          6 Apr 94 18:24 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06216; Wed, 6 Apr 94 14:31:12 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06205; Wed, 6 Apr 94 14:31:09 CDT
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 14:31:09 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #165

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 6 Apr 94 14:31:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 165

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    ATM in the Government Sector II (Michael R. Brown)
    Beacon Initiative (Dave Sellers)
    PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems (Laurence Chiu)
    Meridian Mail Problem ([e-mail])
    Help Needed With Phone Wiring (Simon Shaw)
    Intrastate LD Rates (Todd Inch)
    Voice Mail System Log-Off (Stephen Polinsky)
    Toshiba Strata III Documentation ([e-mail])
    Re: Getting Wired: Leased Line vs. Dial-up For 14.4kps Data Comm (L Reeves)
    Re: Question About MIN and ESN (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: Cellular Roaming Charges (John R. Levine)
    Re: Ethernet via Cable TV (Jerry Yost)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Michael R. Brown <[e-mail]>
Subject: ATM in the Government Sector II
Date: 6 Apr 1994 13:33:33 GMT
Organization: The MITRE Corporation


ATM Networking in the Government Sector

The MITRE Corporation and the ATM Forum are pleased to announce their
second annual workshop on ATM networking in the government sector, to
be held on 26 April 1993 in McLean, VA.  The focus of this workshop is
on the government's need for broadband network technology and
services, and industry's plans for to meet these needs over the next
five to ten years.  Senior representatives from the Government and
Industry will discuss a wide range of issues including requirements,
technology developments, early (ATM) trial results, and product and
service plans.  Workshop sessions include:

Keynote Speakers

Rep. Rick Boucher        Chair, House Subcommittee on Science
Mr. Donald Teague,Jr.    VP and GM, Sprint Government Systems

ATM Networking Standards

Mr. Irfan Ali            VP, ATM Forum
Mr. Richard Vickers        Manager, Northern Telecom

ATM Networking - Early Experiences

Mr. Dan McAuliffe        Director, Telecom Division, Rome Labs
Ms. Chris Caldwell        National Information Infrastructure Testbed
Mr. Kwok Li            Director, Product Development, WilTel

Federal and State Government Requirements

Dr. John Okay        Director, Information Resource Mgt, US Army
Dr. Howard Frank        Director, ARPA/DISA AITS-JPO
Pat Jackson            Director, Council on Information Mgt, VA
Mr. Nick Giordano        Assisstant Director, Bureau of ATM, PA

Vendor and Carrier Plans

Dr. Mohan Kinra        Director, Apex Marketing, General Datacom
Mr. Bob Halligan        VP & GM, Government Systems Division
Mr. Tony D'Agata        VP, Military, Bell Atlantic Federal Systems
Mr. William Clark        Director, Advanced Technologies, Cabletron

In addition to these sessions, vendor demonstrations will be conducted
throughout the workshop.  Given the continued interest in related
initiatives such as NREN, NII, and Global Grid, this workshop offers a
unique opportunity for government and industry officials to discuss
potential applications of this enabling technology.  Because of the
desire to facilitate one-on-one discussions between government and
industry officials, non-government representatives will be admitted on
a limited basis.

The workshop will be held at :

        The MITRE Corporation
        Hayes Auditorium
        7525 Colshire Drive
        McLean, VA  22102

For registration information contact:

        Ms. Holly Robbins
        [e-mail]
        703.883.5890
        703.883.5914 (FAX)


Michael R. Brown            [e-mail]
Advanced Telecommunications Group    617.271.7390
The MITRE Corporation             617.271.7231 (FAX)
S B280 Burlington Road                Bedford, MA  01730

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

Date: Tue, 5 Apr 94 15:42:49 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Dave Sellers)
Subject: Beacon Initiative


       THE FOLLOWING NEWS RELEASE WAS ISSUED BY STENTOR

APRIL 5, 1994                                     NR-94-E04

Stentor Companies Address Canada's Telecommunications Future
               Through  The Beacon Initiative

(TORONTO -- April 5, 1994) -- In a coast to coast broadcast today,
Stentor telecommunications companies announced a joint initiative to
bring the Information Highway to all Canadians.  The companies will
pool their resources to upgrade their local, regional and national
networks to provide multimedia services into homes, offices, hospitals
and schools across the country.

Under the banner of the The Beacon Initiative , the Stentor companies
outlined their plans and rationale to help bring the Information
Highway to Canadian businesses and consumers.  The central theme of
the initiative is an open, collaborative effort with all interested
players to bring enhanced interactive, data, image and video services
to Canadians.

The activities announced represent a major commitment to the future of
Canada, investment in Canada's economic infrastructure, and
improvement in the quality of life of Canadians.  The Stentor
companies have come together in a world first -- the delivery of a
broadband network from the Pacific to the Atlantic.  While many
players have talked about the Information Highway, this initiative
brings it into being.

The joint activities include:

     - an $8 billion upgrade of the local telephone
       networks over 10 years to provide broadband
       capability for multimedia;

     - a $500 million enhancement program over six years to
       provide seamless national connectivity;

     - creation of a new company to supply multimedia
       services and applications; and

     - initiation of a venture capital fund -- possibly to
       reach $50 million -- to assist companies developing
       multimedia applications and products for the
       Information Highway.

Host of the Toronto event, Brian Canfield, Chairman and CEO
of BC TELECOM and Chairman of the Stentor Alliance Council
of CEOs, said the Information Highway is a tool that will
assist Canadians as they build a stronger economy and ever
more modern society.

It will be part of a network of networks connecting
Canadians,  he said.   It will make communications faster
and easier for Canadians.

Mr. Canfield also outlined the impact this initiative will
have on the Canadian economy.   Our sector creates more
employment growth than any other,  he said.   The types of
jobs created are knowledge workers who are the fuel in the
engine of our economic growth and increasing global competi-
tiveness.  He also noted that a strong telecommunications
infrastructure has a direct relationship with a country's indust-
rial competitiveness, economic development and social well-being.

Ivan Duvar, CEO of MT&T, said the local upgrade program alone would
fund 12,000 jobs nationally over a ten year period.  Mr. Duvar also
made a strong commitment to the universality of the Information
Highway.

We are committed to offering an Information Highway which is
accessible and affordable for all Canadians -- in keeping with our
tradition of innovation and service, he said.

John McLennan, President and CEO of Bell Canada, outlined how the
Stentor companies would capitalize on their long- standing cooperation
to manage the necessary upgrades to their regional and national
networks to provide seamless national connectivity.

Mr. McLennan also announced a commitment to ensure Canada's educational,
health care and cultural institutions have access to the Information
Highway and the benefits it will deliver.  As part of The Beacon
Initiative each Stentor company will work together with the organiza-
tions and institutions in their regions to deliver the desired multimedia
capabilities in an affordable manner.

Completing the full solution provided by The Beacon Initiative was the
announcement of a new multimedia company, currently called MMI.
Customers expect that multimedia will allow them to set up a desktop
video conference, dial up a movie from their living room, exchange
video messages with friends and colleagues, or browse through a far
off database for visual information all as simply as placing a
telephone call across town, said Mr. Neuman, President and CEO of
WorldLinx, a Stentor company.

MMI will become involved in all areas of the multimedia business, he
said, including content and service acquisition and development,
conversion of information to digital format, and distribution
coordination of multimedia controllers and business software.  MMI
will also work closely with the appropriate agencies to ensure that
privacy and security concerns are addressed.

Stentor, an alliance of Canada's major telephone companies, provides
customers uniform, leading-edge products and services and service
excellence across Canada and internationally.  The nine owner
companies are: BC TEL, AGT Limited, SaskTel, Manitoba Telephone
System, Bell Canada, NBTel, Maritime Tel & Tel, Island Telephone and
Newfoundland Telephone.


For further information,           For interviews with our
please contact:                    national spokespersons,
                                   please contact:

Don Doucette                       Maureen MacDonald
Stentor Communications             Stentor Communications
work:         [phone]       on Apr. 5     [phone]
after Apr. 8  [phone]       after Apr. 5  [phone]
home:         [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Laurence Chiu)
Subject: PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems
Date: 5 Apr 1994 17:47:51 -0700
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access


Has anybody else noticed this? For the past six months each time I get
my phone bill from PacBell I have go through the AT&T portion very
carefully to see if I have been billed correctly. And it has been
wrong every time, sometimes up to $40. This is mainly due to applying
the wrong rate for calls (mostly international).

AT&T have been very gracious every time I call them about this and
always work out the discrepancy and send forward a credit. Finally I
decided to ask the customer rep what the problem was. He sighed and
said they always had problems with PacBell -- in fact this past month
because of some software foulup, they viz. PB) screwed up 250,000
customer's bills!

Now if only AT&T could bill directly as MCI do (I get direct MCI
billing because I use them via 10222 for international calls
occasionally) then this problem would not occur.


Laurence Chiu              Walnut Creek, California
Tel: [phone] (work)   Internet: [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 5 Apr 94 14:50:56 -0700
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Meridian Mail Problem


Paul, Steve;

Thank you both for your help!  I have to apologize for not getting
back to both of you sooner. but with end-of-quarter work to do I
haven't had time to look at the switch until today.  Of course our
system went down briefly over the weekend and that gave me a bit more
incentive...  :-)

Your suggestions were remarkable similar -- great minds must think alike.

1) I changed the TODC to a Message Service.  Much to my surprise, the
system accepted it.  Unfortunately, it did not solve the problem.

As a result of this experiment however, I realized that I *needed* an
emergency TODC instead of a Message Service since I wanted the voice
response to be different during different time periods.

During the day I want key three to go to Customer Service, during
Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays I want it to go to voicemail.

No problem, I can deal with that.

2) During our latest emergency, I set the evening message service in
TODC 1000 to 1004 (the emergency message).  This worked!  now the 408
NPA and the 800 NPA (on TODC 2000) both had the emergency message.
This was useful, but not a long term solution because I can not do
this with Remote Activation -- only from the console.  However, This
told me that there must be (as you both suggested) TWO DNs associated
with the TODC 1000.

3) I looked in the "DN to Services" table and, sure enough, DN 520
*AND* DN zero were both set to TODC 1000.  If I use Remote Activation
to change both of those to TODC 2000 during an emergency, the system
should work as planned.  I haven't tested this yet, But I'm sure it
will work :-) :-)  I am a happy camper ...

                             ------

Now, the mystery of the Holiday during working hours prompt!

While fiddling around with the system, I discovered that someone (not
me :-) had recorded a holiday message in the place of the menu choices
prompt for Message Service 1001 (business days).

Normally, we only have a greeting prompt recorded for any Message
Service.  Somehow, in some mysterious way, the Menu Choices prompt was
being played for the edification of the occasional customer.  I still
don't know when or why a Menu Choices prompt is played instead of the
Greeting prompt.  However, I re-recorded the Menu Choices prompt to be
the same as the Greeting Prompt and this seems to have solved the
problem.  Intuitively, this seems to be wrong.  I think I should just
erase the Menu Choices prompt ...

So, thank you both very much!  I will post a summary to comp.dcom.telecom
as I promised.


Regards,

Rick   [e-mail]   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Micromine)
Subject: Help Needed With Phone Wiring
Date: 5 Apr 1994 04:00:58 GMT
Organization: The University of Western Australia


I am after a circuit to allow someone to put a caller "on hold" and
play CD music to them down the line.  To purchase such a beast here
costs over $200 Australian ...  Anyway, the line plug is like this:

0V  --------- (Green wire) (Maybe black???
?V  --------- (yellow)
    ----+
        |
    ----+
NC  ---------
NC  ---------

48V --------- Red wire.
?V  ---------

Not too sure if colours are correct, (we have our own system at work
so I can't check).

Basically, an on/off button for the hold function and a circuit
showing how to connect the CD player to the line is required.  Anybody
have answers?  Private mail to me can be sent to the addresses below
or post this group.


Thanks,

Simon Shaw
 Please finger [e-mail] for further company information.
           Micromine Pty. Ltd. Exploration and Mining Software
   [PHONE] [phone]    [FAX] [phone]    [BBS] [phone]

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

From: Todd Inch <[e-mail]>
Subject: Intrastate LD Rates
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 09:19:21 PST


TELECOM Moderator said:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Intrastate rates are peculiar things,
> aren't they?  Very odd in how they are calculated, a very much left
> to the whims of the state PUCs, which frequently are nothing more
> than tools of the local Bell company. If you can figure this out Bob,
> an article here in the Digest would be welcome.   PAT]

Indeed.  The biggest chunk of my phone bill is to my inlaws across the
state.  Intrastate is almost always the exception to the calling plan
discounts -- I wish Idaho would annex Spokane.

In a recent mailing from MCI, they promise savings over AT&T's
interstate rates on "all calls all the time".  One rep on the phone
actually said yes, they'd beat AT&T's interstate rates on intrastate
calls.  I may have to take them up on it.

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

Date: Wed, 06 Apr 1994 13:52:00 EDT
From: Stephen Polinsky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Voice Mail System Log-Off


Our local users are on a Northern Telecom Digital Centrex [DMS-100],
and thus we use five-digit dialing to access our voice mail.  The
Centrex trunks terminating on our VMX 300 are in what Northern calls a
UCD group [Uniform Call Distribution].  This allows incoming calls to
sort through the busy trunks to find those that are available.

For some reason, all of these trunks repeatedly "drop out" of the UCD
group, and none of the 64 lines will take calls.  Of course there is
much fingerpointing between VMX and our LEC [Ameritech] as to whose
problem it really is.

We have a large [nearly 5,000], and increasingly hostile, user base
that would appreciate any help you may be able to offer.


Thanks,

Stephen Polinsky    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Omniplex)
Subject: Toshiba Strata III Documentation
Date: 6 Apr 1994 08:18:32 -0400
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA


I'm looking for documentation on a Toshiba Strata III electronic
telephone system. I was able to pick one up for a reasonable price
(free!) with nine telephones, 3 BFI Communication Sysetm 4000's, and a
radio (holding with music). I would like to install it in a small
business.

I've contacted a local Toshiba distributor and they are currently
attempting to get me a copy of the docs. I suspect that their effort
will be weak as they have an opportunity to make some $$$ setting up
the system for me.

All the components were working when the phone system was removed. I'm
missing some of the cables and need to get some documentation to
connect and configure all the components.


Thanks,

Bob
Omniplex Computer Consulting    [e-mail]
Columbia, Md. 21045        410.290.6640

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

From: [e-mail] (Les Reeves)
Subject: Re: Getting Wired: Leased Line vs. Dial-up For 14.4kps Data Comm
Date: 6 Apr 1994 13:05:06 -0800
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access    [phone]  [login: guest]


Peter L. Rukavina ([e-mail]) wrote:

> Our small non-profit organization is trying to become an Internet
> service provider with a budget of ~$20,000 which demands that we do
> everything that we do on the cheap.  Our plans are to connect our
> Linux-based PC to our local Internet service provider, which is using
> rack-mounted USR Courier v.32bis modems.  I'm trying to figure out the
> best way of doing this given two options:

> (1) We get a regular POTS line installed, ($40/month, $60 for the
> installation), buy a relatively cheap 14.4kbps modem (~$300) and have
> our service provider dedicate a dial-up line to our exclusive use.

> (2) We get a leased data line (the phone company calls this an LDDS
> circuit, $32/month, $180 for the installation) installed and buy a more
> expensive but leased-line capable 14.4kbps modem (~$900) and connect
> directly.

> The first option works out to a cost of $840 for the year, the second
> option $1284 for the year, a not-insignificant difference.

> I do not know enough about high-speed modems and leased lines to be able
> to evaluate the two options technically, nor do I know enough about the
> telephone system to know if I'm missing a third [or fourth] option that
> would be a better route to follow.  I would very much appreciate any
> advice in this regard.

I am certainly no expert on this subject, but it is possible that your
LDDS requires a LDDS modem which is more like a line driver.  They go
to 19.2 kbps and are *much* less complex than a modem.

While a modem will work just fine on line which is designed for LDDS
(Limited Distance Data Set), the converse is not true.  I can't tell
you exactly how to determine if your circuit is compatible with these
line drivers.  I think there is a separate USOC for LDDS as opposed to
voice channels for data.

One way to tell is distance; LDDS will only work at 19.2 for a mile or
two.

BTW, I have a box of brand-new LDDS line drivers if you decide to
experiment.


Les    [e-mail]       Atlanta,GA      404.874.7806

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: Question About MIN and ESN
Date: 6 Apr 1994 11:43:39 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Sathyadev Uppala) writes:

> What is the difference between MIN and ESN?

> Each mobile unit in a celllular system has a unique ESN, so what is
> the need to have a MIN?

The ESN (Electronic Serial Number) is programmed into the telephone
when it is manufactured, and uniquely identifies that particular
telephone transceiver.  It is (supposed to be) secure against
tampering, and used to verify that a particular subscriber is using
the hardware assigned to it.

The MIN is the "Mobile identification number", or the cellular phone
number issued to the phone.  It is assigned by the cellular carrier
when the phone is activated, and programmed at that time.  The MIN is
what is sent by a cell site to page the phone and is matched against
the ESN for validation.

In a nutshell, the MIN identifies the phone *number*, the ESN
identifies the phone *hardware*.

Both the MIN and ESN must match the carrier's database as valid for a
call to go through.


Jay

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

Date: Wed, 06 Apr 94 13:42 EDT
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Re: Cellular Roaming Charges
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


> Are then any tricks to cutting costs on the high roaming rates many
> cellular carriers charge?

Not really that I've ever seen.  If you roam much, get the Cellular
Travel Guide, a 1000 page book which lists every cellular company in
North America with phone numbers, coverage areas, system numbers, and
roaming prices.  Also, contact your own cellular carrier to find out
where they have reduced rate roaming -- in many cases you get rates in
adjoining areas that are considerably lower than the list roaming
price.  In most areas there are two carriers, and the rates are often
different; unless you have a really cruddy phone, you can tell the
phone which carrier to use.

Finally, if you roam in specific areas a lot, consider getting
multiple numbers for your phone.  For example, here in Boston I have a
NYNEX Mobile number (they gave me the phone as part of the deal) which
gives me home rates throughout eastern Mass, Rhode Island, and
southern New Hampshire, and reduced rate roaming in Connecticut,
Manchester NH, and much of southern Maine.  I spend a fair amount of
time in Vermont, so I have a second number from Atlantic cellular
which gives me home rates in all of Vermont (there's two cell
companies but they give each other's customers home rates) and
northern New Hampshire, as well as reduced rate roaming in Concord NH.
That covers the major areas I visit, I just have to remember to switch
phone numbers, a procedure that involves pushing five keys on the
phone, at the toll booth between Concord and Manchester.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 6 April 1994 02:54:04 PDT
From: Jerry Yost <[e-mail]>
Organization: First Pacific Networks, Inc.
Subject: Re: Ethernet via Cable TV


In <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (John
Biederstedt) wrote:

> Is there a product that runs Ethernet (10mbps) over 75 ohm cable?  I
> thought I had heard of such a product once.

My company, First Pacific Networks, manufactures a broadband Ethernet
product which operates at 10mbps over a standard CATV cable plant
(fiber, coax, or hybrid) using two standard 6MHz TV channels in the
forward path and two in the reverse path.  If you'd like more
information, please contact me via the information in my signature
block below or e-mail me your complete mailing address.


Regards,
Jerry Yost                          Telephone: [phone]
Director, Int'l Distribution Sales             [phone] (direct)
First Pacific Networks, Inc.
871 Fox Lane                        Facsimile: [phone]
San Jose, California 95131 USA
Residence:                          Telephone: [phone]
  2698 Custer Drive                 Facsimile: [phone]
  San Jose, CA 95124-1712 USA       Internet:  [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #165
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa14649;
          6 Apr 94 19:00 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08581; Wed, 6 Apr 94 15:22:38 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08570; Wed, 6 Apr 94 15:22:35 CDT
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 15:22:35 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #166

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 6 Apr 94 15:22:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 166

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Free Expo: Distributed Computing World - April 19/20 - Wash DC (B. Gavin)
    Update: Help! Big Problem With Phone Company (Dan Smolko)
    Win a Free SoundBlaster With Speech Recognition (Steven Feinstein)
    ISDN in Rhode Island (Tony Pelliccio)
    What Are Fortress Phones and Other Terms? (Leif Ordorica)
    Re: CATV Modems (Jerry Yost)
    Re: Who Paid For My 550? (Dave Niebuhr)
    Re: Who Paid For My 550? (Alan Dahl)
    Re: 976, 540 Services (Wm. Randolph Franklin)
    Re: 976, 940 Services (Dave Niebuhr)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Barbara Gavin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Free  Expo - Distributed Computing World - April 19/20 - Wash DC
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 07:23:35 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


FREE DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING WORLD & CLIENT/SERVER DEVELOPERS EXPOSITION
Washington, D.C. Convention Center Tuesday, April 19, 12:00pm-6:30pm
Wednesday, April 20, 10:30am-4:30pm

See Over 100 of the Leading Distributed and Client/Server Technology
Companies!

Expand your Expertise Hear from today's industry leaders and slash
thousands of dollars off your IS budget.  No other industry event can
offer you a broader range of today's leading edge suppliers of
client/server computing, networking, and distributed computing at one
time a nd in one place.

Save Months of Costly Investigation Time Visit over 100 exhibits and
see live demos of working client/server networks and the latest C/S
application development tools in action.  Discover key products and
technologies and address your interoperability issues.

Learn the secrets to Success Crucial questions ... important answers!
Find out about the strengths and weaknesses of distributed computing.
Learn how to use your distributed computing tools to meet your
organization's strategic business requirements in a heterogeneous
database environment.

Glimpse into the Future See an impressive array of products and
services unveiled for the first time at this pivotal industry event!
Receive privileged insight into the industry's emerging technologies
and services.

And Much More!  Don't Delay -- Get a jump on your competition and
discover the secrets to your success.  Bring your entire team and
maintain your competitive edge by attending this year's largest and
most comprehensive exposition event.

FREE EXPOSITION EVENTS

Client/Server Developers User Group
Wednesday, April 20, 1994 - 9:00 am - 11:50 am

This interactive event is part of a nationwide client/server user
group sponsored by DCI.  It provides technical attendees with a chance
to discuss the interoperability issues that occur in a client/server
environment.  Discover the issues users like yourself have encountered,
and work together to get answers to your questions.  See registration
panel to receive more information.

Special Industry Presentation (Product Education Session)

Another conference element which we've opened up to expo attendees.
Attend in-depth session where leading companies present their products'
technical capabilities in an informative classroom-style setting.

FREE GIVEAWAYS

Free software package from Syncsort ... come to booth #133 and learn
how you can start to distribute your applications.  Discuss the
implementation of their "MVS to Unix Migration software".

Human Factors International Inc. (booth 129) is giving away a
complimentary course registration to "How to Design Effective
Graphical User Interfaces."  This three day course teaches system
developers, interface designers and project managers to use the
science of ergonomics to design optimal GUI screens

Alternet -- The "Information Highway" of the 90's is here, and your
computer is your vehicle -- so hop in, and get rolling!  Come see how
easy it is to tap into the Internet .. Retrieve your Email, become
part of a global network of organizations and individuals. From its
roots as the original commercial Internet service provider, AlterNet
is now the most experienced, best connected, and most reliable
Internet access service in the business.  So whether you're looking
for others to chat with, returni ng you E-mail, or trying to increase
your companies productivity, tap into the Internet with Alternet.

FREE KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS - TUESDAY, 11:00am - 12:00noon

PAUL STRASSMANN, President, Strassman, Inc.

The Politics of Distributed Computing - This session addresses the
analogies between the design of information systems and organizational
governance.

Computing Reflects Organizational Politics
Distributed Computing Not Autonomous Computing
Organizational Governance Must Precede Network Architecture
Technical Proposals Including Political Context


ART BENJAMIN, President, Online People Limited

The Business Case for Client/Server - By the end of the 90's the
difference between a good I.T. infrastructure and an adequate one will
be immense.  Most companies are defaulting towards an infrastructure
that is in inadequate, for the following reasons:

Not Identifying Their Infrastructure Needs
Basing Long-Term Infrastructure Direction on Current Needs Alone
No Method of Measuring Costs and Benefits


HERB EDELSTEIN, Principal & Founder, Euclid Associates AND LARRY
DeBOEVER, Founder, DeBoever Architectures

Rightsizing Point/Counterpoint: Two Industry Experts Go Toe-to-Toe on
1994's Hot Issues. These two leading industry visionaries put their
reputations and friendship on the line, as they take on the toughest
downsizing issues in this provocative present ation.

Future of CASE
Dowsizing Enablers
Downsizing Issues

FREE KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS - WEDNESDAY, 9:30am - 10:30am

Beyond Rows and Columns:  What's New in Relational DBMS
Panel Moderator: Pieter Mimno

Relational DBMSs are moving rapidly to support complex data, such as;
very large databases, multi-dimensional data, multi-threaded server
architectures, gateways, text, images, audio, and video.  This forum
will allow attendees the opportunity to questio n leading RDBMS
vendors on the latest advances in database technology for a distributed
client/server environment.  Companies invited to participate include:
Arbor Software, Cincom, IRI, Oracle and Sybase.

ROHAN CHAMPION, Vice President of Solutions Strategy, Novell

Where Upsizing Meets Downsizing - This presentation explores key
management and technological issues that must be addressed if the full
power and productivity of modernized information systems are to be
realized.

Values to Business Enterprise
Infrastructure and Transition Planning
Re-Defined Role IS Management


CHRISTINE COMAFORD, President, Corporate Computing

Techniques For Rapid Application Development of GUI Client/Server
Projects - The structure, scope, methods and deliverables required to
build solid applications are explored in this conference session.

Application Design and Architecture Methods
Development Tasks Can Be Done in Parallel
GUI Client/Server Project Duration and Resources
Development Rules and Tasks
Planning/Analysis
How to Scope and Control Prototypes


GARY A. STEMLEY, Major General, US Army Components Automation System

The World's Largest LAN/WAN System - This presentation describes the
approach being used by the U.S. Army to design, develop, and install
the world's largest client server network.

Customers' Functional Requirements
Why Client Server Architecture Was Chosen
Major Challenges of Customer Community
Installation, Start-up Problems and Solutions
Short-range and Long-range Benefits


INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Join a select group of exhibitors who will unveil and demonstrate the
technical capabilities of their newest products.  Due to the delicate
nature of this information, the details of some of these companies,
their products and announcements will not be r evealed until show
time.  See highlights of the latest technologies including:
Client/Server application development, networking strategies and Data
Warehousing tips and techniques.

EXPOSITION CO-SPONSORS:
Client/Server Magazine
Government Computer News
IBM
Integris
JYACC
KnowledgeWare
Midrange Systems
Network World Magazine
Pyramid Technology
Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.

INVITED COMPANIES
Acucobol
Advanced Software Automation
American Software
Andersen Consulting
Analysts International Corp.
Arbor Software Corp.
AT&T
Beyond Computing
Booz Allen & Hamilton
Cincom Systems, Inc.
CIMLIN, Inc.
CIO Magazine
Client/Server Magazine
CODA, Inc.
Codex/Motorola
Cognos Corporation
Command Technology
Communications Week
Computer Associates Int'l
Computer Reseller News
Computer Systems Advisers
Computer Task Group
Computerworld
Concepts Dynamic, Inc.
Corporate Computing
Cortex Corporation
Covia Technologies
Data Based Advisor
Database Decisions, Inc.
Database Prog. & Design
Datamation
DBMS Magazine
DeBoever Architectures
Digital Equipment Corporation
DPMA
Encore Computer
Evernet
Federal Computer Week
FourGen Software
Government Computer News
Hewlett-Packard
High Tech Careers
Human Factors Int'l
IBM
Information Builders, Inc.
Information Week
Informix Software
Interactive Systems Corporation
IRI Software
James Martin Insight
JYACC
KnowledgeWare, Inc.
Lattice, Inc.
Logic Plus Open System, Inc.
Logic Works, Inc.
Lotus Development Corp.
McCabe & Associates
MDBS, Inc.
Micro Decisionware
Micro Focus
Microsoft Corporation
Microstrategy, Inc.
Midrange Systems
Momentum Software Corp.
Netwise, Inc.
Network World Magazine
Neuron Data, Inc.
News 3X/400
NeXT Computer, Inc.
Novell, Inc.
ODC Systems
Open Systems Today
Oracle Corporation
Palindrome Corporation
PC Magazine
Peerlogic, Inc.
PeopleSoft, Inc.
Platinum Software
Powersoft Corporation
Prologic Corporation
ProtoView Development
Pyramid Technology
Promark Corporation
Q + E Software
RAXCO, Inc.
Red Brick Systems
Revelation Technologies
Select Software Tools
Seer Technologies, Inc.
Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.
SMC
Software Magazine
Solbourne Computer
SQA, Inc.
SQL Connections
Stratus Computer
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Sybase Inc.
Symantec Corporation
SYNCSORT, Inc.
Tivoli Systems, Inc.
Transarc Corporation
Trinzic Corporation
Uniface Corporation
UniKix Technologies (Integris)
Unisys Corporation
Universal Business Computing Co.
US LAN Systems Corporation
VAR Business
Washington Technology
Windows Magazine
Wordperfect Corporation
The Workstation Group
XDB Systems
ZYGA Corporation


DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING WORLD & CLIENT/SERVER DEVELOPERS EXPOSITION-4015

YES! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE EXPOSITION--FREE

NAME:
TITLE:
COMPANY:
STREET:
MAILSTOP:
CITY, STATE, ZIP:
E:MAIL ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
FAX:

PRIORITY CODE:  BVTQM1K

OR CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 508-470-3880
Compuserve - 75300,2002

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Update: Help! Big Problem With Phone Company
Date: 5 Apr 1994 23:08:43 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway


An update:

Though I was led to believe my friend had an account with a special
code, I now have some doubts about that.  When I asked him yesterday
what the code was that he used, he replied "102220 or something like
that."  Also, when I called MCI to try to resolve the problem I
discovered something that seems rather weird.  When I gave them my
phone number and name they sounded a little puzzled.  The only names
listed were my roommate's and my friend's.  Also -- and this seems
most peculiar -- the address that they have listed as being associated
with my phone number is my friend's address!  It seems as though they
never even bothered to check whether the phone number and address
match up.  While I'm not sure if this is possible, he may have called
MCI, given them my phone number, and said something like "I'm one of
Dan's roommates.  He has AT&T and doesn't want to switch, but I want
to use your overseas plan.  Can you please set up an acount for me?"

P.S.  When I talked to a rep at the local telco today, he said to
expect an additional $790 in calls to show up on my next bill.


Dan  [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: As I mentioned a couple days ago about
this when you originally wrote, either you have a credit problem at
this point with MCI/telco as a result of this, or you hava problem with
fraud by your friend. If MCI changed over your phone records without
telling you based on a call from your friend then my feeling is you
will get off the hook completely. Give us a further update when you
have one.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Win a FREE SoundBlaster With Speech Recognition
Organization: Voice Processing Corp., Cambridge, MA
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 1994 16:22:38 GMT


I am collecting over-the-phone speech samples for a new speech
recognition product being built by Voice Processing Corporation (VPC).
To get the 300 more calls we need into our data collection system,
we're offering the following deal:

If you call into the system (whole thing takes about 2 1/2 minutes),
you will be eligible to win one your choice of the following:

 1.  SoundBlaster 16 MCD with VPC's "Voice Assist" speech
 recognition.
 2.  Cellular telephone.  (not a cheapy)

This is a speech recognizer intended for the American market, so any
American regional accent is fine, but heavy foreign accents might be
discarded.

HERE'S HOW TO DO IT

1.  Call 1-800-560-0758 anytime.  This will connect you with the collection
    system directly.

2.  The system will prompt you to repeat about 60 voice commands.
    Don't speak over the prompt.  If you make a mistake or can't
    understand a prompt, guess and go on to the next one.

3.  The system sometimes hangs up prematurely, but it is supposed
    to end with the question "what state did you grow up in?"

4.  When you're done, send me email with your name, phone number,
    and 5 command words you were asked to say.  This will enter
    you into the random drawing.

OR

You can call [phone], ask for extension 301.  The receptionist
will take your name and number and then transfer you into the system.

The drawing will be held as soon as we get the rest of the calls.  The
winner will be notified by phone; losers won't be notified at all.  I
expect this to be done in two weeks.

Thanks in advance for your participation,


Steven Feinstein   Voice Processing Corp.

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

From: [e-mail] (Tony Pelliccio)
Subject: ISDN in Rhode Island
Date: 5 Apr 1994 19:11:04 GMT
Organization: Brown University


An interesting article appeared in the Tuesday, April 5, 1994 issue of
the {Providence Journal} titled "Digital network a new on-ramp to
information highway".

Why is it that almost all the outlying areas have digital service
(posh places like Barrington, Middletown, Portsmouth) but the capitol
city won't get it until late 1994 and 1995. Does NYNEX have it's head
up it's proverbial butt? And wonder why they're the worst performing
RBOC in the country.

Is there anyone from NYNEX who wants to counter this? Sure.. you
changed the name but the level of service has barely changed. It's
still shabby.  Granted, they've improved basic customer service in
areas like availability, etc. but service still remains in the dark
ages. And of course you know that NYNEX is planning to install
curbside fiber to the entire state by 1996 ... the biggest joke so far.

I can't wait until competition for dialtone comes along!


[e-mail] (Tony Pelliccio, KD1NR)
Box 1908, Providence, RI 02912 Tel. [phone]
All opinions expressed are those of the individual, and not those
of Brown University.

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

From: efn![e-mail] (Leif Ordorica)
Subject: What are Fortress Phones and other terms?
Organization: Prototype Eugene Free Net
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 1994 20:36:07 GMT


I've been wondering about these terms: What are Fortress Phones?  What
is a "trap-line?"  What are "the bell master tones?"  I know I've
heard plenty about Fortress Phones but the last two terms sound hokey
to me.


Thanks,

Leif Ordorica <[e-mail]>

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

Date: Wed, 6 April 1994 22:34:39 PDT
From: Jerry Yost <[e-mail]>
Organization: First Pacific Networks, Inc.
Subject: Re: CATV Modems


In <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] wrote:

> In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

>> Do you know any equipment (modem, remodulator, ...) that allows data
>> communication over the CATV cable. On the user side, the modem should
>> feature a well-known interface (RS232C, Ethernet, ...).

> Check out First Pacific Networks at 408-730-6600. They have been
> providing this equipment for years.

Unfortunately, First Pacific Networks relocated its office from
Sunnyvale to San Jose last month, so the above telephone number is no
longer accurate.  Our new number is [phone] and our San Jose
address is listed in my signature block below, along with our
facsimile number.

However, I recommend that the original poster contact FPN's
distributor in France, Reltek Communications, who has a great deal of
experience with our broadband Ethernet products in Europe:


Reltek Communications        Contact:    Marc Budan
26, Avenue de la Baltique            Sales Manager
Courtaboeuf ZA - BP 730        Telephone:  [phone]
91962 Les Ulis Cedex B        Facsimile:  [phone]
France


Regards,

Jerry Yost                          Telephone: [phone]
Director, Int'l Distribution Sales             [phone] (direct)
First Pacific Networks, Inc.
871 Fox Lane                        Facsimile: [phone]
San Jose, California 95131 USA
Residence:                          Telephone: [phone]
  2698 Custer Drive                 Facsimile: [phone]
  San Jose, CA 95124-1712 USA       Internet:  [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 06:58:10 EST
From: [e-mail] (Dave Niebuhr)
Subject: Re: Who Paid For My 550


In TELECOM Digest Issue 158 [e-mail] (Jack Hamilton) wrote:

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Normally the agents are on the A or B
>> side but not both; that is in their contract with the carriers.

>> Tandy has the kind of money and influence with the carriers that
>> they can get away with it. Its the same kind of thing where Pepsi and
>> Coca-Cola are concerned. You never see them both in the same vending
>> machine; you never see them both in the same restaurant as fountain
>> drinks.

> In our vending machine room there are two Pepsi machines.  One has
> Pepsi products plus a few other things like Mountain Dew.  The other
> contains no Pepsi products, but does have several varieties of
> Coca-Cola.  In one of the smaller buildings, there's a single machine
> with both Coke and Pepsi.

> I'd never heard of this happening before very recently, though.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Probably they cut a deal with the local
> salesman. Whoever is the bottler (distributor) for the area is under
> pretty tight constraints with Pepsi headquarters in Purchase, NY or
> Coke headquarters in Atlanta, GA regarding those things.

Ah, that brings back memories.  When I was growing up in Northeastern
Nebraska in the '40s and '50s, my parents owned a pharmacy and Coke
was always the main soft drink.  7-up was the next one and cherry,
strawberry and one other were always on hand.

Root beer was home-made using root beer extract and sugar.  I don't
remember the exact formula but it was five pounds of sugar to get so
many gallons of syrup which was diluted with carbonated water.  I used
to drink the carbonated water straight; it was the best thirst killer
around.


Dave Niebuhr      Internet: [e-mail] (preferred)
                            [e-mail] / Bitnet: niebuhr@bnl
Senior Technical Specialist, Scientific Computing Facility
Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973  (516)-282-3093

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

From: [e-mail] (Alan Dahl)
Subject: Re: Who Paid For My 550?
Date: 5 Apr 1994 20:31:21 GMT
Organization: McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc.


[I know this is getting a little far from telcom issues but I had
 to pipe in - ABD]

In article PAT writes:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Probably they cut a deal with the local
> salesman. Whoever is the bottler (distributor) for the area is under
> pretty tight constraints with Pepsi headquarters in Purchase, NY or
> Coke headquarters in Atlanta, GA regarding those things. Note that
> the local Pepsi bottler also has the Mountain Dew franchise, but he
> *cannot* have the 7-Up franchise because they are aligned with Coke.
> So you won't -- or rarely -- see 7-Up in a so-called 'Pepsi machine',
> and you won't see 'Upper-10' or whatever it is called in a 'Coke
> machine'. All the little (by comparison) outfits, join one side or

In the Pacific Northwest 7-Up is bottled by Alpac, the same company
that bottles Pepsi. It's quite common to find 7-Up in a Pepsi machine
here. In fact everyone here wrongly assumes Pepsi owns 7-Up just as
PAT wrongly assumes that Coke and 7-Up are "aligned". You will never
find 7-Up in a Coke machine since Coke makes Sprite which is pretty
much the same thing. No idea what "Upper-10" is since it's not sold
here.

People always assume that the way things are in their part of the
country is the way it is everywhere else and that's not always the
case.

The local Coke and Pepsi bottlers had quite a battle when we wanted to
install both a Coke machine and a Pepsi machine in our office but they
finally relented.

Our 7-11 stores sell both from the same fountain as PAT describes just
as they do elsewhere.


Alan Dahl       Analysts International Co.
10655 N.E. 4th St. Suite 804   Bellevue, WA 98004
PH:  [phone]    FAX:  [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Wm. Randolph U Franklin)
Subject: Re: 976, 540 Services
Date: 5 Apr 1994 23:15:37 GMT
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY, USA
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Wm. Randolph U Franklin)


In article <[e-mail]> on Thu, 31 Mar 94 19:04 EST,
[e-mail] (John R Levine) writes:

> Is there anywhere a list of surcharged prefixes in the U.S.?

Some time ago I was unable to get a complete list from a NYNEX operator.
She didn't seem to know what I was talking about at first, but finally
gave me what they said was a list for NYNEX territory, but she seemed
so ignorant that I wouldn't trust it.

Another example of NYNEX operator ignorance: I block those calls.  It
seems that this also blocks 700-555-4141 from finding my LD carrier.
1) She didn't know this.  2) She didn't even know about 700-555-4141.

My current phone book nowhere suggests the existence of any
extra-charge numbers, 900 or otherwise, anywhere in its 52-page
introduction, altho it includes detailed rate information.  I mention
this since some people think that subscribers should know all about
these things.  How?


 Wm. Randolph Franklin,  [e-mail], [phone];  Fax: -6261
 ECSE Dept., 6026 JEC, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst, Troy NY, 12180 USA

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

Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 06:23:50 EST
From: [e-mail] (Dave Niebuhr)
Subject: Re: 976, 940 Services


In TELECOM Digest Volume 14 : Issue 157 [e-mail] (John R Levine)
wrote:

> Is there anywhere a list of surcharged prefixes in the U.S.?  In most
> places 976 is used for non-porn announcements, but the list of other
> surcharged prefixes seems to be large, growing, and largely
> undocumented.

> Here in eastern Mass, for example, the prefixes (valid in both 617 and 508)
> are:

> 550 - live chat lines,  554 - live porn, 920 - business info
> 940 - recorded porn, 976 - recorded general info

> You have to ask in writing to get calls to 554 and 940 turned on.

> I am astonished at the report that Sprint billed the surcharge for a
> 212-540 number.  Has anyone else ever had this happen?

NNYTel (oops, NYNEX) has 540, 550, 910, 920, 955 and 976 as special
exchanges.  976 is general information, 540 is chat (and scam), 955 is
radio call-in.  I don't know about the others but all but 955 are
classified as "Circuit 9(tm)" which means a surcharge is added.

The exception is 976 which is a local call.

All exchanges are enabled and the customer has to specifically request
that they be disabled which I did.

540 received a lot of attention earlier this year when people were
getting calls from a radio station of some sort that bilked the customers
who did not realize what was happening, meaning kids replied.

My number was called three times, ditto for work (on three extensions).

PAT mentioned when I posted about this earlier that this thing had
been around before and was an "urban legend" of sorts; well, when I
take those calls, they are not legend at all but real.


Dave Niebuhr      Internet: [e-mail] (preferred)
                            [e-mail] / Bitnet: niebuhr@bnl
Senior Technical Specialist, Scientific Computing Facility
Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973  (516)-282-3093

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #166
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa21759;
          7 Apr 94 15:35 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA25977; Thu, 7 Apr 94 10:09:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA25968; Thu, 7 Apr 94 10:09:02 CDT
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 10:09:02 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #167

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Apr 94 10:09:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 167

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Ring Down Unit Wanted (Sal Kabalani)
    Call Waiting Detection (Michael Stroucken)
    Information Wanted on PCMCIA (Lars Kalsen)
    Wanted: Cellular/Microcellular Network Simulator (Ravi Prakash)
    Textbook Inquiry (Dennis Esteban)
    Re: Question About MIN and ESN (Gregory Youngblood)
    Re: Question About MIN and ESN (Henrik Rasmussen)
    Australian Communications Futures (Steven Byrne)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Sal Kabalani - Operations Manager / Info Systems)
Subject: Ring Down Unit Wanted
Date: 6 Apr 1994 21:56:53 GMT
Organization: INS Info Services, Des Moines, IA USA
Reply-To: [e-mail]


I am looking for a "ring-down unit" which is used to send the output
of a fax machine (scanned documents) to a PC directly without using
the telephone lines.

I am told the device is connected via a regular phone cord to the fax
machine so that when a document is scanned into the fax memory, the
ring-down unit is started, connects to the fax machine, and downloads
the document to a PC conencted to it.

If this sounds familiar, please drop me mail on what exactly it is,
and where to get it.


Thank you,

Sal A Kabalani   InterNet: [e-mail]
Operations Manager    PhoneNet: [phone]
Information Systems     FaxNet: [phone]
Iowa Network Services    YellNet: Yo! Sal-Man!
4201 Corporate Drive  Centralized Equal Access
West Des Moines IA 50265     Internet Provider

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

From: [e-mail] (Michael Stroucken)
Subject: Call Waiting Detection
Date: 6 Apr 94 03:44:07 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh


Hello,

I've got call waiting where I live, and since I'm on my modem quite
alot, I've relied on call waiting to interrupt my connection, so I
could take the call. But lately, my connections seem hardly affected
by the call waiting signal. I would like to know if there is something
I can attach to the phone line that would either flash a light or make
noise if a call is coming in.


Thanks,

Michael Stroucken   [e-mail]   Mud+IRC: Stroucki

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

From: [e-mail] (Lars Kalsen)
Subject: Information Wanted on PCMCIA
Date: 6 Apr 94 21:01:39 GMT
Organization: DKnet


Hi,

What is a PCMCIA card really? What are the uses and how does it work?
Please E-mail me if you can explain that to me.


Lars Kalsen   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (ravi prakash)
Subject: Wanted: Cellular/Microcellular Network Simulator
Date: 6 Apr 1994 11:39:53 -0400
Organization: The Ohio State University Dept. of Computer and Info. Science


I would like to simulate a cellular/microcellular network, and observe
its performance over a period of time for different channel allocation
strategies.

Is there a simulation package available, that I can use for my work? I
have access to CSIM, but would rather use a simulator that gives me
greater flexibility to send messages between interacting processes.

Any information will be highly appreciated.


Thanks,

Ravi Prakash                    Office: Bolz Hall, #319b
[e-mail]            Phone: [phone] - Off.
Department of Computer & Information Science,
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210    Fax: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dennis Esteban)
Subject: Textbook Inquiry
Date: 7 Apr 1994 06:20:59 -0700
Organization: National University, San Diego


I was wondering if anyone can recommend an informative text book on
telecommunications to include cabling, communication protocols and LAN
wiring.


Thanks!

[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Gregory Youngblood)
Subject: Re: Question About MIN and ESN
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 1994 00:19:00 PST
Organization: TCS Computer Systems


[e-mail] (Sathyadev Uppala) writes:

> What is the difference between MIN and ESN?

> Each mobile unit in a celllular system has a unique ESN, so what is
> the need to have a MIN?

The ESN provides a unique serial number which is used to identify the
phone.  The idea behind the ESN is to make it difficult to change so
that normally the rule/idea of one phone to one ESN is the case.  The
ESN can be written two ways, either in HEX or in DECimal.. here's a
breakdown:
        HEX:      xx     xxxxxx
        DEC:   xxx    xxxxxxxx

The first two digits (three in DEC) refer to the brand of phone.  I
don't have a chart in front of me, but each company has their own code
for identification.  This helps to insure that one company doesn't
come up with the same ESN as another company. The last six digits
(eight in DEC) is the actual electronic serial number.  In several
cases you can look at the physical serial number of the phone, add a
couple of zeros or drop the first so many digits, add or subtract a
certain value and insert the manufacturer's code to find the ESN.
Each manufacturer is slightly different, for example, Motorola doesn't
have a correlation between the ESN and the physical serial number,
where NEC and others you can just add a couple of zeros the the
decimal value, put the manufacturer's code in the front, and you have
the ESN.

Now, why the MIN?  The MIN allows the phoen to be programmed for use
in a certain area, and allows for more natural dialing.

Can you imagine if all cellular numbers were either eight or eleven
digits long (plus the 1 for long distance ones?)  Not only would it
make it unusual, it wouldn't be the "seamless" integration of wireless
radio and telephone that many wanted in the industry's infancy.  It
also allows each phone to be used in a certain area and makes billing
easy, since you can look at a NPA/NXX combination and knwo where that
phone belongs to. [Imagine a database for billing roaming calls ... if
the phones were known by ESN and not MIN, then the roamer database
would have to have an individual record for every cell phone in use,
whereas with a MIN, they can have a pattern match, i.e. 713-822-xxxx
belongs to Houston Cellular and 713-823-xxxx to Houston's GTE Mobilnet
(these are examples, they may or may not be accurate).  So, two
entries separated 20,000 physical phones to two separate carriers, but
if the ESN was used, the database would have to have all 20,000
entries so it would know where to bill for each ESN.

Also, the MIN and ESN combination also serves as an extra measure of
security.  If the ESN doesn't match the switch's record of what the ESN is
supposed to be for a certain MIN, then the switch isn't supposed to let
the call go through.  [This doesn't take into consideration cloning where
people actually change the phone's physical equipment so that it reports
another phone's MIN and ESN effectively getting around this.]

All in all, the MIN provides a very useful feature.  My phone, for
example, could have the number:  555-555-7500  for its' MIN,
imagine trying to remember:      A5-08c13d   and use it for dialing.


Greg

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

From: [e-mail] (Henrik Rasmussen)
Subject: Re: Question About MIN and ESN
Date: 6 Apr 1994 01:51:04 GMT
Organization: The University of NC at Chapel Hill, the Experimental BBS.


In article <[e-mail]>, Sathyadev Uppala <sathya@uw-
isdl.ee.washington.edu> wrote:

> What is the difference between MIN and ESN?

> Each mobile unit in a celllular system has a unique ESN, so what is
> the need to have a MIN?

MIN= mobile identification number, the "phone number" of the cellular
phone. This is a number that uses area codes and NXX patterns that are
part of the national system. Mobile phones need MIN because a customer
may change phones over the years but want to keep a phone number.

ESN= Electronic serial number. Identifies a piece of equipment not the user.


Henrik Rasmussen   Audiovox Cellular Communications Corp.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Another analogy might be to wired or
'landline' telephones: each phone wire running to the exchange has a
number, but in addition each subscriber has a number. We dial the
subscriber number (or listed directory number as it is sometimes called)
to reach the other person, we do not dial the circuit or wire pair
identification number. But these two provide a check on each other.
We might claim we are speaking from one number or another, but the iden-
tification of the wire pair is proof of the accuracy of the number we
say we are at. I often times think of the MIN in cellular as the listed
directory number and the ESN as the equivilent of the identification
assigned to cables and wire pairs in the central office.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu,  7 Apr 94 16:10:01 EST
From: Steven=[e-mail]
Subject: Australian Communications Futures


This may be of interest to a number of TELECOM Digest readers
internationally who wish to be kept abreast of developments in
telecoms research on the Pacific Rim. Some of this work (the Module 5
Paper 2) in particular contains an extensive discussion of technical
developments that TELECOM Digest readers may want to find out more
about. All CFP documents are available for anonymous FTP at
happy.dotc.gov.au.

                 ===============================

AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS FUTURES PROJECT (CFP)

OVERVIEW

This posting sets out the background to the CFP, a research initiative
of the Australian government to examine the emerging trends in the
telecommunications and related industries, and consider their possible
implications for Australia.

The CFP on 28 March 1994 publicly released its first two work-in-
progress papers, titled: "Emerging Communications Services - an
Analytical Framework"; and "Delivery Technologies in the New Communica-
tions World".

Summaries of these papers are also below.

Full text of all CFP papers will be available from 1 April 1993 by
anonymous ftp from happy.dotc.gov.au, in the directory \cfp_documents\.

Please note: Enquiries about any CFP matters, or anyone wishing to be
included on the circulation list for Bureau work-in-progress papers
for this project and/or for notification of relevant seminars should
contact Ms Ann Morris, phone [Australia] [phone] or at Internet
e-mail address:

Ann=[e-mail].

                           _______________________

ABOUT THE COMMUNICATIONS FUTURES PROJECT ...

The CFP is a research project being undertaken by the Bureau of
Transport and Communications Economics.  It aims to upgrade
understanding of future economic, technical, commercial, regulatory
and policy implications of emerging information and communications
services and technologies; and to stimulate and inform public debate
on these issues.  The project's terms of reference are wide ranging
and call for an examination of likely developments in services and
technologies; implications of these developments for market
participants in those industries (including the underlying economic
factors influencing industry growth and change, and emerging patterns
of commercial relationships within and between traditional
industries); and implications of these developments for policy and
regulation over the coming decade.

The project is due to report by the end of 1994.  Project work is,
however, proceeding in stages ('modules'), and work in progress (of
which this paper is one of a series) is being exposed progressively to
encourage feedback, and to stimulate discussion.

Terms of Reference

The CFP Team will examine and report on:

1. likely developments over the next decade and beyond in information,
entertainment and communications services and technologies;

2. implications of these developments for market participants in those
industries, including

   (a)the underlying economic factors influencing
      industry growth and change;

   (b)emerging patterns of commercial relationships
      within and between traditional industries; and

3. implications of these developments for policy and regulation over
the coming decade.

The  proposed areas of project work include:

Services, content and marketing

1. Emerging communications services - an analytical framework;

2.  Development and marketing aspects of emerging services;

3.  The effects of emerging electronic communications services on
related industries;

4. Demand for emerging communications services;

Technologies

5.  Delivery technologies in the new communications world;

6.  The state of Australia's existing communications infrastructure;

7. Cost models for delivery technology alternatives;

8. Costs and network evolution

Market behaviour

9.  A profile of industry participants (internal);

10. Corporate strategies and communications investment;

Policy and Regulation

11. An analytical framework for regulation;

12. Market structure, competition, and emerging communications issues;

13. Industry development aspects of emerging services;

14. Some social policy implications of developments.


CFP Paper 1, Module 1:

EMERGING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES - AN ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for understanding
changes in the communications industry structure and performance.
This is done by describing categories of communications services in
terms of the technological combinations and the distinctive user needs
they are expected to meet.

The framework will provide a basis for further analyses, including:
the identification of key demand factors, which may be used to
forecast demand for emerging services; the analysis of service
production possibilities, which may be used as a basis for outlining
production functions, cost modelling and understanding industry
organisation trends; and access issues.

To understand convergence it is necessary to understand the dynamics
of communications markets.  This is because it is the competitive
market which is driving convergence by pursuing both productivity
improvements (such as increases in signal capacity) on the one hand
and service improvements (such as increasing the range, volume and
quality of services) on the other hand.  This paper considers factors
that drive communications demand as well as the productive processes
by which organisations provide such services.  This provides the
context for the convergence framework.

Structure of the paper:

Chapter 2 describes the existing markets for communications and
related services in terms of their current (but changing) demarcation
as telecommunications, broadcasting, entertainment and information
technology sectors.  Key characteristics such as prices and volumes of
various services are examined.  A summary of the relative value of
each sector, and available demographic and household expenditure
information is provided.  The outcome suggests an industry evolving in
its approach to providing for the needs of users, and users who are
becoming gradually more sophisticated in their needs.

Chapter 3 illustrates the way a dynamic market has worked to develop
services over recent years.  It considers how individuals and
organisations in a market make their preferences known, and how
suppliers organise to provide goods and services in response to these
preferences.  The interaction of buyers and sellers to establish
appropriate services is complex, extensive and ongoing.  Market
activity is also subject to influences intended to deal with questions
related to both imperfections in the market and equity and social
issues such as universal service and content control.  Understanding
the realistic dynamic context helps provide an understanding of
current developments in the communications market.

In this context the main characteristics of communications services as
valued by users are outlined in chapter 4.  The theory of consumer
demand established by Lancaster (1971) considers services as bundles
of characteristics.  Different users value different characteristics
differently, depending on their individual preferences. Many service
features provide an indication to potential users of the likelihood
that a new service will be useful or meet their needs.  Understanding
these characteristics will provide more information about which
services may be more successful: by definition, the characteristics
will form part of the analytical framework.

In chapter 5 the main attributes of services from the service
providers' perspectives are outlined.  The chapter briefly describes
how organisations combine different skills, materials and equipment,
and through technology process them to provide, deliver and market
services to buyers.The chapter summarises the theory and its
application to communications and related industries.  The
distinguishing features for communications services are the
technologies employed, including both the various inputs employed and
the productive process itself.  These include both delivery
technologies and value-added and 'functionality' technologies.  Key
technological features define certain services and match
characteristics valued by users.  These also, by definition, form part
of the analytical framework.

Chapter 6 provides a brief summary of some of the main views on
emerging communications services and environment. These include
selected summaries from the USA, Canada, Japan, and from industry
companies and analysts.  The chapter also contains a literature survey
of emerging services, and a classification scheme.

Chapter 7 provides a summary of the communications services framework
in the context of interacting buyers and sellers. The framework is
comprised of (i) valued service characteristics; (ii) technological
and functional attributes; and (iii) certain non-market influences, as
indicated in preceding chapters.  The framework has a dynamic aspect
as it is based on observed trends in these factors in the life cycle
of certain communications services.

In conclusion, the framework may be used to provide indications of
some likely new services (and claimed services) and as a basis for
further research by the Communications Futures Project.

(end of excerpt)


CFP Paper 2, Module 5:

DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS WORLD

INTRODUCTION

Even a casual reader of the communications (and increasingly the
popular) press both in Australia and overseas would quickly become
aware that one of the major themes of discussion relates to the
delivery platform(s) for future communications services.  Among the
more common questions that are raised, often implicitly, are the
following:

   What   sorts   of  delivery systems can  be  used  to
   provide  the   range  of new communications  services
   that  are  often  being  mooted,  and  how  do  these
   delivery systems line  up against each other?

   How   are  the various technological solutions likely
   to fare in the market place over the next few years?

   Is   an  optic  fibre  network the  inevitable,  all-
   embracing   solution   for   satisfying    all    our
   communications needs  in the  future?   (And,  if so,
   should  the  Government  be actively  supporting this
   technology  in  preference  to other solutions?)

This paper provides some early insights into these and similar
questions, and sets a foundation for future Communications Futures
Project (CFP) work on the current and future development of
communications markets and the policy implications arising from this
development.  The paper aims to provide a framework for further
analysis by bringing together some early views about the key platform
technologies and their market- relevant characteristics, about how
these technologies influence and are influenced by market
developments, and about some known market activities in Australia.

Such a survey is perhaps timely given the almost unprecedented state
of ferment at present in the cable and satellite industries.  Much of
the flurry of standards activity and corporate mergers and the general
hype about 'information superhighways' surrounds the implications of
two relatively new, but fundamental, changes in delivery platform
technologies - digital compression and optic fibre.  There are also
some important developments in terrestrial wireless technologies that
are sometimes overlooked.  Taken together, these new technologies
offer the prospect of a communications environment that is
qualitatively different from the one that currently exists,
characterised by service (or channel) abundance, and based on a wide
range of delivery platforms that are or soon will be available.

In comparison with many other markets, this matter assumes a somewhat
greater practical significance in Australia than in many other markets
because of the Commonwealth Government's decision to allow the
introduction of narrowcast and subscription television.  The practical
implementation of pay television in particular will probably give rise
to a range of issues with a technological dimension as it progresses
commercially. Some of these are already apparent, including digital
compression standards, capabilities of 'set-top unit' alternatives,
and the maturity and costs of new technologies such as asymmetric
digital subscriber line (ADSL).  These are frequently the subject of
conflicting claims from commercial participants who often speculate on
the commercial timing and capabilities of particular solutions that
are not yet commercially (and sometimes even technically) proven.
This implies a transitional phase in which policy makers will need to
have a clear understanding of important concepts and issues.

In the longer run, these technological developments are important
because they will strongly influence market structures.  Some of the
supply-side fundamentals of future communications markets will depend
on the inherent economies of scale and scope, and the barriers to
entry of different technological solutions.  Although the level of
technological maturity is not likely to permit definitive views on
these issues yet, a basic understanding of how these issues can help
shape market evolution is important.

This paper focuses strongly on delivery platform technologies.  While
developments in information processing technologies are probably more
pervasive, the issues relating to platforms are likely to have a
particularly direct influence on the direction and nature of future
market evolution and market structure and to raise more tangible
issues for policy consideration.

The paper is in two parts.  Part One (chapters 2 to 5) sets out the
technological framework: a description of important design concepts
(chapter 2), the mature delivery platforms (chapter 3), the major
recent developments in delivery technologies (chapter 4), and some of
the issues surrounding the consumer electronics required to support a
multi-channel environment (chapter 5).

Part Two deals with market evolution (chapter 6), relevant current
market activities in Australia (chapter 7), and some early
observations on these developments (chapter 8).


Posted by:
Steven Byrne, Principal Research Officer
Communications Futures Project. Canberra, Australia
Internet: steven=[e-mail]
CIS: 100033,1506  OZ-Email: [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #167
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa22189;
          7 Apr 94 16:20 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA27731; Thu, 7 Apr 94 11:05:10 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA27722; Thu, 7 Apr 94 11:05:08 CDT
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 11:05:08 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #168

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Apr 94 11:05:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 168

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Information Needed on LEC Competition/Value of Service (F. Goldstein)
    Re: Question About MIN and ESN (Daniel Goemans)
    Re: Cellular Roaming Charges (David E. Sheafer)
    Re: Cellular Roaming Charges (Tak To)
    Re: New NPA for Virginia (Carl Moore)
    Re: New NPA For Virginia (Karl Johnson)
    Re: Anonymous Phoning (Paul Robinson)
    CLID and Toll Saver (Jack Meth)
    Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access? (John R. Grout)
    The Sacred and the Profane (Paul Robinson)
    Re: Radio Contest Overloads 911 Lines, Business Calls (Mark Rudholm)
    Re: Switch Problems (Matt Silveira)
    Re: 900 and Other Premium Numbers (was Pager Scam) (Mark Brader)
    Re: FAX Mailbox Services (Les Reeves)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Fred R. Goldstein)
Subject: Re: Information Needed on LEC Competition/Value of Service
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 1994 00:38:11
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail].
edu writes:

> I urgently need information on pricing regulations in the local
> exchange with regard to universal service subsidies. I have heard the
> term "value of service" but am unable to find how the higher priced
> business phone subsidizes the rural phone. Is part of the monthly fee
> put into a fund, part of every local call?  Three of us are participating
> in a competition and have to present our ideas on Friday, April 8th, in
> the morning.

Yes, there is a fund.  (I apologize in advance if my information is
out of date; this was the way it was set up by the FCC in the early
'80s and I am not aware of major changes, but I miss details like that
at times.)  The National Exchange Carriers' Association administers a
Universal Service Fund.  Low-cost telephone companies (Bells,
especially in urban territories) contribute some of their carrier
access charges (stuff paid by AT&T, MCI and the like for use of their
local networks) to this fund, which is used to subsidize service in
high-cost areas, such as Wyoming.  It's not taken from local calls,
but from interstate calls.

Also, the price paid by carriers to local telcos varies, with some
rural companies getting much more than the 3-5c/minute/end that Bells
collect.  So the long distance carriers lose money on those calls and
it is made up for by the rest of their calls.


Fred R. Goldstein  k1io  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Daniel Goemans)
Subject: Re: Question About MIN and ESN
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 1994 15:47:20 GMT
Organization: United States Air Force Academy


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail].
edu (Sathyadev Uppala) writes:

> What is the difference between MIN and ESN?

MIN (Mobile Identification Number) is the mobile unit phone number.
It is user programmable and necessarily different from the ESN for two
reasons:

(1) The ESN is not user programmable (ideally) and it represents the true
radio signature of the phone.

(2) The ESN, more recently, is starting to become a security issue and is
generally no longer posted on the packaging or shell of the phone.  It is
somewhat of a secret.  Because a caller must identify the phone he/she is
trying to call, the MIN is available -- which is not a security issue.

ESN (Electronic Security Number) is everything said above, and stored
separately from the info in the NAM (Number Assignment Module).

Hope that helps.


Daniel Goemans    USAF Academy

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

From: David E. Sheafer <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Cellular Roaming Charges
Date: 5 Apr 94 22:19:25 EST
Organization: Merrimack College, No. Andover, MA, USA


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Nick
Sayer) writes:

> Lars Nohling <[e-mail]>
> writes:

>> Are then any tricks to cutting costs on the high roaming rates many
>> cellular carriers charge ?

>> Any sort of Resellers who provide discounts like in the Long Distance
>> business ?

> In any given area there can be up to two cellular companies. One of
> them will probably be some sort of variation on "Cellular one", one is
> very likely to be either some variation of GTE or a BOC.

> Your only choice in the matter is if you are in an area where there
> are two services. My phone is a Motorola 550 (one of the more popular
> ones, so they tell me. It's a "flip fone" sort of reminiscent of Star
> Trek TOS communicators). I can, using RCL * set up how it roams by
> telling it which of the two services in a given area it should check
> first for roaming. I can change this on the fly (not during a call,
> though). So I could conceivably call *611 and ask whoever answers what
> their roaming rates are, then switch to the other service and ask them
> the same question.  If I don't like the second answer better than the
> first, then I will switch back to the first provider and there you go.

The home system you subscribe to usually sets the roaming rates for
any areas where you are allowed to roam, not the company that you are
roaming with, they just bill your carrier according to their
agreements and then bill you according to their charges.  From what I
understand some carriers take a loss in certain markets, to provide
the customer less costy service in areas adjacent to the home area.
In addition in some markets if you subscribe to the A side, you wont
be able to roam on the B side, and visa-versa without setting up a
temporary account.  It all depends on your carriers agreements with
other carriers.


David E. Sheafer
internet: [e-mail]
          ^^
    thats 2 _ in the net address
GEnie:     D.SHEAFER

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

From: [e-mail] (Tak To)
Subject: Re: Cellular Roaming Charges
Date: 7 Apr 1994 04:12:35 GMT
Organization: Aspen Technology, Inc.


In <[e-mail]> LNohling_+a_BSSI_+lLars_Nohling+r%
[e-mail] writes:

> Are then any tricks to cutting costs on the high roaming rates many
> cellular carriers charge?

> Any sort of Resellers who provide discounts like in the Long Distance
> business?

Comparing to typical [roaming] air time charges, the long distance
carrier charges are of secondary concern.  I talked with an AT&T sales
person before and he said that PRO WATS service is available to
cellular accounts in some areas.  (I did not ask which since it is not
available in the areas that I have accounts in -- namely Boston and
NYC/NJ.)

Note that roaming charges are set more or less _solely_ by your home
cellular serive and may or may not have anything to do with the what
is charged by the cellular providers in the roaming locale.  E.g.,
NYC-NJ Cell/1 charges has a much higher roaming rate for, say, DC,
than Boston Cell/1.  (Actually, in the off peak periods, the home rate
in NYC charged by NYC-NJ Cell/1 is higher than the roaming rate
charged by Boston Cell/1; even with the added L.D. charges!)

So, shop around.  Depending on your calling pattern, it might be
cheaper to sign up for service in some other areas in addition to your
home area.


Tak To                                          [phone] x377
Box 45, MIT Branch PO, Cambridge, Ma 02139.     [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 6 Apr 94 19:30:42 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: New NPA For Virginia


Well, it'd have to be one of those N00 codes if it's this coming
August (1994).  More likely, it'll be an NNX code becoming useable
in August 1995.  As has been discussed in the digest before, the
DC area gets precedence for keeping the old area code, so Richmond
and Norfolk switched from 703 to 804 in 1973, and Baltimore and
Annapolis switched from 301 to 410.  I am not yet aware of any
N0X/N1X prefixes in Virginia beyond the DC area.  Roanoke might
be the biggest city to get the new area code in this upcoming
split of 703.  I've travelled across a lot of Virginia, so I'd
be interested in hearing where the new boundary is.

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

Date: 07 Apr 94 07:17:45 EDT
From: Karl Johnson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: New NPA for Virginia


Carl Moore <cmoore%BRL.MIL@WOGATE> replied to my post:

> Well, it'd have to be one of those N00 codes if it's this coming
> August (1994).  More likely, it'll be an NNX code becoming useable
> in August 1995.  As has been discussed in the digest before, the
> DC area gets precedence for keeping the old area code, so Richmond
> and Norfolk switched from 703 to 804 in 1973, and Baltimore and
> Annapolis switched from 301 to 410.  I am not yet aware of any
> N0X/N1X prefixes in Virginia beyond the DC area.  Roanoke might
> be the biggest city to get the new area code in this upcoming
> split of 703.  I've travelled across a lot of Virginia, so I'd
> be interested in hearing where the new boundary is.

In my comments in the original post I was trying to say these same
speculations, but I suppose it may not have been visible enough.  To
further show that a likelihood of the split happening in 1995 one only
needs to look at the upcoming splits in 205, 206, 708, and 602 each of
which will happen in 1995 each NPA is (according to Friday's quarterly
NPA count posted in TCD) larger and growing faster (in terms of number
of NXXs).  After further contemplation I think that the companies
involved have been told by Bellcore to spend three months preparing
their recmendations by the end of June and Bellcore will take another
month to decide where to put the line.  After looking at the map in
the Northern Virginia Directory showing the NPAs for Virginia I think
the border between 703 and the new NPA will be an east-west line going
west from Harrisonburg or somewhere further south, but this is nothing
but a WAG (wild assed guess) as I have no solid information as to the
NXX counts in each county (I assume that like the Maryland split this
will follow county lines).

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 00:05:50 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Anonymous Phoning
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


[e-mail] (John Macdonald), writes in Comp-privacy:

> There has to be a middle ground which allows anonymous calling
> to parties that are willing to accept such calls while not
> allowing anonymous calls to parties that wish to insist upon ID.

There is, and it's already available.

> The phone company ought to provide a recipient option that lets
> the recipient choose to never receive calls with blocked ID.

That's exactly what is available now.

> Their phone would not even ring

This is *exactly* what happens.

> (or be busy), and the caller would get an intercept message "The
> number you have dialled does not accept calls with blocked
> ID.".  The caller would know why their call did not get through
> and could choose to unblock and call again if they felt that
> there was a need to complete the call.  (The current situation
> where the recipient's display says "number blocked" and the
> recipient just does not answer can lead to the caller trying
> again and again, hoping that the recipient will eventually get
> home.  While there may be some desire to cause such callers that
> sort of nuisance, it also means that the recipient's phone is
> busy.)

Where they have Caller-ID, they can have (subject to political
considerations) exactly the system you mentioned available.  In
Virginia and Maryland (DC probably has it if the suburbs do) the
service is called "anonymous call rejection." You dial *77 and from
that point on, if someone calls you by dialing *67, they don't get
through; they are shunted to a recording that tells them that the
party they are calling does not accept anonymous calls; if they want
to reach the party, call again without blocking their number.  This
remains in effect until and unless the called party dials *87.

Here, ACR is free with Caller ID (which costs $6.50 a month) or is
$3.50 a month without Caller ID).  As strange as that sounds, you
*can* block calls from people who block the transmission of their
number even if you don't have Caller-ID.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: And having it available for people without
Caller-ID makes good sense since the caller would not know one way or the
other and probably assumes they *do have it* if he goes to the trouble of
adding the *67. Even though the recipient does not have Caller-ID they
may not like the idea of getting calls from people who choose to block it
for whatever reason, the theory being I don't care who you are, but I
don't like the idea of you trying to hide from me.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jack Meth)
Subject: CLID and Toll Saver
Organization: Fixed Income Division - Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 15:06:45 GMT


I am considering getting Caller-ID on a line with an answering
machine.  The answering machine picks up before the second ring when
in toll saver mode.  CLID is delivered between the first and second
ring.

Will CLID be delivered if the phone is picked up before the second ring?

The CLID will be a backup to a doctors off hours answering machine.
If the machine fails to record the message then CLID can be used to
figure out who called last.  (Last number call back *69 won't work
because the MD dials into the machine to check messages and wont know
that machine failed until after she dials in.)

CLID costs $6.50 per month in (718) 544.


Thanks,

Jack


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It will be haphazard at best. A lot of
telcos deliver Caller-ID immediatly after the first ring, easily a
second or so before the second ring starts (and the answering machine
likely to pickup). If delivery is delayed until just before the second
ring it is possible some of the transmissions will be garbled if the
answering machine picks up at the start of the second ring. It would
be better if you could delay the answer all the time until the third
or fourth ring unless toll-saver is an important feature to the person
using the system.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (John R. Grout)
Subject: Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access?
Date: 6 Apr 1994 20:00:51 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Reply-To: [e-mail]


In <[e-mail]> TELECOM Digest Editor responded to
[e-mail] (John R.  Grout):

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally it is only the rip-off
> private payphones (COCOTS) which have charges for 950 and 800. They
> are not supposed to either, but they get away with it. I am surprised
> it was at a C&P phone. Maybe there was a programming error.   PAT]

According to Jonathan ([e-mail]), it is unlawful to charge for
800 calls, but C&P _does_ charge $.25 for a call to a 950 number from
its payphones in Maryland.


John R. Grout    INTERNET: [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 00:15:00 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: The Sacred and the Profane
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


[e-mail] (James Taranto), writes:

> In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Linc
> Madison) wrote:

>> The splits in 703 and 214 in particular may put to the test the
>> sanctity of the "you must dial 1 for all toll calls, and you must be
>> able to dial all local calls without a 1" arrangement.

> That arrangement is hardly sacred.  In NYC, for example, we have
> to dial 1 for all calls between 212 and 718.

Perhaps it is the age of some equipment that requires this, or because
it was considered the simplest way for the public to handle the system.

The DC area does a nice job: if the number is local and in the same area
code, dial the seven digit number, or optionally dial the area code and the
seven digit number.  If it's local and in a different area code, dial the
area code and number.  If it's long distance, even in the same area code,
dial 1 + area code + number.

In *all* cases, dialing 1+ area code + number will put the call
through even if the call is local, and at no additional charge.

One thing to be careful of in this area is that IXC 10xxx codes are
permitted to be used even for local calls.  I got a couple of minor
bites for about 40c when I misprogrammed my modem and dialed a local
number via 10222 plus seven digits on a couple of local calls lasting less
than five minutes each.

But this sort of thing has all sorts of personal animosity attached to
it.  Let's go on to something less controversial, like which Church is
the One True Religion of God, shall we?


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 07 Apr 1994 01:59:58 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Mark Rudholm)
Subject: Re: Radio Contest Overloads 911 Lines, Business Calls


[e-mail] (Dave Sellers) writes in Telecom-Digest: Volume 14,
Issue 151, Message 2 of 18

> As reported in the {Ottawa Citizen} March 27, 1994, radio and television.

> Canada's national capital was put on hold Friday night when a local
> radio station (CHEZ 106) gave away tickets to a Pink Floyd concert to
> the first 53 callers.
  [deletia]
> The calls overloaded Bell Canada's switching equipment even thou the
> radio station was using special "contest lines". The switches
> responded by making callers wait up to a minute for dial tone.

It sounds like a simple case of too many simultaneous requests for
dialtone.  The special overload prefixes won't do anything to prevent
this problem.  This is usually what is going on when people say "my
phone went out during the earthquake."

[deletia]

> Phone service was affected wherever the radio station had listeners --
> as far south as Cornwall and Smith Falls and as far north as Pembrook.
> Many business were affected, like Pizza Pizza which Friday night is
> their busiest. Pizza Pizza estimates they lost $12,000 because people
> could not get through to place their order.

Yeah, right!  They've got to be selling some pretty darn expensive
pizzas for a three hour loss of phone service to cost them $12,000.

> The phone problems also hampered other services such as 911. Many
> people called to complain about their problems with the phones. About
> 280 calls were made to 911 between 5 to 9PM compared to about 125 on a
> normal Friday night. Tony Yantha of the Ottawa Police said "I normally
> have three clerks working on 911. Last night I had five and still
> wasn't enough."

Obviously some people could get dialtone.  So why is it that when
people find their phone doesn't deliver a dailtone quickly, when they
finally get one, they dial 9-1-1 ??  News reports about phone outages
always have to mention 911, I guess it makes for nice,
sensationalistic copy.

> Sandra Cruikshanks of Bell Canada said that the phone service was back
> to normal by 9:30PM (started at about 6:20PM). The station's contest
> number designed by Bell, is designed to allow large number of callers
> to hear a busy signal if the line isn't available, without affecting
> other lines.

> She said that the sheer number of calls to the radio station during
> the ticket give away "is just unheard of". But she said the phone
> system responded exactly the way it should have. "It worked perfectly
> well."

It's nice to see that the Canadian press is as lousy as its American
counterpart -- sensationalistic and largely ignorant about the issues
on which it alleges to report.


Mark D. Rudholm       Philips Interactive Media
[e-mail]     11050 Santa Monica Boulevard
[phone]       Los Angeles, CA  90025-7511

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

Date: Wed, 06 Apr 94 22:28:57 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Matt Silveira)
Subject: Re: Switch Problems


Mr. Robinson brings up an interesting but NOT uncommon problem with
clocks.  The syncing required for digital lines are critical but many
IXCs and LECs have clocking problems (this is why we have alarm
messages on OOSs such as "Out of Sync" or "Clocking Error".)  The
solution, install better and more clocks in the backbone nets.  And
make sure each clock is synched properly to prevent timing issues.  It
is curious that you had so many problems, perhaps you should get on
the case of your telco.

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

From: [e-mail] (Mark Brader)
Subject: Re: 900 and Other Premium Numbers (was Pager Scam)
Organization: SoftQuad Inc., Toronto, Canada
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 07:04:17 GMT


> As an aside, 900 numbers get a lot of publicity, and most people know
> that they are expensive to call. Until I started reading the Telecom
> digest, I was not aware of the existence of 976/540 or any other kinds
> of premium numbers. Offhand, I cannot recall seeing a single
> advertisement for local premium services, but anyone who has ever
> watched late night TV cannot help being aware that 900 calls are
> rather expensive.

This obviously varies either by region, or between the US and Canada.
Around here (Toronto) we have 900 and 976 numbers also, but it is the
976's for which there are numerous late night advertisements featuring
scantily clad women.

As just about everyone reading this knows, in much (but not all) of
the US and Canada, long-distance numbers must be dialed differently
from local ones, so that you always know when you're dialing a toll
call.  Such a rule applies here.  And when someone dials a 976 number
here, *they must dial it as if it was long distance within their area
code*.

Are there places in the US or Canada where long-distance and local numbers
are dialed differently, but where 976 or other premium numbers are dialed
like *local* calls?


Mark Brader, [e-mail]    SoftQuad Inc., Toronto


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well here in the Chicago area, we have but
one single source of 976 numbers; it is in Chicago downtown yet callers
to those numbers only dial 976 and the number regardless of where we are
in the region, ie. no 708-976 or 312-976 ... just 976.   PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 09:31:27 PDT
From: Les Reeves <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: FAX Mailbox Services
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


Lars Nohling ([e-mail])
wrote:

> Does anyone have any info on companies that provide a FAXMAIL service?

> What I am looking for is a FAX Number I can give out that receives
> faxes and then allows me to retrieve them from any fax machine by
> dialing up my code.

AT&T came out with a bunch of services for "professionals on the go"
about a year ago, and a FAX mailbox was part of the package.  The
disadvantage was that callers had to dial an 800 number and then enter
a bunch more digits for your mailbox.  Most business users won't stand
for this nonsense; they punch the number into the fax machine and walk
away.

If you come up with a FAX mail service that can be dialed like a
standard fax machine, I too would like to know about it.


Les     [e-mail]       Atlanta,GA      404.874.7806


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Ameritech offers fax mailbox service. It
uses straight seven digit DID numbers in area 312. IIt works just like
voicemail; the caller dials 'your' number and gets a fax. You as the
owner call in to the same number and retrieve your faxes.   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #168
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa22568;
          7 Apr 94 17:12 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00652; Thu, 7 Apr 94 12:17:10 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00643; Thu, 7 Apr 94 12:17:07 CDT
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 12:17:07 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #169

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Apr 94 12:17:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 169

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Alphanumeric Pager Software (Rob Lockhart)
    Re: Alphanumeric Pager Software ([e-mail])
    Re: Specs For CDPD, Embarc, RAM, Ardis Wanted (Rob Lockhart)
    Re: Data Over Cellular (Lynne Gregg)
    Re: Dying Telephones (Charles L. Mclafferty)
    Re: FAX Mailbox Services (Ed Leslie)
    Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended (Steven H. Lichter)
    Re: Voice and Data Through PBX (William M. Davis)
    Re: April NPA Report (Hugh Pritchard)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (Robert Bonomi)
    Re: 976, 540 Services (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: 976, 540 Services (Mike King)
    Re: *999; CB Channel 9 (Jon Anhold)
    Re: *999; CB Channel 9 (David A. Kaye)
    Re: *999; CB Channel 9 (Gregory Youngblood)
    Re: Africa Telecom - Lunchbag Discussion (Bill Hofmann)
    Re: New LA Area Code ([e-mail])
    Agents Wanted Outside USA ([e-mail])
    EDI Electronic Data Interchange (Joakim Westman)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (RLockhart)
Subject: Re: Alphanumeric Pager Software
Date: 07 Apr 1994 12:11:08 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Nick
Sayer) writes:

> Does anyone have a description of the protocol used by such
> software?  Not everyone is saddled with x86 ISA machines running an OS
> that was obsolete ten years ago at its introduction, which probably
> means we have to write our own software for alpha paging. If it's
> possible to write such a program ...

The TAP protocol's available through PCIA (the standard setting and
maintenance organization) at 202.467.4770.  I've also a thread that
covers the more commonly used parts of TAP and can POST it if you
like.  (It's a distilled version of the original spec we gave to
Telocator (now PCIA) several years back that formed the basis of TAP.)
However, If you don't feel like rolling your own, there're commercial
apps for everything from DOS/Win boxes, to Macs, to AS/400s, to
Mainframes, to even the little guys like HP100s and Atari Portfolios.

We publish a freebie called the Motorola Third Party Referral Guide to
Alpha and Data Paging that lists all the apps we know to exist in the
marketplace (horizontal and vertical markets and information services)
for both sending alpha and data pages to receiving them from such
wireless data receiving devices as our NewsStream and NewsCard.  The
Guide gets updated once a quarter or so and is available in electronic
form in Stuffed MacWord 5.1 (not readily convertable to W4W 6.0a).
Unfortunately it's not available on the I'net ('cause I'm 'FTP
challenged' <sigh>), but *is* available on CIS and AOL (04 March 94
edition).  (AppleLink has the previous 17 Sep 93 edition.)  'Course
the software interface specs for both our NewsStream and NewsCard are
also available on those services in the same formats.


Rob Lockhart   Resource Manager, Interactive Data Systems
(Home of the NewsStream, NewsCard, and Two-Way Paging)
Paging Products Group   Motorola, Inc.
Desktop:  [e-mail]
Wireless I'net (< 1K characters):  [e-mail]
Wireless I'net (<32K characters):  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (PDC Chris)
Subject: Re: Alphanumeric Paging Software
Date: 06 Apr 1994 12:25:01 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


I think someone here was asking about where to get the protocol specs
for talking to alpha paging terminals.  Anyway, call PCIA (Personal
Communications Industry Association, formerly Telecator) at (202)
467-4770 and ask for info on TAP (Telecator Alphanumerice Paging) and
TDP (Telecator Data Paging protocol).  TAP is the older one supported
by everyone, TDP is very new and is still being implemented.


Chris

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

From: [e-mail] (RLockhart)
Subject: Re: Specs For CDPD, Embarc, RAM, Ardis Wanted
Date: 06 Apr 1994 22:16:05 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

> Ardis is Native Mode for the device; MDC 4800/MG Protocol for the
> network ...

ARDIS also has pockets of RD/LAP, if memory serves.

> EMBARC not quite sure (Motorola in Boynton Beach, Florida).

Our EMBARC subsidiary doesn't publish it's protocols, but the main
input method *has* been X.400 EMail (although there's a proprietary
gateway, an MHS one, and an I'net one).  The output format is also
proprietary but is close to PCIA's TDP suite of protocols ... at least
on the output side (e.g., TRT and TMC).


Rob Lockhart, a Paging Motorolan

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

From: Lynne Gregg <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Data Over Cellular
Date: Wed, 06 Apr 94 12:57:00 PST


Terry Gilson ([e-mail]) noted:

> I think all of these units can trace their roots (through some kind of
> licensing fee) to a company called Telular, which has successfully
> defended it's patent on the dial-tone technology against quite a few
> companies.

In addition to Motorola and NEC, I've successfully used the Spectrum
product.  Actually, Telular has nothing to do with these interfaces,
though a number of companies license the Spectrum technology.  NEC and
Motorola developed their own data interfaces that are equipment
specific (that is they are designed to operate with specific phones
within their product lines and in Motorola's case, that interface may
be limited on the "device" end).


Regards,

Lynne

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

From: Charles L. Mclafferty <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Dying Telephones
Organization: University of Virginia
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 1994 02:15:19 GMT


I believe his phones are getting hit by lightning. They had very
violent storms in Alabama two weeks ago, and the newer electronic
phones can be very sensitive to power surges.  Especially the 20Kv
kind.

I suggest that he may want to see if his NIU is grounded properly, but
even that won't help all the time.


Charles McLafferty   UVa Dept of Ed Studies   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Ed Leslie)
Subject: Re: FAX Mailbox Services
Organization: York University
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 04:48:11 -0500


Lars Nohling ([e-mail])
wrote:

> Does anyone have any info on companies that provide a FAXMAIL service?

> What I am looking for is a FAX Number I can give out that receives
> faxes and then allows me to retrieve them from any fax machine by
> dialing up my code.

I think Delrina (the WinFAX people) are offering something like this
with 1-800 numbers(?). Their phone is 1-800-268-6082.


Ed

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

From: [e-mail] (Steven H. Lichter)
Subject: Re: PC Pursuit Has Ended
Date: 6 Apr 1994 22:21:31 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)


I have now updated the signature file which is send out direct from
Freenet.

I just got signed up for Global Access which is like PCP. The best prt
is they are moving over to Tymnet which has many more outdials. The
cost is more, but I need it to run my system which is a hub.


Sysop: Apple Elite II -=- an Ogg-Net Hub BBS
[phone] 12/24/96/14.4 V32/V42bis

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

From: [e-mail] (William M Davis)
Subject: Re: Voice and Data Through PBX
Date: 06 Apr 1994 11:43:47 -0800
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


Thomas Humphreys ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I have asked the question "Would you recommend running both voice and
> data (LAN) traffic through a PBX?" of 11 individuals. 4 said yes, 7
> said no.

Wouldn't this depend on the type of PBX?  I mean, we use an AT&T
System 75 and if LAN traffic is routed (not switched data calls)
through there would be system parameters I would explore along with
recommend methods ...


Mike Davis    Communication Technician
CSX Tranportation     Atlanta, Ga.   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 06:22 EST
From: Hugh Pritchard <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: April NPA Report


[e-mail] (David Esan) notes, in his wonderful report on the NANP,

> ->  The NPA that is largest and is not splitting nor has plans, at this
>     time, to split, is 703.

The local (i.e., the Washington, D.C. metro area) media are reporting
that Bell Atlantic has indeed decided to split 703 -- northern Virginia.
Bell Atlantic says it has decided neither the exact geographical
boundaries, nor the NPA code.


Hugh Pritchard, Senior Systems Specialist
Smoke 'N Mirrors, Inc., Herndon, VA   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Robert Bonomi)
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Organization: EECS Department, Northwestern University
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 01:17:00 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Greg Trotter <greg@gallifrey.
ucs.uoknor.edu> wrote:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

>> Surety Technologies welcomes developers and corporations who are
>> interested in testing the system and serving as beta sites for Digital
>> Notary software.  Call Surety Technologies, Inc.  at [phone];
>> fax number is [phone].  Information is also available on the
>> Internet at infonotary.com.
>              ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

> My system can't seem to find this place  ... and whois at internic seems
> clueless as well. Anybody have any updated information?

Simple typo.  try mailing to user 'info', at domain-name 'notary.com'
  -something- ate the "at"('@') symbol from the name.

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: 976, 540 Services
Date: 7 Apr 1994 09:11:42 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (John R
Levine) writes:

> Is there anywhere a list of surcharged prefixes in the U.S.?  In most
> places 976 is used for non-porn announcements, but the list of other
> surcharged prefixes seems to be large, growing, and largely
> undocumented.

I have the following, which is probably incomplete and out of date.  I
agree that such exchanges should be documented, as the numbering
scheme appears to be random throughout the country.  As to who is
going to do the documenting, that's a good question.

As things stand today, it may not be all that important to block these
numbers outside of one's state (or LATA), as there doesn't *appear* to
be a method of billing for them, and the IXCs will probably block them
anyway.

                     976 LOOK-ALIKE LIST

Location                  Area Code           Local Prefix

Maine                     207                 940
Massachusetts             413                 550,940
Massachusetts             508                 940
Massachusetts             617                 550,940
New Hampshire             603                 940
Rhode Island              401                 940
New York                  212                 540,550,970
New York                  315                 540,550,970
New York                  516                 540,550,970
New York                  518                 540,550,970
New York                  607                 540,550,970
New York                  716                 540,550,970
New York                  718                 540,550,970
New York                  914                 540,550,970
New York                  917                 540,550,970
Maryland                  301                 915
Maryland                  410                 915
Pennsylvania              215                 556
Pennsylvania              412                 556
Virginia                  703                 844
Minnesota                 507                 960
Ohio                      216                 931
Ohio                      513                 499
Nebraska                  308                 960
Nebraska                  402                 960
Louisiana                 504                 636
New Mexico                505                 960
Texas                     214                 703
Texas                     512                 766
Texas                     713                 766
Texas                     817                 892
Colorado                  303                 960
Colorado                  719                 898
South Dakota              605                 960
Utah                      801                 960
Wyoming                   307                 960
Arizona                   602                 676,960
Idaho                     208                 960
Washington                206                 960
District Columbia         202                 915


Jay Hennigan     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Mike King)
Subject: Re: 976, 540 Services
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 1994 09:48:20 PDT


In TELECOM Digest, V14 #157, [e-mail] (John R Levine) wrote:

> Is there anywhere a list of surcharged prefixes in the U.S.?  In most
> places 976 is used for non-porn announcements, but the list of other
> surcharged prefixes seems to be large, growing, and largely
> undocumented.

In Washington, DC, and the MD and VA suburbs, 976 is a surcharged
prefix that defaults to permitted on each telephone line, but blocking
can be installed for free by placing a phone call.

The prefix 915 is also a surcharged prefix; however, it is blocked by
default.  To get access, a request must be made to C&P (Bell Atlantic)
in writing.


Mike King    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jon Anhold)
Subject: Re: *999; CB Channel 9
Date: 7 Apr 1994 01:54:19 GMT
Organization: The Ohio State University


In article <[e-mail]>, Prof. Feedlebom <feedle@
kaiwan.com> wrote:

> A few police departments monitor channel 9 across the country, however
> even at CB's peak that was not really who was monitoring.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol all have CB's in their cruisers. I
don't know if they're on channel 9, but I would assume they are either
there or on 19.

> If you need emergency assistance while travelling, don't depend on your
> CB radio.  Invest the $200 to buy a GOOD cellular phone, or pass the no-code
> Amateur license and use ham radio.  You'll be doing yourself a favor.
  ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^
Good plan ... 99.999% of the time there is someone around on 2m to
help you .. it's the only reason I have a 146MHz radio in the car..
(440MHz is SO much nicer!)

Jon N8USK, Northeastern Ohio ARES/Skywarn Net Control
Jon Anhold N8USK  ([e-mail])


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: 146 mhz is two meters, isn't it?  I see
a lot of that around here, and there are clubs operating repeaters.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (David A. Kaye)
Subject: Re: *999; CB Channel 9
Date: 7 Apr 1994 01:49:32 -0700
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


Andrew C. Green ([e-mail]) wrote:

> listening. I think it's reasonable to assume that in all the
> technology packed into those squad cars, particularly Highway Patrol
> cars, they probably have sprung an extra fifty bucks or so for a CB
> radio, or included the appropriate wavelengths in the tuners of

Squad cars of the Oregon State Police often monitor CB channel 9.  In
fact I was riding down I-5 when a trucker commented that he hoped
there wasn't an OSP car around because he hadn't had time to fake his
log book entries.  The truck was just behind me.  I heard another
voice on the channel suggesting the trucker pull over.  He said, "Who
are you kidding?"  The cop then turned on his red lights and said,
"I'm not kidding anyone."  He pulled over.

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

From: [e-mail] (Gregory Youngblood)
Subject: Re: *999; CB Channel 9
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 1994 06:57:00 PST
Organization: TCS Computer Systems


[e-mail] (Prof. Feedlebom) writes:

> Jonathan ([e-mail]) wrote:

>> I am wondering why the police do not routinely monitor CB channel 9,
>> since the primary use of this channel is to report emergencies.

> A few police departments monitor channel 9 across the country, however
> even at CB's peak that was not really who was monitoring.

I know in some places the Highway Patrols have monitoring equipment
that can listen to Channel 9, but they do not have transmission
equipment.  Specifically, I _KNOW_ Wisconsin has this from when I was
driving through and they had a rest area where they gave away free
coffee and other stuff and were talking about how to report suspected
drunk drivers in a campaign to get more of them off the highways.

I also seem to remember somthing about when CB's were fairly popular
and how the truckers and others used them like the police use their
radios to track others. In this case, they tracked the cops.  There
was some talk about entrapment, and if a cop had a CB and could
transmit, then the cop could have been giving the all-clear for
truckers, and then pulling 'em over right and left. I don't know how
factual this little tidbit really is, but it does seem reasonable, and
would explain why at least _some_ police/highway patrol/law enforcement
vehicles are equipped to _listen_ to the CD (ch. 9 at the least).


Greg


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: 'Entrapment' is often confused with the
term 'enticement'. One is illegal, the other is not. Generally speaking,
if the government breaks the law in an effort to get you to do the same,
that is entrapment, and it is illegal. If the government merely makes
it more convenient for you to break the law -- without actually doing
so themselves -- that is enticement. Sleazy perhaps, but not illegal.
It happens all the time both ways, especially where drug enforcement
is concerned. It does not surprise me that cops would use CB to encourage
people to speed, then arrest them for it. I know they use CB at many
truck stops to encourage and solicit prostitutes and/or drug sellers
whom they then arrest when approached, but most of those cases get off
in court (traffic, prostitution and drug cases) if the judge thinks
the cops are lying about the way it happened.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Bill Hofmann)
Subject: Re: Africa Telecom - Lunchbag Discussion
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Wed, 06 Apr 1994 17:09:25 GMT


Barry  Laina Raveendran Greene <[e-mail]> writes:

>           "EMERGING COMMUNICATION MARKETS IN AFRICA"
> The event will also present some issues to be discussed at the Africa
> Telecom'94 Forum (April 25-29 in Cairo). It is open to the public but
> space is limited. RSVPs are required (for security passes to the World
> Bank) by the 12 April 1994. Phone [phone] to leave a message.

Can you post a summary of the meeting?


Bill Hofmann                [e-mail]
Fresh Software and Instructional Design    [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: If a summary shows up here I'll be
glad to include it in the Digest.   PAT]

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

Subject: Re: New LA Area Code
Reply-To: [e-mail]
From: sanctum![e-mail] (Kris)
Date: Wed, 06 Apr 1994 23:06 EDT


James Taranto writes:

> 907 is Alaska.  New York City alone has 212, 718, and 917, and the
> metro area, broadly defined, includes part or all of 516, 914, 201,
> 908, 609, 203, and 717.
[...]

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Yes, thank you, I meant 917 and the
> Alaska area code got in there by error.   PAT]

This reminds me of an AT&T commercial in which they were hyping their
Reach Out America plan, where you would spend something like $10 for
an hour of calls anywhere in the nation after 6 pm, and then $6 per
hour thereafter.  They showed different scenery from several cities
around the nation, with the city name and NPA in very large type.

Well, you guessed it, even AT&T was confused.  They used 203 for Los
Angeles.  We all know that 203 is really the NPA for most of Connecticut.

My roommate at the time, who was from CT, was quick to point that out
every time the ad came on.


Kris     [e-mail]
uunet.uu.net!paladin!sanctum!kris

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

From: [e-mail] (MikeD23887)
Subject: Agents Wanted Outside USA
Date: 6 Apr 1994 19:50:01 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


I am looking for agents to market long distance services to consumers
and businesses around the world. You can do this in your spare time or
full time.  This is an easy sell as the rates are far below the local
phone companies and you get high quality US dial tone. A five minute
call from Germany to the US would cost $7.04 on the local PTT while
only $3.84 with my firm, a 45% savings.  >From Germany to Japan - 45%,
Canada - 37%, Hong Kong - 41% and Australia - 51%.  These savings can
be achieved from most countries around the world. Our commission
structure starts at the highest percentage that I am aware of.

These commissions are recurring for all the clients you sign up and
can add up to significant $$$. You can market this service even if you
have no prior experience in telecommunications. Our company is located
in New York City and has been at this for some time now. If interested
please e-mail me with your address and country your interested in
marketing this service. An agents package describing the service will
be sent to you via air mail. Please also note that we plan to cut
rates again in the next 30 days as well as introduce new services such
as fax on demand, integrated voice response and many new value added
services giving our agents the best combination of price and service.

Please reply by private e-mail to our Compuserve corporate e-mail
address at [e-mail].

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

From: [e-mail] (Joakim Westman)
Subject: EDI Electronic Data Interchange
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 07:54:07 GMT
Organization: Christchurch Polytechnic (NZ)


I'm wondering if somebody knows what the concept of EDI -- Electronic
Data Interchange is al about. I've been trying to get information
about this, I believe quite new topic at least in NZ, with no luck.
Therfore I turn to you as a new news user.


Regards,

Jo Westman

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #169
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23584;
          7 Apr 94 19:32 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06706; Thu, 7 Apr 94 14:33:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06689; Thu, 7 Apr 94 14:33:01 CDT
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 14:33:01 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #170

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Apr 94 14:33:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 170

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program (Ralph Becker)
    Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto (John Perkins)
    Re: What's Up With the NANP (Carl Moore)
    Re: What's Up With the NANP (Michael Israeli)
    Cellular Privacy??? ([e-mail])
    Shopping For an 800 Number (Shahid Ikram Butt)
    Jargon Dictionary Wanted (John Conwell)
    Caller-ID FAQ Update and "Never Say Never" (A. Padgett Peterson)
    Re: New Use of ANI (James Taranto)
    Re: New Use of ANI (Ron DeBlock)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Evan Leibovitch)
    Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime? (Scott Johnston)
    Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System ([e-mail])
    Re: Information About ERMES Project (Rob Lockhart)
    Re: Canada Direct to European Customers - Why Not Possible? (Eric Snyder)
    Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access? (John R. Grout)
    Re: Where Can I Find A Copy of Mosaic? (Evan Robatino)
    Re: Can I Use my Cellular Phone in Turkey and Germany? (Gerald Serviss)
    Re: History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T ([e-mail])
    Re: Los Angeles Phone Fire (Nevin Liber)
    Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (Robert Lightfoot)
    Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household! (Steve Brack)
    Colonel vs. Kernel (Theodore M.P. Lee)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Ralph Becker)
Subject: Re: Windows or DOS Caller ID Program
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 11:43:19 ET
Organization: Xyplex Customer Support


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Fritz
Friedlaender) writes:

> If you have a modem that supports caller ID (e.g. PP14400 - the mini-
> tower and internal version, NOT the pocket version) it is easy to
> store the CNID data on a PC.

> Get Kermit (for instance), at zero cost, and run a "log file".  This
> file will contain all the "ring" entries, and the Caller-ID information,
> usually between the first and second ring. Just be sure that your
> communications program is running and Caller-ID enabled in the desired
> format, IF available on your modem.  See several very recent postings
> on the minimum conditions needed to make this work (in essence, if
> your Caller-ID box works, so will this scheme with the appropriate
> modem). Same information.

I would like to follow up briefly on my request for a Windows-based
Caller ID box simulation/replacement utility.  I got a few "me too"
requests, and I promised to let them know what I found.

The only software I was pointed to is a $15 Shareware Windows utility.
The file CID.ZIP is available in the Telecommunications Forum on
Compu$erve (search on "Caller" will find it).  I don't know of any FTP
sites that have this (yet).  This software is, er, a bit rough around
the edges.  I'm using it with my PPI PM14400FXMT, and it has several
bugs.  I am compiling a list that I will forward to the author.
However, it's all there is, apparently, for now.

The suggestion to use the logging feature on a Comm package was made
to me, and I actually already tried this (works fine) with Crosstalk
for Windows.  I am still using this approach for now.  I expect that
as Caller ID increases in popularity, more of this type of software
will become available in the coming months.


Ralph Becker
Xyplex Customer Support [Tech. Support hotline [phone]]
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John Perkins)
Subject: Re: Bellcore Goes Crypto
Organization: Rosemount, Inc.
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 12:04:10 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Garrett Wollman) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]>, PAT writes:

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Thank you Colonel. Tell me this: any ideas
>> how Colonel came to be pronounced 'kernel' rather than 'call-on-nell'?

> There is a reason for this, oddly enough.  The English word `colonel'
> is a result of the collision between the French word `colonelle' and
> the Italian `coronello'.  For some unknown reason, English adopted the
> French spelling and the Italian pronunciation.

There is no 'r' sound in the British pronunciation of 'colonel'.
There is a sound that corresponds to the French 'eu', a sound that
does not occur in American speech.


John Perkins

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 9:48:03 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: What's Up With the NANP


> other numbering resources such as service access codes (e.g., 500
and 900 codes)

What is the meaning of the inclusion of 500 here?  All I know about
500 is that it has been one of the "last-resort" N0X/N1X area codes.

> In addition, the Commission sought comment on the need, if any or
> for a nationally uniform dialing pattern that would use the digit "1"
> as a toll call identifier.

Notice this is ONLY the comment stage.  What would be affected is some
areas using just seven digits for long distance within area code.
Also, some cases of local calls to another area code require a leading 1.

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

From: [e-mail] (Michael Israeli)
Subject: Re: What's Up With the NANP
Date: 6 Apr 1994 21:44:29 GMT
Organization: Netaxs BBS and shell accounts!


Where can one write or e-mail to state an opinion on this to?


Michael Israeli - ([e-mail])


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I suppose one can now contact the FCC
via their new online thing with the net which we have been hearing
about. Does anyone know if the mail can go both directions on that
or if pen and paper still required?  :)    PAT]

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

Subject: Cellular Privacy???
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 94 08:39:20 -0700
From: [e-mail]


I saw a copy of RCD newsfax talking about cellular privacy.  The gist
of the article is that the Illinois Attorney General said "persons who
use a telephone which transmits by radio waves have no justifiable
expectation of privacy."  The Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association quickly pointed out that this is not what the federal law
says and then goes on to say "As an industry, we are totally committed
to the personal privacy of cellular telephone users."

Hah!  If they were that committed then they would encrypt the transmission and
not depend on silly laws.


Malcolm

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

From: [e-mail] (Shahid Ikram Butt)
Subject: Shopping for an 800 number
Date: 7 Apr 1994 12:47:05 -0500
Organization: Mississippi State University


Hello World,

I am shopping for an 800 number for my business. We currently do not
have one but our phone bill still exceeds $1,000/month. We expect the
volume to increase with the new 800 number.

I know I should probably be calling LD companies. But I know next to
nothing about LD companies, their policies and charges etc. Any help
on who to call at what number etc would definitely be appreciated.

If you got a good rate and you liked the service from anybody, I would
like to hear from you. Thanks a million.


Shahid    [e-mail]

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

From: John Conwell <magnus1![e-mail]>
Subject: Jargon Dictionary Wanted
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 08:49:48 EDT


I am looking for a book/dictionary for the great number of telephone
(and cabletelevision) slang terms.  You know, RBOC, STS, etc.  I know
a few, but a desk-top guide to the oft used shorthand phrases would be
useful.  I believe that the once monolithic Ma Bell produced one
in-house, and probably the Baby Bells still do.  Anything would be
nice.  :}


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Have you checked out the online glossaries
which are part of the Telecom Archives? Use anonymous ftp to connect with
lcs.mit.edu. Then, 'cd telecom-archives/glossaries'. You'll find several
large files there; glossaries compiled at one time or another. You can also
obtain glossary entries using the Telecom Archives Email Information Service.
Use the regular instructions for that service. The command is given as
GLOSSARY <ACRONYM>. For example, 'GLOSSARY COCOT' would cause email to be
sent to you automatically explaining what that term meant.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 07:54:54 -0400
From: [e-mail] (A. Padgett Peterson)
Subject: Caller-ID FAQ Update and "Never Say Never"


I wrote:

> My understanding is that the Motorola chip and most Caller-ID boxes
> are designed to only accept data *before* pickup and to stop listening
> when the line is answered. Further, the through connection is only
> made once the line has been answered. For this reason there should not
> be a problem.

> Further, I have understood that a Caller-ID box would only accept one
> valid sequence per call.

I have since found out that the above is not always true. When I
studied the Motorola chip specs, I noted that this mode was available
but that the chip could also be placed in a maintenance mode (listen
always). Did not think that any box other than a test set would ever
do so since the alternative was obviously preferable in a consumer
environment. Wrong Again.

Turns out that a few manufacturers may have designed their boxes in
this mode (was told that some boxes sold by US West were this way -
have not personally confirmed it though) and *these* boxes could be
flooded/spoofed by the DE after call pickup.


Warmly,

Padgett

PS: I incorporated this information and other corrections submitted by
watchful readers into v 1.1 of the Caller-ID FAQ and sent to Pat for
inclusion in the archives.

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

From: [e-mail] (James Taranto)
Subject: Re: New Use of ANI
Date: 7 Apr 1994 00:17:22 GMT
Organization: The Bad Taranto


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Rob Boudrie)
wrote:

> <all policital commentary left out, to address only telecom issues>

> 800-WHY-GUNS is an 800 number set up by a gun control proponent to
> accumulate messages from people wanting to recieve literature on their
> cause.

> Interesting points :

> - Some users report that the message changes after the third call
>   from the same number, stating that calls from a single number are
>   limited to three because of harassment from opponents [note: I wonder
>   if they still pay for a call to their computers to identify the
>   caller and leave this message?]

I tried the number.  The message changes on the third call, and
subsequent calls do not go through -- I got a fast busy on my fourth
call.  I dialed the number four times in rapid succession, so this is
done automatically.


Cheers,

James Taranto  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 12:30:53 GMT
Subject: Re: New Use of ANI
Organization: AT&T


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Rob
Boudrie) writes:

>- Some users report that the message changes after the third call
>  from the same number, stating that calls from a single number are
>  limited to three because of harassment from opponents [note: I wonder
>  if they still pay for a call to their computers to identify the
>  caller and leave this message?]

This is not new.  Limiting calls based on ANI has been done before,
usually for contests and promotions.

>- The voice repsonse unit appears to do some checking on the zip
>  code spoken into the system -- it replies invalid entry if you
>  read in a nine digit zip (with a spoken dash in it).

Out of the box, the ASR systems I've seen do not understand "dash."
They understand "zero" through "nine", "oh" (== "zero"), "yes" and
"no."  Unless the VRU instructs (through the prompts) otherwise, I
would stick to that limited vocabulary when dealing with ASR systems.

Decent ASR systems support word spotting -- "dash" or any other words
not in the vocabulary would be ignored.


Ron DeBlock    AT&T Bell Labs / InfoWorx(R) Interactive Voice Service
Somerset, NJ, USA     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Evan Leibovitch)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cell Phones Reduce Crime?
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 10:33:54 -0400
Organization: Somewhere just far enough out of Toronto


In Ontario, they haven't yet told us they'd be charging for each 911
call, but there are a few alternates that (one would hope) discourage
people from clogging 911 to report fender benders.

In Ontario, *OPP gets one the Ontario Provincial Police (sorta like our
State Troopers) on a free-airtime call.

As well, though it ain't publicized much, *PEEL is a direct line to
the local police serving my city (Peel Region, covering Mississauga
and Brampton Ontario, just west of Toronto). Also airtime-free.

I have used both on occasion, as well as calling in accidents to local
radio stations. I have also used *CAA to call the local equivalent of
triple-A, thankfully not very often.


Evan Leibovitch, Sound Software Ltd., located in beautiful Brampton, Ontario
       [e-mail] / uunet!utzoo!telly!evan / [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Scott Johnston)
Subject: Re: Will Widespread Use of Cellphones Reduce Crime?
Date: 7 Apr 1994 01:01:08 -0500
Organization: Another MCSNet Subs., Chicago's First Public-Access Internet!


PAT says:

>> thus far in 1994 here, *27 children* have been killed in
>> the crossfire of gang-related incidents in Chicago.

 From the {Chicago Tribune}, April 4, 1994: (article about Le Twan Redmond,
killed 4/2/94) Section 1, page 1, sports final edition)

" Le twan was the sixth child aged 14 or younger to be killed in the
Chicago area in the last week; 5 of those were killed by gunfire. He
is the 15th child aged 14 and under to be killed in the Chicago area
this year."

Where do you get 27?


Scott in 60657


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Note the key phrase in that particular
story in the {Tribune} was 'aged 14 and under'. Put the upper age limit
for 'children' at 18 and you get different figures. But you know Scott,
I get the feeling you want to play games and discredit the entire thing
based on my use of one set of figures and the {Tribune} story with other
figures. For a moment, let's take your figures as correct. Isn't 15 kids
killed since the first of the year -- that's about one per week -- still
pretty sad? Wouldn't you say we are still in a state of emergency here
exacerbated by the ACLU's unwillingness to cooperate?  Of course, ACLU
attornies live in Winnetka or Glencoe -- or maybe even in 60657, that
fine bastion of liberal, modern thinking; although Jay Miller, one of
the head people there lives on Printer's Row south of downtown -- so
they wouldn't know much about an eight year old child on his way to
school laying dead on the sidewalk. The ultimate deprivation of his
civil liberties, along with 14 others (using your figures and ages)
gone unnoticed by a group which purports to protect civil liberties
for everyone. Now if you add the other dozen or so -- high school age
kids, and I have not read the paper today to get the latest counts --
then we get over two dozen young lives given up. I guess that's the way
it has to be; after all, we all know the ACLU is a fine, outstanding
organization with only the purest of agendas and a monopoly on interp-
reting the US Constitution. In general in Chicago, the rate of violent,
deliberate murder is running 25 percent ahead of last year.    PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 06 Apr 94 09:52:28 EDT
From: [e-mail] (McHarry)
Subject: Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System


David Arneke wrote regarding the AT&T Cellular Privacy System:

"This is the strongest scrambling algorithm available for handheld,
transportable and mobile cellular subscriber equipment."

This appears somewhat disingenuous -- there are cellular STU-IIIs
available.  The commercial versions use DES encryption.  Granted, you
need units at both ends of the link.  I have only seen the units as
mobiles and transportables.  They are likely too large to build as
handhelds.  Nevertheless, to render Arneke's claim true, either one
has to hold that encryption is different from scrambling, or to
strongly construe the 'and' clause to take advantage of the lack of
DES handhelds.

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

From: [e-mail] (RLockhart)
Subject: Re: Information About ERMES Project
Date: 7 Apr 1994 11:06:01 -0500
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, Stewart Fist <100033.2145@
CompuServe.COM> writes:

> There's also a cut-down pre-Ermes standard called
> Euromessage in the UHF band, which is limited to the UK, Germany,
> Italy and France.

EuroMessage isn't a 'cut-down' ERMES.  (Atleast it wasn't last time I
looked <g>.)  It's purely POCSAG and uses standard alpha pagers.
Italy is linked into the network via SIP.  France is linked in via
France Telecoms.  Germany is the DBP.  The UK is through a couple of
carriers.  (And didn't Sweden and a few others plan on linking in at
one time?)

EuroMessage pre-dates ERMES by a couple of years (and technologies <g>).

BTW, Hi Stewart ... are you getting these messages via Scott's posting
of TELECOM Digest on CIS' TeleCom forum?


Rob Lockhart    Resource Manager, Interactive Data Systems
Paging Products Group    Motorola, Inc.
Desktop:  [e-mail]
I'net Wireless Data <32K:  [e-mail]
I'net Wireless Data < 1K:  [e-mail]
CIS:  [e-mail]    AOL:  RLockhart   AppleLink:  ROBLOCKHART


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Responding only to the final paragraph
in Rob's message, this is a good time to remind all readers that the
TELECOM Digest is available as a regular feature on Compuserve. Look
for it in the Telecom Forum area. Of course if you prefer, the Digest
is also sent by email to the boxes of CIS subscribers requesting it
that way instead.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Eric G. Snyder)
Subject: Re: Canada Direct to European Customers - Why Not Possible?
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Eric G. Snyder)
Organization: The National Capital FreeNet
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 07:28:07 -0500


Could someone please describe exactly what the Canada Direct service
is?


Eric Snyder - Ottawa Canada
Targeted Communication Mgt
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John R. Grout)
Subject: Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access?
Date: 7 Apr 1994 00:00:51 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Reply-To: [e-mail]


In <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (John R.
Grout) writes:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally it is only the rip-off
> private payphones (COCOTS) which have charges for 950 and 800. They
> are not supposed to either, but they get away with it. I am surprised
> it was at a C&P phone. Maybe there was a programming error.   PAT]

According to Jonathan ([e-mail]), it is unlawful to charge for
800 calls, but C&P _does_ charge $.25 for a call to a 950 number from
its payphones in Maryland.


John R. Grout     INTERNET: [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu,  7 Apr 94 11:27:56 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Where Can I Find A Copy of Mosaic?
Organization: AT&T


In article <[e-mail]> Ellis Claggett <CLAGGETTE@
BSP03C.PRIMERICA.COM> writes:

> I recently heard of a product called Mosaic which acts as a front end
> for Internet access.  Could some one provide me additional information
> on this product an where I might locate a copy on the internet.  Your
> help will greatly appreciated.

Look in FTP site ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu.  I believe it's in a subdirectory of
/PC/Mosaic; there are versions of Mosaic for MS Windows (that's the one I
use), UNIX and, I believe, Macintosh.

To do anything useful with Mosaic, you'll need either direct TCP/IP
access to Internet (in other words, you have to be an Internet host)
or a dial-up SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol) or PPP (Point-to-Point
Protocol) connection, which makes you a temporary Internet host.  (Mosaic
makes its own FTP connections, Gopher searches, Telnet sessions, and
so forth which is why direct TCP/IP connectivity is needed.)

Hope this helps.


Evan Robatino     AT&T
[e-mail]
Phone:  [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Gerald Serviss)
Subject: Re: Can I Use my Cellular Phone in Turkey and Germany?
Date: 7 Apr 1994 17:40:27 GMT
Organization: Cellular Infrastructure Group, Motorola


[e-mail] (Yilmaz Cengeloglu) writes:

> I use my cellular phone in FL, USA. I would like to know if I can use
> that phone in Turkey and/or Germany.

> If I can not use it, do you know any phone that is compatible with
> cellular system in Germany, Turkey and USA.

I am not sure about Turkey (do they even have cellular?)  but, it
would be impossible to use your AMPS or TDMA phone in Germany.

Germany is mostly GSM now but, there was an analog system before that.

I suspect that Turkey would be moving to GSM if it was installing a
system.


Jerry Serviss    Motorola Inc   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (SynTech)
Subject: Re: History: Vail, Monopoly, AT&T
Date: 7 Apr 1994 14:00:21 -0400
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA


Can anyone give me any information about one Elmer Laverne Hageman?
He was president of the telegraph operators union in the 50's.  I am
currently doing research on the topic, any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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

From: [e-mail] (Nevin Liber)
Subject: Re: Los Angeles Phone Fire
Date: 7 Apr 1994 00:19:16 -0700
Organization: University of Arizona CS Department, Tucson AZ


In article <[e-mail]>, TELECOM Digest Editor responded
to Mark Brukhartz <mark_brukhartz:

> was no dial tone in Hinsdale for a month. Some other communities got
> dial tone back after a *mere two weeks*. Cellular service (both A and B)
> and pagers were out here for about two weeks. 911 was out for several
> days in many western suburbs. You see, Hinsdale was the hub for it all.

And don't forget that everybody's favorite (at the time) 3B20 email
hub, ihnp4, was also served by that switch.

> Please, whoever controls these things: don't let it happen again.  PAT]

In these days of cost cutting and sacrificing the long term for the
short term, I just don't see it happening.


Nevin ":-)" Liber    [e-mail]    [phone]
                                              +++ (520) after 3/95
                                  office:    [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Robert Lightfoot)
Subject: Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!
Date: 7 Apr 1994 15:03:51 GMT
Organization: DSC Communications Corporation, Plano, Texas USA


This database of your home phone and address (and even how long you
have lived there) is available on CompuServe.  The age of information
is here, I doubt you'll stop it.

I have used this information in a helpful way, and don't see it as
bad.  A few days ago, someone re-landscaped my yard with their car,
leaving behind the front license plate and part of the grill.

I got the name and address from the DMV.  They had moved two years ago
with out telling the DMV (imagine that!).  Compuserve told me right
where they moved to, and even when they moved.

I'm glad the information is out there!  I'd like to see it.


Robert, just Robert.

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

From: [e-mail] (Steve Brack)
Subject: Re: Alert! New CD-Rom Database a la Lotus: Household!
Organization: University of Toledo
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 10:44:19 GMT


One thing I don't believe people are looking at is when it comes to
telemarketing and market research, many companies don't use directory
information at all, but rather use random digit dialing.  I worked for
a market research company, and the only time we worked from phone
lists was when we were doing a survey, say, with people who purchased
a particular product or service.  The rest of the time, we used lists
of AC/exchange pairs, then randomized the last four digits.

Not being in the book isn't as helpful as it seems.


Steven S. Brack          [e-mail]
Toledo, OH  43613-1605   [e-mail]
MY OWN OPINIONS          [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Theodore M.P. Lee)
Subject: Colonel vs. Kernel
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 1994 10:44:11 -0600
Organization: Minnesota Regional Network


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: ... Tell me this: ... why is it we
> make popcorn and have left over kernels ...  PAT

No April fool here ... twenty-some odd years ago (and yes, many of
them have been been odd) I was baptized into the computer security
game by being introduced to a (the) Colonel Roger Schell; he spent a
lot of time talking about "security colonels"; it took me a *long*
time to realize he meant "security {\em kernels}."


Ted Lee     [e-mail]   PO Box 1718   Minnetonka, MN 55345

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #170
******************************



Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23880;
          7 Apr 94 20:16 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07789; Thu, 7 Apr 94 15:07:08 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07779; Thu, 7 Apr 94 15:07:06 CDT
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 94 15:07:06 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #171

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Apr 94 15:07:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 171

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems (Bob Schwartz)
    Re: PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems ([e-mail])
    * Services (Cellular) (Lynne Gregg)
    Information Needed: Telecom Company in Milwaukee? (Scott Pope)
    Training Needed on AT&T PBX Architecture (Paul Lee)
    700 Numbers (Michael Judson)
    HOTT: Table of Contents, Issue 940425 (David Scott Lewis)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems
From: [e-mail] (Bob Schwartz)
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 94 09:52:27 PDT
Organization: Bill Correctors, Inc., Marin County, California


[e-mail] (Laurence Chiu) writes:

> Has anybody else noticed this? For the past six months each time I get
> my phone bill from PacBell I have go through the AT&T portion very
> carefully to see if I have been billed correctly. And it has been
> wrong every time, sometimes up to $40. This is mainly due to applying
> the wrong rate for calls (mostly international).

> AT&T have been very gracious every time I call them about this and
> always work out the discrepancy and send forward a credit. Finally I
> decided to ask the customer rep what the problem was. He sighed and
> said they always had problems with PacBell -- in fact this past month
> because of some software foulup, they viz. PB) screwed up 250,000
> customer's bills!
> Now if only AT&T could bill directly as MCI do (I get direct MCI
> billing because I use them via 10222 for international calls
> occasionally) then this problem would not occur.

Laurence, It's things like this that have kept us in business for over
ten years!  I'm curious. When you call and ask for credit do you name
the amount that is ultimately issued or do they say, Yes, we're aware
of the problem(s) and a credit will be posted to your next bill of yet
unknown amount? Also if you name the amount do you include taxes? If
you skip calling one month do you get credits?  The real issue here is
whether or not they are acting to take care of the long term well
known problem by issuing refunds on request or they're waiting to be
sued in court and settle by issuing refunds?

Often times we see friendly refunds issued promptly, on request, when
the problem (refunds issued) are an amount less than the cost of
fixing it. When they issue a refund then you are not damaged and can
not easily be a plaintif. Eventually the problem is fixed and those
late in requesting refunds are put off. After a couple of hundred are
put off them someone might initiate a class action. The result,
billing errors linger, the provider rakes in undue profits (enough to
pay lawyers etc.) and the user community is none the wiser but a bit
more poor.  Yes, we've consulted class action and yes we can help
larger users with these "problems". Thanks for the expose'.


Regards,

Bob Schwartz                                       [e-mail]
Bill Correctors, Inc.   [phone]   Marin County, California

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: PacBell Billing For AT&T - Constant Problems
Organization: organized?? me?
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 13:56:02 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Laurence Chiu <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> I decided to ask the customer rep what the problem was. He sighed and
> said they always had problems with PacBell -- in fact this past month
> because of some software foulup, they viz. PB) screwed up 250,000
> customer's bills!

> Now if only AT&T could bill directly as MCI do (I get direct MCI
> billing because I use them via 10222 for international calls
> occasionally) then this problem would not occur.

Perhaps you could consider the AT&T Universal (MasterCard) card.  You
can use it as a calling card, and they will direct bill you.  Yes,
they will charge you a calling card surcharge, but it would be small
compared to the actual toll cost for international calls, and they
credit a percentage back to you for calls charged to the Universal
card, so you might actually come out ahead.


[e-mail]

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

From: Lynne Gregg <[e-mail]>
Subject: * Services (Cellular)
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 94 15:58:00 PDT


A good month ago, [e-mail] (Johnny J Chin) posted a query on
"Cellular/One * Codes".  Johnny sought a complete list of * codes
available from his local service provider.  Our EDITOR noted that
these * services vary from market to market and also by cellular
carrier.  This is correct.

Johnny noted that he was aware of the *FILM service offered by his
carrier.

My question is, do Digest readers who have cellular service find any
value in such * services (i.e., * FILM, * INFO, etc.)?

If you post to me directly, I'll summarize for the group.


Thanks,

Lynne Gregg

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Information Needed: Telecom Company in Milwaukee?
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 94 13:56:23 PDT
Organization: WilTel


I have been hearing about a telecom company in Milwaukee that hired
amn MCI exec to run the company.  Does anyone know the name of this
company?

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

From: Paul Lee </DD.ID=JES2CAOF.UEDCM09/@SMX.sprint.com>
Organization: Woolworth Corporation
Subject: Training Needed on AT&T PBX Architecture
Date: Thu 7 Apr 1994, 12:01 CDT


To all who might be able to help:

After more than ten years in end-user data/telecommunications, I am
now dancing with the Elephant (AT&T) for the first time. I find I have
to virtually start over to understand their terminology and their PBX
architecture.

I have been trying to find training in AT&T PBX (System 25, System 75,
and Definity) architecture and configuration -- not just how to
blindly administer the switch features. AT&T has been no help -- they
do not *allow* customers to attend the classes they offer in those
areas.

Does anyone know of third-party training on AT&T systems? Or, perhaps
someone knows the "magic words" or a special contact to use within AT&T?

I'd appreciate any insights that are forthcoming on dealing with AT&T.
Even though we're a National Account (actually, international), AT&T
still treats us like crap. But then, I more or less return the sentiment,
since I'm not at all impressed by AT&T's offerings.

I invited our National Account Manager to find me a class that would
open my eyes and educate me as to the wonderful architecture and features
of AT&T's stuff -- to no avail. They keep shoving the same glossy marketing
drivel at me, along with babblespeak documentation and outrageous prices. I
want to be able to *understand* their switches and just what it is they're
trying to do.

Can anyone out there help me to "see the light?" Or, am I right about
AT&T's overpriced, lackluster, proprietary, obsfuscated, chauvinistic ...
Jeez!  Don't get me started ...!


Paul A. Lee                             Voice  414 357 1409
Woolworth Corporation                     FAX  [phone]
                                   CompuServe  70353,566
Internet   '"/DD.ID=JES2CAOF.UEDCM09/"@SMX.sprint.com'


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Help you see and understand what is
going on?  Its not just AT&T, Paul. All the telcos like to keep things
to themselves; at least that is the official policy. About all I can
suggest is that you read a variety of telecom related publications --
including this Digest -- on a regular basis and pick up what you can
as a result. Most of the readers here will be glad to answer your questions
as best they can, so feel free to ask. There are even quite a few highly
trained technical employees of AT&T on reading this Digest and I am sure
they will share their thoughts with you also. So, welcome aboard!   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Michael Judson)
Subject: 700 Numbers
Date: 7 Apr 1994 11:52:51 -0700
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


Whatever happened to the personal 700 numbers?  Do people still have
them?  It seems that the phone company gave a big hype about how you
would always have the same phone number with you for life, even when
you moved.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: EasyReach 700 service is still around.
I still have my two 700 numbers, although I do not use them a lot.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Scott Lewis)
Subject: HOTT: Table of Contents, Issue 940425
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 12:38:27 GMT


HOTT -- Hot Off The Tree, 940425

Today's Date: Thursday, 31 March 1994
Transmission Date: Monday, 25 April 1994

Greetings!  I'll make my remarks brief.  (Do you really believe that?)

I apologize for being late.  No excuses.  After the transmission of
the first issue of the "reinvented" HOTT electronic magazine, we
should be back on schedule, i.e., one issue every five weeks.  As
noted above, the first issue will be transmitted on Monday, 25 April.
This is eight days after a segment on HOTT is scheduled to air on the
U.S. nationally syndicated radio show "On Computers."  (BTW, "On
Computers" is also distributed internationally through the Armed
Forces Radio Network.)

If we release the issue prior to the Sunday, 17 April "On Computers"
segment, I risk being flooded with e-mail from Prodigy and CompuServe
subscribers asking me to send them the first issue.  (I define a
"flood" as having my e-mail spooled on a daily basis.)  That would
truly qualify as e-mail hell!  Eight days should be enough time for
someone to send in their e-mail subscription request.  As a matter of
reference, HOTT will be gated to the USENET group bit.magazines.computing,
but not for a few issues.  (Stay tuned for more info.)  And, yes, a Web
edition is in the works.  But don't expect a Web edition until next
year.  It's too early in the innovation diffusion curve to justify a
Web edition.  If you don't believe me, run a Fisher-Pry analysis.  And
if you don't know what Fisher-Pry is, don't ask!  At least, don't ask
me! :-)

HOTT has received a lot of publicity over the last month.  HOTT was
the *lead* feature in {The Los Angeles Times} Orange County Edition
"Business" section on 2 March.  (Other editions of The Times ran a
condensed version of the story.)  On 7 March, a segment on HOTT titled
"Information Highway Magazine" aired globally on the Voice of America.
And during March HOTT received favorable ink in IEEE Spectrum (the
flagship publication of the IEEE), (IEEE) Computer (the flagship
publication of the IEEE Computer Society), Wired (*the* lifestyle
magazine of the digital generation), and several other periodicals.  I
greatly appreciate the support received from the mass and technical
media.  Thanks!  (The Times article and VOA transcript will soon be
available to the media by ftp and UCSD's gopher.  FTPmail access
instructions for those without an interactive Internet account will be
provided in the first issue.  I'll be happy to personally send The
Times and VOA pieces to reporters, columnists, and show hosts.)

Finally, I'm *very* pleased to announce that the founding editor and
publisher, Susan Jurist, will be a regular contributor to HOTT.  Her
column, HOTTpixels, will cover lots of different topics.  One of her
special interests is Mac hardware and software.  If you'd like to have
her review your Mac-based products, please contact her at:

  [e-mail]

(But I'm the guy for PDAs.  If you'd like to have your PDA/mobile
computing products reviewed, including Newton HW/SW, contact *me*.)
BTW, Susan edited and published HOTT as a weekly for three years.  Our
new topical focus and scope of coverage is a wee bit different, but I
am very thankful for her continued guidance and support.  I'd also
like to thank UCSD's Jim Madden.  Jim is HOTT's de facto sysop.  Well,
he's really the sysop for UCSD in general, including HOTT's mailing
list.  We may very well have the largest mailing list in cyberspace
... and Jim has learned how to master list control, transmission
difficulties, and a host of other nuances unique to such a large
mailing list.

We're planning to include paid advertorials beginning with the third
issue; hence, we may be moving to another host.  (The UC administration
may view hosting a "for profit" e-magazine as a conflict of interest.)
However, I'm hopeful that we can work out an arrangement to keep
HOTT's mailing list on the UCSD system.  HOTT will remain a FREE
publication, but I need the advertorial sponsorships for covering my
real production costs and for funding our expansion plans ...
including a FREE HOTTWire news wire service (not to be confused with
the *excellent* HPCwire e-magazine).

             **********************************

Here's the proposed Table of Contents for the first issue.  You'll
immediately notice one major problem.  The TOC is twelve Microsoft
Word pages.  That will probably translate into 18-20 standard screens.
If each summary is about 250 words (1,500 characters) ... well, forget
the math.  The bottom line: HOTT is pushing 100 pages, i.e., 180
screens!  As a result, I expect to drop at least one-third of the
articles listed below.  And I plan to summarize groups of related
articles in the style of The New York Review of Books.  In other
words, for a topic comprised of several related articles, such as
General Magic, PCS, or special issues, don't be surprised if I write
one long summary in lieu of several separate summaries.  Final
comment: If the first issue is too long, the interview conducted last
December with Xerox PARC's Mark Weiser will be delayed until the
second issue.

See 'ya in late April.  Bye!

ISSUE "1":  TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note:  Articles are NOT listed in any particular order within a topic

Topics:  Mobile computing, wireless communications, consumer information
appliances, interactive multimedia, virtual reality, advanced digital
communications, Information Superhighway, intelligent agents, General
Magic, speech recognition, neural networks, genetic algorithms,
evolutionary computation, fuzzy computing, advanced microelectronics,
nanotechnology, and company profiles (in this issue, Apple & Microsoft)

Request from the Editor:  If you like what you see, please forward this
message to your friends and colleagues.  To receive a FREE subscription,
send an e-mail request to --

    [e-mail]

  the "Subject" line is ignored

  in the body of the message input --

    SUBSCRIBE HOTT-LIST

  do NOT include first or last names following "SUBSCRIBE HOTT-LIST";
  this is a quirk of UCSD's listserv

  subscription requests MUST be sent to the listserv at the University
  of California at San Diego; do NOT send subscription requests to the
  editor, Susan Jurist, Jim Madden, or any other biological entity! :-)


Mobile Computing
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"AST's handheld GRIDPAD 2390 brings real-world practicality to
business users; 100 hour battery life on standard "AA" batteries,
ready-to-use software including Pocket Quicken and America Online, and
several connectivity options make it," BusinessWire, 20 March

"Telcos may decide PDA fate,"
by Michael Fitzgerald
Computerworld, 14 February

"Better batteries,"
by Christopher O'Malley
Mobile Office, March

"Electronics firms target tinier batteries,"
by Junichi Taki
The Nikkei Weekly, 31 January

"No computer is an island,"
by Robert Lauriston
CMP Publications, 11 March (via HeadsUp)

Column by Michael Finley (on pen-based computing)
(for the Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News syndicate)
St. Paul Pioneer Press, 13 March (via HeadsUp)

Speech, Mobile '4 Convention & Trade Show
Mr. Doug Dunn, OBE, President & CEO
Philips Semiconductor
10 March (via HeadsUp)

Survey of Information and Communications Technology, Part 8
"Watchword for the future: Global mobile communications,"
by Paul Quigley
Finical Times (London), 16 March (via HeadsUp)

Survey of Information and Communications Technology, Part 16
"Potentially large market in the longer term: Like so much
pioneering technology, the first generation of these small devices has
largely failed to meet ...,"
anonymous
Financial Times (London), 16 March (via HeadsUp)

"New, improved PDAs becoming handy devices,"
anonymous
Rocky Mountain News, 22 March (via HeadsUp)

"Apple makes strides with new MessagePad,"
by Andrew Grove
PC Week, 20 March (via HeadsUp)


Wireless Communications (see also Mobile Computing)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"The wireless office,"
by Paul Korzeniowski
Mobile Computing, 7 March

"The cost of wireless data,"
by Jerry Lazar
Mobile Computing, 7 March

"Sweet successes in wireless attracting investors to PCS,"
by Jeffrey Silva
RCR: Radio Communications Report, 14 February

"All segments of PCS industry expected to see robust growth,"
anonymous
RCR: Radio Communications Report, 14 February

"PCS: Will it end cellular telephones?"
by Harry Caul
Popular Communications, March

"PCS: Hands-on communications for all,"
by Randy Oster and Gary Brush
Telephony, 28 February

"PCS: Integrated wireless telephone-computer opportunities,"
by Thomas K. Crowe
Voice Processing, January

"Look, Ma!  No wires!"
by Andrew Kupfer
Fortune, 13 December

"Going on-line when you're off the beaten path,"
by Bart Ziegler
Business Week, 6 December

"Satellite-based Personal Communication Services,"
by Rob Frieden
Microwave Journal, January

"Unwired: The next generation of communications gear,"
by Chris O'Malley
Popular Science, April


Consumer Information Appliances (see also Mobile Computing)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Superhighway into the home: Efforts to turn couch potatoes into
couch commandos,"
by Louise Kehoe
Financial Times (London), 8 March

"Group races chip makers to set-top,"
by Junko Yoshida and Terry Costlow
Electronic Engineering Times, 7 February

"Real-time OS, services drive TV decoders,"
by Eric Miller
Electronic Design, 21 February

"The interactive TV crusade: Chip makers seek the Holy Grail,"
by Dave Webb
Electronic Buyers' News
31 January


Interactive Multimedia
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Crunch time for digital video," (compression techniques)
by Bob Doyle
NewMedia, March

"How codecs work,"
by Bob Doyle
NewMedia, March

"Invasion of the data shrinkers,"
by Peter Coy
Business Week, 14 February

"They can't wait to serve you,"
by Gary McWilliams with Robert D. Hof
Business Week, 24 January

"Interacting with HDTV,"
by Junko Yoshida
Electronic Engineering Times, 31 January

"HDTV shift stuns industry,"
by Norri Kageki
The Nikkei Weekly, 28 February


Virtual Reality
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Special Issue on Virtual Reality (10 articles)
IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, January

Survey of Information and Communications Technology, Part 5
"A whole new shopping experience: Customers may one day don headsets for
a 'virtual reality' armchair walk around their favourite stores,"
by Neil Buckley
Financial Times (London), 16 March (via HeadsUp)

Survey of Information and Communications Technology, Part 17
"Interaction of created worlds -- Virtual reality: Optimists see virtual
reality as offering a richer form of communication, but pessimists see
it as a ...,"
anonymous
Financial Times (London), 16 March (via HeadsUp)

"Where buying a ticket puts you right in the action,"
by William C. Symonds
Business Week, 7 March

"Virtual reality moves into design,"
by Andrea Baker
Design News, 7 February

"Virtual reality shapes surgeons' skills,"
by Linda Carroll
Medical World News, February

"Virtual warriors,"
by Frank Oliveri
Air Force Magazine, January

"VOR (Vision of Reality Corporation) prepares to launch its Cybergate
adventure ride,"
by Callie Jones
Silicon Graphics World, February

"Virtual reality emerges as an industry,"
by Francis Hamit
Silicon Graphics World, February

"Virtual reality as it really is,"
by Paul H. Pause
Puget Sound Computer User, February

"Waking up to dream control: An alternative to virtual reality
technology with vivid results,"
by Tom Foremski
Financial Times (London), 22 February

"Engineers develop real-world applications for virtual reality,"
by Greg Freilherr
Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry, February

"Ready for a wild ride?"
Special report: Digital adventures in entertainment
(Part two of a two-part series)
by Barbara Robertson
Computer Graphics World, February

"Games blaze the VR trail,"
by Ron Dippold
Computoredge, 21 January

"Virtual reality: Immerse yourself,"
by Carrie R. Smith
Wall Street & Technology, December

"VR becoming reality for everyone,"
by R. Colin Johnson
Electronic Engineering Times, 10 January

"Inching closer to reality,"
Emerging Markets: Virtual Reality section
by Brian Santo
Electronic Engineering Times, 31 January

"Video game incorporates world's first dive-in movie,"
anonymous
Potentials in Marketing, January

"Stubb's dive-in movie leaves consumers as sharkbait,"
by Terry Winkelmann
P-O-P Times, January

"Now playing in the virtual world,"
by Phil Patton
Popular Science, April


Advanced Digital Communications
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Cutting through ATM's noise,"
by Robert L. Bailey
Electronic Engineering Times, 16 March (via HeadsUp)

"ISSCC: Communications technology,"
by Jack Shandle
Electronic Design, 21 February


Information Superhighway (including the Internet)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Many PC makers steer clear of Information Highway,"
by Kyle Pope
The Wall Street Journal, 28 February

"No space in cyberspace?"
by Aaron Zitner
Boston Globe, 6 February

"Microsoft tests waters with info highway projects,"
by Amy Cortese
PC Week, 7 February

"The great multimedia revolution,"
by John Maddox
Nature, 20 January

"Curtain's rising on a third generation of on-line services,"
by John Markoff
The New York Times, 30 January

"A refreshing approach, but some old questions,"
by James J. Mitchell
San Jose Mercury News, 13 January

"There's no reason to subsidize access to information highway,"
by Michael Schrage
San Jose Mercury News, 18 January

"Pothole alert for the Information Superhighway,"
by Thomas J. Duesterberg and Peter Pitsch
Los Angeles Times, 11 January

"A protest song -- '90s style,"
by David Bank
San Jose Mercury News, 31 January

"Information Highway will create jobs,"
by James Coates (Chicago Tribune)
Washington Post, 17 January


Intelligent Agents (see also "General Magic ...")
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Software valets that will do your bidding in cyberspace,"
by Evan I. Schwartz
The New York Times, 9 January

"AI & simulation,"
by A. Martin Wildberger
Simulation, December 1993


General Magic ... MagicCap ... TeleScript (yes, it's own category!)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Just like Magic?"
by Tom R. Halfhill and Andy Reinhardt
Byte, February

"Agent technology stirs hope of magical future,"
by Michael Fitzgerald
Computerworld, 31 January

"Telescript eases cross-network communication,"
by Yvonne L. Lee
InfoWorld, 17 January

"The metaphor is the message,"
by Barbara Kantrowitz
Newsweek, 14 February

"Robo-software reports for duty,"
by John W. Verity with Richard Brandt
Business Week, 14 February

"The butlers of the digital age will be just a keystroke away,"
by Barbara Kantrowitz
Newsweek, 17 January

"Software 'agents' will make life easy,"
by Andrew Kupper
Fortune, 24 January


Speech Recognition
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Number please: Speech recognition over the telephone,"
by Judith Markowitz
PC AI, April

"Say the word,"
anonymous
Electronic House: Advanced Housing and Home Automation, February

"Talking to computers: Time for a new perspective,"
by Nicholas Negroponte
Wired, February

"The power of speech,"
by Tim Bajarin
Portable Computing, February

"Hey computer, do my taxes,"
by Barbara Kantrowitz and Joshua Cooper Ramo
Newsweek, 7 March

"Conversations with my PC,"
by Michael J. Miller
PC Magazine, 25 January

"Automatic speech recognition,"
by Judith Markowitz
PC AI, February

"Computer: Take a memo,"
by Wendy Pickering
Datamation, 7 January


Neural Networks
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Special Issue on Neural Networks
Communications of the ACM, March
"The basic ideas in neural networks,"
by David E. Rumelhart, Bernard Widrow, and Michael A. Lehr

"Neural networks: Applications in industry, business and science,"
by Bernard Widrow, David E. Rumelhart, and Michael A. Lehr

"Neural networks in Japan,"
by Kazuo Asakawa and Hideyuki Takagi

"Neural nets carve a niche in military systems,"
by John Keller
Military & Aerospace Electronics, February

"Will embed technology in handwriting-recognition systems/
IBM writes plan for neural networks,"
by R. Colin Johnson
CMP Publications, 23 March (via HeadsUp)

"Neural networks tackle manufacturing,"
anonymous
Machine Design, 24 January

"Hitting the limits of neural networks,"
by James Nevler
Wall Street & Technology, December

"Neural network enhances ICU patient monitoring,"
by F.G.B. Dodd and N.A. Dodd
Medical Electronics, December

"3-D wafer scale architectures for neural network computing,"
by Michael L. Campbell and Scott T. Toborg
IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids, and Manufacturing
  Technology, Vol. 16, No. 7, November

"Logicon breeds neural hybrid,"
by R. Colin Johnson
Electronic Engineering Times, 17 January


Genetic Algorithms
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Special Issue on Neural Networks
Communications of the ACM, March
"Genetic and evolutionary algorithms come of age,"
by David E. Goldberg


Evolutionary Computation (see also Genetic Algorithms)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Special Issue on Evolutionary Computation (13 articles)
IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, January


Fuzzy Computing
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Heaven in a chip,"
by Bart Kosko
Datamation, 15 February


Advanced Microelectronics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Material advantage,"
by Gary Stix
Scientific American, January

"Japanese electronics makers take steps to ensure strong position in
flash race,"
by Simon Mansfield
The Asian Wall Street Journal, 17 January

"The end of the end for 'big iron',"
Industry Outlook issue, High Technology: Computers section
by Catherine Arnst
Business Week, 10 January


Nanotechnology
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Special Issue on Molecular Electronics (8 articles)
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, February/March

"Mirror, mirror: Micromechanical chips challenge tubes for large-screen
television,"
by W. Wayt Gibbs
Scientific American, April

"Small-scale structure yields big property payoffs,"
by Steven Ashley
Mechanical Engineering, February

"How far out is nanotechnology?"
by Carol Levin
PC Magazine, 8 February


Company Profiles
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"A juicy new Apple?"
by Kathy Rebello with Neil Gross
Business Week, 7 March

"How Mac changed the world,"
by Philip Elmer-Dewitt
Time, 31 January

"Microsoft hits the gas: It's bidding to lead the info highway pack,"
by David Woodruff with Mary Beth Began
Business Week, 21 March


END OF PROPOSED TABLE OF CONTENTS


Send (or call in) your comments or request for sponsorship info to:

David Scott Lewis, Editor & Publisher, HOTT electronic magazine
  Founder, High On Technology (HOT) Media Ventures

  E-Mail:  [e-mail]    or    [e-mail]
  VoiceMail: [phone]

Please be succinct ... even if I'm not!  That's one of Kawasaki's
"Laws of E-Mail."  :-)  Bye!


David Scott Lewis
Editor-in-Chief and Book & Video Review Editor
IEEE Engineering Management Review
(the world's largest circulation "high tech" management journal)
Internet address: [e-mail]      Tel: [phone]
USPS mailing address: POB 18438 / IRVINE CA 92713-8438  USA

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #171
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa01502;
          8 Apr 94 19:42 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA01507; Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:04:03 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA01498; Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:04:01 CDT
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:04:01 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #172

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:04:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 172

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    38.4K Sync 5x5 Switch Box Sought (Daniel J. McCoy)
    Low vs. High Fiber Optics (Margaret Henderson)
    ADSL Information Needed (Louis Laborelli)
    Please Explain These Terms ([e-mail])
    True Voice Poem Wanted (Tom Ward)
    Sharing Modems on a Network (Mike McWhinney)
    Notice to AT&T Long Distance Customers (Paul Robinson)
    CO's and Disasters (Thomas Tengdin)
    SID Codes For All Cellular Systems (John Musselman)
    Non-Profit Needs Help Upgrading Phone System (Harold Hedelman)
    Consumer Market For PCS (Monte Hall)
    Hacking the Motorola Keypad Light (Don Montgomery)
    Looking For Good Ways to Move 1-20Mb Files Overnight (Peter Rowley)
    Information Wanted on PABX/PBX/Centrex (Richard S. Boswell)
    Information Wanted on Long-Distance Pricing Packages (Hjalmar Syversen)
    Need Technical Information on CPDP (Abnan Hafeez)
    NANP: Numbering Scheme? (Stan Schwartz)
    France's Departments (Anton Sherwood)
    800-555-1212 Question (Lindy Williams)
    Unshielded Twisted Pair in Conduit? (Chris Plonski)
    Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System ([e-mail])
    Re: Please Explain the Term 'Steaming Terminal' (Dave Levenson)
    Re: International Free Numbers (Gregg Siegfried)
    Calling 911; Reporting Disabled Vehicles (Jonathan Loo)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Daniel J. McCoy)
Subject: 38.4K Sync 5x5 Switch Box Sought
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 1994 15:11:26 GMT


A coworker is looking for a piece of equipment that allows one to have
a bank of ten modems or RS232 ports that can handle 38.4K synchronous
links configured in a 5x5 matrix (see the figure below).  In addition,
it should be able to be configured remotely (via modem) and configure
any particular path (ie: A1 to B5, A2 to B2, ect).  Defaults should be
used if something happens.  This coworker says such equipment exists
for asynchronous links and would like one capable of synchronous
links.

If you know of such a piece of equipment, it'd be more appreciated if
you could e-mail the appropriate info (company, address, phone numbers, etc).

        +++++-A1
        +++++-A2
Remote==+++++-A3
        +++++-A4
        +++++-A5
        |||||
        BBBBB
        12345


Thanks,

Daniel J. McCoy
Internet : [e-mail] or [e-mail]
Portal   : Daniel J McCoy        BIX: dmccoy

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

Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 12:02:38 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Margaret Henderson)
Subject: Low vs. High Fiber Optics


Please respond to me and not to the list.  I do not belong to the list
but I need your expert advice.

I researched various lists and I felt this list could help me with
this problem.

Our laboratory is installing a fiber optic network to replace our very
old, barely hanging on, network.  Right now plans are for a "low
density" network but several people recommend a "high density"
network.

We would like to know, from experience, what is the best to choose.
We have over 300 computers on the network so far doing all sorts of
scientific applications and there are definite plans for expansion.

Please advise so I can back up the articles I have found.  I would
also appreciate any suggestions for articles in case I have missed
something.

Thank you very much.


Sincerely,

Margaret Henderson      [e-mail]
Head of Library Services  Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
1 Bungtown Road  Cold Spring Harbor, NY  11724   [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Louis LABORELLI)
Subject: ADSL Information Needed
Date: 8 Apr 1994 15:29:04 GMT
Organization: INA, Institut National de l'Audiovisuel, Bry-sur-Marne, France
Reply-To: [e-mail]


I would like to obtain some information on the ADSL technology for
pushing up to 6 Mb/s on standard copper telephone lines.  I haven't
any pointer now.

Thanks in advance,


Louis Laborelli    Institut National de l'Audiovisuel
Departement de la Recherche   94366 Bry sur Marne Cedex, France
Tel (33) (1) 49832009 ,  Fax (33) (1) 49832582   Email : [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Please Explain These Terms
Date: 8 Apr 1994 12:18:08 GMT
Organization: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA


I was wondering if anyone knew what these terms meant:

Locator Service
Credit Adjustment
Auth-Code Verification
COS Override
Traveling Classmark
NAC-per bridge port/min
NAC-Reservation/port
Translation-per call
In Stat Access-per call
In Sel Access-per call
Off-Net Information

These are features to a point to point pricing manual and I don't know
what they mean!  If anyone could help me I would be most appreciative...


Thanks in advance!

Victoria

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Ward)
Subject: True Voice Poem Wanted
Date: 8 Apr 1994 15:58:43 GMT
Organization: Pinnacle Online


I am looking for the words of the AT&T TrueVoice poem you hear in the
television ads.  Does anyone have this information or can you help me
aquire it?

Thanks in advance!!


Tom

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

From: ELJA inc <[e-mail]>
Subject: Sharing Modems on a Network
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milw, WI [phone]
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 22:44:53 GMT


Does anybody use any of the following products?

Articom (Artisoft, Inc)
Modem Assist Plus
Netware Connect

I am trying to use Telix for networks, but need a NASI driver or a
INT14 redirector compatible with Novell Netware 3.12.  These above
products all provide network communication services for programs like
TFN and others (Crosstalk, Procomm Plus LAN, Dynacomm, WinComm, etc.)

If anybody knows of any pluses or minuses of these products, or use a
*different* modem-sharing/redirector package, I would be glad to hear
about it.


Mike McWhinney   Elja, Inc.
tel: [phone]    FAX: [phone]
INTERNET: [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 19:16:49 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Notice to AT&T Long Distance Customers


 From an ad on Page D12 of the April 7  {Washington Post}

NOTICE TO AT&T LONG DISTANCE CUSTOMERS

On April 1, 1994, AT&T filed tariff revisions with the Federal
Communications Commission to increase transport rates on international
card and operator handled long distance calls.  These rates will
become effective on April 15, 1994.

These revisions will affect international operator handled and card
standard, discount and economy period rates to 21 countries/areas,
with an average price increase of 6.4% for a ten-minute call to these
countries/areas.  The increase in transport prices applies to calls to
and from the U.S. Mainland.

The affected countries are:

Argentina, Columbia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Guam, Guatemala,
Haiti, Japan, Nicaragua, Panama, Phillipines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
Spain, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Vincent/Grens., Trinidad/Tobago, United
Kingdom and Venezuela.

In addition, AT&T filed tariff revisions with the Federal Communications
Commission on April 4, 1994 to increase its interstate operator assisted
sent-paid coin and coin person-to-person per minute rates.  These
changes will result in an overall increase of 0.79% for these calls.
These revisions are scheduled to become effective on April 18, 1994.

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 17:31:57 -0700
From: Thomas Tengdin <[e-mail]>
Subject: CO's and Disasters


I was at an earthquake disaster training session this week and
a statement was made:

    The telephone company computers will connect some customers
    at a higher priority that others.

Doctors, etc were mentioned.

This is the first I have heard of calls being processed in any other
way than first to finish dialing, first to be processed (more or
less).

Is there something in CO Class of Service? or other programming that
gives "priority" service to a select class of lines?


T3

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

From: [e-mail] (John Musselman)
Subject: SID Codes For All Cellular Systems
Date: 7 Apr 1994 17:40:25 -0700
Organization: North County Communications, San Diego, California


I am often curious when I am in other cities what that city's
particular SID (System Identifcation) code is while I am there. I had
a perfectly good reason for this a month ago ...

I lived in Los Angeles for about two months. While I was there I was a
PacTel Cellular (B system) customer. PacTel's coverage does not extend
past Palm Springs while enroute on I-10 to Phoenix, AZ. LA Cellular
covers about 50 or so miles east of Palm Springs to the Arizona
border.

I encountered something very frustrating. I attempted to place a call
on LA Cellular (the A System in Los Angeles) when I had reached the
point at which PacTel Cellular could no longer reach. Well, due to
the fact that LA Cellular and PacTel are in the same market, they do
not have a valid reason I guess to allow roaming on each other's
systems. (I guess it would make sense for a phone that might be
programmed with the correct NAM and the wrong SID to prevent the user
from a month or so of roaming charges). Anyway, I attempted to
place various calls -- Customer service and several local calls -- ALL
WITHOUT LUCK, BUT the most frustrating part was:

::READ THIS::

911 was blocked also!!!

In a 50 mile part of Eastern California ... if you are a local Pactel
L.A. Customer attempting to dial 911 ... you get a REORDER!!!!

I spoke with Mike Kennedy (Vice Pres of Cust Svc) at LA Cellular who
told me that must have been an error ... however in the process of
researching the issue, he stopped answering questions and returning
calls to me ...

Does this mean that the limitations of LA Cellular (by NPA-NXX) also
apply to 911 and their switch cannot make this exception? This problem
STILL remains unsolved ... I plan on contacting several members of the
media in L.A. to help ...

Isn't it written that it is ILLEGAL to do this? (Block 911 Access)

Anyways ... when I switched my NAM to 111-111-1111 it worked ... but who
knows ... the next case may be limited by SID.

Anyone have a list of ALL the valid SID's?


[e-mail]   John C. Musselman, Systems Engineer

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

From: [e-mail] (Harold Hedelman)
Subject: Non-Profit Needs Help Upgrading Phone System
Date: 8 Apr 1994 04:20:51 GMT
Organization: San Francisco State University


Hi!

The Center for Electronic Art is a non-profit school, and we have to
save money as we upgrade our phone system for both office and Internet
uses. We need some advice from experts.

We need to have 20 inside lines as follows:

  > We'll only have six handsets, each accessing four lines;
  > Intercom and speakerphone on all sets, if possible;
  > Eleven lines to a computer lab (one line per computer);
  > Four lines to computer modems;
  > One line in waiting area for portable computers;
  > The inside lines might grow from 20 to 40 over the next year.

We need eight outside lines as follows:

  > Four to the handsets;
  > Four to the computer modems;
  > The outside lines might grow to eight over the next year.

We will be training people to install and configure modems on their
PC's and our students will be calling a local extension to access our
modem pool. We want these calls to not route through the local phone
company, only through our inhouse phone system. We want the lab lines
to be blocked from making outside calls.

Voice mail would be nice, but we don't need a lot of it, or we could
leave it out completely if it helps us save money.

Call accounting is not needed.  We're willing to use used equipment.

We don't know what's out there, and will consider all kinds of
options.

The ideal would be donated equipment in exchange for tax deductions,
with us paying reasonable installation and maintenance fees.

If you can help, even with advice only, we'd be very grateful.


Thanks,

Harold Hedelman   President
Center for Electronic Art  San Francisco
Internet: [e-mail]  Voice: 1 415 956 6500

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

Date: Fri, 8 Apr 1994 00:06:12 EST
From: Monte Hall <[e-mail]>
Subject: Consumer Market For PCS


I am curious as to whether any market research exists as to the
viability of a consumer market for PCS services.  The need for a PCS
offering such as data services as an addition to voice is clearly
there for business customers.  But it seems that pricing for PCS voice
and data services will need to be significantly lower than current
cellular services in order for the consumer market to grow rapidly.
The growth of a strong consumer market for PCS seems necessary to
justify the high cost of the license, equipment, site leases,
marketing , and so forth.  But how many consumers really wish to carry
a personal digital assistant with them at all times?

If anyone has an educated opinion on this issue or can point me to
some answers, I would appreciate it.


James L. (Monte) Hall   [e-mail]  703 476-2691

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

From: [e-mail] (Don Montgomery)
Subject: Hacking the Motorola Keypad Light
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 20:58:25 GMT
Organization: HP Sonoma County (SRSD/MWTD/MID)


I have a Motorola Ultra Classic cellular phone, and was wondering if
anyone on this forum knows if there is a way to program this beast so
the keypad light stays on instead of timing out after eight seconds or
so after last keypress.  Motorola customer service says they don't
think so, but enterprising designers can't resist putting backdoors
into firmware to use up empty PROM space.  Firmware on this phone
appears to be the same as any of their more modern "Classic" series.


Don Montgomery   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 17:17:17 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Peter Rowley)
Subject: Looking For Good Ways to Move 1-20Mb Files Overnight


I'm trying to come up with a plan for transmitting about 2-40Mb of
data per week from schools to a central site and a limited amount of
data (probably under 1Mb) back from the central site.  The data will
be generated by students and stored on a Mac for transmission.  The
central site is in Toronto Canada and has a good Internet connection.
Initially, there will be around a dozen school sites but there may
eventually be hundreds.

I'm looking for low cost first and reliability second ... as long as
the data makes it (wholly intact) within a day or so, that will probably
be fine for now.

  The main choices appear to be:

1: 14.4K modems with late night phone calls direct to the central
   site, using either a discount carrier or a 1-800 number;

2: 14.4K modems to local access numbers that lead directly or indirectly
   to our site, via public data networks and/or online services (e.g. AOL)
   and/or Internet access (e.g. Well, Portal);

3: SLIP or PPP connections to the Internet;

Choice 3 will certainly be much more expensive, maybe an order of
magnitude I believe, but would offer a lot of other advantages of
course.

I'm really not sure which of 1 and 2 would be better; any words of
wisdom? ISDN doesn't seem like it would be competitive with 14.4K
modems at this point, but I could be convinced otherwise.  X.25 could
be part of solution 2.

As for the details of any scheme, I will be contacting suppliers for
recent figures; are there particular questions I should be sure to
ask?  Are there organizations that publish up-to-date comparative
reports of services for moving data around?  We'd be willing to pay
several hundred dollars for a comprehensive comparative report.


Peter Rowley, OISE, Toronto   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (BOSWELL, RICHARD S)
Subject: Information Wanted on PABX/PBX/Centrex
Date: 8 Apr 1994 05:25:00 CDT
Organization: Texas A&M University OpenVMScluster


I am writing a term paper on PBX/PABX/Centrex respective advantages/
disadvantages.  I have found several sources in trade/technical
periodicals but find myself short of the type of information I am
searching for.  If you have any old posts on the subject or know where
I can find that type of information I would greatly appreciate your
help.


Yours ect.,

Sid Boswell   student at Texas A&M University

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

Date: Fri, 08 Apr 1994 20:01:57 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Information Wanted on Long-Distance Pricing Packages


I am doing a comparative study on the packaging of long distance
services for both business and residential subscribers.  I am
interested in price points and unique selling benefits, package
naming, hidden disadvantages. If anyone else is interested I will be
happy to e-mail compiled information or post it here if applicable.
Please respond via e-mail to [e-mail].  Thanks for any
assistance.


Hjalmar Syversen   [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 19:24:52 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Abnan Hafeez)
Subject: Need Technical Information on CPDP.


Can somebody provide me some information on CPDP?

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

From: [e-mail] (Stan Schwartz)
Subject: NANP: Numbering Scheme?
Date: 8 Apr 1994 01:13:25 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC


Is there any rhyme or reason with which the new area codes are being
assigned? (Those like 334 in Alabama).  Wouldn't it make sense to at
least relate them back to the locality by tying them into the letters
on the keypad? (692, for example for NYC, New York City).

Just a thought ...


Stan


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: And not a bad idea, actually. Some large
national private networks do that such as Unitel, the United Airlines
telephone network which covers the USA and anywhere United Airlines goes
to. From their network for example, 732-xxxx reaches extension xxxx at the
SEAttle airport. 673 is ORD, which means O'Hare, here in Chicago, and
so forth. Makes sense to me.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Anton Sherwood)
Subject: France's Departments
Organization: Bureau of Making Sure You Eat Your Vegetables
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 1994 05:42:27 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Jack Hamilton <jfh@netcom.
com> wrote:

> If I were in charge of France Telecom, I'd probably use the department
> number plus a third digit for overlays and very large departments.

Good idea!

> (A department is roughly equivalent to a state or province in North
> America.  Postal codes start with the department number.)

More like a county, I'd say, both in size and in degree of independence.


Anton Sherwood   *\\*   [phone]   *\\*   [e-mail]

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

From: Lindy Williams <[e-mail]>
Subject: 555-1212 question
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 1994 12:03:24 GMT


I subscribe to AT&T long distance. I called 800/555-1212 to get a
firm's 800 number and was told they didn't have one. Later on it
talking to the firm, they gave me their 800 number. I told them that I
had tried to get it from the phone company and couldn't. They asked me
who was my long distance company and proceded to tell me they were
with Sprint and an AT&T information operator wouldn't have their 800
number. Is this correct?


Lindy Williams    [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Yes and no. 800-555-1212 is not run by
AT&T. It is managed on a day to day basis by Southwestern Bell Telephone
Company under a contract with (I think) Bellcore. It is physically lo-
cated in St. Louis, or maybe East St. Louis, IL ... down there someplace.
Anyone with an 800 number is entitled to be listed with 800-555-1212.
Unlike regular phone numbers where the default is to be listed and
non-pub numbers having an additional fee, with 800 the opposite is true.
With 800, non-pub listings are free and listings with 555-1212 cost
money -- several dollars per month in fact. 555-1212 should not be con-
fused with the various paper directories published by carriers. AT&T
lists only their own 800 subscribers in their directory; ditto Sprint has
an 800 directory I think (not certain) as does MCI. In whatever resources
the your carrier has of its own, 800 numbers will probably be listed at
no charge (or for some fee) as a routine thing. But if you wish to have
your 800 number listed in the 555-1212 database, then your carrier --
whoever that might be -- has to submit it to the database and pay the
monthly fee which is then in turn billed to you. Not many people bother
with it where 'personal 800 numbers' are concerned; no one wants to bother
getting a bunch of curiosity seekers calling them asking about their
number -- yes, people do that, they go through the AT&T paper directory
for example and call at random just to snoop around -- and besides, my
800 number as an example costs me $4-5 per month; the carrier said a
listing with 800-555-1212 would cost me another $12 per month -- twice
the cost of the number itself!  So I imagine the firm you are dealing
with might have been hedging a little in what they told you. They probably
did not want the additional expense of a listing and the large number of
idle time- and money-wasting calls that come with it. Your choice of
long distance carrier or the firm's choice of 800 service provider has
nothing to do with what you get when you call 800-555-1212.     PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Chris Plonski)
Subject: Unshielded Twisted Pair in Conduit?
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 23:49:16 GMT
Organization: University of Idaho Media Center


I have heard that if you run Category 5 UTP in EMT conduit that it
becomes shielded and therefore changes its bandwidth specifications.
Is there any research/papers/personal experience to confirm or deny
these allegations?  We are starting to put alot of cat 5 cable into
our campus and I need to know if this will limit running at 100Mb/s in
the future.  Please post or E-mail me with any info.


Thanks,

Chris Plonski

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

Date: Fri, 08 Apr 94 09:52:28 EDT
From: [e-mail] (McHarry)
Subject: Re: AT&T Cellular Privacy System


David Arneke wrote regarding the AT&T Cellular Privacy System:

> This is the strongest scrambling algorithm available
> for handheld, transportable and mobile cellular subscriber equipment.

This appears somewhat disingenuous -- there are cellular STU-IIIs
available.  The commercial versions use DES encryption.  Granted, you
need units at both ends of the link.  I have only seen the units as
mobiles and transportables.  They are likely too large to build as
handhelds.  Nevertheless, to render Arneke's claim true, either one
has to hold that encryption is different from scrambling, or to
strongly construe the 'and' clause to take advantage of the lack of
DES handhelds.

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Levenson)
Subject: Re: Please Explain the Term 'Steaming Terminal'
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Westmark, Inc.
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 1994 02:49:05 GMT


[e-mail] writes:

> 2.  In a LAN:

> Say your ethernet machine has a problem -- maybe it continually
> transmits ICMP packets because its PING code is buggy -- so it just
> "babbles databits" onto the LAN.  How does Ethernet deal with this by
> itself?  Ultimately somebody has to figure out which machine is
> causing the problem and turn the machine off.

Some ethernet equipment uses twisted pair and an active hub.  This
equipment, called 10BaseT, connects an individual drop line between
the hub and each network node.  Some hubs are capable of detecting
this fault, and disabling the defective node without interrupting
communications between other nodes.  Our AT&T StarLAN hubs have a
'jabber alarm' LED associated with each tap, to indicate that the tap
has been disabled in this manner.


Dave Levenson        Internet: [e-mail]
Westmark, Inc.        UUCP: {uunet | rutgers | att}!westmark!dave
Stirling, NJ, USA    Voice: 908 647 0900 Fax: [phone]

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

Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 07:12:00  PDT
From: [e-mail] (Gregg Siegfried)
Subject: Re: International Free Numbers
Organization: Claircom Communications, L.P.


In article <[e-mail]> was written:

> What do you do when you want to call Britain from America (or vice
> versa) and all you have is an 800 number?  I'd happily pay the toll,
> but last time I tried it the call was simply refused.

I'm not sure about the Britain from America case, but to call a US 800
number from the UK, one can simply use USA direct, 0800-89-0011.  This
probably requires an AT&T calling card.  Collect calling is also
available, but I'm not sure whether that works to 800 numbers.  I'm
headed to Britain on Sunday ... I'll try a collect call to our 800
number while I'm there.


Gregg Siegfried   [e-mail]

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

Date: Fri, 8 Apr 1994 10:56:19 -0500
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Calling 911; Reporting Disabled Vehicles


I read in the TELECOM Digest:

> In Seattle WA, the 911 dispatchers have said that they often receive
> up to 30 calls from cellular phone users when an accident occurs on a
> major highway. This results in a massive overload of the 911 system.
> The result is that US West Cellular announced last winter that they
> would begin charging 50 cents for each 911 call, in addition to
> airtime charges, to discourage overuse of the system and to help fund
> additional 911 dispatchers to answer the phone.

Interesting.  I thought that sometimes these accidents go unreported.
In the future maybe I will ignore major accidents.  Actually you have
made a good argument for two things: (1) Increase the total number of
dispatchers, 911 trunks, etc. drastically and (2) fund this partly by
charging for calls to 911 from cellular telephones.  If you can afford
a cellular telephone then you can afford to pay $10 for each 911 call.

I also read:

> Your state may wish that you report motorists with disabled vehicles
> along freeways.

In general:

I report disabled vehicles along regular roads but not along freeways.
The rationale for this is that there are too many disabled vehicles
along freeways, and problems on regular roads are less likely to
already have been reported.  Also, the problem with disabled vehicles
is that you don't know what actually is happening.  A vehicle sitting
by the side of the road may be: illegally parked; disabled because of
mechanical failure; disabled because of driver illness; stopped so
that the driver can sleep; stopped because the driver is lost; etc.

In general, along freeways I would report it to a nearby state police
barracks if the driver appears to be ill (which often happens when the
driver is merely sleeping!) or if there appears to be some other type
of problem (smoke coming from under the hood) or if the driver is
actively trying to get help or leaning on the horn, flashing headlights,
etc.  If there are any police from Maryland reading this, then please
advise me on the correct way to deal with various problems that occur
along highways.


Jonathan D. Loo

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #172
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa01764;
          8 Apr 94 20:12 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA03225; Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:55:17 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA03216; Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:55:15 CDT
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:55:15 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #173

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 8 Apr 94 14:55:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 173

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    International Conference on Information Security IFIP SEC'94 (Willis Ware)
    Re: EDI Electronic Data Interchange ([e-mail])
    Re: 900 and Other Premium Numbers (Tony Harminc)
    Contacting the FCC Using Email (Hans-Gabriel Ridder)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Tenth International Conference on Information Security IFIP SEC'94
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 94 11:31:57 PDT
From: "Willis H. Ware" <[e-mail]>


The Tenth International Conference on Information Security - IFIP SEC'94

Organized by Technical Committee 11 of the International Federation
for Information Processing, IFIP/TC 11 - in cooperation with the
Special Interest Group on Information Security of the Dutch Computer
Society - and hosted by the Caribbean Computer Society.


                        I F I P   S E C ' 9 4
                      M A Y  2 3 - 2 7 , 1 9 9 4
                   I T C  P I S C A D E R A  B A Y
                            C U R A C A O
                     D U T C H  C A R I B B E A N

     I  N  T  E  R  N  A  T  I  O  N  A  L    P  R  O  G  R  A  M

** Five days, multiple parallel tracks, over sixty refereed unique
presentations, specially invited speakers, dedicated tutorials
workshops, working group sessions, lively panel discussions, and much,
much more......


Dynamic Views on Information Security in Progress

ABOUT IFIP'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 11

The International Federation for Information Processing was
established in 1960 under sponsorship of UNESCO.  In 1984 the
Technical Committee for Security and Protection in Information
Processing Systems, Technical Committee 11, came into existence.  Its
aim is to increase the reliabil-ity and general confidence in
information processing, as well as to act as a forum for security
managers and others professionally active in the field of information
processing security.  Its scope encompasses the establishment of a
frame of reference for security common to organizations, professionals
and the public; and the promotion of security and protection as
essential parts of information processing systems.

Eight working groups: Information Security Management, Small Systems
Security, Database Security, Network Security, Systems Integrity and
Control, Security Legislation, Information Security Education and IT
Related Crime Investigations, all chaired by seasoned international
experts, cover a major part of the actual TC 11 workload.

ABOUT THE TENTH INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION SECURITY CONFERENCE

This event is the Tenth in a series of conferences on information
security.  Something to celebrate.  The organizers have compiled a
truly exceptional, unique, and especially upgraded conference in a
setting suitable for celebrating its Tenth birthday.  Over 75 sessions
will cover just about all aspects of information security, on a senior
and advanced level.  The formal language of SEC'94 is English.  The
proceedings are published by Elsevier North Holland in its acclaimed
series.

There are evidently some astounding surprises within SEC'94.  As key
note's SEC'94 will feature major players.  Ten invited speakers,
doubt-less seasoned seniors in their field, will contribute with their
vision of the future.  Ranging from the legislative aspects of data
privacy, to the international impact of the Clipper chip, and the
dimensions of new cryptographic standards and applications.  Global
policy making and breaking in respect of the international
harmonization efforts of information technology security evaluation
criteria, and other most enticing issues are advocated during the
various invited lectures.

Within the framework of this conference a series of special lectures
are built in, dedicated to one most important aspect.  SEC'94 includes
a UNIX system security workshop and a cryptology tutorial.  Special
sessions are devoted to information security in developing nations,
and information security in the banking and financial industry.  Two
major full day mini conferences "IT Security Evaluation Criteria" and
"Open Systems Network Security" are included in the program as well.
SEC'94 offers a panel discussion of the editors of Elseviers Journal
Computers and Security, IFIP TC 11's formal journal.

ABOUT YOU

Each of the past ten years you have shown IFIP and TC 11 in
particular, your commitment to information security by attending the
IFIP SEC conferences.  The visitors and delegates to IFIP SEC are a
broad audi-ence, from everywhere: The Pacific Rim, Europe, Africa, the
North and Latin America's and the Far East.  The level of
authority/positions is as usual: within practical, management, legal
and technical level, the delegate to IFIP SEC is considered the top
grade.  Anyone - directly and indirectly - involved and/or interested
in information security, wherever she/or he may live, is IFIP SEC's
audience.  You certainly may not miss SEC'94!

SOMETHING EXTRA

The organizers wanted to do something extra for this Tenth event.
Besides compiling a unique conference program, its length was extended
to FIVE days, extra tracks are added, the delegate admission is
reduced, special student admission rate are available, Worldwide
rebated air travel and discounted hotel accommodation can be obtained,
and those not yet being a member of the World's largest and most
influential computer society are being offered a free of charge
membership for 1994!  And that's not all!  Yet, some surprises are
saved for the event itself.

IFIP TC 11's SEC'94 welcomes you to Curacao, BONBINI !

                       A W A R D S

Technical Committee 11 of IFIP presents during its 10th event two
prestigeous awards.  The Kristian Beckman Award and the Best Paper
Award.  The Kristian Beckman Award has been established by IFIP TC 11
to com-memorate the first chairman of the committee, Kristian Beckman
from Sweden, who was also responsible for promoting its founding in
1983/84.  This award is granted annually to a successful nominee and
is presented at the annual IFIP Security Conference.  The objective of
the award is to publicly recognize an individual - not a group or
organization - who has significantly contributed to the development of
information security, especially achievements with an international
perspective.

To celebrate the tenth annual conference the organizers have decided
also to present a Best Paper Award.  The award will be presented to
the individual with the most significant paper at SEC'94.  The
audience itself will be selecting this presentation/individual.


                  P   R   O   G   R   A   M

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

Computer based cryptanalysis: man versus machine approach by Dr.  N.
Balasubramanian, former director of the Joint Cipher Bureau/Crypto-
graphic Services of the Department of Defense of the Government
of India.

Establishing a CERT: Computer Emergency Response Team by Kenneth A.
van Wyk, manager Assist team, Defense Information Security Agency of
the Department of Defense, United States Privacy aspects of data
travelling along the new 'highway' by Wayne Madsen, scientist Computer
Science Corp., United States.

Issues in designing and implementing a practical enterprise security
architecture by Ross Paul, manager information security, the
Worldbank, United States.

     (key note's and other invited speakers to be announced by special
bulletin)

IFIP TC 11 position paper in discussion:  Security Evaluation
Criteria by H.  Schoone, Netherlands.

Special TC 11 Working group sessions:

  11.8 Computer Security Education, chair: Em. Prof. Dr. Harold Highland
  11.1 IT Security Management, chair: Prof. S.H. von Solms (S. Africa)
  11.5 System Integrity and Control, chair: William List (UK)

Special Appearance: Information Warfare: waging and winning conflict
in cyberspace by Winn Schwartau (US)

Panel discussion: Panel discussion of the editors of Elseviers Journal
Computers and Security chaired by John Meyer, Elsevier (UK), editor.

Extended UNIX tutorial:  Unix meets Novell Netware by Kevin H.
Brady, Unix Systems Lab. (US).

Extended virus tutorial:  Technologically enabled crime: shifting
paradigms for the year 2000 by Sara Gordon (US).

Viruses:  What can we really do? by Prof.  Henry Wolfe (New Zealand).

Future trends in virus writing by Vesselin V.  Bontchev (Bulgaria/Germany).

Viral Tidings by A.  Padgett Peterson (US).

Integrity checking for anti viral purposes by Yisrael Radai (Israel).

Special appearance: *title to be announced* Prof. Eugene Spafford (US).


REFEREED PRESENTATIONS

Operations Security: the real solution to the problem - A. Don Temple (US).

Security in virtual reality: virtual security - Amund Hunstad (Sweden).

Prohibiting the exchange attack calls for hardware signature - Prof.
Reinhard Posch/Wolfgang Mayerwieser (Austria).

Towards secure open systems - Dr.  Paul Overbeek (Netherlands).

A security officer's workbench - Prof.  Dennis Longley/Lam For Kwok
(Australia/Hong Kong).

An introduction to Citadel: a secure crypto co-processor for workstations
 - Dr.  Elaine Palmer (US)

On the calculation and its proof data for PI 10-9th - Shengli Cheng et al
(P.R. of China).

Securenet: a network oriented intelligent intrusion prevention
and detection system - Assoc.  Prof.  Dimitris Gritzalis et al (Greece).

A methodology for the design of security plans - Drs. Fred de Koning
(Netherlands).

An open architecture for security functions in workstations - Stefan
Santesson (Sweden).

Security systems based on exponentiation primitives, TESS - Prof.
Thomas Beth (Germany).

The structure and functioning of the COST privacy enhanced mail
system - Prof.  Sead Muftic, Nada Kapidzic, Alan Davidson (Sweden).

The need for a new approach to information security - Dr.  Jean
Hitchings (UK).

A Practical database encryption system - Prof. C. Chang/ Prof. D.  Buehrer
(Taiwan, ROC).

Security analysis and strategy of computer networks - Jie Feng et al
(P.R.o.China).

Information Security: legal threats and opportunities - Dr.  Ian
Lloyd (Scotland).

Secure communication in LAN's using a hybrid encryption scheme -
Prof.  Mahmoud El-Hadidi, Dr.  Nadia Hegazi, Heba Aslan (Egypt).

Secure Network Management - Bruno Studer (Switzerland).

Ramex: a prototype expert system for computer security risk
analysis and management - Prof.  Peter Jarratt, Muninder Kailay (UK).

The need for decentralization and privacy in mobile communications
networks - D.I.  Frank Stoll (Germany).

Is lack of quality software a password to information security
problems ? - Dr.  Peter Fillery, Nicholas Chantler (Western Australia).

Smart:  Structured, multi-dimensional approach to risk taking for
operational information systems - Ing.  Paul van Dam, et al. (Netherlands).

IT Audit: the scope, relevance and the impact in developing countries -
Dr. K.  Subramanian (India).

Program structure for secure information flow - Dr.  Jingsha He (US)

Security, authentication and policy management in open distributed
systems - Ralf Hauser, Stefano Zatti (Switzerland/Italy).

A cost model for managing information security hazards - Love Ekenberg,
Subhash Oberoi, Istvan Orci (Sweden).

Corporate computer crime management: a research perspective - Dr.
James Backhouse (UK).

A high level security policy for health care establishments -
Prof.  Sokratis Katsikas, Ass.  Prof.  Dimitris Gritzalis, et al
(Greece).

Moss: a model for open system security - Prof. S.H. von Solms,
Dr.  P van Zyl, Dr. M.  Olivier (South Africa).

The risk-based information system design paradigm - Dr.  Sharon
Fletcher (US) Evaluation of policies, state of the art and future
research direc-tions in database security - Dr.  Guenther Pernul,
Dr. A.M.  Tjoa (Austria).

Exploring minimal ban logic proofs of authentication protocols -
Anish Maturia, et al (Australia).

Security concepts for corporate networks - Prof.  Rolf Oppliger,
Prof.  Dieter Hogrefe (Switzerland).

The security process - Jeanette Ohlsson (Sweden).

On the security of lucas function - Dr. C.S.  Laih (Taiwan RoC).

Security considerations of content and context based access
controls - Donald Marks, Leonard Binns, Peter Sell, John Campbell (US).

Anonymous and verifiable databases: towards a practical solution
 - Prof.  Jennifer Seberry, Dr.  Yuliang Zheng, Thomas Hardjono (Australia).

A decentralized approach for authorization - Prof.  Waltraud Gerhardt,
Burkhard Lau (Netherlands).

Applying security criteria to a distributed database example -
Dr.  Marshall Abrams, Michael Joyce (US).

A comparison of international information security standards based on
documentary micro-analysis - Prof.  William Caelli, Em. Prof.  John
Carroll (Australia/Canada).

Security in EDI between bank and its client - Pauli Vahtera, Heli
Salmi (Finland).

Secure information exchange in organizations - D.I.  Ralph Holbein
(Switzerland).

A framework for information system security management - Helen James,
Patrick Forde (Australia).

The security of computer system management - Xia Ling et al
(P.R.o.China).

Development of security policies - Jon Olnes (Norway).

Factors affecting the decision to report occurances of computer abuse
- John Palmer (Western Australia).

Secure manageable remote access for network and mobile users in an
open on-line transaction processing environment - Dr.  James Clark
(Singapore).

                        Session lay-out:

Monday May 23: plenary only
Tuesday May 24 - Thursday May 26: four parallel tracks
Friday May 25: plenary only

                        Registration:

      Sunday afternoon May 22 at the conference venue
        Monday morning May 23 at the conference venue

                        Terms and conditions:

The conference registration/admission fee amounts US $1,295 for
regular registrations per individual.  However, if you are a member of
a national computer society you may be eligible for a discount.  Late
charges and cancellations: Registration received after May 1, 1994 are
charged with an extra late charge of 10%.  Substitutions may be made
at any time, though please advise us of a change of name.  If you find
it necessary to cancel the place, please telephone the conference
office immediately and ask for a cancellation number.  Confirm in
writing quoting the cancellation number.  Provided written notice is
received by May 1, 1994, a full refund will be given less a 15%
administration charge.  It is regretted that cancellations received
after May 1, 1994 are liable for the full registration fee.

Payment: the registration fees are immediately due upon registration,
and all cheques should be made payable to the High Tech Port Curacao
Foundation, accompanying the signed registration form.  Alternatively
registrations by fax and electronic mail are accepted, provided the
payment for the full amount in US dollars is released by wire transfer
in favor of the High Tech Port Curacao Foundation within one week
after the registration.  Fax and/or email registrations must be
completed before May 1, 1994.  If payment is not received within
stated period the registration is automatically cancelled and voided.
Forms not signed or correctly filled in are not valid registrations.
Conference registration fees should be paid in US dollars only, to
prevent excessive exchange charges.  It is possible to pay by credit
card, however a surcharge of 25% is levied due to local monetary
restrictions and policies.  Immediately after registration you will
receive a confirmation by fax or email.  Included in the conference
fee is the admittance to all sessions of all tracks of the conference,
the lunches during Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; coffee and
tea during the intermissions, a welcome cocktail at your hotel, one
admission ticket per delegate to the formal conference banquet, and a
copy of the handout of the conference proceedings.  Registrations
made after May 1, 1994 are on space available basis only.  If you
apply for a discount the registration form and payment must be
received before May 1, 1994.  All other services ordered are
separately billed, payable upon receipt of the respective order
confirmation.

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

Curacao is a tourist destination in high demand. We advise you to make
your flight and hotel accommodation reservations well in advance !!!


FAX THE FORM BELOW TO: IFIP SEC'94 SECRETARIAT [phone]

OR AIRMAIL TO: IFIP SEC'94 SECRETARIAT POSTOFFICE BOX 4 0 6 6 WILLEMSTAD
- CURACAO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES CARIBBEAN

OR EMAIL TO: <  [e-mail]   >

             IFIP TC 11 SEC'94 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
    (one form per individual, copy for multiple registrations)

Please register the following individual for IFIP SEC'94:

Surname:

First name:

Title:

Organization:

Job title:

Mail address:

Post/zip code:

Country:

Telephone:

Telefax:

Email:

If you are a member of a national computer society, use this priority
registration by fax or email, and wiretransfer the applicable amount,
you are entitled to a rebated admission rate.  Instead of US $ 1,295,
you pay only US $ 1,165.

If you send this by fax to the Conference secretariat, a
signature is necessary, here:

I understand and agree to abide by the conditions as set out in
the conference brochure, also printed elsewhere in this document.

Date:

If you send this form by email, a signature is not necessary.  In that
case the date of receipt of the wiretransfer of the applicable amount
is the date of registration.


                      CONFERENCE PAYMENT

I will remit by wiretransfer US $ _________ in favor of the High Tech
Port Curacao Foundation, bank account number 11.592652.5570.004 with
CITco Bank NV, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, immediately.

Wiretransfer reference:  IFIP SEC'94

ABA nr. of the CITco Bank (this is not the account number, but
the banks' correspondents number): 021004823.

US corresponding bank:  Republic National Bank, New York.

Upon receipt of the applicable amount by the High Tech Port Curacao
Foundation I will receive within 24 hours by fax a confirmation and an
invoice marked "fees paid".


                        ADDITIONAL

 I apply for the 1994 free of charge membership of the ACM (valid
 only if you are not a member, yet)

 Mark yes >                   >               <

 I have a special request:

     (insert your request here)


                         HOTEL INFORMATION

The Curacao Caribbean Hotel (tel: [phone] fax: [phone]) as
well as the Sonesta Hotel (tel: [phone] fax: [phone], in the
US call tollfree 1.800.477.4556) are beach front hotels at walking
distance of the conference center.  Special roomrates start at US $
112 per single room/night, including tax, services, full breakfast.
Roomrates based on double, triple and quad are available.  Various
other hotels on request.

                         AIR TRANSPORT

There are daily non-stop flights from Miami operated by American
Airlines, daily non-stop wide body flights from Amsterdam
(Netherlands) operated by KLM, daily non-stop flights from Marquetia
Aeropuerto Inter-nacional de Caracas (Venezuela), Santa Fe de Bogota
(Colombia), and various Caribbean islands, all operated by regional
carriers.  Special promotional fares are by KLM, TAP Air Portugal, and
American Airlines.  Contact your travel agency for more information.

                         *   *   *

Curacao is tropical.  Year-round an average temp. of 90 F/35 C.  A
constant tradewind makes it very pleasant.  You do not need a jacket
or coat!

Make your flight and hotel reservation as soon as possible !!!

                          *   *   *

Come enjoy Dutch Caribbean hospitality soon !  SEC'94 also encompasses
a great after hours social program, typical Caribbean style.

                       ORGANIZING CHAIR:
            Dr. F. Bertil Fortrie (chairman SEC'94)

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: EDI Electronic Data Interchange
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 94 11:28:09 EDT
Organization: The MITRE Corporation, McLean VA 22102


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Joakim Westman) writes:

> I'm wondering if somebody knows what the concept of EDI -- Electronic
> Data Interchange is al about. I've been trying to get information
> about this, I believe quite new topic at least in NZ, with no luck.
> Therfore I turn to you as a new news user.

Think of all the possible business forms you can imagine.  Now take
the pieces of each on and break them apart. eg. name and address,
shipping location, invoice info, bill of lading info, credit
adjustment etc.  Call each identifiable form a transaction set; call
the reusable chunks segments; call the small pieces that make up
segments data elements.  Now agree on common definitions of the
transaction sets, segments, and data elements and put them electronic
format.  That's what ANSI X12 in the US has done, similarly outside
the US the standards are UN/EDIFACT.  Since we now have electronic
standards for business forms why don't I as a buyer use a
clearinghouse to accept bids for products I want to retail from
potential manufacturers.  This is what many large retailers do.  But
why stop there, telephone bills, service order information, medical
info., shipping info, ... can all adapt to or become new transaction
sets.  As for source info, try EDI World magazine, 2021 Coolidge St.,
Hollywood FL, 33020-2012, [phone].

Several books are also available about EDI, two are: Electronic Data
Interchange by Paul Kimberly, McGraw Hill, 1991 and EDI, A Total
Management Guide, 2nd Ed, by Margaret Emmelhainz, Van Nostrand-
Reinhold, 1993.  As for the EDI standards, the Data Interchange
Standards Assn, Alexandria VA, [phone] can get you the latest
ANSI published standards.  ANSI and EDIFACT EDI standards will
converge on EDIFACT later in this decade according to current
agreements.  For us telecom types, there are industry standards
bodies, ECSA/TBWG, that support EDI research and standards creation.


DW

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

Date: Fri, 08 Apr 94 11:52:32 EDT
From: Tony Harminc <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: 900 and Other Premium Numbers


[e-mail] (Mark Brader) wrote:

> Around here (Toronto) we have 900 and 976 numbers also, but it is the
> 976's for which there are numerous late night advertisements featuring
> scantily clad women.

> As just about everyone reading this knows, in much (but not all) of
> the US and Canada, long-distance numbers must be dialed differently
> from local ones, so that you always know when you're dialing a toll
> call.  Such a rule applies here.  And when someone dials a 976 number
> here, *they must dial it as if it was long distance within their area
> code*.

There are doubtless several layers of politics involved here.  Some
years ago Bell Canada applied to the CRTC to drop 976- service
entirely.  The service providers objected strongly, and Bell was
ordered to continue it.  But shortly thereafter, toll dialing within
NPA 416 went from 1 + seven to 1 + ten, and, doubtless to their
satisfaction, Bell was able to make 976- numbers that much harder to
dial and that much harder to advertise consistently.  I notice that
the late-night/scantily-clad-women ads often still list the numbers as
1 976-xxxx, and often speak them as 'one nine seven six <pause> x x x
x', presumably to discourage callers from thinking about the 1 at the
front.  But then callers will get the recording telling them they must
dial 1 plus the area code.  It's not clear if the advertisers are
being sneaky, or are just as stupid as those US companies who list
their US-only 800 numbers in foreign publications.


Tony Harminc

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

From: [e-mail] (Hans)
Subject: Contacting the FCC Using Email
Date: 8 Apr 1994 16:36:36 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - DECwest Engineering


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Michael
Israeli) writes:

> Where can one write or e-mail to state an opinion on this to?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I suppose one can now contact the FCC
> via their new online thing with the net which we have been hearing
> about. Does anyone know if the mail can go both directions on that
> or if pen and paper still required?  :)    PAT]

Some of the documents list an e-mail address at the end, some do not
(the one posted did not have one, just telephone a number.)  I suppose
if you send something, you might get a reply.

As far as sending your comments to the FCC via e-mail, note the
following (from ftp.fcc.gov:/pub/Public_Notices/Miscellaneous/pnmc4001.txt):

      APPLICATION OF EX PARTE RULES TO INTERNET E-MAIL

The Commission's new computer system now affords members of the public
access to decision-making personnel through delivery of Internet
E-Mail.  The purpose of this public notice is to remind the public
that the ex parte rules (47 C.F.R. 1.1200 et seq.)  that apply to
written presentations to any Commission decision- making personnel
also apply to Internet E-Mail presentations.

In restricted proceedings (e.g., proceedings involving mutually
exclusive applications, a formal complaint, or a formally opposed
application), oral and written ex parte presentations are generally
prohibited.  See 47 C.F.R. 1.1208.  Therefore, as with other written
presentations, Internet E-Mail presentations to Commission
decision-makers in restricted proceedings are prohibited unless they
are served on all parties to the proceeding.

In non-restricted proceedings (e.g., most informal rulemakings after
issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking), ex parte presentations
are permissible (except during the Sunshine Period) but must be
disclosed.  See 47 C.F.R. 1.1206.  Therefore, as with other written
presentations, if an Internet E-Mail ex parte presentation in a
non-restricted proceeding is transmitted to any decision-making
personnel, two hard copies of that presentation should be provided to
the Secretary.  The presentation (as well as any transmittal letter)
should indicate clearly on its face the docket number of the
particular proceeding(s) to which it relates and the fact that two
copies of it have been submitted to the Secretary.  The presentation
should be labeled or captioned as an ex parte presentation.  See 47
C.F.R. 1.1206(a)(1).

During the Sunshine Period (the period which commences when an item is
placed on the Sunshine Agenda and ends when the item is released),
unless specifically exempted, all presentations concerning an item on
the Sunshine Agenda, ex parte or not, are prohibited.  See 47 C.F.R.
1.1203.  This prohibition applies whether the proceeding is
restricted, non-restricted, or is exempt under the ex parte rules.
Therefore, unless an exemption specifically applies (e.g., a
presentation specifically requested by the Commission or staff or a
presentation from Congress or another Federal Government agency, see
47 C.F.R. 1.1203(b)&(c)), no Internet E-Mail presentations should be
transmitted during the Sunshine Period to decision-making personnel.
See 47 C.F.R.  1.1203.

Action by the General Counsel.

For further information, contact Steve Bailey [phone].

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

Hans-Gabriel Ridder <[e-mail]>
DECwest Engineering, Bellevue, Washington, USA

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #173
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa20883;
          17 Apr 94 10:29 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA11981; Sun, 17 Apr 94 07:38:24 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA11972; Sun, 17 Apr 94 07:38:22 CDT
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 07:38:22 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #174

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Apr 94 07:38:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 174

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Bell Canada and CEP Modify Reduced Work Week Plans (Dave Sellers)
    Pac Tel / Air Touch Communications (Larry Jones)
    How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number? (Barton F. Bruce)
    Ottawa Citizen Op-ed on Canadian Infobahn (Dale Wharton)
    SNET <-> BAMS Auto Call Delivery (Douglas Reuben)
    Many Hassles Here Last Week (TELECOM Moderator)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 08:46:26 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Dave Sellers)
Subject: Bell Canada and CEP Modify Reduced Work Week Plans


(MONTREAL, April 14, 1994) -- Bell Canada and the Communications,
Energy and Paperworkers'  Union of Canada (CEP) agreed this week to
modify the original plans for 13 000 Craft and Services employees,
which involved a reduction of work hours (9 hours per day, 4 days a
week) as well as five unpaid days off in 1994.

When we finalized these plans with the union last year, the intent
was to help Bell reduce payroll expenses, while still meeting our
service obligation,  said Richard French, Bell's Vice-President of
Corporate Development.   Once in place, we found the arrangements
didn't give us the flexibility to keep up with increased demand in
some areas and assure the quality of service customers expect.

As a result, the company and union have agreed to offer additional
options which permit employees to return voluntarily to a regular
5-day week (38 hours) or to continue with a 4-day schedule (36 hours)
if they prefer.  The five unpaid days off provided for in the original
agreement are now optional.

We're confident this will give us the flexibility to satisfy demand
and manage the workload while still controlling expenses.  Obviously,
there will be operating costs associated with these changes, but we
expect the impact to be fairly modest,  French said. He added that
the rest of the measures Bell has implemented to cut expenses this
year are still in place and noted that Bell's workforce has been
reduced by about 2,000 since January through retirements and termination
incentives.

Bell Canada, the largest Canadian telecommunications operating company,
markets a full range of state-of-the-art products and services to more
than seven million business and residence customers in Ontario and
Quebec.  Bell Canada is a member of Stentor -- an alliance of Canada's
major telecommunications companies.


For further information, please contact :

Francine Giguere              Patricia Broden
Public Affairs                Public Affairs
[phone] (Bus.)         [phone] (Bus.)
[phone] (Res.)         [phone] (Res.)

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

From: [e-mail] (Larry Jones)
Subject: Pac Tel / Air Touch Communications
Date: 16 Apr 94 14:49:41 GMT
Organization: SDRC Engineering Services


Recently, Pacific Telesis (by the way, is that pronounced TEL-uh-sis
or tuh-LEE-sus?) split off its cellular business as a new company, Air
Touch Communications, Inc.  Pac Tel shareowners were given ATI shares
so that their total combined price was the same as Pac Tel was the day
before the spin off was completed.

Small Pac Tel shareholders are being given the opportunity to rearrange
their holdings with a very small commission: they can exchange all of
their ATI shares for Pac Tel shares, exchange all of their Pac Tel
shares for ATI shares, or sell either or both sets of shares for cash.

My dad owns some Pac Tel shares by virtue of having been an AT&T
employee/shareholder before the breakup and he's wondering what to do.
I'm not necessarily asking for investment advice, but I'd be interested
in any opinions about the quality of products and services provided by
Pac Tel and ATI.


Larry Jones, SDRC, 2000 Eastman Dr., Milford, OH  45150-2789  513-576-2070
[e-mail]

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

Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 18:17:15 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number?
Organization: Digital Equipment Computer Users Society


An extremely well publicized FAX number that is on a POTS phone line
now is in an office that has a T1 to an IXC.

There is a LOT of long distance FAXing, and it would be very nice to
put this machine on the PBX, but there are some problems and I am
looking for creative solutions.

It is not acceptable to change the FAX's phone number. Nor is it possible
to add a second FAX machine.

If the current phone line were to be fed through the PBX (a Mitel
SX200D running G1005) to always ring that extension, everything would
be ok with one exception. Outgoing LD calls would go on the T1.
Outgoing local calls could easily be routed to the FAX's own line
thereby busying it.

But when a LD call is going out, the FAX phone number would simply
ring and ring which WILL prompt callers to call the main number and
complain about the machine apparently being broken or out of paper. -
NOT acceptable.

If we could get telco to forward FREE this FAX number to a DID station
number we actually had the FAX on, or would let it jump hunt to such a
DID number, I could then busy the FAX number *PERMANENTLY* and calls
would then ring in on the DID line only and would get BUSY when
appropriate.

The bummer here is 1) getting telco to do this ever, and 2) the CO
switch the FAX is on is an old 1A and the DID trunks are on the 5E
both in the Cambridge Ware St. CO. Hunting between them seems
impossible.

Is there any clever trick anyone can think of?

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 07:25:56 EDT
Reply-To: Canadian Issues Forum <[e-mail]>
From: Dale Wharton <[e-mail]>
Subject: Ottawa Citizen Op-ed on Canadian Infobahn


Greetings from Infobahn Canada
******************************

The following article appeared in Friday's (April 8) Ottawa Citizen.

                          INFORMATION RIGHTS WEEK
                      OPENING THE DOOR FOR THE PUBLIC

Canada is beginning the development of its much touted electronic
superhighway.  Unfortunately for the public, the loudest voices in
determining its direction are those who want to make a profit from
it.  Not visible to the public, which has been excluded from the
debates, are the extensive discussions between governments and the
corporate sector over who will control and profit from it.

Who is protecting the public interest in access to information and
the new telecommunication networks?

Not the Federal Government.  Industry Canada's, "The Electronic
Connection: An Essential Key to Canadian Survival" was released
only after a Freedom of Information request.  Of the 200
individuals consulted for the research, none were proponents of
public access.  The Honourable John Manley, Minister, Industry
Canada is now establishing a high-level Advisory Committee on the
electronic highway which will meet in secret and may not issue a
final report.  This is completely unacceptable.

Not the Federal Government.  It has been legislatively increasing
exemptions from the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.  The Ottawa-
based Coalition for Open Government is organizing a lobby to
increase the power and range of existing FOI legislation and
broaden dissemination of government information.  The Library
Depository program, which provides free copies of government
documents to selected libraries across Canada, the main access for
public use of government reports, is not even protected by
government legislation and is in constant financial jeopardy.

Not the Federal Government.  It's Interdepartmental Committee on
Database Industry Support encourages the commercial distribution
of government electronic information but there is no comparable
organization to assure public distribution.

Not the Federal government and the many provincial and municipal
governments which are investigating or have implemented "tradeable
information" policies based on the Thatcher government's decision
to increase government revenue through the sale of government
information.

Not Stentor.  The telephone company consortium released "The
Information Highway: Canada's Road to Economic and Social Renewal
- A Vision Statement" with almost no reference to public
participation and with no consideration of social policy issues.
How can equal access to information can be assured when only 25% of
the population own microcomputers?  This report, along with
virtually all others, ignores the cost of providing broad public
access and training.

Not the cable industry.  Fixated on 500 channels of money-making
entertainment and interactive commercials, the cable industry has
shown no concern for public access and public involvement.  The
bubble may burst on these dreams of mega-dollars if the public agree
with critics such as Neil Postman, who talks about "info-garbage"
and the lack of content on the existing 60 channels.

Not the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.
It has effectively deregulated the telephone system and is now
considering, with minimal public input, optional regulatory
environments, such as new ways to charge for local telephone
service.  Options could include Local Metered Service - charging for
every call and its length.  The one tool of the information age
which is currently available in most households will follow the U.S.
experience after de-regulation, resulting in substantially increased
local telephone rates.

What about the media?  Its role is two-sided.  In its traditional
role as newsgatherer, the media wants to force the government to
expand the Freedom of Information Act and open the government to
closer scrutiny.

On the other hand, as business corporations different forms of media
consolidating into ever larger units, as the recent Roger's offer to
buy-out MacLean-Hunter demonstrates, it is integrating all forms of
media including books, magazines, film, video, cable, newspapers,
databases, television and radio.  This consolidation limits the
sources of news and editorial perspective.  The loss of cognitive
diversity, like bio-diversity, is a cause for alarm and concern.
A new organization, Project Censored is concerned about this
limitation and has evaluated a number of news stories to determine
which has been the most censored in Canada in 1993.  The winner
(loser?) will be announced at the general meeting of the Canadian
Association of Journalists in April.

Only recently have public interest groups and activists emerged to
present the case for free access to government information, access
to the high speed telecommunication networks of the future, and
access to community networks to create and disseminate information.

Foremost among these have been Canadian library associations,
librarians across Canada and FreeNets which are currently creating
a national organization - Telecommunities Canada.  Libraries are the
predominant source for public access to information in Canada.
Viewing themselves as the electronic library of the 21st Century,
FreeNets are in their infancy world-wide, and struggling to
establish non-profit, freely accessible, community computer networks
in towns and municipalities.  Ottawa, Victoria, and Trail are
currently operational, and another sixteen FreeNets are actively
organizing.  Many other community and advocacy organizations,
especially at the national level, are becoming aware of the
implications for their organizations of the current debates on
information policy.

A revealing irony of the so-called "information age" is that while
debates continue regarding who will benefit from the billions of
dollars expected to be generated by new commercial information
products and the information highway, libraries struggle to stay
open and FreeNets are forced to exist hand-to-mouth.

Information policy is not currently a "hot" public policy issue.  It
does not command the public attention of debates on the economy,
unemployment, racial intolerance, the environment or the
disintegration of civil society which is occurring all around us.
The public is as unaware of information issues as are most of the
politicians.  An attempt to have an all-candidates meeting on these
issues during the last Federal election resulted in an
acknowledgement that no local B.C. candidates knew anything about
the issues.

However, the existence of libraries, FreeNets, and information
policies which encourage free public access to government
information and data collected in the enforcement of government
regulations are fundamental to thorough discussions of our key
public issues.  Policies which widen the gap between those who have
easy access to information and those who do not will further
undermine democratic debate.

Information Rights Week (April 11 - 17) is organized by the Canadian
Library Association, with the co-operation of Telecommunities
Canada.  Libraries across Canada will have posters, displays,
brochures, and programs to focus attention on these issues.  The
profound changes taking place in government policy regarding access
to information, high-speed telecommunication networks, and the
telephone system must be opened to the public.  We are already
divided into information rich and the information poor.  Current
policies to create a "pay per" society will magnify these
disparities.  TV programs, videos, government information, local
telephone calls would all be paid per minute, per byte of
information, per database searched.  Simultaneously, public sources
of information, like libraries, will deteriorate and electronic
alternatives such as FreeNets will struggle to provide a non-profit
option.

Decisions regarding future access to free government information,
universal and affordable telephone service and options for the
creation and distribution of non-commercial content must be made
openly and not behind closed doors.

Brian Campbell
Chair, Canadian Library Association Information Policy Committee
President, Vancouver Regional Freenet Association

For more information contact your local public library or the
Canadian Library Association, #602 200 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 1L5 613-232-9625 Fax [phone] or Telecommunities Canada c/o
David Sutherland, Computing Services, Carleton University, Ottawa,
ON, K1S 5B6 or [e-mail].


Stuart Hertzog, President              |   [e-mail]
Global Village Communications Society  |
2286 West 5th Avenue #201,             |   Using Mosaic?
Vancouver, B.C., Canada  V6K 1S3       |   Check out International Teletimes
[phone](vox) 739 2961(fax)     |   http://www.wimsey.com/

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

From: [e-mail] (Cid Technologies)
Subject: SNET <-> BAMS Auto Call Delivery
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 19:56:27 PDT


About a week and a half ago, I noticed that SNET/CT customers were now
getting automatic call delivery to the Bell Atlantic seacoast service
areas, SIDs 00008 and 00018. SID 00008 corresponds roughly to the
Philadelphia/Wilmington Metropolitan area (but extends as far west as
Reading PA and north to Allentown/Bethlehem - it's a huge system, and has
excellent coverage in most areas!), and SID 00018 being the Baltimore and
Washington DC metro areas, including Annapolis, MD.

Your features should also work, such as Call-Waiting, Call-Forwarding,
"Do Not Disturb" (*78/*780), etc. Note that in the DC system, "Receive
Calls/*78" = *18, and "Keep calls back in my home system so they can go
to voicemail/*780" = *19.

BAMS/DC, for some reason, has this thing where they want to impose the
use of the Follow Me Slowly (:) ) codes (*18, *19) for all auto call
delivery. Thus, even if you have auto call delivery, you STILL need to
use the FMR codes instead of the *78/*780. (In 00008/Philly they
"managed" [wow, big effort :( ] to put the *78/*780 codes in because some
nearby (Scranton/00172?) system needed it).

First off, I'm not sure why BAMS even wants this crazy system of mixing
up the FMR codes with the auto call delivery codes - it confuses
customers. I mean, they may hit *18 when they travel to Los Angeles,
thinking "OK, I want to get calls automatically delivered", yet forget, or
not even *know* that FMR has this ridiculous way of deactivating at
midnight (GTE doesn't seem to know why they do this, just that it is
etched in stone somewhere so they obviously can't change this ;) - of
course the "A" side "Nationlink/Roam America" doesn't do this, but why
should GTE Intercarrier Services care?).

So a Philly-based roamer in LA hits *18, gets calls for a day, and the
next day, not knowing that there is a big difference between auto call
delivery and FMR, just turns the phone on, and drives, but won't get any
calls because FMR took his number down automatically at midnight. The
roamer won't know this (unless he calls himself and sees its not busy),
so the system as enacted by BAMS can lead to missed calls, especially
from customers who are not too familiar with the differences between FMR
and auto call delivery.

Moreover, if the Philly-based roamer using FMR in LA decides he wants
calls to go to voicemail in Philly (they presently can't bounce
back to voicemail thanks to the brilliant legal scholars at the Dept. of
Justice who probably wouldn't know what a cellphone was if your dropped a
few on them), he will hit *19 to deactivate FMR. *BUT* this will also
deactivate auto call delivery. Thus, when the Philadelphia customer
returns home, and drives to NY, or now CT, etc., ie, an area with auto
call delivery, he won't get calls, as *19 ALSO serves to deactivate auto
call delivery. The customers will have to know to reactivate auto call
delivery, which I think many won't do, an thus further potential for
confusion and missed calls.

In addition, NYNEX/NY customers, who also have automatic call delivery to
BAMS's DC 00018 system, can't even use *18/*19! There is no way for a
NYNEX/NY customer to force calls back to Voicemail (or just to turn call
delivery off) once he enters the DC/Baltimore system.

NYNEX/NY tells me this is because every time you hit *18/*19, the carrier
you are roaming in gets billed by GTE for the call. (No small wonder that
cell carriers are trying to move away from GTE/FMR as fast as they can!)
BAMS either is dumb, doesn't care, or has some deal with GTE they don't pay.
Thus, they use the *18/*19 universally (and unwisely from the customers
perspective as noted above). NYNEX, however, does pay for these calls,
so they refused to allow BAMS customers to use *18/*19 in NYNEX
territory. BAMS, in retaliation, refused to allow *78/*780 in their DC
system for NYNEX customers, and I guess no one has noticed yet that it
doesn't work for SNET (Question is does SNET allow *18/*19 for BAMS?)

Anyhow, so this has been going on for about 8 months no, and NOTHING has
been done. So here's yet another good way to get out of your annual
service contract with BAMS and/or NYNEX- tell them you were told that you
could control call delivery in NY or DC, and in actuality, you can't, so
you want to cancel with no cancellation penalty. (Also, note that since
carriers supposedly pay GTE for every instance that *18/*19 was used, if
your visiting a system where FMR is regularly slow, hit *18 every 10
minutes until it kicks in. If you do it enough, it will cost them, and
maybe they will look into improving set up speeds [which in most markets
are under a minute now, I must admit], or ending that awful midnight
deactivation!)

Oh, and one last thing: SNET customers can use Call-Forwarding in all
non-NYNEX/NY markets. You can't forward or unforward in NYNEX/NY. (And
NYNEX/NY can't do it in CT/W, Mass, or other NYNEX/NY properties). Why?
They claim it's due to "fraud". I'm not sure how call-forwarding promotes
cell fraud, but isn't it amazing how cell co's think they can justify
almost any sort of inconvenience to the customer in by yelling out
"fraudulent calls"!

It's nice to see that besides all the nonsense from the DOJ about call
handling in visited markets, NYNEX and BAMS are so intent upon playing
silly games with each other that customers have to suffer even more :(
All I can say is that if I had anything to do with this, a situation
like the above would never be a problem for long, let alone 8 months!
But at least there's one more market with auto call delivery - some
progress at least.


Doug        [e-mail]    CID Tech [phone]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 07:16:29 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Digest Editor)
Subject: Many Hassles Here Last Week


Hello everyone!

Due to an unpaid phone bill, Illinois Bell zapped me off line. Unlike
in the past where they have gone along with partial payments this time
they are holding out for the full balance in CASH and my check-kiting
and floating techniques did not bail me out ... I have a temporary
setup for a couple of days and am working ernestly to get things back
to normal but still need to get a little more $$ over to the collection
office before service will be restored.  In the meantime, I'll do what
I can from my temporary, fallback connection here.

PAT

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #174
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa21463;
          17 Apr 94 12:10 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA12433; Sun, 17 Apr 94 08:26:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA12424; Sun, 17 Apr 94 08:26:02 CDT
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 08:26:02 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #175

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Apr 94 08:26:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 175

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Star Line Information (Tom Ward)
    1-800 FAXMail Service (Jack Bzoza)
    Neat Tricks! (Glen Roberts)
    Line Load Control (was: CO's and Disasters) (John Botari)
    Local Number Portability - What a Can of Worms (John R. Levine)
    Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (Paul Robinson)
    Operator Assisted Sent-Paid Coin Calls (Paul Robinson)
    SEM - European Commercial Broadband Services Seminar (J. Nicaise)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Tom Ward)
Subject: Star Line Information
Date: 16 Apr 1994 22:01:44 GMT
Organization: Pinnacle Online


Star Line Information Sheet #1
Carrier:  Contel Cellular of Virginia Inc
Market:   Norfolk, Virginia

*INFO    Free            Contel Cellular Info Line
*06    Airtime    804/254-3623    Weather Report
*211    Airtime    800/621-2622    Atlanta CNMC
*222    Airtime            American Automobile Association (AAA)
*30    Airtime    804/741-3800    Domino's Pizza
*40                Special Routing
*41                Special Routing
*HELP    Free    800/447-8500    Mr. Rescue
*48        804/727-6111    Police Department
*HUT    Airtime    804/499-9999    Pizza Hut
*51                Activate Octel Voice Mail
*52                Deactivate Octel Voice Mail
*57                Activate VMX Message Notification
*58                Deactivate VMX Message Notification
*61                Deactivate CCF
*611    Free    800/333-4004    Customer Care Department
*62                Deactivate ICP
*620    Airtime    804/498-2000    Virginia Beach Installation Shop
*71                Conditional Call Forwarding
*711    Free    800/333-4004    Customer Care Department
*72                Immediate Call Forwarding
*73                Cancel Call Forwarding
*811    Free    800/333-4004    Customer Care Department
*86                Access Octel Voice Mail
*880    Airtime    804/873-3663    Newport News Sales Office
*911    Free    911        Police/Fire/Rescue Emergency Number

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

From: Jack Bzoza <[e-mail]>
Subject: 1-800 FAXMail Service
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 20:56:00 -0400


On Thu, 7 Apr 1994 09:31:27 PDT Les Reeves <[e-mail]> wrote
and asked about: FAX Mailbox Services

>> Does anyone have any info on companies that provide a
>>  FAXMAIL service?

>> What I am looking for is a FAX Number I can give out that receives
>> faxes and then allows me to retrieve them from any fax machine by
>> dialing up my code.

> AT&T came out with a bunch of services for "professionals on the go"
> about a year ago, and a FAX mailbox was part of the package.  The
> disadvantage was that callers had to dial an 800 number and then enter
> a bunch more digits for your mailbox.  Most business users won't stand
> for this nonsense; they punch the number into the fax machine and walk
> away.

Delrina (the makers of WinFax and PerForm) has just announced a fax
mailbox service exactly as you describe.  It will ship (i.e. be available)
in about two weeks time.

It provides you with a personal 1-800 telephone number which can
receive faxes or voicemail.  It also has a paging notification feature
which you can have page you when a fax arrives for you in your mailbox.

To receive your faxes onto your computer, just click on 'Retrieve From
MailBox' from the Service's menu found in WinFax PRO 4.0.  Type in
your password, and your faxes will automatically be sent to you.  If
you don+t have your computer, or access to one, you can instruct the
service to send your faxes to a fax machine.  Your faxes are retrieved
from the same 1-800 number so there are no long distance access
charges.

It is currently the ONLY way to retrieve a fax sent to your fax
mailbox directly to your hotel room with your laptop.

You can call your Fax MailBox either from WinFax PRO or using a touch
tone phone to find out if there are any faxes waiting for you.  The
service will let you know how many faxes you've got, how many pages
are in each fax, and at what time each fax was received.  And you can
even pick and choose the faxes you want sent to you immediately, while
leaving others in your MailBox for retrieval at a later time.

Other options are available including DID numbers (for international
access), and voicemail options (the same mailbox can also take your
voicemail messages).

Also your telephone company+s "call forwarding" service lets you have
your faxes forwarded directly to your MailBox.  If you want to receive
your messages immediately, either to your office or an out of town
location, simply call forward your Delrina Fax MailBox number to your
current location.  Your messages will be automatically transferred.
And if that line is busy, your transmission can be rerouted back into
your MailBox through your phone company+s "call forward when busy"
service.

For more info you can call Delrina in California at 1-800-268-6082.


Jack Bzoza    [e-mail]    Delrina (Canada) Corporation

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

From: [e-mail] (Glen Roberts)
Subject: Neat Tricks!
Organization: RCI, Chicago, IL
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 23:12:42 GMT


PROTECT YOURSELF WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S TELEMARKETING TRICK

The irritating telemarketing call comes in ... it's the middle of
dinner and some lady wants to know if we get the Chicago Tribune ... I
tell them, just when it comes free a couple times a week ... and the
delight in the back of my mind that finally I have the phone number of
the agitating telemarketer!  For once, it's not "out of area" on the
Caller-ID display.

Well, my delight in phoning the back to express my displeasure with
them, quickly turned to frustration! Try it ... 1-312-670-4113. It
won't cost you anything. The familiar reorder tones followed by the
number 670-4113 "is not in service for incoming calls!" The ultimate
Caller-ID block.

Why not use it to protect your privacy? Get your second line setup by
the phone company that way, place all your out-going calls on it and
bam no body can return call or redial your number. Yeah, the phone
company will probably tell you they can't do that for you. Tell them
to call 1-312-670-4113 as proof that it can be done.

Also, here's another way to block caller-id. Dial 10288EEE-NNNN where
EEE is your exchange and NNNN is the number. For example, from my
home, if I call the surveillance hotline: [phone]... by dialing
"356-9646" Caller ID gets my home phone. Yet, if I dial"10288356-9646"
it comes in as out of area (yeah and I probably get billed the same as
calling long distance).


Glen L. Roberts, author, How To Spy On Anyone Without Getting Caught
Host Full Disclosure Live (WWCR 5,810 khz - Sundays 7pm central)
Box 734, Antioch, Illinois 60002. Fax: [phone]
Call the Surveillance Hotline: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: One-way service (either way, incoming or
outgoing only) is a common arrangement with Illinois Bell and there
should be no hassles in getting a line set up that way if desired. The
service reps will probably stress that it is important to have at least
one line working both ways, but they won't refuse your request. Quite a
few years ago I had a bank of phones in a rotary hunt group which were
for incoming calls only: If you picked them up to make an outgoing call
all you got on the line was battery; never a dial tone. Regards the use
of 10288 (or other 10xxx) to bypass Caller-ID, I should note that Glen
is in Antioch -- the outer reaches of 708 -- and things may be a little
different there, but in much (most?) of IBT territory, 10-anything is
disgarded by telco if it is a call they themselves are entitled to handle.
That's not to say the call is not routed in such a way that somehow it
avoids Caller-ID -- just that handling by the LD carrier is unlikely.  PAT]

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

From: John Botari <[e-mail]>
Subject: Line Load Control (was: CO's and Disasters)
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 94 22:44:59 CST


In article <[e-mail]>, Thomas Tengdin <teto@mbari.
org> writes:

> I was at an earthquake disaster training session this week and
> a statement was made:

> The telephone company computers will connect some customers
> at a higher priority than others.

> This is the first I have heard of calls being processed in any other
> way than first to finish dialing, first to be processed (more or
> less).

> Is there something in CO Class of Service? or other programming that
> gives "priority" service to a select class of lines?

I believe that the answer to this is "yes" ... in Canadian practice,
at least, it's referred to as "Line Load Control" or "LLC".  The
intent is (as I understand it) to ensure that lines associated with
emergency services will be the first to be granted dial tone in
situations where the telco's equipment is heavily loaded (as
frequently happens in times of disaster).  Pat, perhaps you could
comment on the practice in American jurisdictions; I'd also be
interested to know how this might have been accomplished in the days
of electromechanical switching, before it became just a software
configuration change!


John Botari   Environment Canada - Informatics   Saskatoon, SK, Canada
                        [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Local Number Portability - What a Can of Worms
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 02:00:51 EDT


A recent copy of {America's Network}, formerly TE&M, a widely read
trade rag for telco managers, has an interesting article on local
exchange competition and number portability.

The obvious way for CAPs to hook into the network is to set up their
own central offices and prefixes and hook into the network using
either tandem interfaces, as existing independent telcos do, or PBX
interfaces, as cellular carrierrs do.  But the argument is plausibly
made that CAPs will be at a significant disadvantage that way, since
you'd have to change your phone number if you switched phone companies.

So the thought is that local phone numbers will have to be portable,
much as 800 numbers are now portable.  When you call an 800 number,
your local telco looks up the 800 number and gets the carrier to which
to route the call.  With local number portability, someone would have
to do the same lookup for every single call.

Issues include:

* Database control:  Who's going to run the database(s)?  The current
  LEC?  The CAPs?  Some yet to be created entity?

* Database size: 800 numbers are a small fraction of the total
  calls made today, databases for local numbers would have to be orders
  of magnitude bigger.

* Database performance: The speed at which 800 numbers are looked up may
  not be fast enough for local calls.

* Database locations: Where is the lookup made?  At the origin exchange,
  which may be 3000 miles from the target?  Somewhere near the terminating
  customer?

* Money: Who's going to pay for all this?  800 numbers are all toll calls
  (to the callee) so there's a stream of revenue that can be tapped to pay
  for the portability database.  Where's it going to come from for
  unmetered local calls?  Will PUCs let this into the rate base?

If this lookup database existed, there would be all sorts of new services
available, such as automatic rerouting on demand, at time of day, by type
of call, etc.

Expect exciting times ahead.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 03:47:29 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


Saturday I was over at Micro Center, a computer store in Vienna,
Virginia.

Visiting the book department, I spotted a new set of three books,
highlighted in plain view, all having the word "Internet" on the
cover.

One was a book on things you can find, e.g. a list of sources for
things such as Weather information, FTP sites for various types of
files, and so on, e.g. a list of services similar to the ones on the
internet, only broader and much better organized.  It was also about
an inch thick, which meant it was about 500 pages long.  I didn't have
much chance to look at it since I don't have that much interest in the
services on the Internet.  I know they are comprehensive, I just never
thought about it.

The second book was printed on yellow paper and I think it referred to
itself as "The Internet Yellow Pages".  In essence it was a topic and
subject cross reference for news groups and mailing lists.  This, I
think is a good idea.  It's better if someone knows that, for example,
Com Priv deals with the Commercialization and Privatization of the
Internet and not with say, Private Compost heap management.  (Although
some people who read that group might think the latter is more
accurate.)  Or that the Bitnet list [e-mail] deals with the
ethics of computer programming and computer-related ethical issues,
rather than it being a general ethics list.

This too, was a Phone Book sized tome, about 3/4 inch thick, and it also
mentioned that it covers about 2700+ newsgroups, which doesn't make it
comprehensive (as someone corrected me earlier this month, the worldwide
set of public newsgroups is currently over 8,000 and runs close to 100
megabytes a day.)

What I found most interesting was the third book, also about an inch
thick, e.g. phone book sized, and what could probably be called "The
Internet White Pages".  Someone started collecting E-Mail addresses
and names for people from public messages, probably those posted on
newsgroups and heavily circulated mailing lists and put them in
alphabetical order.  A practice very similar to that done by the
address lookup program on rtfm.mit.edu (formerly "pit-manager").

Apparently the compiler of the book collected some 100,000 people's names
and printed them up.  This book is fairly recent but not that much.  As
with most people, I looked myself up.  While it does have my address on
access.net and MCI Mail, it does not have my address here on TDR.COM,
which implies that it stopped collecting before I started using it
almost exclusively, which would be before December 5, 1993, which is when
the TDR.COM domain is listed as last updated via WHOIS.

Some people seem to have gotten upset over the collection of E-Mail
addresses for advertising.  Now, here, someone has generally collected
everyone's address off public messages, and published them in a book that
is sold over the counter in a computer store.  I wonder how people feel
about this issue.

The author said in the preface quite frankly that he had started
"surrepticiously" collecting E-Mail addresses for a while.  I put that
word in quotes because I think that was his term, not mine.  I am
trying to avoid being judgemental here, because I don't see it as that
big a problem.  My E-Mail address is not my street address and doesn't
tell you where I live or what I do or how much money I make or how
educated I am.  But this practice does annoy some people and I wanted
to let some people know that if you are worried about the collection
of names and E-Mail addresses, you are a little late, someone's
already done a White Pages that anyone can purchase.  And if it's
successful, I'll bet there will be new issues, as well as possibly
competitors.

Seriously, I have a full newsgroup feed coming into the site I use,
there's nothing that says I couldn't set up a cron job that runs
several times a day to scan the spool files and collect addresses for
subsequent publication.  Anyone who has access to a full news feed
could have done the same thing.

Here's some questions to think about: What do you think about the
practice?  Is it right or wrong and why?  Does this impact people's
security?  Are there risks involved if your E-Mail address becomes
well known or if it is misprinted in a published "white pages"?  Are
there other considerations to think about?


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 04:50:40 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Operator Assisted Sent-Paid Coin Calls
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


I was asked the following question:

> You wrote:

>> In addition, AT&T filed tariff revisions with the Federal
>> Communications Commission on April 4, 1994 to increase its interstate
>> operator assisted sent-paid coin and coin person-to-person per minute
>> rates.

> What are operator assisted sent-paid coin calls?

Well, since the text excludes person-to-person coin (since they are
mentioned separately), it probably refers to overseas coin calls since
they cannot be handled automatically.

I'm guessing here, but what it probably refers to is a historical
issue.  The coin holding tray (the part that keeps coins until the
call supervises, not to be confused with the fare collection box) on
pay telephones in the U.S. can't hold more than three dollars, I have
been told.  If an overseas call costs more than that, the operator has
to process it manually.

For example, at 10:00 in the morning Eastern time, a coin-paid
station-to-station call to Israel costs $7.80 for three minutes, and
$1.40 for each additional minute.  This means that an operator would
have to accept $3, wait for a connection, dump the tray, ask the
recipient of the call to wait, accept another $3, dump the tray,
accept $1.80, then allow you to talk for the 15 seconds you'd have
left of the first three minutes you just spent throwing quarters
into the pay phone!  :)


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Sat, 16 Apr 94 12:41:37 +0100
From: Jean-Philippe Nicaise <[e-mail]>
Subject: SEM - European Commercial Broadband Services Seminar


     \\  |    THESEUS INSTITUTE

     //  |

    // /\| _        AND     ______  ______   ____       __  __   __
   // /   //\               | __  \ | __  \  | __ \     | | | \  | |
  // /   // /         BRAIN | |_> / | |_> /  | |_\ \    | | |  \ | |
 // /   // /          R2095 | __ <  | __ <   | ____ \   | | | \ \| |
// /   // / ____            | | \ \ | | \ \  | |   \ \  | | | |\ \ |
\\/ _ // /  \\  |           | |_/ / | |  \ \ | |    \ \ | | | | \  |
   ||\/ /   //  |           |____/  | |   \ \| |     \ \| | | |  \ |
   ||  /   // /\|

   ||__\  // /                   ANNOUNCE
         // /

        // /         A Seminar examining the commercial availability

       // /                   of European Broadband services
       \\/

                   MIGRATING TO COMMERCIAL BROADBAND SERVICES

                               April 28, 1994
                              THESEUS Institute
                              Sophia-Antipolis
                                   France

Broadband Communications, handling simultaneously voice, data and
video transmissions at large bandwidths, hold the promise of creating
new consumer and business services, as well as allowing companies to
be organised in new and innovative ways.

Today, various commerical broadband services are being offered to
European users.  However, in an emerging market, many issues are
raised:

  * What is the nature of these services ?
  * Is the availability and variety of services meeting user
    requirements ?
  * Why are users choosing specific services ?
  * What are the technological and/or commercial dilemmas facing the
    large user ?
  * Make or buy ? What is the technological life span of alternatives
    and can they be effectively evaluated ?
  * What are the technical migration paths chosen by these users ?

This seminar, held in France's Telecom valley, will directly
address these issues.

  ***  various commercial service offerings will be explored:  ***

  ***       SMDS, Frame relay, ATM, High speed X.25            ***

  ***  the seminar will bring together:                        ***
  ***      - broadband service providers                       ***
  ***      - clients of the broadband providers                ***
  ***      - large corporate potential users                   ***
  ***      - industry experts                                  ***
  ***      - American service providers                        ***

                                 Schedule

                          Thursday, April 28, 1994

 9:00   European Broadband Services
           Jeff GOULD, Datastrategies
           Jerome CAMUS, Theseus Institute

 9:30    BT's National SMDS Network
           Chris GAHAN,

           Data Solutions Manager, BT

10:30    Frame Relay & ATM

        in Telecom Finland's Service Offering Portfolio
           Pekka TOYTARI,

           Development Manager, Telecom Finland

11:15    LAN Interconnection & High Speed X.25 at France Telecom
           Dominique FAUX,

           Broadband Infrastructures Marketing, FT

12:00    The  American Experience in Developing an ATM Network

           Thierry BOSSER,

           Metropolitan Fiber Systems

14:00    Panel Commercial Broadband :

              Meeting User Needs,

          Technology Alternatives and

               Migration Paths
Nigel DYE,

           Network Planner, Amadeus
Olivier FAGOT,

           Administrateur Reseau, TF1
Chris GAHAN,

           British Telecom
Jean LORRAIN,

           IBM La Gaude
Pekka TOYTARI,

           Telecom Finland
Dominique FAUX,

           France Telecom

Francois BAR,

           Berkeley Roundtable on International Economics
Thierry BOSSER,

           MFS

17:30    ATM Demonstrator

    A demonstration of ATM by France Telecom is planned in closing
of the seminar.  It would be held at the Agora, France Telecom's
technology showcase, right next to Theseus Institute.

        This seminar is of interest to you if:

*      you are concerned with the choice or management of corporate
       telecommunications services

*      you would like to find out what broadband development
       possibilities exist and how they may apply to your organization

*      you are involved in the research, development or
       commercialisation of advanced broadband communication products
       and services

*      you wish to meet peers and have the opportunity to discuss
       with them similar concerns

For additional information, contact:

Jerome Camus          +(33) 92.94.51.00
                           [e-mail]
Robert Liddington     +(33) 92.94.51.23
                           [e-mail]
Fax:                  +(33) 93.65.38.37

                         Fees

Seminar fees, including materials, lunch & coffee breaks are of :
          180 ECUs        or      1200 FF (excluding VAT)
                    VAT of 18.6%

A special fee is available to individuals affilated with RACE
projects (indicate RACE project number affiliation in registration
form):
           90 ECUs        or       600 FF (excluding VAT)

                    VAT of 18.6%

Bank transfers can be made to


Currency          ECU                 French Franc
Bank          BNP Cannes            BNP Sophia Antipolis
Account #     185 000 33             0002 5026 582
Bank Code       30004                    30004
Sort Code       00643                    02037
Cle RIB                                    54

Or cheques can be sent to:
             Theseus Institute
             rue Albert Einstein
             BP 169
             06903 Sophia-Antipolis cedex
             France

                   Accommodation
Specially-priced hotel accommodation is available at Hotel Omega,
situated 50 metres from Theseus Institute.

Call +(33) 92.96.07.07 and quote the

                   Broadband Communications seminar.

             Registration Form (Please print if returned by mail)

Title:

Last Name

First Name(s)

Position:
Organisation:
Mailing Address:
Postal Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:
e-mail:

RACE project affiliation (indicate project number)

Please state what aspects of broadband communications are of interest
to you:


Payment (identify one) :

   Cheque enclosed

   Bank transfer

BRAIN (Bringing Researchers in Advanced communications to INdustry)
is a RACE project with the mandate of offering training and
education programs to the community of persons concerned with the
development of broadband in Europe.  BRAIN runs a yearly Summer
School and various seminars.

Theseus Institute is dedicated to bridging issues in Strategy,
Innovation and Information Technologies.  Advanced management
education programmes include a one-year MBA, Executive Education
programmes and specialised seminars.


Jean-Philippe Nicaise
Association French Data Network - Paris ([e-mail])
Institut Theseus - Sophia Antipolis ([e-mail])

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #175
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa21865;
          17 Apr 94 13:51 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA13174; Sun, 17 Apr 94 09:42:25 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA13165; Sun, 17 Apr 94 09:42:23 CDT
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 09:42:23 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #176

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Apr 94 09:42:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 176

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Distinctive Ring Switch OK? (Stuart Whitmore)
    Job Opening, The Limited, Columbus, OH (Jane Fraser)
    TCP/IP Over X.25/Datapac (Gordon Sawatzky)
    Need HDSL Loop Simulator Vendor Information (Yee-Lee Shyong)
    Comments About Modem Connection From US to Germany (Marko Ruokonen)
    Source for T1 CSU/DSU? (Avi Freedman)
    Equal Access in Canada (Jeff Bamford)
    Broadband ISDN (Carl Larson)
    Can Residential Voltage (?) Drop? (Dick O'Connor)
    Sprint Upgrades Network to SONET (Paul Robinson)
    Help Reading AT&T and NYNEX Toll Tapes (Stuart Cohnen)
    Re: Need Technical Information on CPDP (PDC Chris)
    800-555-1212 is Not Southwestern Bell (David Quist)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 03:51:55 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Rattlesnake Stu)
Subject: Distinctive Ring Switch OK?
Organization: Central Washington University


Does anyone have any direct experience with phone line switches that
use distinctive ring to determine which device (e.g., FAX, phone,
modem) to ring through to?  I've looked at two types in catalogs; one
handles two devices (two ring types) and the other handles four.  The
basic function is that there is one "in jack" and two or four "out
jacks".  The unit determines the type of ring coming in, and passes
the ring signal on to the device on the appropriate port/jack.

I'm considering using this to mix a voice line with a data/FAX line,
as adding a whole new line is not feasible at this time.  Before I buy
the switch, I'd like to know if people have had sucesses or (more
importantly) problems with this type of configuration.  The data/FAX
line currently has a ZyXEL U-1496E+ on it ... I don't know if that
makes a difference, but it might if the ring signal passed on by the
switch is not identical to the phone company's ring.

Any comments or advice?  I apologize for posting this in multiple
newsgroups, but each is applicable to the situation (nfp).  Thanks, in
advance, for informative input.


Stuart Whitmore          FAX:  [phone]      Data: Same as FAX
[e-mail]  [e-mail]       [e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 04:19:10 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Job Opening, The Limited, Columbus, OH


The following information is from a job announcement from The Limited,
which is headquartered here in Columbus, OH.  In talking with people
at The Limited, I've learned that they will make this a management
position "for the right person." For more information called Vince
Dillon at 614-479-7510.

Jane Fraser, Ohio State University

Telecommunications Analyst

The distribution and related business expertise of Limited
Distribution Services provides a clear competitive edge to one of the
largest fashion retailers in the world! A major division of The
Limited, Inc., we how have an excellent opportunity at our
headquarters for a technically skilled team player who is ready to
grow.  Our successful candidate will possess three years experience in
all or most of the following areas: high-speed voice/data networking
area, T-1, T-3, Frame Relay and SONET.  Outstanding communication
skills and highly creative analytical abilites are essential.  A
proven track record of user sensitivity and vendor management are also
a must.

We offer attractive salary commensurate with experience, outstanding
benefits, and the setting of a leading edge industry pace setter.
Please send your resume with salary requirements to: Limited
Distribution Services, Human Resources Dept, P.O. Box 182199,
Columbus, OH 43218.

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

From: [e-mail] (Gordon Sawatzky)
Subject: TCP/IP Over X.25/Datapac
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 17:00:58 -0400
Organization: InfoMagnetics Technologies Corporation


Does anyone know of products that allow TCP/IP over X.25 (datapac)
connections for Windows?

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 10:31:12 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Yee-Lee Shyong)
Subject: Need HDSL Loop Simulator Vendor Information



    Currently I am involved in the planning of HDSL deployment. I
am just collecting information on three vendors:

    [1] W&G, German company
    [2] Consultronics, Canada company
    [3] TAS

Can anyone provide me the eMail address of these companies?


Best Regards,

Apollo Shyong

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

Date: 17 Apr 94 05:38:10 EDT
From: Marko Ruokonen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Comments About Modem Connection From US to Germany


During the Easter holidays, I visited the US (Boston area) and had
some "first-hand" experience with the US phone system.

What follows are just some impressions a tourist (used to POTS, pulse
dialing, etc.) had with some foreign phone system.

I was amazed about the really good line quality when calling my
parents at home in Cologne, Germany.

I was traveling with my notebook that is equipped with an PCMCIA IBM
Highspeed Fax/Modem (14400 bps), configured for the german phone
system (since I normally use it in Germany). The modem had an RJ-11
jack that plugged into an adapter for the german TAE-N norm.  Instead
of using the german adapter, I used a standard phone cord that plugged
directly to the phone jack. The modem even recognized the US dial tone
(I really WAS suprised that things could be THAT easy...)  Leaving out
the adapter did the job of connecting to the US system, but since the
adapter is supposed to do some "adjustments" for the german system, I
am not quite sure if that was the correct way (legally or technically)
to do that; IBM offers different adapters for different countries, so
should I buy one for my next trip to the US to "play the game save"?

Since I own an MCI calling card, I was able to conduct a test
connection to the german DATEX-J and from there to my bank.

The dialing string I used was:

1. 950-1022     (access MCI long-distance);
2. ,,,,         (wait 8 seconds to get MCI "dial tone");
3. 01492211910# (phone number, Cologne dial-in, the # eliminated the time-out);
4. ,            (wait for 2 seconds to get second dial-tone);
5. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (MCI calling card number);
6. ,,           (allow 4 more seconds to get to Germany, so modem will not
                 just time out).

The connection was completed, but was dropped after approximatly thirty
seconds, no matter what I typed (or did not type).

I figured out that I had to disable carrier supervision also, so that
my modem would not disconect due to a short loss of carrier. From then
on, the connection went just smoothly, maybe it was even cleaner than
my local connection I use to have here in Germany: the built-up time
for the display were slightly shorter).

Now for some more questions:

First, why did my modem quit after approximatly 30 seconds? Was the
carrier suppressed after a certain time or was there some compression
algorithm messing up the carrier?

Second, some friend (working at NYNEX) told me that "all the talk
about clearer connections when using different LD carriers is
nonsense, because the LD carriers just rent the lines, so the lines
are actually all the same".  Is that true? If yes, from whom does MCI
(for instance) rent the connection?

And last, a (maybe) interesting story about tele-marketers:

One of our friends there is the Director of Public Health in some
small town in MA. He told us that he was called once at his office (!)
by a telemarketer trying to sell additives for septic tanks (I hope
that is the correct expression!). But actually, that guy did not even
know WHERE he was calling, since such additives seem to be illegal in
that area ;-).  First, our friend let him do all the talk about "how
great" all that stuff was and then told him that he was the Director
of Public Health in an "no-additives" area. I suppose what followed
was the fastest disconnect ever encountered :-)).

Some more comments:

The phone book (Concord area) did still had "New England Telephone" in
it.  Isn't it supposed to be NYNEX? It was the 1994 edition, after
all.  However, better yet, in the international dialing codes section,
there was still an entry for West Germany (49) and East Germany (37) !

After almost five years? Boy, someone tell NYNEX that there is much
more going on in the world than just area code splits in Zone 1! ;-)

And last, about 1+7D dialing: since we do not use that kind of scheme
in Germany, it was just interesting to use, but checking whether a
call was LD or local was kind of unnecessary hassle for me, since the
phone system is supposed to be so "smart" it could probably do that
better. I heard about the different opinions about that, regarding
unintended toll calls and shorter dialing sequences on the other hand.
But I guess there is no way both of these opinions could meet, so
thats the way it goes.

Ok, that's it; comments on the above are really welcome.


Marko Ruokonen
Cologne, Germany
Internet: [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: No, the fastest disconnect ever was on the
call from a firm going by the name of 'Phone Company Repair Service' here
in Chicago several years ago. They did telemarketing selling warranties
and pre-paid repair service plans on phones purchased from various vendors
in the area. They used that name to be deliberatly deceptive, making people
think they were affiliated with telco. Then one day, they accidentally
called Illinois Bell's head of security at his home number ... without
saying who he was at first, he asked the telemarketer 'are you affiliated
with Illinois Bell? ...'  when the telemarketer said YES, the security man
said he thought not, and identified himself. Click!  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Avi Freedman)
Subject: Source For T1 CSU/DSU?
Date: 17 Apr 1994 03:18:14 GMT
Organization: University of Pennsylvania


Does anyone know a good source for a T1 CSU/DSU?  I need it to do full
T1, not fractional, and to have a v.35 cable.  I was told to look for
a GDC 552A, but I assume any T1 CSU/DSU would work?

So, good sources are welcome.

Also, if anyone has one, feel free to send e-mail.


Thanks,

Avi

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

From: [e-mail] (jeff bamford)
Subject: Equal Access in Canada
Organization: Audio Research Group, University of Waterloo
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 10:34:23 GMT


    My latest bill from my LD company has a little form to return
for equal access dialing.  Currently, you need to dial into a local
port.  They did not indicate when equal access would be arriving
anywhere in Canada.  They only wanted me to know that I could make the
switch when it becomes available.  Presumably it will happen first in
the larger centres and then make its way to the smaller centres.  Does
anyone else have target dates?  I'm also curious as to when we'll get
carrier codes like in the U.S.


  Jeff Bamford     [e-mail] -- NeXT Mail welcome
    [e-mail]    /     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (CARL LARSON)
Subject: Broadband ISDN
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 11:38:00 GMT
Organization: Terrapin Station BBS, 612-623-0152 v32.bis


I need information, papers, thoughts or refs on broadband ISDN.  I am
in the process -- late in the process of course -- of writing a paper
for school.  I would be grateful if you could point me to some
sources.  I will have a chance to get on the archive computer this
weekend if you know of anything there.  I hope this message gets
through as I am not very skilled at e-mail yet.

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

From: [e-mail] (Dick O'Connor)
Subject: Can Residential Voltage (?) Drop?
Date: 16 Apr 1994 22:58:19 GMT
Organization: University of Washington


Strange thing happened recently on my second of two residential lines.
Suddenly one day the voice mail card stopped answering on that line,
but when I switched lines it worked fine. Handsets that ring just fine
on our first line stopped ringing on our second line in tests.  Yet,
if I called the second line from the first, I hear the "ring", and if
my kid picks up a phone attached to the second line, it answers and we
can talk.

Is voltage somehow involved in "ringing" so that a decrease would
cause to small a *something* for devices like modem cards and handsets
to respond to?  Where does this happen, and what's the fix?  I
shouldn't bother asking, of course, but the US West repairperson spent
two hours yesterday confirming the problem and noting it isn't the
interior wiring (good, good) but still hasn't solved the problem.
Maybe I'm oversimplifying, but my concept is that whatever causes the
signaling is like water pressure, and you have to have enough of it to
do any useful work.  Is this too simple?  ;) Any hints I can pass on
so the repairperson can fix it and get on with real problems??


Thanks,

"Moby" Dick O'Connor                                 [e-mail]
Wash. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife        *Remember: the fish were here first!*

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

Date: Sat, 16 Apr 1994 19:31:53 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Sprint Upgrades Network to SONET
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


{Digital News & Review} News Briefs, March 21, 1994, Page 5

Sprint upgrades network to SONET

Kansas City, Mo. - Sprint last week announced that it is embarking on
a $350 million, 30 month plan to convert all of its line to SONET
(Synchronus Optical Network) OC-48 level.  Once installed, the network
will provide a bandwidth of up to 2.4 gigabits per second (Gbps),
although development work already is under way to increase the
bandwidth to 10Gbps.

The program, which was begun late last year, is expected to be
completed by 1996.  Sprint says the upgraded network automatically
will double its potential capacity, but the addition of Asynchonus
Transfer Mode (ATM) technology will further increase the system's
load.

Sprint is incorporating a double-ring technology that protects against
network failures, says Anthony Alotto, director of technology and
architecture integration.  If a segment of the ring fails, the signal
automatically is rerouted to a ring going in the opposite direction so
that every node on the ring is accessible from reduntant networks
rings, he says.

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 05:15:40 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Stuart Cohnen)
Subject: Help Reading AT&T and NYNEX Toll Tapes
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Stuart Cohnen)
Organization: Rockefeller University


We are taking our call accounting software inhouse, buying a package
that allows us to get the SMDR call records into an SQL database. As
such I need to reconcile it with the toll tapes from NYNEX and AT&T.

Does anyone have the format of these 9 track tapes. Are they EBCDIC or
ASCII?  Any info is greatly appreciated.


Stuart Cohnen
Manager of Engineering and Technical Services
The Rockefeller University/Computer Services
1230 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
[phone] Fax: [phone]
INTERNET:    [e-mail]
HEPNET  :     ROCKUP::COHNEn

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

From: [e-mail] (PDC Chris)
Subject: Re: Need Technical Information on CPDP
Date: 17 Apr 1994 09:22:02 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Abnan Hafeez) writes:

> Can somebody provide me some information on CPDP?

This is kinda old, but you get the idea:

    ------- Start of forwarded message -------
  From: Sharpened Software <[e-mail]>
  To: [e-mail] (PenPoint Mailing List)
  Subject: CDPD Information
  Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1993 15:46:00 -0800 (PST)

At the latest Pacific Northwest PenPoint Programmers meeting, Rob
Mechaley, VP of Technology for Mc Caw Communications, presented an
overview of the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) service.

The system is being deployed now and will being operation in specified
areas by Fall.  The 0.8 spec was printed on March 19.  It contains 95%
of the detail on how to build the network.  The missing 5% include
details on network management and more importantly, the API for OS's
and application programs.  The final 1.0 spec is due in June.

The "footprint" of CDPD will eventually reach over the entire
footprint of the cellular system, which currently encompasses 92% of
all homes in the US.  The current cellular system is split into
approximately 10,000 cells, and most cells are then split into 2 or 3
sectors.  The equipment for running CDPD needs to installed in each of
these sectors.  Each sector uses multiple "channels" (frequencies).  A
voice phone call uses one channel.  Phone calls are "handed off" from
cell to cell when the cell site informs the phone to switch channels
to that of a neighboring cell.  During all this switching, some
channels are unused for a few seconds at a time.

CDPD is a packet data network which runs on top of the current
cellular frequencies within the "idle time" between voice phone calls.
The system uses channel hopping to jump between the idle timeslots.
When a mobile CDPD user moves around, the CDPD modem channel hops
between cells.

Each channel is a two-way 19.2Kb/s packet stream.  The packets are
routed as in a LAN or WAN with the added feature that the end points
(the CDPD modems) can move around the network.  TCP/IP and OSI's CLNP
will be supported while other protocols may be added later.

The network is designed to be secure (unlike the current cellular phones).
 The cells authenticate the CDPD modems and vica versa.  The packet
stream is very well encrypted.  For further protection, true user id's
are not used.  Rather, aliases are created when the system logs in,
and these aliases are changed at random intervals.  This assures that
a user's location cannot be determined by unauthorized listeners.

The network was designed for low power systems.  The modems can go
into sleep mode.  The network can store packets destined to the
sleeping modem which awakens periodically to gather packets.  Modems
may also buffer packets, or can wake up the machine they are connected
to when an important packet arrives.

CDPD is a packet switching network.  Users will be charged for data
transferred, not by time online.  It is expected that a user's modem
will be left on at all times (except within airplanes) and the user
will remain logged in.  The system will be able to store to discard
packets when the user disconnects.

The technology needed to build a CDPD modem is a DSP and a radio.
Since DSP's are programmible, it will be possible to build modems
which are capable of acting as CDPD endpoints, analog cellular phones,
and a landline modem.  Due to all the off-the-shelf hardware, CDPD
modems should be priced under $500.  Companies are working on a 2 chip
solution, others on PCMCIA cards.  Modems from multiple vendors should
be available by the time the network is opened.

The CDPD Consortium is comprised of the major cellular phone carriers
in the US, plus IBM.  Because it is a group of companies the CDPD
netowrk will be deployed at different times in different areas of the
country.  Each carrier is allowed to set its own rates for the
service.  Due to the way cellular is regulated, there should be two
CDPD carriers in every city within a few years.  The spec allows for
roaming whereever the network exists.  CDPD will look like one very
large network with any modem being able to connect to any other modem.

Gateways to other networks will be connected to the CDPD network
through "land lines."  The spec doesn't constrain the types of
services which can be connected to the network.

CDPD has been demonstrated at COMDEX Fall, Mobile '93, and Wireless
'93.  Apple, IBM, and EO hardware have been used to demonstrate
various features of the network.

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

The current spec can be optained for $100 from:

    CDPD Industry Input Coordinator
    [phone]
    [phone] FAX

There is an NDA required to obtain the spec.

posted by Michael Libes, Sharpened Software Inc.
          ------- End of forwarded message -------

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

From: [e-mail] (dquist)
Date: 17 Apr 94 11:58:08 GMT
Subject: 800-555-1212 is Not Southwestern Bell


> Yes and no. 800-555-1212 is not run by AT&T. It is managed on a day
> to day basis by Southwestern Bell Telephone .................

Pat,

Thought you may be interested:


9. SECTION 9 - AT&T 800 DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SERVICE
 AT&T COMMUNICATIONS                                    TARIFF F.C.C. NO. 2
 Adm. Rates and Tariffs                                1st Revised Page 263
 Bridgewater, NJ  08807                           Cancels Original Page 263
 Issued:  March 10, 1994                         Effective:  March 11, 1994

                    WIDE AREA TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
                                  SECTION 9
                    AT&T 800 DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SERVICE

 AT&T COMMUNICATIONS                                    TARIFF F.C.C. NO. 2
 Adm. Rates and Tariffs                                3rd Revised Page 264
 Bridgewater, NJ  08807                        Cancels 2nd Revised Page 264
 Issued:  March 10, 1994                         Effective:  March 11, 1994

              SECTION 9 - AT&T 800 DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SERVICE
 9.1.  DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE
 9.1.1.  General - AT&T  800   Directory  Assistance   Service  permits   a
 Responsible Organization  (Resp Org)  to list  800  service number(s)  for
 which it is responsible  in AT&T's Directory Assistance  Data Base.   This
 service allows callers, who access the AT&T Directory Assistance Bureau by
 dialing 1-800-555-1212, to obtain the 800 service number associated with a
 particular 800 service Customer  name specified by the  caller.  AT&T  800
 Directory Assistance Service  is available 24  hours per day,  7 days  per
 week to  callers located  within the  continental  United States,  Alaska,
 Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  There is no  AT&T charge
 to the caller for this service.
 9.1.2.  Provision  Of  Directory  Assistance  Information  To  Callers - A
 caller dialing the AT&T 800 Directory Assistance number will reach an AT&T
 operator at the Directory Assistance Bureau.   The caller will specify  to
 the operator the name of the  Customer for which the caller is  requesting
 an 800 service number.   If the 800 Service  Customer's name is listed  in
 AT&T's Directory Assistance  Data Base and  the area where  the caller  is
 located is served by the Customer's 800 service number, the  operator will
 furnish the  caller with  the Customer's  800 service  number utilizing  a
 synthesized voice announcement.   If  the Customer name  specified by  the
 caller is not listed or if the caller has given the operator  an incorrect
 Customer name, the operator will respond with a "not found" report.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well, 'AT&T Communications' is not the same
company as 'AT&T' -- at least not on paper, and I do think SWBT is the
manager of the service for AT&T Communications. Do I stand corrected?

Please note there have been some problems here with telco of my own in
the past week, thus the lack of Digests for several days ... I am trying
to get things back in order here, but am still needing to raise a bit
more cash to take IBT before all will be restored to 'normal', whatever
normalacy around here is supposed to be!  :)   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #176
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa02036;
          18 Apr 94 5:17 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA24304; Mon, 18 Apr 94 02:25:05 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA24295; Mon, 18 Apr 94 02:25:03 CDT
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 94 02:25:03 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #177

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Apr 94 02:25:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 177

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging? (Frank Clark)
    Help Wanted - Switch Development ([e-mail])
    Internet and the Info Highway (Scott Pope)
    Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone? (Andrew C. Green)
    What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do? (David Gingold)
    Telemarketer Game Rules (Steve Edwards)
    GSM and Airbags (Stewart Fist)
    Videocrypt Pirating (Stewart Fist)
    More on UK Code Change (Peter Campbell Smith)
    Hughes Gets $80M Indonesia Wireless Contract (Paul Robinson)
    Need Gammalink Fax Card (Larry Rachman)
    Access to Unpublished Phone Numbers (Robb Arthur)
    Telecommunications Development in Asia (Hwa-Lun L Liu)
    X.25 in Ecuador Needed ([e-mail])
    AT&T's ClearSpeak (Alok C. Nigam)
    Sprint Gopher (was Re: Sprint Upgrades Network to SONET) (Peter M. Weiss)
    Delaware Memo (Carl Moore)
    Does Sparc/SunOS Work Well With X25? (H.J. Lu)
    Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (Steve Kass)
    Phone Fraud: How To! (Glen Roberts)
    Wanted: Books on ATM/Frame Relay/SMDS (Mark A. Cnota)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Franclark)
Subject: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?
Date: 17 Apr 1994 19:23:37 -0400
Organization: Concentric Research Corporation


I need some advice. I own a small refrigeration company (two employees).
Currently we lease a phone line from an answering service. When the
customer calls in the operator dumps the message in my voice mail and
I am paged.  This is cumbersome, time consuming, and expensive.

With an eye to the future, when I can afford full time office
help, I am getting my own business line in June. I would like to be
able to capture the calls on an answering machine which would
automatically ring my pager(preferrably alphanumeric) upon receipt of
each call. Are there answering machines available with this
capability? Is software available to do this via modem?

Thank you in advance for any information.


Frank Clark   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Help Wanted - Switch Development
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 13:22:37 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


I am interested in developing a telecom switch to provide message,
admin, security, and accounting to a variety of clients whose messages
would be relayed (by the switch) to one or more common carriers for
transmission.

If anyone has suggestions as to how to begin gathering information
about switch development I would be grateful.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Internet and the Info Highway
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 12:55:31 PDT
Organization: WilTel


Does anyone have any thoughts on how the Internet will relate to the
Information Highway?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Not how it *will* relate, but how it
*does already* relate to the highway ... the Internet is the backbone
for the whole concept, and it has been around for more than a decade
as old-timers will attest.   PAT]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 17:30:37 CDT
From: Andrew C. Green <[e-mail]>
Subject: Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone?


My father is exploring ways of setting up a credit card authorization
terminal for one afternoon's use at an outdoor concert. He has the use
of a standard card-swipe terminal which is normally installed in a
retail installation on what is thought to be a POTS line; i.e. when a
charge must be authorized, the card is swiped through the reader, the
machine opens the line, dials the local bank and eventually flashes
the result (e.g. authorization code or denial) on its display. In
other words, connect the box to a telephone line and it does its
thing.

The problem is that at the concert location, no land line is
available.  He would like to use a cellular phone if possible, but
there appear to be at least two distinct risks:

1) Whether the card-swipe terminal can be connected to the phone and
   function with it, even if the phone must be dialed manually;

2) Whether the transmission is secure.

I suspect that the hardware connectivity might be solvable, but I have
some obvious concerns about transmission security. My gut feeling is
that a digital cellular connection would be the minimum required, and
ideally a spread-spectrum PCS (like I used to have :-( Please note
that this is for one afternoon's use for a non-profit organization, so
cost is a consideration. If hardware can be specified, we can then go
off and hunt it down to ask for one day's loan.

In any event, we'd appreciate any input you might have, either here in
TELECOM Digest with PAT's approval or privately via Email. My father
can be contacted directly at the CompuServe address below:

Anthony R. Green
[e-mail]


Andrew C. Green
Datalogics, Inc.          Internet: [e-mail]
441 W. Huron
Chicago, IL  60610-3498   FAX: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Gingold)
Subject: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do?
Date: 17 Apr 1994 18:51:45 -0400
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation


I've got a Northern Telecom Meridian phone on my desk.  It has a DB-25
connector on the back, which I suspect is a serial port.  (The
connector hooks to a small PCB in the base, which in turn plugs into
what might be an ISDN plug inside the base?)

Is this a serial port?  Does anyone know how to talk to it and what I
can do with it?  In particular, I'd like to program my workstation to
dial the phone.


dg

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 22:30:36 PDT
From: Steve Edwards <newline![e-mail]>
Subject: Telemarketer Game Rules


About six or so months ago, someone posted the "rules" to a game to
play on telemarketers. It was based on a point system -- x points if
you got the telemarketer to tell you their name, y points if you got
them to lose their temper, z points if you got them to curse, etc. It
was quite humorous.

Do you remember this post? Can you repost it or point me to it in the
archives?


Thanks in advance,

Steve Edwards      Internet: [e-mail]      Voice: [phone]
Newline               CompuServe: 73677,3561           Fax: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: If I had the time I would go back in
the archives and look for it. I'm sure it was more than six months ago.
If anyone has a copy and sends it in I will try to find room to print
it here again.   PAT]

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

Date: 18 Apr 94 00:03:44 EDT
From: Stewart Fist <[e-mail]>
Subject: GSM and Airbags


I've just received by fax a photocopy of a story from the {Guardian
Weekly} (UK) dated April 3.

It is headlined "Mobile phone set off airbag" and the story is about a
couple of instances where (it is claimed) GSM handsets have set off
airbags in luxury cars in Europe.  I'm interested to find out whether
this stuff is true, or an urban myth.  I think it's probably myth,
because I can't imagine anything easier to shield from EMI than an
inertia switch in a car.

However the story quotes Lawrence Donegan and says "Safety experts
issued a warning ... not to use mobile phones while driving..."

The story also quotes Viv Stephens, head of the Industry Research
Centre as saying that it is possible for mobiles to trigger airbags.

Can anyone give me a contact to either Lawrence Donegan (possibly a
technical journalist) or Viv Stephens (Industry Research Centre) -
which I presume is in the UK?

I've tried to track similar stories in Germany, and sources tell me
that the German Road Transport Research Unit is working on the
problem, but when I contact them they deny it.  BMW, VW and Mercedes
are also reported to have had airbag blow-outs with GSM, but they also
all deny it.

Someone's not telling the truth.

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

Date: 17 Apr 94 07:03:36 EDT
From: Stewart Fist <[e-mail]>
Subject:Videocrypt Pirating


I've been told by a usually reliable source that the full confidential,
proprietary details of the Videocrypt video scrambling system are being
released this week on some international bulletin boards.

This is the system licensed by (and part-owned?) by Rupert Murdoch's
News Datacom and used by the Sky network across Europe.

The decoding system has apparently been successfully pirated for some
time in Europe, and a flourishing business has grown up around it.
One source says that there are almost as many pirated Sky systems as
legit at the present time.  Now someone is about to publish the full
details.

My information also is that once the information becomes public, it
will be relatively easy for anyone with above-average technical
ability to break the code in real-time on a home PC, and view Sky for
free.

If all the above is true, I'm interested in knowing what the pirates
stand to gain from releasing the information on bulletin boards.
Surely, it is more profitable to keep the information to yourself, and
have something to sell.  Or is this a move to force Videocrypt's hand
in some way?

Once a scrambling system has been compromised to this degree, it is
probably better that it is broken up completely, but it still seems to
be a strange thing for anyone to do.  Does anyone have information or
an explanation?

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

From: [e-mail] (Peter Campbell Smith)
Subject: More on UK Code Change
Organization: Logica, London
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 1994 02:56:54 GMT


 From the Oftel leaflet "A day to renumber" (Oftel is the UK
government telecomms regulatory body):

Code changes will start to be available mid-June 94, so call-barring
equipment or payphones that analyze the dialed number need to be
changed by then.

The new codes will be available everywhere from 1 August 1994, and the
00 prefix for outgoing international calls will be available then
also.

Old and new codes will run in parallel from 1 August 1994 until
PhONEday, 16 April 1995, when the old codes will cease to be
available.

The new national codes are the old ones with an added 1 after the 0
(so 071 becomes 0171, 0234 becomes 01234) except:

0532 xxxxxx becomes 0113 2xx xxxx
0742 xxxxxx becomes 0114 2xx xxxx
0602 xxxxxx becomes 0115 9xx xxxx
0533 xxxxxx becomes 0116 2xx xxxx
0272 xxxxxx becomes 0117 9xx xxxx

The following are unchanged (no added 1): (free) 0500, 0800, (local
rate) 0345, 0645, (premium rate) 0336, 0338, 0640, 0660, 08364, 0839,
0881, 0891, 0898, (mobile) 0374, 0385, 0802, 0831, 0836, 0850, 0860,
0956, 0958, 0973, 0976, (paging) 0941, (other) 0910.

Paging numbers other than 0941 will get the added 1.

Service codes such as 100, 151, 999 etc remain unchanged.

Incoming international calls change accordingly, eg [phone]
becomes [phone] and so on.

Further details: Oftel leaflet line 071-634 8756, BT 0800 010101, Mercury
0500 041995.


Peter Campbell Smith, Logica plc, London.  Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]  Internet: [e-mail]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 18:04:35 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Hughes gets $80M Indonesia Wireless Contract
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


{Washington Post} Digest, April 14, Pg D12:

"Hughes Network Systems of Germantown [Maryland], a unit of GM Hughes
Electronics, won a contract for a fixed wireless telephone system in
Jakarta Indonesia, valued at more than $80 million.  The system will
initially serve 250,000 subscribers and is expected to grow to 800,000
subscribers."

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

Date: 17 Apr 94 21:50:12 EDT
From: Larry Rachman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Need Gammalink Fax Card


I'm looking for a used Gammalink Gammafax XPI (I believe its called)
fax card, or something similar. The right card will sit in a PC next
to a Dialogic D41 and talk to it via the MIVP connector. What I'm NOT
looking for is a conventional fax modem that connects directly to a
phone line via an RJ-11.

Reply via email, phone, or fax.


Larry Rachman   [e-mail]
516-427-1112 (voice)   516-427-0656 (fax)

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

From: Robb Arthur <[e-mail]>
Subject: Access to Unpublished Phone Numbers
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 20:54:25 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


To anyone who can help us out:

We are looking for the phone number to a Mr. John Patrick Quirk, 44
Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT., 06437.  The number is unpublished, he
is running scams that have totalled over $200,000. We are trying to
locate him and serve him with a subpeona.  If you can find out his
phone number or can confirm his address as it shows, I would appreciate
it. Send any information by fax at [phone] or voice 1-800-966-2468,
Attn. Darryl Biggs.

Thank you.

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

From: [e-mail] (Hwa-Lun L Liu)
Subject: Telecommunications Development in Asia
Date: 17 Apr 1994 17:32:51 GMT
Organization: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA


I am a graduate student majoring in Telecommunications at GMU.  I am
currently working on a paper entitled "Telecommunications development
in Asia".  My focus is on the marketplace in Asia, for the emerging
technologies(e.g. ISDN, ATM, Frame Relay), covering China, Taiwan,
Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia.

If anyone is interested in this topic, or has something to contribute
to my paper, please contact me at [e-mail].


Lynn

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: X.25 in Ecuador Needed
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 21:24:16 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


I need an X.25 connection in Ecuador. Can anyone help?  The Public
networks such as BT and Sprint are not there.


Gene

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

From: [e-mail] (Alok C. Nigam)
Subject: AT&T's ClearSpeak
Date: 18 Apr 1994 01:51:31 GMT
Organization: The MITRE Corporation


I have heard that AT&T speaker phones use something called ClearSpeak,
which allows full duplex communication and much improved communications.
Does anyone know if this technology makes their speakerphones better
than others, or if this is just a marketing ploy?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The very same question has been asked
by at least a few people regards AT&T's other product with a similar
name, TruVoice. It is also intended to provide 'much improved communi-
cations'. Your guess is as good as anyone's.   PAT]

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 16:29:15 EDT
From: Peter M. Weiss <[e-mail]>
Subject: Sprint Gopher (was Re: Sprint Upgrades Network to SONET)
Organization: Penn State University


Other SPRINT PR can be found by gophering to gopher.sprintlink.net.


[e-mail]     "The 'NET' never naps"             [phone]
31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA

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

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 17:20:23 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Delaware Memo


In a separate mailing from my latest Delaware phone bill, I have
received a letter with the new Delaware dialing instructions, which
have previously been discussed in the Digest.

"To free up additional numbers, area codes will look like the first
three digits of a telephone number; i.e., will use the numbers '2'
through '9' as a middle digit, beginnin in January 1995." -- Not QUITE
right; the NNX area codes will appear as new area codes are needed.

Notice that, for remote call forwarding, "Bell Atlantic will automat-
ically reprogram, if necessary".  Long distance within Delaware is
affected.

"Remember to include the area code when dialing local fax machines
outside of your area code." -- What does this mean?  Local calls to
other area codes will continue to be just seven digits.  (From Delaware,
this is all along the Pa. border and at a FEW places along Md. border;
but FROM Pa.  TO Del. is 1 + 302 + 7D.)

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

From: [e-mail] (H.J. Lu)
Subject: Does Sparc/SunOS Work Well With X25?
Date: 17 Apr 1994 21:24:50 GMT
Organization: Nynex Science & Technology, Inc.


Hi,

We are using a Sparc 10 running SunOs 4.1.3 to talk to many remote
hosts with SVC over x25 links. The average size of the messages is
about 2K. Assume the traffic is not very heavy, we are wondering how
many remote hosts a process on the local host can handle with
reasonable performance.

Our mains concerns are:

1. The number of files a process can open.
2. The nummber of SVCs a process can handle without heavy performance
   hit.

Does anyone have experiences with x25 and Sun? Please email me.  I
don't read this group very often.


Thanks,

H.J.

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

Subject: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"
From: [e-mail] (Steve Kass)
Date: 17 Apr 94 22:22:18 EDT
Organization: Drew Univ Academic Computing


I had to leave an important message after hours tonight, and the party
I was calling warned me that to reduce their voice mail load, the
system was set up not to answer for 16 rings or longer.  The sanity of
that aside, I placed the call through AT&T and was unable to get
through.  Before the call was answered, AT&T informed me that my party
did not answer, and that they were sorry, I would now be disconnected.
I then successfully placed the call by dialing 10222+ .  I couldn't
help wondering if an AT&T operator could have placed the call with
this "feature" disabled.


Steve Kass/Math & CS/Drew University
[e-mail]/[phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Glen Roberts)
Subject: Phone Fraud: How To!
Organization: RCI, Chicago, IL
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 22:42:27 GMT


PHONE FRAUD!

The enticing brochure claims "Now, receive a discount on your long
distance calls -- including every toll call over 23 miles, Interna-
tional and Directory Assistance calls -- all without having to cancel
you current long distance carrier."

Budget Call says to dial "10368" before your number.

Well, I called and asked the cost. They said, I'll "save 10%" I asked
for the per minute rate. They wanted to know calling from where to
where. Ok, "708-356" to "312-670" Here are their rates:

          Day    Evening    Night

1st Min   $.304   $.273     $.1825
Addtl Min $.145   $.131     $.087

I asked if this would save me 10% "exactly" came the response "10% off
Illinois Bell" rates that is.

What does Illinois Bell charge me for that 708-356 to 312-670?

1st Min   $.163   $.147     $.098
Addtl Min $.065   $.059     $.039

So, a ten minute call in the day with Budget call will cost: $1.609
The same call with Illinois Bell (AmeriTech) will cost     : $0.813

That's not quite a 10% savings, but more like paying double!

When I confronted the Budget Call representative with this fact, she
claimed that she was sorry if she mis-spoke and that it was her first
day on the job. Well, the written literature gives no indication that
the service will help me pay twice as much for my calling.

Donna Reeves, Vice President of Budget Call returned my call and said
that they had old rates for Illinois Bell (and their checking tonight
confirmed what I said). She said on Monday she'd check with the Public
Service Commission and they would revise their rates to be at least
10% lower than Illinois Bell (AmeriTech). Additionally, she said that
no bills had been issued and any calls placed now would be billed at a
rate 10% lower than Illinois Bell's current rates. Incidentally, she
said that Budget Call is owned by Rochester Telephone.

Here's the info on Budget Call Long Distance Inc.
1-800-941-0368
Customer Service Center, 3441 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623


Glen L. Roberts, author, How To Spy On Anyone Without Getting Caught
Host Full Disclosure Live (WWCR 5,810 khz - Sundays 7pm central)
Box 734, Antioch, Illinois 60002. Fax: [phone]
Call the Surveillance Hotline: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: A cute cartoon I saw today showed a
picture of the Devil putting up a poster on a payphone which said,
'Save money on long distance calls: dial 666 before your number;
your eternal soul the first minute; 99 cents each additional minute."
I thought it was funny.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Mark A. Cnota)
Subject: Wanted: Books on ATM/Frame Relay/SMDS
Organization: Ripco Internet BBS Chicago
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 19:27:10 GMT


Could anyone give me the names/authors of some good books on the
subjects of ATM, Frame Relay, or SMDS? Anything from introductory to
advanced would be appreciated. If anyone knows of a bookstore in the
Chicago area that would have such books, let me know. I think the
subject matter is too specific to be found and most regular bookstores.

Thanks in advance!


Mark A. Cnota ([e-mail])        Ripco Internet BBS  [phone]
Chicago's Low-Cost Internet Alternative

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #177
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa00569;
          20 Apr 94 8:17 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07916; Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:07:06 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA07907; Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:07:04 CDT
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:07:04 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #178

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:07:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 178

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Study Hi-Tech With George Gilder (Mike W. Perry)
    Nicholas Negroponte to Give Keynote at ICMCS 94 May 17 (John F. Buford)
    Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone (Kris)
    T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections (Greg C. Meador)
    Questions on Fractional T-1 Service (Mike Foltz)
    Collect Call Business (Judith Oppenheimer)
    International Wireless Services (Alex Cena)
    AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted (Megan Kelleher)
    Occupied Territories Telecom (Miguel Cruz)
    PacBell Billing Exceptions to Cell, Page, Other WAC Subs (Bradley Allen)
    Phoning Cuba (Bubbette McLeod)
    Pricing on Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch (Paul Costello)
    Need TIE UMT-32 KSU Series 2 Information (Alan York)
    X.25 Card Required (Ray Wong)
    IEEE Symposium on Planning and Design of Broadband Networks (Ian Easson)
    Re: Source For T1 CSU/DSU? (Christopher G. Oxenreider)
    Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging (Pete Ferris)
    Re: 800-555-1212 is Not Southwestern Bell (A. Alan Toscano)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Mike W. Perry)
Subject: Study Hi-Tech With George Gilder
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 03:00:19 -0900
Organization: Discovery Institute


Discovery Institute is offering a fellows program in technology and
public policy from June 13-18 in Seattle, Washington. Faculty include:

George Gilder, author of Wealth and Poverty, Recapturing the Spirit of
Enterprise, Microcosm and Life After Television and a Senior Fellow at
Discovery Institute.

Roberta Katz, Senior VP and General Counsel, McCaw Cellular Communications.

Bruce Chapman, President of Discovery Institute and a former director of
the U.S. Census Bureau.

Dr. Edward Larson, Professor of History and Law, University of Georgia.

Dr. Philip Gold, lecturer at Georgetown University and a writer for Insight
magazine.

Dr. John West, Discovery Institute Senior Fellow.

The week-long seminar will explore the history of technology, the role
of entrepreneurs, ethical problems posed by technology, and the proper
role of government in regulating and encouraging innovation.

College juniors and seniors, graduate students and recent graduates
are encouraged to apply. The $350 tution includes all books and
reading materials, lodging and most meals. Students must pay their own
way to and from the seminar. Some scholarships are available. For more
information, contact Dr. John West, Program Director at [phone].
Applications should be received by mid-May.

                               ___________

Discovery Institute is a Seattle-based public policy and research center.
Named after the element of discovery that often attends sound research and
inspires fresh policy ideas, Discovery Institute explores the benefits of
free political and social institutions, free markets, high technology,
regionalism and internationalism.

Discovery Institute, 1201 Third Ave. 40th Fl., Seattle, WA 98101, USA

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

From: [e-mail] (John F. Buford)
Subject: Nicholas Negroponte to Give Keynote at ICMCS 94 May 17
Date: 19 Apr 1994 22:34:03 GMT
Organization: UMass-Lowell Computer Science


NICHOLAS NEGROPONTE, DIRECTOR OF MIT MEDIA LAB,
TO ADDRESS IEEE MULTIMEDIA COMPUTING AND SYSTEMS CONFERENCE
MAY 17, 1994, 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Nicholas Negroponte, Director of the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Mass,
will deliver the keynote address at an international multimedia
conference to be held at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston,
Massachusetts. Negroponte will give his view of "What Multimedia
Means" -- is it a convergence of industries, ubiquitous communications
and computing, or simply the progress of digital technology? He will
review the remarkable shift that multimedia has recently made to
center stage, and predict the challenges ahead in truly global
systems.

Nicholas Negroponte is a founder and the director of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology's uniquely innovative Media Laboratory. The
six-year-old Media Lab, an interdisciplinary, multi-million dollar
research center of unparalleled intellectual and technological
resources, is focused exclusively on study and experimentation with
future forms of human communication, from entertainment to education.
Programs include: Television of Tomorrow, School of the Future,
Information and Entertainment Systems, and Holography.  Media Lab
research is supported by Federal contracts as well as by more than
seventy-five corporations worldwide.

The address by Negroponte will open the 1994 IEEE International
Conference on Multimedia Computing and Systems which is being held at
the Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, from May 15 -19.  In addition to
Negroponte's address, the conference will include tutorials on
multimedia, a panel on the information superhighway, and two technical
paper tracks. For further information about the conference and
registration, contact Joseph Boykin, [phone], [e-mail].

Publicity: John F. Buford, ph: 508 934 3618, fax: [phone],
[e-mail].


Dr. John F. Buford
Dept. of Computer Science, UMass--Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854
[e-mail]    [phone] FAX: [phone]

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

Subject: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone
Reply-To: [e-mail]
From: sanctum![e-mail] (Kris)
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 23:54 EDT


I have a question that I hope someone can answer for me.

With the advent of digital telephony, 1.5 megabit and higher lines
running to each house, and even higher bandwidth on the poles, how
much less is the potential for a delayed dialtone situation such as
what was experienced during several of the many storms the Northeast
has had this winter?

Our area, like most, is being strung with new aluminum-encased cables
by the local Cable TV company which would soon provide a huge amount
of digital information, and (hopefully) dialtone service to compete
with our local telephone monopoly.  Since there is no longer any
physical switching of the connection and more of a "sharing of
bandwidth" among subscribers, how is overloading and/or delayed
dialtone handled?  Does the 64 kbit stream of voice data get broken up
as the line is loaded down, much like Internet FTP transfers are over
a TCP link?  Would a subscriber be visited with a delayed dialtone (or
a message telling them circuits are busy)?  Wouldn't the number of
concurrent dialtone users be increased substantially so as to avoid
this situation substantially?


Thanks,

Kris
[e-mail]   uunet.uu.net!paladin!sanctum!kris

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

From: [e-mail]  (Greg C. Meador)
Subject: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections
Organization: Conoco
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 12:49:00 GMT


Can anyone tell me what the theoretical limit is on number of
connections or concurrent data transmissions that a T1 and a T3 line
will support?


Greg C. Meador   Conoco, Inc.
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service
Date: 19 Apr 1994 17:49:39 GMT
Organization: Southgate Internet Host


To all:

Thanks in advance ...

Is there a difference in how the fractional T-1 is delivered to a user
whether it is inter or intra-LATA?  As and example if I want a 128Kbps
fractional T-1 is it a Tail Circuit from the C.O. where my DSU/CSU is
slaved to a 128Kpbs reference from the C.O.  or is it a T-1 from the
C.O.  with 2 DS0 channels being used in a DACS?  Or am I totally
messed up?  What is the proper way a fractional T-1 gets delivered to
a user via inter and intra-LATA?


Thanks,

Mike Foltz    [e-mail]    703-803-8361

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

From: [e-mail] (Judith Oppenheimer)
Subject: Collect Call Business
Date: 19 Apr 1994 14:10:26 -0400
Organization: The Pipeline


Does anyone have any statistics regarding the market share breakdown
among the carriers of the collect call business?  Also, any idea of
how much market share growth MCI attained with 1 800 COLLECT?  And
finally, is there an industry demographic breakdown of collect call
service users (among all the carriers)?


J. Oppenheimer   [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 19 Apr 94 17:08:12 EST
From: Alex Cena <[e-mail]>
Subject: International Wireless Services


Is anyone aware of recent (within the last year and a half) purchases
of ownership (either complete, or partial) of wireless service
providers in countries other than the U.S.  If so, which countries or
cities were covered, what price was paid, what percentage ownership
was sold, and what population was covered by the wireless coverage or
what was the subscriber base of the wireless carrier.

If the wireless service did not have an existing base (i.e. a new
service provider) I am still interested in as much information as
possible.


Alex M Cena, [e-mail], Lehman Brothers

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 14:24:24 PDT
Subject: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted


Does anyone have any input they would like to share about the break-up
of AT&T and the formation of the Baby Bells?  What is your opinion on
it?  How did it affect the economy?  What is its significance in
American history?  Thank you very much.


Megan Kelleher    University of San Diego  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Miguel Cruz)
Subject: Occupied Territories Telecom
Date: 19 Apr 1994 08:41:24 GMT
Organization: University of Michigan ITD/User Services


Does anyone know who will be providing telecom services in the
occupied territories following an agreement with Israel for
self-governance (or something like it; I don't want to get into the
political questions)?  My understanding was that projects were
underway (on paper, anyway) to provide infrastructure independent of
Israel's.

Anyway, if anyone does have such information (preferably an email
address of someone at the organization involved) please send it to me.
I'm roughing it through Asia at the moment so I can't really read news
(but oh, the stories I could tell about trying to place international
calls), so direct email would be appreciated. Thanks.


Miguel

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

Date: Tue, 19 Apr 94 17:29:12 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: PacBell Billing Exceptions to Cell, Page, Other WAC Subs


(Please send all replies to [e-mail], as replies to the
above sending address do not work.)

My goal: Payphones calling my Cellular be a local 20 cent call.

Result:  Not yet; I just have to give people my 800 number.
         Details follow.

Prompted by a descrepency in Pacific Bell operator price quotes and
the claims of my LA Cellular Tel. Co.  representative regarding
pricing of PacBell->LACell calls, I called Pacific Bell Administration
(811-9000 from PacBell phones).  I asked for someone familiar with the
price contracts between LA Cell and Pac Bell.

Bob Duff returned my call.  He explained in perfect detail and with
great politeness the situation.  My LA Cell rep was right.  Companies
such as cellular, pager, etc. may sign up with PacBell for "wide area
calling".  A whole NXX code (prefix) is required to be assigned to the
company (he mentioned putting them into the access tandems).  Then,
everything within the (PacBell?) service area to that prefix is a
"local" (i.e. free or near-free) call.  The PacBell billing databases
bill this correctly.

However, there is a different database that both PacBell operators and
payphones use to do pricing.  This database knows an approximate
"location" for each prefix, and then the price quotes are calculated
on a formula according to mileage.  The result is that operators are
incorrect when quoting prices to certain cell and pager numbers within
the service area, and payphones use this older system to charge the
customers real coins.

Bob explained that the database for billing is so large that it's
difficult to update the database the operators use, but that Pacific
Bell plans to fix this within a few years.

Besides my obvious question of why don't they just plug the computers
together and use the same database (I forgot to ask), I was happy to
have the answer and decided I was ahead of the game because I knew
what was up and have an 800 number anyway.

Still waiting for the day that everything is flat-rate ...


-Bradley Allen aka Ulmo

P.S.  Any companies offering 800 service that I can change my target
at the touch of a button as often as I like (without the obnoxious
per-minute air charge my cell phone gives me)?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Cable & Wireless is one such provider
of 800 service, and so far as I know, the only one allowing immediate
change of forwarding numbers automatically by the subscriber.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Bubbette McLeod)
Subject: Phoning Cuba
Organization: Morgan Stanley & Co., New York, NY
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 21:39:08 GMT


Does anyone know how to phone Cuba for a reasonable amount of money
from the U.S.?

Please reply via mail.


[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Calls to most areas of Cuba (except for
the United States Naval Base there) must be placed through the AT&T
International Operator. The Naval Base can be dialed direct.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Pricing on Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 94 20:15:07 PDT
Organization: The Internet Access Company


I'm looking to sell a Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch, and I need some
advice as to its value.  The following is an inventory of the switch,
software, and cards.  Any help would be much appreciated.

Please contact me at [e-mail].


Thanks,

Paul Costello

NORTHERN TELECOM SL/1 SWITCH
INVENTORY CARDS:
QPC 163D
QPC 187D
QPC 190E
QPC 197C
QPC 219
QPC 33D
QPC 362A
QPC 376A
QPC 41M
QPC 425E
QPC 43P
QPC 450
QPC 450B
QPC 451A
QPC 452A
QPC 478B
QPC 574A
QPC 61C
QPC 71D
QPC 74C
QPC 80F
QPC 82D
QPC 84R

SOFTWARE:
NTI/00017009

MISCELLEANEOUS:
BATTERY DISTRIBUTION BOX
ABSOLYTE GNB BATTERY BACKUP

DATE OF PURCHASE  12-85
Purchase Price $85,000
Located in Norwell, Massachusetts

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

From: [e-mail] (Alan York)
Subject: Need TIE UMT-32 KSU Series 2 Info.
Date: 20 Apr 94 01:07:58 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada


I have just acquired a TIE UMT-32 KSU Series 2 KSU and a number of
10832 desk sets. Since there is no documentation with the system of
course, can anyone advise to it capabilities etc.  The KSU has 2 x CO
cards and 3 x STU cards, a TSU card and a CPU card.  So far I've
figured out that it has eight incoming line, 12 station capacity.

Thanks for an help.

Al York                  Dynamic Datacorp People
[e-mail]   Vancouver, B.C., Canada    604/294-9193

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

From: [e-mail] (Ray Wong)
Subject: X.25 Card Required
Date: 20 Apr 1994 07:49:50 GMT
Organization: Telstra Corporation Limited


I am looking for a high performance X.25 card for a PC.  The critical
parameters are: 384 kbits/second and 200 packets/second mininum.  The
other requirements are: OS/2 and ISA bus support.

I have tried a card made by Eicon but have not been able to achieve
the packet rate required.  Does anyone have any recommendations or
suggestions?

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

Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 23:26:00 -0400
From: ian easson <[e-mail]>
Subject: IEEE Symposium on Planning and Design of Broadband Networks


IEEE SYMPOSIUM ON PLANNING AND DESIGN OF BROADBAND NETWORKS

Montebello, Quebec, Canada
October 21 - 23rd, 1994

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

The first IEEE Symposium on Planning and Design of Broadband Networks
will be held at Le Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec, Canada on
October 21 - 23rd, 1994.  The purpose of this symposium is to provide
an environment for the discussion and exchange of ideas concerning
computer-aided planning and design techniques and tools for broadband
networks.  The symposium will include both invited and contributed
talks, panel discussions, and demonstrations of broadband network
planning and design tools.  Abstracts of all presentations will be
distributed at the symposium but no proceedings will be published.
The symposium will address topics in the following areas:

-   Challenges in broadband network planning and design
-   Simulation methodologies and tools for planning and design of
    broadband networks
-   Tool applications and deployment case studies

Please submit by June 15, 1994, 5 copies of the abstract of proposed
talk or demo to the Technical Program Chairman:

Professor Hussein Mouftah, Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N0,
Telephone:  [phone],     Fax:  [phone]
EMAIL:  [e-mail]

For further information please contact:

Ihor Gawdan, Symposium Chair,
Bell Northern Research, P.O. Box 3511, Station C,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  K1Y 4H7,
Telephone:  [phone],     Fax:  [phone]
EMAIL:  [e-mail]

Technical Program Committee:
Hussein Mouftah (Queen's U.)
Marek Wernik (BNR)
Victor Frost (U. Kansas)
Robert Cahn (IBM)

Treasurer:   John Hopkins (BNR)
Publicity:   Ian Easson (BNR)
IEEE Ottawa Chairperson:   Ibrahim Gedeon

Sponsors:   IEEE   BNR   NT   OCRI   TRIO


Ian Easson     Bell-Northern Research
[e-mail]  Usual disclaimers apply

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Source For T1 CSU/DSU?
Organization: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 21:55:23 GMT


In <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Avi
Freedman) writes:

> Does anyone know a good source for a T1 CSU/DSU?  I need it to do full
> T1, not fractional, and to have a v.35 cable.  I was told to look for
> a GDC 552A, but I assume any T1 CSU/DSU would work?

ADC Kentrox.
ATT.

You may try this number, 800-985-8855.  I do not work for them, I have
not even called them myself.  However, they have a nice ad in
{Communications Week}.  Datatech mostly deals in new/leased equipment.

Another AS IS /WHERE IS is Metrocom 800-364.8838.


Christopher G.  Oxenreider     Electronics Technician Sr.
#include <std_disclaimer.h>    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Laughing Pines
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 94 07:12:26 -0600
Subject: Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?


[e-mail] (Franclark) wrote to inquire about such
a combination.

Hi Frank,

Here's a not-so-elegant method I came up with.  You might be able to
adapt/adopt it:

Panasonic makes a series of speaker-phone/answering machines called
"Easa-Phone"'s.  I believe there are _several_ variations and models
(2-line, 1-line, # of memories, etc, etc.). They are all DTMF remote
controllable. Places like Circuit City, Service Merhandise, J&D, etc.)
will give you a selection. There's even a model (or maybe several now)
that will forward calls to a pager -- supposedly forwards the DTMF the
caller enters to your pager service... can't vouch for this. However,
here's the good news... ALL of the Easa-Phone's I've seen have a
"Transfer" feature.  All this does is to rattle your cage at a 2nd
number after a message has been recorded. Here's how I exploit that
with my pager -- also alpha-numeric, but a moot point for this trick!
Note: The TRANSFER memory can hold, I believe, something like a 13-14
digit number, so there's (barely) room for the PAUSE character, etc.

Program the number to TRANSFER to be your pager _AND_ a PAUSE
character or two (to buy time while your paging service rings and
answers!) _AND_ your answering machine's call back number (home,
work, whatever).  As a help to distinguish between my answering machine
calling me from home vs. my wife, et al; I program in the FULL number and
spaces which no one else would normally both with from within the same
area code, e.g.: 999-999-9999 (on your pager you can create the "-"'s
by hitting a "*" with most services). To me, that's not ambiguous -
only my answering machine (so far) has told me to "call home" and uses
an area code to do it ... no area code means it's likely a live human
bean.

The pitfall: You don't know before you call your answering machine who
called, but just that someone did. The machine will attempt calling
the TRANSFER number (your pager), I believe, three times. This isn't a
big deal to me -- I'd rather get paged three times with that number
than not at all.  Set pager to vibrate/one chirp if this "feature"
annoys you. I think of it as cheap insurance, but you may consider it
a bug!  Probably this'd only be good for folks with direct dialed
pagers.  Pagers using PIN's, etc; may call for too long a TRANSFER
number to be programmed (possibly you can daisy chain memories,
etc..!!).

Good points: The world doesn't know your pager number, or even
necessarily that their call is ultimately going to activate your
pager. _You_ decide how quickly to response. "Just got back to the
office..."  vs.  "Just got your message...". I like to wait at least a
couple of minutes so folks don't think I live at home monitoring the
answering machine on the local speaker! The Easa-Phones have a good
VOX circuit in them, if the caller is answering machine phobic then
and hangs up (no msg), then there's NO forward to bother you (to
retrieve a null msg!).

I know this is somewhat southern engineered, but it meets my needs!
And for the cost of a otherwise _EXCELLENT_ answering machine, it's
the most cost effective solution I've come up with.

WRT: Software - I love Ex Machina's "Notify!" - alpha paging software.
There are others.

> Thank you in advance for any information.

Yer welcome.


Pete Ferris, N5KBD     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (A Alan Toscano)
Date: 19 Apr 94 20:18:37 GMT
Subject: Re: 800-555-1212 is Not Southwestern Bell


In message <[e-mail]>, PAT writes:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well, 'AT&T Communications' is
> not the same company as 'AT&T' -- at least not on paper, and I do
> think SWBT is the manager of the service for AT&T Communications.
> Do I stand corrected?

Back in the '60s and early '70s when I was growing up in suburban
Chicagoland, calls from our region to 800 555-1212 (we didn't dial 1+
back then), reached the SW Bell central office in East Saint Louis,
IL. I presume this service was staffed by SW Bell employees, under
some arrangement with AT&T Long Lines.

Since that time, SW Bell ceded its Illinois territory to the late
Illinois Bell, as the Bell System redrew its operating companies'
boundries to conform with state lines. (FYI: At about the same time,
SW Bell picked up the West Texas territory of the late Mountain
States Telephone, and the former Indiana Bell acquired Illinois
Bell's Indiana territory.)

Subsequently, Divestiture further affected the inter-relationships
of Bell companies and their (former) parent. If SW Bell, has kept
its 800 DA operation (under contract to AT&T), it has almost
certainly moved it, in order for it to remain within the SW Bell
geographic domain.

I asked my sister (who still lives near Chicago) to check into this
for me, and she reports that every inquiry which she made about
their location was answered with "A Midwestern City." This may, or
may not, be E. St. Louis.

From here in Texas, my 800 DA calls have been answered in Chipley,
FL for many years. (They have no qualm about saying where they are.)

So, to partially answer PAT's question, I think we can safely
conclude that ...

At a minimum, Southwestern Bell "hosted" an 800 Directory Assistance
Operating Center several years ago, in a building it no longer owns.
SW Bell may or may not operate such a center someplace today, but if
it does, it's under a contract to AT&T, since AT&T has, to date, kept
the 800 DA "franchise."

We know that there's at least one 800 DA center operating in "A Midwest-
ern City," (possibly by SW Bell,) and at least one in Southern Bell's
territory (Chipley, FL).

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there are one or two more 800 DA
centers in other regions of the US.


A Alan Toscano - [e-mail] - [e-mail]
P O Box 741982 - Houston, TX 77274-1982 - 713 415-9262

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #178
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa00728;
          20 Apr 94 8:34 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08230; Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:46:36 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08221; Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:46:34 CDT
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:46:34 CDT
From: TELECOM Moderator <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #179

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 20 Apr 94 02:46:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 179

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Telecommunications Development in Asia (Cedric Hui)
    Re: Neat Tricks! ([e-mail])
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (John Hall)
    Re: Internet and the Info Highway (Garrett Wollman)
    Re: Operator Assisted Sent-Paid Coin Calls (Ken Weaverling)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (Alex Veller)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Cedric Hui)
Subject: Re: Telecommunications Development in Asia
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 06:36:05 GMT


Here is some information on Hongkong Telecom.  It is not meant to be a
technical reference on the HK telecommunications infrastructure nor a
objective view on the current communication policy and choice of
technology deployment in the territory.  The information is based on
the HongKong Telecom's publication "Hong Kong - The Communications Hub
of Asia".  I believe it was published in 91 or 92, definitely before
1993.  Hope the information is usefully to you and of interest to
others, and I am looking forward to your paper on the
telecommunications development in Asia.

Company background:

The Territory's domestic and international carrier.  Publicly listed
in New York, London as well as on the local stock exchange.  About
half of the public float, or 10% of the company's equity, is held by
American investors.  The two primary shareholders are Britain's Cable
and Wireless (57.5%) and China International Trade and Investment
Corporation (17.5%) CITIC is one of China's premier vehicles for
overseas investment.

The communications hub of Asia:

According to the Information contains in the publication, of the 600
multinational companies that have regional headquarters in Asia, more
than half are active in Hong Kong and nearly 500 use the territory as
their Asian telecommunications hub.  HK Telecom's annual investment on
capital projects amounts to US$300-400 million and all the major fibre
trunks that traverse Asia pass thru HK, providing both the capacity
and the diversity that multinationals seek in a regional hub and those
fibre links are backed up by one of the Asia's largest satellite earth
stations with 10 dishes.  Almost 200 International Private Leases
Circuits (IPLCs) link HK Telecom customers with their offices or
business partners in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen at
speeds up to 64K bps.  The number of IPLCs between HK and China is
growing at around 50% a year.  HK Telecom has forged strong ties with
both national and provincial telecommunications authorities in the
PRC.

Some figures:

The territory has nearly three million telephone lines; one
for every two people.
One resident in 10 has a pager.
One in 25 a mobile phone.
Nearly 200,000 fax lines (second only to Japan in fax penetration).
The network is all digital.
Local calls are free (residential and commercial).
HK people make 11 million overseas telephone or fax calls a
month, approximately half of them to China.
International Direct Dailing is available to more than 200
countries and to more than 1,000 cities in China.
(China traffic is growing at an annual rate of 35%).

Services:

Datapak: an X.25 based public data network supporting transmission at
up to 64Kbps and a digital data service that offers dedicated circuits
at speeds up to T3.  Datapak International extends the domestic X.25
network to 175 public data networks in 84 countries, providing access
to thousands of international messaging and information services.

Value-added options such as Call Waiting, Conference Call or
Do Not Disturb.

Citinet (Centrex).

Paging, cellular and CT2 services are licensed but subject to
competition; multiple vendors are active in each sector.  SUREFAX
provides auto redial, auto resend and broadcast calls, comprehensive
call tracking and accounting for high-volume fax users.  HK Telecom's
sole franchise for the domestic telephone service ends in 1995, when
limited competition is expected to emerge, while its international
valued-added services are already deregulated and have become
intensely competitive.  Sister company HK Telecom CSL operates one of
the largest cellular telephone networks in the territory.  It offers a
unique roaming agreements that enable customers to use their portable
phone in over 100 roaming destinations in China.  International
private leased circuits at speeds up to 2 Mbps between HK and 24
counties and is the dominant supplier into China.  (no specific detail
given) Direct optical fibre links with China. The cable between HK and
Guangzhou can carry up to 47,000 voice channels simultaneously, while
a 565 Mbps cable links HK with Shenzhen and connects to similar cable
from Shanghai to Guangzhou.

Newly introduced service:

ISDN, VPN, GMDS, FNA and Banwidth on Demand services.  A domestic
frame relay service designed for LANs is also available ATM and SONET
is under testing and are expected to become HK Telecom's core network
technologies during the 1990s.

Others:

FMit: Asia's only comprehensive outsourcing service for users of
private telecommunication network.

Tariff:

HK Telecom claims that following the recent tariff reductions agreed
between the company and the HK government, it is cheaper to call every
country in the world from HK than the other way round. The tariff
differential can be as high as 30%.  No comparison numbers were given
though.

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

Subject: Re: Neat Tricks!
Reply-To: [e-mail]
From: sanctum![e-mail] (Kris)
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 23:47 EDT


Glen Roberts writes:

> PROTECT YOURSELF WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S TELEMARKETING TRICK
[...]
> Why not use it to protect your privacy? Get your second line setup by
> the phone company that way, place all your out-going calls on it and
> bam no body can return call or redial your number. Yeah, the phone
> company will probably tell you they can't do that for you. Tell them
> to call 1-312-670-4113 as proof that it can be done.

I don't agree with the idea that this may be an "intentional"
call-back blocker.  When I dial on our (old, outdated) PBX and hit 9
qto get an outside line, I actually get an *actual* *outside* *line*.
Hitting 0 gives you the NYNEX operator, 00 gives AT&T operator, and
you can even play with * codes.  CNID blocking codes give you an
almost instant "this number is not equipped to receive incoming
calls".  What I am saying is that this is a common arrangement with
PBX systems.  The "number" the telemarketers are calling out on
probably does not accept incoming calls (it isn't even a "number" by
that definition).  A more modern ROLM CBX system (all digital, dials
itself after you dial on the keypad, etc, etc) calling to one of the
tracer 800 numbers gives you yet another fake "number".

> Also, here's another way to block caller-id. Dial 10288EEE-NNNN where
> EEE is your exchange and NNNN is the number. For example, from my
> home, if I call the surveillance hotline: [phone]... by dialing
> "356-9646" Caller ID gets my home phone. Yet, if I dial"10288356-9646"
> it comes in as out of area (yeah and I probably get billed the same as
> calling long distance).

Not in all areas!  National CNID is trying to correct this, and it may
be fixed in most "hip" local telcos.  If you can receive calls via
AT&T (using the 10288 code) with caller-ID on them you can usually
receive them with caller-ID on them even with this method.

The tried-and-true method is to use a Mom & Pop 10-XXX code or 800
number (which presumably wouldn't be suitably equipped, but good luck
finding one that doesn't rent lines from a major prime), or using a
PBX.  With a PBX they will get the famous fake calling "number", but
dialing it will give you the error message regarding "no incoming
calls" or just a constant ringing.  Note that using AT&T through their
800 number won't win you much because 800 numbers always have ANI on
them (and ANI is the big daddy of CNID).

Have fun.  This stuff is lots of fun.


Kris   [e-mail]  uunet.uu.net!paladin!sanctum!kris

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

From: [e-mail] (John Hall)
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Organization: Eastman Kodak
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 16:33:49 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> Paul Robinson <[e-mail]> writes:

> Internet White Pages".  Someone started collecting E-Mail addresses
> and names for people from public messages, probably those posted on
> newsgroups and heavily circulated mailing lists and put them in
> alphabetical order.
> ...
> trying to avoid being judgemental here, because I don't see it as that
> big a problem.  My E-Mail address is not my street address and doesn't
> tell you where I live or what I do or how much money I make or how
> educated I am.  But this practice does annoy some people and I wanted
> ...
> Here's some questions to think about: What do you think about the
> practice?  Is it right or wrong and why?  Does this impact people's
> security?  Are there risks involved if your E-Mail address becomes
> well known or if it is misprinted in a published "white pages"?  Are
> there other considerations to think about?

I agree with Paul.  As long as the names and addresses are gleaned
from public messages, no harm is done.  Anybody who posts their
address publicly, whether in a newsgroup or on the local supermarket
notice board has no grounds for complaint about what others do with
that information.

On the other hand, if he's scanning headers of mail messages that are
routed through his machine, or worse, reading packets that fly by on a
net backbone, that's slimy.  Rather like opening people's mailboxes to
read the return addresses on their mail, or hooking a pen recorder up
to their phone line.


John Hall - [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Garrett Wollman)
Subject: Re: Internet and the Info Highway
Date: 19 Apr 1994 22:54:18 GMT
Organization: MIT Laboratory for Computer Science


In article <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> Does anyone have any thoughts on how the Internet will relate to the
> Information Highway?

Very little (probably less than it does now).

The so-called ``Information Superhighway'' is, for the most part, the
biggest load of unmitigated bull**** which this country has seen in
quite some time.  From what I've seen and read of the public
statements of so-called ``Industry Leaders'' in recent years, the
entire Superhypeway is little more than an attempt by telephone and
cable companies to get regulators to permit them to waste untold
billions of ratepayers' money on projects of highly questionable
utility or customer value.

What the cable companies are interested in, for the most part, is
one-way saturation of customers' homes with a huge amount of garbage
beyond even what currently passes for television programming in this
country, most if not all of which is produced by companies which are
majority owned by the cable operators themselves.  There are a few
welcome exceptions, but by and large, this appears to be the pattern.
All you have to do is read some of the testimony of the cable
operators corporate officers about how they couldn't /possibly/ let
customers actually attach their own equipment to ``The Network'', and
it begins to take on a somewhat more sinister tone.

At one television industry symposium, a speaker recounted his
conversation with the managers of one of those new, digitally-
compressed ``500-channel'' systems currently under testing.  The
speaker had asked this person what they were using all that extra
capacity for; the manager replied, ``Well, we're currently running
/Basic Instinct/ at five-minute intervals.''

The goals of the telephone industry are somewhat more difficult to
discern, but most of their statements seem to revolve around a desire
for de-regulation of their business environment, while simultaneously
being allowed to continue to own most of the services for which they
are primary providers.  (I think the Rochester Tel proposal is quite a
bit more forward-thinking than most of the ones I've seen lately.)
Unfortunately, so long as they are unwilling to give up on their
current business model, I think any attempt at de-regulation would
result in a disaster of the first order.

The telephone system does have one extremely significant advantage:
the phone network is already two-way.  This puts it miles ahead of
most television systems, which are designed for delivery of huge
volumes of data in one direction only.  Although the phone system is
of significantly lower capacity, it is much closer to being able to
handle the needs of one-to-one and many-to-one communications than
cable technology is.  (You only need to compare the fraction of
today's Internet that is connected together by telco technology as
compared to cable...)

The Clinton Administration's current rhetoric leaves me wondering
whether anyone in the White House actually understands the fundamental
principle of networking technology (perhaps they've been listening too
much to cable and telco executives?).  This principle is basic to why
the Internet is as sucessful as it is today, and it's also fundamental
to the misunderstanding that the ``Communications Industry'' appears
to have.  I generally express it, somewhat ungrammatically, as ``Bits
is bits.''  That is to say, the most important and fundamental fact
about digital communications networks is that they really /don't care/
what sort of information you are using them to transmit, whether it be
digitized voice, video, text, exciting synthetic-aperture radar images
from the Shuttle, encrypted mail, or random garbage you happen to be
picking up on your microwave antenna.

When you understand this principle, then you can quickly come to an
understanding of some of the other chasms separating the Internet and
the Superhypeway.  Fundamentally, it simply doesn't make sense to
build a network capable of delivering five hundred channels of
television, two channels of voice without video, and one rather slow
channel of data, when the average home has three televisions, 1.5
VCRs, and a single phone line.  By contrast, in the Internet
community, we have developed a tradition of (as Van Jacobson put it)
``You get what you pay for.''  In this typical home, you will never
need more than more than five channels of video and one of voice, and
it makes sense to permit the occupants to turn off a TV set and use
the extra capacity to download a book from the public library, or scan
the 'net for distant ``radio stations''.

In the Internet community, researchers have also made significant
strides in modeling one-to-one communications as a special case of
many-to-many communications; our networks of the future should be
designed to work well for the many-to-many case, and everything will
win automatically, whereas the plans which the telephone and cable
companies currently seem to be pushing concentrate on keeping the same
model of operation that their executives are used to dealing with.
This is a fundamental mistake, and continuing down this path will
result in an very undemocratic and high-cost-to-entry information
marketplace, which is clearly undesirable.

Another significant difference between the Internet and the rest of
the networking world is a fundamental shift in charging models.  When
I get my connection from NEARnet or AlterNet or PSI (or any one of a
hundred other providers), what I pay for is NOT the service of
ferrying my data from point A to point B.  Rather, what I am paying
for is access to all the other customers of all the other providers,
at a certain specific line capacity.  Those other customers in turn
are paying their providers for the ability to talk to me (and lots of
other people).  This fundamental difference in what one buys from an
Internet service provider as opposed to a telephone company or a cable
operator has enabled the Internet to develop its now well-known
settlement-free conectivity and charging model, which SIGNIFICANTLY
reduces the tremendous amounts of overhead involved in accounting,
billing, settlements, and collection which are inherent in the way
telcos and cable companies do business.

This model also has the substantial privacy advantage that my Internet
service provider does not insinuate itself into the financial
relationships I have with other entities, in the way that telephone
and cable companies do.  If Bill wants to sell me a data product, then
we work out means of payment, execute the transaction, and I have my
data, Bill has his money, and my service provider is none the wiser.
If, on the other hand, Bill wants to sell me a video product, then I
have to convince my cable operator to do business with Bill, then they
buy the product from Bill, and I buy Bill's product from them, at an
inflated price.  Of course, if my cable operator is TCI, then they
won't buy anything from Bill unless he is really their agent anyway,
so our transaction never gets off the ground.

The solution, it seems to me, is something that we need to work long
and hard at developing, because whatever we end up with, we'll likely
be stuck with it for at least the next twenty to fifty years.  My
preference would be to see the vertical de-integration of both
telephone and cable companies, somewhat along the lines of Roch Tel's
trial balloon.  To wit, the telephone and cable companies should be
de-regulated, with the significant proviso that they must first make a
choice as to whether they want to be in the connectivity business or
the service business, and divest themselves completely of the one they
don't wish to concentrate on.  Then, in each market, when a
competitive environment can be said to exist for each sort of
business, that business would be de-regulated.

Only under these circumstances can we expect to have a true Information
Superhighway to live up to the hype and qhopes of business, individuals,
and their government.


Garrett A. Wollman  [e-mail]
formerly known as   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Ken Weaverling)
Subject: Re: Operator Assisted Sent-Paid Coin Calls
Date: 19 Apr 1994 09:18:04 -0400
Organization: Delaware Technical & Community College


In article <[e-mail]>, Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> I'm guessing here, but what it probably refers to is a historical
> issue.  The coin holding tray (the part that keeps coins until the
> call supervises, not to be confused with the fare collection box) on
> pay telephones in the U.S. can't hold more than three dollars, I have
> been told.  If an overseas call costs more than that, the operator has
> to process it manually.

This reminds me of a time about 20 years ago when I was about 15 and
had the hots for a girl in England.  I called her constantly, so my
parents eventually forbade me to ever call her again! :-)

So I'd save up money, buy two rolls of quarters, and head for a pay
phone. Then one lucky day I found a "busted" pay phone that, when
loaded with $2.50 (what I thought was the max it could hold before
collecting), when the operator "collected" the money, it'd fall
through to the coin return!

It went like this. The first three minutes cost $5.65, and each minute
thereafter was $1.15.  The operator began by asking me to deposit
$2.50 and then she'd place the call to see if the party answered on
the other end.  When they answered, she'd ask them to hold, then
collect the $2.50 (it'd go to the coin return for some reason), ask me
to put in another $2.50, collect that (back to the coin return), and
then finally 65 cents (which *did* drop into the coin box).

After six minutes, an operator came on again, and asked me to deposit
$3.35 for the three minutes overtime I had. I'd deposit $2.50, it'd
fall through to the coin return, then 85 cents, which would drop into
the coin box.

Needless to say, it was a gold mine for me. I talked about an hour a
day for a week. Until, as is usual with clueless persons, I got
greedy. One day I was speaking for about two hours when a supervisor
came on the line. The conversation went like this.

Supervisor: Do you realize that you have been on the line for over two
hours.

Me: Yes, I have a lot of quarters

Supervisor: Pretty fascinating, since, by my calculations, you would
have already spent over $150 on this call ...

Me: My daddy is rich, what can I say ...

Supervisor: What is REALLY fascinating is that the coin box can't hold
that much money. Did you know that?

Me: <click>

Pretty stupid of me, looking back, since I went back the same time as
usual the next day, and made a call again.  This time, the pay phone
was fixed. Of course, the telco could have figured out easily my
calling pattern and been waiting for me.  I'm sure a "crime of
opportunity" would not be a valid defense for a kid.  I never phreaked
before, I just stumbled on it.

I also never even heard of red boxes back then. I wonder if the telco
thought I had one or something. Regardless, they fixed it, so they
figured out the problem quickly.

But I am curious. What type of fault could exist that would only cause
$2.50 to fall back to the coin return?  Anything less collected into
the coin box as it should.  This was a standard Bell armored pay
phone, I believe it was touch-tone (memory isn't THAT good...)


Ken Weaverling  [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Forty years ago when I was a kid, pay
phones did not have trap doors on the coin return slot as they do now.
It was quite easy back then to wiggle a bent coat hanger up there and
trip the collection table to the left (by pushing upward from underneath
on the right side) with the piece of wire before it occurred to the oper-
ator to electrically dump it in the other direction (into the box). So
if a long distance call cost $1.50 and we had three quarters between us,
those three quarters would go in (bong bong bong!) then while the coat
hanger was busy up the slot retrieving the same three quarters to use
over again we would plead with the operator, "Just a minute please! I
am looking for more change! Nimble fingers could maneuver that piece
of wire and get the money back usually within five to ten seconds of
its deposit. Once in a second time, we would *try* to retrieve it again
before the operator dumped it, not always successfully. From certain
payphones downtown in the Chicago-Wabash CO, the operator handling the
call for whatever reason was unable to return the coins in the event
of no-answer or busy condition. To get the coins back she would tell
you to hold on a second; you'd hear a click as she connected to some
other operator who answered saying 'Wabash trunking' or words to that
effect; your operator would then say "Return on xxxxx" where xxxxx was
some circuit number. In your ear you would hear an absolutely horrid
'CLACK' -- a loud noise for a second or two, and the money would fall
into the return slot. For the longest time after we generally had the
one-slot, trap-door style payphones here there remained two or three
of the old-style three slot (5/10/25 cent) phones with no trap-door
on them in the lobby of the Insurance Exchange Building. Guess where
we always went to make payphone calls!   :)    PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 19 Apr 1994 09:52:29 +0200
From: [e-mail] (A. Veller)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Organization: Cullen


In article <[e-mail]>, Stewart Fist <100033.2145@
CompuServe.COM> wrote:

> It is headlined "Mobile phone set off airbag" and the story is about a
> couple of instances where (it is claimed) GSM handsets have set off
> airbags in luxury cars in Europe.

These "stories" have even been circulated in a BELGACOM publication in
Belgium (BELGACOM is our national telecoms operator). GSM telephones
alledgedly also interfere with some types of hearing aides.

> [...]  BMW, VW and Mercedes are also reported to have had airbag
> blow-outs with GSM, but they also all deny it.

There was also some reference in the press to the Renault Safrane.

As to whether this is a true story or an urban myth, I wouldn't know.
But in an article I recently read (don't remember the magazine though)
the journalists reported that the issue was being tested and that no
correlation had been found between the expanding airbags and GSM phones.
In controlled tests airbags were not triggered when the phone was used.

So its possible that airbags trigger for no reason, but it could be
something else that is causing this (or the airbag technology is just
not up to standard).  Note that GSM phones are still very expensive,
you'll find them almost exclusively in luxury cars, which all have
standard airbags. The statistical chance that an airbag blows up and a
GSM phone is present is therefore automatically high.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #179
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa17201;
          21 Apr 94 12:31 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA04037; Thu, 21 Apr 94 07:45:44 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA04028; Thu, 21 Apr 94 07:45:43 CDT
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 94 07:45:43 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #180

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 21 Apr 94 07:45:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 180

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service ([e-mail])
    Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service (Barton F. Bruce)
    Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service (Bud Couch)
    Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections (Al Varney)
    Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections ([e-mail])
    Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections (Aaron Leonard)
    Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections (Ken Germann)
    Re: Pricing on Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch (Barton F. Bruce)
    Information Superhypeway & Garrett A. Wollman (George Gilder)
    FAX From Hell? (Bill Campbell)
    Feature Group B (Toll-Free Telecommuting) (Matt Holdrege)
    Lucy Waits For Call (Carl Moore)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (AlleyCat5)
Subject: Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service
Date: 20 Apr 1994 20:57:02 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
writes:

> Is there a difference in how the fractional T-1 is delivered to a user
> whether it is inter or intra-LATA?  As and example if I want a 128Kbps
> fractional T-1 is it a Tail Circuit from the C.O. where my DSU/CSU is
> slaved to a 128Kpbs reference from the C.O.  or is it a T-1 from the
> C.O.  with 2 DS0 channels being used in a DACS?  Or am I totally
> messed up?  What is the proper way a fractional T-1 gets delivered to
> a user via inter and intra-LATA?

Most RBOCs do not offer fractional T1. You end up with a whole T1 on
the tail circuits linked to a 128 in the Interexchange carrier POP.
For this reason it is often a good idea to work out an arrangement,
often with the IXC, to allow sharing of the T1 tails among multiple
applications.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service
Organization: Digital Equipment Computer Users Society
Date: 20 Apr 94 21:28:08 -0400
Organization: Cambridge Computer Associates, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

> Is there a difference in how the fractional T-1 is delivered to a user
> whether it is inter or intra-LATA?  As and example if I want a 128Kbps
> fractional T-1 is it a Tail Circuit from the C.O. where my DSU/CSU is
> slaved to a 128Kpbs reference from the C.O.  or is it a T-1 from the
> C.O.  with 2 DS0 channels being used in a DACS?  Or am I totally
> messed up?  What is the proper way a fractional T-1 gets delivered to
> a user via inter and intra-LATA?

Actually quite possibly YES there IS a difference, and watch out!
Ignore the clocking or whatever you are worrying about, that is not
the issue.  Here in NYNEX land, they do have 2 fractional T1
offerings. T 1/2 and T 1/3 (not what they call them but what they
are). They give you 12 or 8 DS0s.

They could care less about keeping the individual DS0s in sync! Each
could take a different path through the DACS network and be delayed a
different number of 1/8000 of a second. Makes not a twit of difference
if those are individual voice channels.

If you plan to run FT1 data at Nx56/64, that can kill you, and even if
it works day one, there is NO guarantee that it will continue to do
so.

If you use end equipment that uses BONDING on the individual DS0, all
will work. But a typical T1 CSU/DSU does NOT.

A typical LEC ignoring customer needs, IMHO. In fact they KNOW what
the customer wants, but probably KNOW full well that provisioning it
and maintaining with their in place equipment and staff and
record-keeping/ ordering systems is a DISASTER waiting to happen, and
won't touch it because they feel they don't have to!

Note WELL that they have had to do it themselves internally probably
at considerable HASSLE for their 384kb frame relay ports they offer
from the nearest DACS, not from the f/r switch.

The IXCs, on the other hand, DO support FT1 speeds (or some semi-
reasonable subset of possible speeds), and the tail ckts are full
T1s priced as such.  They WILL keep your bits together.

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

From: [e-mail] (Bud Couch)
Subject: Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service
Organization: ADC Kentrox Industries, Inc.
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 20:19:15 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> Is there a difference in how the fractional T-1 is delivered to a user
> whether it is inter or intra-LATA?  As and example if I want a 128Kbps

No.

> fractional T-1 is it a Tail Circuit from the C.O. where my DSU/CSU is
> slaved to a 128Kpbs reference from the C.O.  or is it a T-1 from the

Let's use a different data rate, like 168 Kbps (3X56). A Basic Rate
ISDN DSU *could* be used to supply 128Kbps as the signal, but you are
asking about Fractional T1.

> C.O.  with 2 DS0 channels being used in a DACS?  Or am I totally

A Fractional T1 line uses the full T1 (1.544 Mbps) as a transport
mechanism, regardless of the network provider. Sprint or PacBell; both
use *standard* T1 lines. This sounds ridiculous, but it's a lot like
the "fax phenomenon". The technology is so ubiquitous for situations
which require it, that it's dirt cheap to use in other situations for
which it appears overkill. The DACS at the network termination pulls
out your couple of lines and combines them with other channels onto a
T1 heading toward your opposite end. On any long (>500 mi.)
connection, it would not be unusual to be muxed and/or reassembled five
or six times. Of course, since this is a digital signal, none of this
hurts anything.

Any more questions about Fractional T1, feel free to e-mail me. The
last product I worked on was our D-Serv, a fractional T1 DSU. If I
can't answer your questions, I'm sure that I can find someone here who
can.


Bud Couch - ADC Kentrox         When correctly viewed, everything is lewd.
[e-mail] (192.228.59.2)                          -Tom Lehrer

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

Date: Wed, 20 Apr 94 15:14:00 CDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections
Organization: AT&T Network Systems


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail].
com (Greg C. Meador) writes:

> Can anyone tell me what the theoretical limit is on number of
> connections or concurrent data transmissions that a T1 and a T3 line
> will support?

   It is difficult to answer a "theoretical" question when terms such as
"numbers of connections" are not spelled out.

   A T1 line operates at 1,544,000 bits/second (1.544 Mbit/s) using a
bipolar (or ternary) line code.  For switched and most private line
applications, the T1 line is connected to a Terminal (Channel Bank,
PBX, etc.)  that "groups" the bits into DS-1 frames of 24 8-bit
channels.  The frames are repeated 8000 times/second.  For typical
uses, this gives you 24 voice or analog modem connections.

   A T3 line operates at 44,736,000 bits/second (44.736 Mbit/s) using
a bipolar (or ternary) line code.  For some applications, the T3 line
is connected directly to a Terminal (Channel Bank or PBX) that
"groups" the bits into DS-3 frames of 28 DS-1 signals for a total of
672 channels.  More commonly, a Multiplexer is used to divide the DS-3
frames into 28 DS-1 signals.  These DS-1 signals are then connected to
the PBX, etc.  DS-3 frames also repeat 8000 times/second.  For typical
uses, this gives you 672 voice or analog modem connections.

   Many current "T3" users are actually using DS-3 signals over
optical fiber, operating as an OC-1 interface.

   A T1 or T3 line is operated as a duplex facility, so these
connections are 2-way connections.  Several vendors offer equipment
that will use the individual 8-bit channels to carry two voice calls,
using a "compression" method called 32K ADPCM.  In this mode, it will
not support analog modem calls over about 4800 baud.  In theory, much
higher bandwidth compression of voice (not analog modems) is possible,
with a corresponding increase in expense in equipment and a decrease
in quality.

   Individual channels can also be operated in a "56K" or "64K"
bit/second data mode, where the user supplies directly the 7 or 8 bits
to use in a particular channel.  Various means, including ISDN, can be
used to interface with these data modes.  No modems are required but
other equipment is needed (a DSU, for example).

   Also, if large amounts of "bursty" digital communication is
occurring, it may make sense to operate the channels as X.25 data
channels.  This is a packet data method that supports multiple data
"connections" over a shared channel.  For example, eight users running
interfacing to X.25 at 19,200 bps could share a single channel.  With
many lower-speed data applications, the sharing of the channel will be
almost invisible.  Such mechanisms are used by large data networks to
aggregate large numbers of interfaces over faster facilities.  If
8-to-1 multiplexing works for the application(s), the theoretical
capacity of a T1 line would be 8*24 or 192 X.25 connections.  A T3
would handle 8*672 or 5376 X.25 connections.

   Many users of T1 (and especially T3) lines divide up the channels
and allocate some to voice/modem applications and some to data
(Switched 56K or X.25 or ....) applications.

   Last, let me add this regarding your "theoretical" request.
Current experimental implementations of 13 Kbps encoded speech (GSM)
and some tests at half that rate are going on in the cellular
community.  This would suggest that a T1 with all 24 channels packed
with about 12 Kbps "sub-channels" could handle 5 conversations per
channel or 120 conversations.  A T3 using this could handle 3360
conversations.  If you are willing to live with artificial sounding
vocoders, 2-3 Kbps per conversation is possible -- T1 in the 500
conversation area and T3 around 15000 conversations.

   Quality?  Probably not acceptable -- but this is just theory, right?


Al Varney

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

From: [e-mail] (AlleyCat5)
Subject: Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections
Date: 20 Apr 1994 20:50:07 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Greg C. Meador) writes:

> Can anyone tell me what the theoretical limit is on number of
> connections or concurrent data transmissions that a T1 and a T3 line
> will support?

There is no theoretical limit on the number of concurrent data
transmissions.  It depends on the speed of the transmission. A T1 is
1.544 MBPS and a T3 is about 28 T1s. If you are willing to live with
one bit a week in your data transmission you can have a whole lot of
them. If you want 1,544,000 bits per second (or there abouts) then you
can have only one of them on a T1.

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

From: [e-mail] (Aaron Leonard)
Subject: Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections
Date: 20 Apr 1994 17:23:48 GMT
Organization: University of Arizona Telecommunications
Reply-To: [e-mail]


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail].
com (Greg C. Meador) writes:

> Can anyone tell me what the theoretical limit is on number of
> connections or concurrent data transmissions that a T1 and a T3 line
> will support?

If you're talking about virtual connections over a connectionless
packet switched network (such as TCP), the answer is that there is NO
theoretical limit on the number of simultaneous connections that a
line of any speed will support.

Consider that, if keepalives aren't on, an idle TCP connection
sends NO data.  Therefore, an infinite number of TCP connections
can be supported on an arbitrarily slow line.

Now, as to whether there is a PRACTICAL limit on the number of ACTIVE
concurrent sessions ... the answer is, sure there is, and what that
number is depends.


Aaron Leonard (AL104), <[e-mail]>
University of Arizona Network Operations, Tucson AZ 85721

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

From: [e-mail] (Ken Germann)
Subject: Re: T1 & T3 Lines Number of Connections
Date: 20 Apr 1994 13:43:50 -0500
Organization: SkyPoint Communications, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, Greg C. Meador <meadogc@
poers1.dnet.dupont.com> wrote:

> Can anyone tell me what the theoretical limit is on number of
> connections or concurrent data transmissions that a T1 and a T3 line
> will support?

56k =     5.6k/s      =     DS0
T1  =    1.5 MB/s =     DS1 = 24 DS0s
T3  =    45 MB/s  =     DS3 = 30 DS1s


Ken Germann                SkyPoint         [e-mail]
           "Together We Stand; Divided We Fall"
   Founding Member of the Minnesota Coalition for Internet Accessibility.
Voice: [phone]               MCIA             Modem: [phone].

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

Date: Wed, 20 Apr 94 22:59 EST
From: George Gilder <[e-mail]>
Subject: Information Superhypeway & Garrett A. Wollman


I found the Wollman notes on the Information Superhighway interesting
and provocative, but if he drives out looking only in the rear view
mirror, where cable companies are still pumping one way garbage, he is
going to crash into the Charles.  The bottom four channels of every
cable are currently devoted to upstream traffic and are used for that
purpose in communications between cable headends.  Every cable
amplifier can be rendered a duplex device by a simple adjustment.
Meanwhile, the phone companies do have extensive switching capability
but it is all narrowband and thus irrelevant to superhighways.  On the
other hand, as soon as cable plant is upgraded for two-way digital
communications it becomes a superhighway capable of as much as three
gigabits per second communications in each direction.

This cable advantage derives from the requirements of transmitting
complex analog video and audio in a combination of AM and FM forms at
between 40 and 50 decibels.  With 50 decibels in new cable plant, it
is possible to send as many as 8 bits per hertz.

I agree that cable cannot supply highways alone.  But if cable and
telcos were permitted to collaborate in their own regions, the
superhighway could be built over the next five years.  Without cable,
it cannot be built in less than 15 years.

Broadband highways obviate most the the dangers that you cite.  If you
have a broadband system -- gigahertz of bandwidth to every home --
there are no advantages in converging conduits and content.  Every
content supplier will want to be on every conduit and every conduit
supplier will want to carry as much content as possible.  Thus an
information superhighway would necessarily resemble the Internet more
than a current cable system does.  The monopoly model works only in
narrowband systems.

The information superhighway is anything but hype.  It will totally
change our economy and culture, dissolving most vertical structures
and architectures and empowering individuals around the globe, the
largest benefits flowing to the currently impoverished.  As Andy Grove
as put it: "During the last decade the PC overthrew the vertical
structure of the computer business.  Over the next decade it will
overthrow the vertical structure of the communications business."

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


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: George Gilder's article "Life After
Television, Updated" is in my queue of articles waiting for release
at this time and I intend to send it out as a special mailing in the
next day or so. I think everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Barton F. Bruce)
Subject: Re: Pricing on Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch
Date: 20 Apr 94 21:08:50 -0400
Organization: Cambridge Computer Associates, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
writes:

> I'm looking to sell a Northern Telecom SL/1 Switch, and I need some
> advice as to its value.  The following is an inventory of the switch,
> software, and cards.  Any help would be much appreciated.

There are many dealers that make a market in such equipment and that
have ads in the ONE industry publicaton that is almost exclusively
telecom dealer/distributor ads and that targets dealer to dealer
rather than dealer to end user trading. Nothing stopping end users
reading "Telecom Gear", and when they know that is where you saw the ad,
they KNOW you know who ALL their competition is.

There are often "fax us your list and WE will call you if we want any
of it" type ads.

The price of a year's subscription is easily saved on the first card you buy
let alone on the system you sell.

Be careful. Many folks may not want it themselves, but may try to
broker it to someone that they know DOES. It is a tad weird to start
calling around with a system you are selling and get told "oh, thats
the one with 43 zingdings and five whatevers -- we are offering $xxxx on
that".

They assume there is an auction and several dealers are all bidding on
the same lot and are shopping for someone to dump it to. You may get
quoted a price someone quoting you LESS was himself quoted by these
same guys!

Read the ads, make some calls, and you will know WHO really is buying
and have a pretty good idea what the market is.

I don't have anything to do with them except as a reader, and am posting
their number to eliminate the usual flurry or 'where are they' mail.

800.866.3241 = subscriptions

If you are not actively trading, the issues get a little boring very soon.
It is the same ads over and over and they take turns being on the covers!
But it IS what you need.

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

From: [e-mail] (Bill Campbell)
Subject: FAX From Hell?
Organization: /home/ocean/bcampbel/.organization
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 15:38:34 GMT


For the last several days, I have been the unhappy recipient of calls
to my residential (voice) line from a fax machine (characteristic tone
at about 1s intervals) at all hours of the day and night.

*69 results in "not in the SmartCall area" or some such.

When it happens after 11pm I usually disconnect the phone and leave
the answering machine on.  Gee, I hope nobody needs to call me in an
emergency.

Way cool the way you can do a "denial of service crack" just by
programming the wrong number in your fax machine and being stupid
enought to never check the call completion status for weeks on end.

It turns out I'm also in the process of rewiring the whole house, and
I only have one jack activated at the moment, so I can't easily hook
up my computer to receive the fax and (possibly) see who done it.

Any ideas on what I could do in the meantime (until I hookup my fax
card), or what I can do if the transmitting station ID is missing or
wrong?

Any ideas on what I should do to these bozos when I find out who they
are?

  :-)

Regards,

Bill Campbell       Systems Admin Mgr
Fidelity Management and Research Co.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This topic comes up from time to time
here. Some of the more outrageous examples have been reported here such
as the First National Bank of Chicago's misprogrammed fax machine which
called a private family in *Germany* -- at four in the morning German
time! -- a few times nightly for about two weeks. Bundespost got after
AT&T about it; and in turn Mother finally worked it back here and asked
Illinois Bell to deal with it. Someone from IBT tried calling the telecom
people at the bank, were responded to with blank looks and promises which
went nowhere, and finally IBT got livid about it and was ready to dis-
connect that line. When the bank finally got the machine programmed
correctly it was time for their monthly phone bill to arrive; it came
with several dozen one minute calls to Germany of course; and the bank's
response at that point: to call IBT and complain that 'AT&T must have
screwed up in billing us for all those calls' and wanting IBT to write
it off!  The answer generally provided by the readers is to hook up a
fax machine in order to receive the message then attempt to go back to
whoever is listed on the cover page, if anyone is. If you do not have
a fax machine, try forwarding your line to someone who does. Alternatly,
report it to the Annoyance Call Bureau at your telco and assure them you
will happy sign a complaint when and if the offender is identified.  PAT]

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

Date: Wed, 20 Apr 1994 09:26:24 PST
From: Urban Surfer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Feature Group B (Toll-Free Telecommuting)
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Pacificare_Health_Systems


I'm looking for alternatives to AT&T's Feature Group B. This is 950
access to AT&T's network. AT&T serves as a front end for corporate
telecommuters. AT&T supplys an x.25 or Frame Relay PVC to carry the
traffic to the target LAN.

It's a great service, but they charge plenty for it and they aren't
equipped to handle cellular modems yet.

So I'm looking for alternatives. Who else can provide such a service? I
appreciate any leads or comments.


Matt Holdrege          [e-mail]        MH235

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

Date: Wed, 20 Apr 94 10:46:39 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Lucy Waits For Call


I have seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy gets a party line
cleared of a long conversation by claiming it's an emergency.  (She
was waiting for a call from a random drawing.  Party line calls should
be kept short out of courtesy, but I was concerned that this fictitious
incident would run afoul of laws making it an offense to get use of a
line by false claim of emergency.)

In the same episode, neighbor Ethel Mertz (played by Vivian Vance)
brings her phone to Lucy's apartment.  Ethel's phone had a very long
cord, and she said "don't tell the phone company, but every time
someone moves, Fred gets a cord".  Fred Mertz was played by William
Frawley.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #180
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa06492;
          24 Apr 94 10:19 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA22083; Sun, 24 Apr 94 07:21:33 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA22074; Sun, 24 Apr 94 07:21:31 CDT
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 94 07:21:31 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #181

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 24 Apr 94 07:21:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 181

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up?? (Daniel H. Chang)
    Moving Digital Image Data From Mobile Van to Hospital (Douglas M. Tucker)
    Irish and European ISDN Approvals ([e-mail])
    16 Mbps Modem for Real? ([e-mail])
    MCI Mail Adds Services Available via Internet ([e-mail])
    Job Opportunities in ITI, NCB, Singapore ([e-mail])
    Channel Bank Recommendations Wanted (Tom Simonds)
    IDB/Peoples Telephone Plan Merger (Fred Bauer)
    Remote Interactive Classroom Instruction - How Far We've Come! (Ralph Todd)
    ISDN Bridge Advice Please (Dean Banfield)
    DISN Information Request (Rodney Todt)
    Quality of Long Distance Telephone Lines (T.I. Boogaart)
    x.25 Networks (Chris Michael)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Daniel H. Chang)
Subject: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up??
Date: 24 Apr 1994 00:15:58 GMT
Organization: JPL


Hello all-

I am ordering DID service for the first time and have run across a
strange situation. The DID lines ride in our case on eight time slots
of a T1 line. We discovered the following:

* When someone calls one of the DID numbers, we get an appropriate
  A/B signal on our side.

* We are responsible for sending a wink to get the DID digits
  (that works fine), then providing the ring signal on the
  voice band for the sake of the caller on the other end.

* Presumably at some point the intended guy picks up the phone,
  and our equipment seizes the line by raising the A/B bits and
  patches the call.

* Here's the weird part: we discovered that at this point, after
  we've sent the wink and *before* we seize the line, we are able
  to patch that line to a phone and perform *full duplex*
  communications through it! We asked Pac Bell about this, who
  said the behavior is normal and the caller is not charged until
  we seize the line, and if we do not seize a timeout will
  eventually occur. We have determined that timeout is longer
  than ten minutes!

I guess if the DID were carried on analog lines and the PBX had to
supply the ring, then the CO having to offer full duplex is inevitable
since there is no half-duplex in analog. To me this just says that it
is unlikely for the CO to assign the ring responsibility to the PBX --
otherwise the resulting loophole and possibility for abuse seems
enormous!

Can anyone with more experience shed some light on whether what I
described is typical, and what factors am I not taking into account
which would make this the signalling behavior which Pac Bell (and I
presume other RBOC's) finds advantageous to implement?  Some
historical perspective would be really interesting too.


Dan Chang

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

From: [e-mail] (Douglas M. Tucker)
Subject: Moving Digital Image Data From Mobile Van to Hospital
Organization: CIS, Univ of Alabama at Birmingham
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 1994 21:08:56 GMT


Several months ago the radiologists in my department started providing
a mobile radiography service.  The service is provided in conjunction
with another company that obtains the images, and the docs here read
the films for a fee.  To date, the way this works is a portable
radiography unit is transported to the site (nursing home, outpatient
clinic, etc) where an image receptor (called an IP) of a Computed
Radiography (CR) system is exposed.  The IP is returned to our
institution where it is processed using dedicated equipment in a
conventional manner.  The film is then interpreted by a radiologist.

I was approached with the following question: can the device which is
used to extract the information from the exposed IP (a CR reader) be
placed into some type of vehicle and be used in a mobile environment.
In this setting, the CR reader and the radiographic equipment would be
transported toq the site.  At the site, the IP would be exposed and
processed by the CR reader, with the resulting digital image data set
saved on a associated computer system.  The data would then be
transmitted back to the department for processing.  The hope is to
reduce delays, etc, etc.

The question that I have for this group is, provided all of the other
issues are worked out, how to get the data from the van back to the
department in an efficient and cost effective manner?  What options
are available?  I have heard a little about cellular modems, but
understand that they have very limited bandwidth.  For this
application, each image will be approx 8MByte, with 3-5 images / hour.

Thank you for your help.


Douglas M. Tucker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology
UAB Hospital and Clinics
619 S. 19th Street
Birmingham, AL  35213
E-Mail:    [e-mail]
Phone:    [phone]    FAX: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Irish and European ISDN Approvals
Date: 24 Apr 1994 06:21:22 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway


The Department of Transport, Energy and Communications (the Irish
Telecommunications Approvals Body) has recently introduced its interim
regulations for the approval of ISDN terminal equipment in Ireland.
These regulations will remain until the ISDN Common Technical
Regulations (CTRs) are available, which it now appears may not be for
some time.

The Department has nominated the National Electronics Test Centre
(NETC), Forbairt (the Irish Development Agency), to evaluate all
approval applications on its behalf. The Centre's application for
accreditation has been recommended by the Irish Certification and
Laboratory Accreditation Board (ICLAB). Companies wishing to sell
their ISDN products in Ireland may apply directly to NETC. In cases
where products have already been tested and approved in other
countries, NETC will evaluate the relevant documentation and will
advise on any further testing which may be required to meet the Irish
regulations. NETC will also issue a short report to the Department. A
fee will be charged for this service.  Applicants with partial foreign
approvals may also have the balance of work carried out by NETC.

The Centre can provide testing to the new Irish requirements,
including NET 3, the European mandatory requirement for Basic Access
and to NET 5, the European mandatory requirement for Primary Rate
Access. The Centre can also carry out full conformance tests (i.e.
beyond the limited NET tests) for both of these services and for ISDN
terminal adaptors.

Because the Centre has the only Irish laboratory listed in the EC
Official Journal for safety testing in accordance with the Low Voltage
Directive, NETC can carry out the necessary safety testing, to
harmonised European and international standards, on new telecommuni-
cations products.

American companies who wish to have their ISDN products approved to
European standards or their existing approvals evaluated for
connection to the Irish ISDN should contact me.


Jackie FitzGerald    Internet Mail : [e-mail].
National Electronics Test Centre
Forbairt  Glasnevin  Dublin 9  Ireland
Tel: [phone]   Fax: [phone]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: 16 Mbps Modem for Real?
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 94 21:59:14 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


 From the May, 1994 issue of {Computer Shopper}
Trends & Technology Pg-61
"Small Firm Delivers Big on Digital Signal Compression"

Has anyone heard of a small company called Digital Compression
Technology (DCT)?  It claims it can move 16 Mbps of various kinds of
data down a regular telephone line (yes, that's 16 MEGABITS per
SECOND).

"DCT technology lets telephone wire simultaneously carry four 1.5 Mbps
VCR quality video channels; two broadcast quality 3 Mbps video
channels; two 1.5 Mbps two-way interactive videoconferencing channels;
and ten other channels dedficated to a mix of videophone, fax, and
program selection channels."

Is this for real or is DCT a couple of engineering students with some
vaporware, a fax machine, and a gift for self-promotion?


CYBERETSU BBS    CONNECTING THE WORLD

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: MCI Mail Adds Services Available via Internet
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 94 21:22:05 PDT


(Found on the "MCI Mail News" bulletin board:)

Date:     Wed Apr 20, 1994 10:30 pm  CDT
Subject:  MCI TO OFFER FAX, TELEX AND PAPER BASED MCI MAIL DELIVERY

           MCI TO OFFER FAX, TELEX AND PAPER-BASED
         MCI MAIL DELIVERY SERVICES TO INTERNET USERS


     WASHINGTON, D.C., April 18, 1994 -- To meet the growing demand of
the some 20 million Internet users for fast, reliable messaging
options, MCI Communications Corporation announced it will provide free
subscription to its electronic MCI Mail value-added delivery services.

     The service expansion, announced at the Electronic Messaging
Association's (EMA) 1994 trade show in Anaheim, enables Internet users
to send important electronic mail messages to any valid facsimile,
telex, postal or courier address worldwide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, at standard MCI Mail rates.  The company plans to make these
delivery options available in June to Internet users who register with
MCI Mail.

    "The demand for more sophisticated messaging and information
services will grow exponentially as businesses and consumers continue
to take advantage of the capabilities developed through the convergence
of multimedia, computers and telecommunications," said Marilyn
Bardsley, MCI's vice president for messaging and information services.

     "Our efforts to expand MCI Mail services to the Internet user
community is part of our overall networkMCI vision to harness
technologies and turn them into real-world communications tools," said
Bardsley.

     While Internet users have been able to exchange electronic mail
messages and binary files with MCI Mail users since 1989, they did not
have access to message delivery options or enhanced message handling
capabilities commonly used by MCI Mail customers for years.  Internet
users must either go outside the Internet to send messages via other
delivery methods or obtain them through specialized commercial
providers on the Internet whose service offerings may be limited by
available delivery choices and geographic coverage.

     With these new capabilities, Internet users can take advantage of
MCI's full range of service options and enhanced features which
include electronic message transfer to letterhead and use of signature
graphics; image transmission via fax; alternate addressing when
sending a fax; and automatic retry for fax and telex.

     According to Vinton G. Cerf, MCI's senior vice president for data
architecture and president of the Internet Society, "the Internet
community has always used electronic mail to communicate with associates.

    "Now, with the growth in the commercial Internet, we anticipate
these millions of users will need access to reliable messaging
services to supplement their e-mail correspondence.  MCI Mail's global
service is equipped to meet those needs," said Cerf.

     When the new options are available, Internet users will be able
to register electronically for the services.  Registration entitles
users to have their mailbox information included in MCI Mail's online
directory, as well as access to MCI Mail customer support.

     The cost to use these value-added services will be at the
standard MCI Mail rates for fax, telex, postal and courier delivery.
For further information and registration, Internet users should send
an e-mail message to:

      [e-mail] and type `help'
      as the text of the message.

     MCI also will be providing information about the new service at
the EMA trade show in the MCI exhibit booth #210.

     MCI Communications Corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C.,
offers a full range of domestic and global telecommunications services
through one of the world's largest state-of-the-art networks.  The
company, with 1993 revenue of nearly $12 billion, is the second
largest long distance provider in the U.S. and has more than 65
offices in 60 countries and places.

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

From: [e-mail] (Doreen from NCS)
Subject: Job Opportunities in ITI, NCB, Singapore
Organization: National Computer Board, Singapore
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 06:45:43 GMT


     BE PART OF SINGAPORE'S VISION TO CREATE AN INTELLIGENT ISLAND

The Information Technology Institute (ITI), the applied R&D arm of the
National Computer Board, seeks to accomplish its mission of creating
and deploying advanced IT innovations by working with local and
international companies in joint ventures and projects.  Our R&D
efforts are industry-driven.  We focus on innovations which would
significantly improve our partners' competitive advantage, and
products that have commercial potential.  We invite applications from
suitably qualified candidates for the position of:

            * Senior R&D Engineer *

You are expected to set directions and provide technical leadership to
the communication product development group.  In addition, you should
initate and lead projects as well as provide consultancy to project
teams.

-    Degree in Computer Science or Electronic Engineering;
-    At least 5 years' substantial experience in data communications or
    networking preferably with industry;
-    Creative, self-motivated and good interpersonal skills;

If you are keen to pursue a career with us and possess the relevant
qualifica- tions and experience, please write to us with a comprehensive
resume stating details of your qualifications, current and expected
salary, contact number and internet account number.  Please send these
to:

                   Dr Francis Yeoh
               Director, Research & Development
               Information Technology Institute
               71 Science Park Drive
               Singapore 0511

Alternatively, you may wish to respond through internet account:

                  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Simonds)
Subject: Channel Bank Recommendations Wanted
Date: 23 Apr 1994 19:45:18 -0500
Organization: The second InterAccess INN server


Our company is looking to buy channel banks.  Can anyone recommend any
brands/manufacturers?  If so, phone numbers or city/state would be
extremely helpful.

Please email to [e-mail]


Tom Simonds  [e-mail]   708-671-3469

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

Date: Sat, 23 Apr 94 13:20 EST
From: Fred Bauer <[e-mail]>
Subject: IDB/Peoples Telephone Plan Merger


I think that the readers of the Digest may be interested in the
latest merger in the telecom industry ...

Fred Bauer

IDB COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO MERGE WITH PEOPLES
TELEPHONE COMPANY

IDB EXPECTS COMBINATION TO BOOST EARNINGS

LOS ANGELES, CA and MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21, 1994 -- IDB Communications
Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDBX) and Peoples Telephone Company, Inc.
(NASDAQ:PTEL) today jointly announced they have signed a letter of
intent under which IDB will merge with Peoples.  Shareholders of the
Miami-based Peoples will receive 1.1 shares of IDB Communications
common stock for each share of Peoples common stock, subject to
possible adjustment based upon IDB's stock price prior to closing.  As
of March 31, 1994, Peoples Telephone has approximately 15.8 million
common shares outstanding and approximately 3.1 million common shares
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants at an
aggregate price of approximately $23 million.  The transaction will be
effected as a pooling of interests, and will not be taxable to current
Peoples shareholders.  IDB Communications expects the merger to boost
its 1994 earnings per share.  Peoples has been in the public pay
telephone business since 1985.  The Company has an installed base of
approximately 50,000 public, inmate and cellular pay telephones
located in 46 states.  During recent years Peoples has leveraged its
industry expertise to expand into related telecommunication businesses
including correctional facility telephones, cellular telephone rentals
and prepaid calling cards.

The proposed acquisition is subject to satisfaction of customary
conditions, including completion of due diligence by both parties,
execution of a definitive agreement, approval by the shareholders of
both companies and certain regulatory filings, and is expected to be
completed by the end of 1994.

Jeffrey P. Sudikoff, chairman and CEO of IDB, stated, "One of our key
goals in 1994 is to expand IDB's presence in the domestic telecommunica-
tions marketplace.  The merger with Peoples will accomplish this
objective.  Jeff Hanft and his team have built Peoples into the
largest independent operator of public pay telephones in the United
States.  Combined with the company's related telecommunications
services, Peoples currently generates more than 300 million minutes of
long distance traffic a year.  As a result, Peoples and IDB will have
the foundation for a highly profitable domestic public switched
network."

"We fully expect this combination to have a positive impact on 1994
IDB earnings per share.  By applying many of the principles we have
successfully used in acquisitions during the past few years we expect
to significantly enhance the operating strengths of Peoples while
vastly expanding our domestic marketing capabilities," Mr. Sudikoff
added.

Jeff Hanft, CEO of Peoples stated, "IDB has emerged as the most
innovative, rapidly growing telecommunications company in the world.
We at Peoples share many of the same visions and strategic approaches
of IDB's management team.  We look forward to working with IDB and
believe that all of our customers, employees and shareholders will
benefit from the combination of the two companies."

IDB Communications Group, Inc. is a global telecommunications company
that operates a domestic and international communications network
providing its customers with international private line and long
distance telephone services, radio and television transmission
services, facsimile and data connections, mobile satellite
communications capabilities and the design and integration of
satellite networks worldwide.

Peoples Telephone Company, Inc., one of the nation's leading public
communications companies, owns and operates approximately 50,000
public, inmate and cellular pay telephones in 46 states.  For the year
ended December 31, 1993, the Company reported revenues of $121.8
million, an increase of 63%, net income of $5.3 million, an increase
of 64%, and cash flow from operations of $27.5 million, an increase of
54%, all as compared to the year ended December 31, 1992.

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

Date: Sat, 23 Apr 1994 20:05:58 EST
From: Ralph E. Todd <[e-mail]>
Subject: Remote Interactive Classroom Instruction - How Far We've Come!


Greetings!

I am the graduate student in the Telecommunications program at George
Mason University (GMU) who submitted the request for information on
conferencing on the Internet in early March.  On behalf of my class
project group, which formed to implement the solution that evolved
from the many thoughtful responses I received, I wanted to inform you
of our progress.

You may recall that the immediate application is interactive televised
graduate instruction.  The prototype course, "Taming the Electronic
Frontier," is taught by Dr. Brad Cox and televised on regional cable
television.  Most of the students, including an entire section, are in
the TV audience.  These tele-students had no way of participating in
the interactive dimension of the course.

Subsequent to publication of my request, I received a consensus
response among TELECOM Digest subscribers that Internet Relay Chat
(IRC) would provide an effective solution.  With the combined
dedication and effort of my fellow group members Umar Badeges, Leesia
Huffner, Altaf Khan, and Cynthia Roubie, an extremely supportive
computer system manager, and an enthusiastic and helpful television
producer, Remote Interactive Classroom Instruction (RICI) made its
debut at George Mason University on April 19. Students in the TV
audience used their PCs at home to connect to the university Internet
host computer, and join in an IRC conference with Dr. Cox during his
lecture.  The "mesg n" command was used in advance of initiating IRC
to block distracting messages, and the "mode * +k" command, used by
the professor when opening the channel, kept out intruders; we had
several interruptions by "bots" while conducting group meetings on
IRC.  Our first RICI session was a resounding success!

We have created student and instructor Guides to Using RICI, which
along with a Guide to Future Enhancements will be available on the GMU
Internet Gopher.  Identified future enhancements include a switch to
display IRC text on-air, audio conferencing including voice-delay, and
videoconferencing to regional libraries using local cable television
channels.  We welcome questions and comments.


Ralph Todd             > [e-mail]            [phone]
George Mason University                      Telecommunications Program


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: What a really great report! I was one of
many people a few years ago when IRC was first developed and put into use
who wondered what real benefit it would have to the Internet. It has been
often-times just a huge waste of network resources, but your report today
shows there is a lot of good it can do.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dean Banfield)
Subject: ISDN Bridge Advice Please
Date: 24 Apr 1994 02:36:04 GMT
Organization: IDD Information Services


Hi,

We have a 10baseT Ethernet lan and would like an outlier individual to
have access on a hardwired basis.  ISDN sounds great, but I have no
idea what's required here.

You take the 64kpbs 'B' channels and then using a 'bridge?' you
convert the serial data to 10baseT?  Who makes bridges?  At what
prices?  I assume higher price translates into higher performance.
Any info appreciated.  Thanks.


Dean Banfield  IDD/Information Svcs
               90 Grove St
               Ridgefield CT 06877

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

From: [e-mail] (Rodney Todt)
Subject: DISN Information Request
Organization: NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 03:12:57 GMT


    Can anyone in this group provide me with a pointer to online
information about DISN.  I am specifically looking for a map and how
to get connected information. Thanks.


Rodney Todt            DDN Mail:  [e-mail]
Naval Surface Warfare Center    Phone:     [phone]
Dahlgren Division        DSN:             249-4146
Code E81, Networks Branch    FAX:       [phone]
Dahlgren, Virginia  22448-5000

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

Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 12:39:59 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Boogaart T.I.)
Subject: Quality of Long Distance Telephone Lines
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: PTT Research, The Netherlands


I would like to know if anyone has conducted research on the quality
of long distance telephone lines. With "Quality" I mean the amount of
noise and echo (e.g. signal noise ratio). In particular, I want to
know if it is at all feasible to perform speech recognition / speaker
verification over long distance lines.

The focus is on the quality of lines to Europe, but any information on
the subject (references, pointers, hints) is welcome.

Please send e-mail to me directly, as I don't subscribe to this newsgroup.
I'll summarize if there is enough interest.


Thanks in advance,

Tineke Boogaart <[e-mail]>

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

From: [e-mail] (Chris Michael)
Subject: x.25 networks
Date: 23 Apr 94 17:20:59 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL  USA
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Chris Michael)


I'm looking for data connectivity between Chicago and Milan Italy.
I'm guessing that X.25 will be cheaper than a leased line, but I'm
having a heck of a time finding anyone to quote me a price.  Does
anyone have any thoughts about relative pricing?  I assume Telenet and
Tymnet are still around.  Anyone know where?


Thanks,

christopher michael, george s. may international, 708-825-8806 x 395

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #181
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa07263;
          24 Apr 94 13:08 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA23054; Sun, 24 Apr 94 09:51:03 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA23045; Sun, 24 Apr 94 09:51:01 CDT
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 94 09:51:01 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #182

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 24 Apr 94 09:51:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 182

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    GTE/SF Supervising on Busy Calls? (Douglas Reuben)
    Delrina Fax MailBox Delivered (Jack Bzoza)
    What Human Resource Required to Set up Campus Network? (Martin Visser)
    Saying "NO" to Big Brother (Alan Furman)
    NANP and Switches (Howard Ramagli)
    Traffic Measurements (Miguel Rios)
    Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander (Lance Ware)
    GM-Hughes 500 Channels (A. Padgett Peterson)
    Telecommuting Policies and Procedures (Matthew L. Blackmon)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of
Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and
long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers.
To reach us:  Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone
at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: [e-mail].

    ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated
Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech
Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience
of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All
opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Cid Technologies)
Subject: GTE/SF Supervising on Busy Calls?
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 05:03:35 PDT


I'm not sure if anyone has discussed this before, but I recently
noticed that GTE/SF (00040) is *supervising* if a dialed cellular
customer is busy.

That is to say, if you call my GTE Mobilnet/San Francisco cell number,
and it is busy, the call will be BILLED, ie, you pay whatever local or
toll charges to hear a busy signal.

I tried calling my number when it was busy with a calling card, got a
busy signal, and could NOT hit the "#" sign to make a new call. This
was with Pac*Bell's CC service as well as AT&T's, both of which will
allow you to make a "sequence call" with the octothorpe/pound/#/whatever
key *only* if supervision hasn't been returned or after it is released.
So I think this is a pretty good indicator that GTE/SF *is* supervising
on busy calls.

I don't know how GTE handles cell to cell calls, ie, if one GTE customer
calls another who is busy, but if you are calling from a landline you are
likely to be billed.

If you want to try this, hit *710 (or *73 will work outside SF and San
Mateo Counties) to turn off No Answer Transfer/Voicemail, dial some
number that won't answer, and then call your GTE/SF carphone with a
calling card. You generally won't be able to hit the "#" sign if you get
a busy signal, at least that's what I've noticed.

(NOTE: You need to turn off NAT by hitting *710 (or *73, which should
turn all forwarding off where GTE will 'allow' you to do so, which
they should everywhere). For some silly reason, GTE/SF bundles NAT
with Busy Transfer (*74), and if you have NAT on, then Busy Transfer
is also on, and any "busy" call will go to voicemail or whatever
number you have set.  For you AT&T people, do the newer Autoplex
switches HAVE to work this way, or can they have two separate fields
for NAT and Busy Transfer so that each can work independently of the
other? [which is better, I think...])

So, if you don't use GTE/SF's voicemail because you think it is
outrageous to pay airtime for voicemail deposition or even hang-up
calls (and rightly so, may I add! :) ), this busy supervising thing
may be a problem for some of your callers.

Additionally, if you roam a lot, due to the way that the (IS-41 Rev
A?)  links work between the systems (ie, between GTE and Pac*Bell), if
you make a lot of short calls you may not get Call-Waiting, and a lot
of your inbound calls will be directed to a *supervising* busy signal.
Many callers may not appreciate this.

Finally, as an aside, to get out of your annual GTE/SF contract:

Like the Cell One/NY problem with the nearby Motorola EMX switches
where you can't get call-waiting when roaming in Motorola territory
and calls go right to voicemail, the same thing occurs with GTE/SF.

If you have No-Answer-Transfer set to voicemail (ie, *71*8) , and you
roam into the Sacramento (00112) or Stockton (00224) systems, you will
NOT get call-waiting! Even if you've been on the phone for five
minutes and the IS-41 Rev A protocol nonsense where you can't get more
than one call per minute is no longer an issue (and WHO wrote that
flaky software, anyhow?), anyone who calls you will get sent to Sac or
Stockton, the switch(es) will see you are busy, and then redirect your
call back to Voicemail in SF (which supposedly violates the MFJ and/or
Dept. Of Justice rules, but no one seems to have an answer as to why
they can get away with this. Don't get me wrong, I *encourage* other
cell co's to *flagrantly* violate these preposterous and onerous
regulations! :) )

So if you call up GTE/SF and say "Hey, since I can't get Call-Waiting
in Sac and Stockton as long as I have my voicemail on, I want to
cancel my contract without penalty since you promised that all my
features will work in Auto-Access markets..." they will have to let
you out as long as you say it was a *major* reason why you signed up
with them in the first place.

Actually, I've been told that it is all a matter of software revisions
on the Motorola EMXs, ie, the older versions gives Busy-Transfer a
higher degree of precedence than Call-Waiting, while the newest
version does the opposite, and if Pac*Tel would upgrade to the newest
version, this wouldn't be a problem anymore. This is of course also
true for ComCast and Metro Mobile (Bell Atlantic in CT), but it is
futile to try to have them actually BUY new software, assuming they
even DO have to buy it. In the meantime, though, it's an easy and
painless way to get out of your annual contracts with GTE/SF or Cell
One/NY! (Although I personally recommend them both over their
respective "competitors" -- if you can call a duopoly competition! :(

Frequent roamers on US-50 in CA may note that the Mountain Cellular
(Placerville and South Lake Tahoe, 01080) EMX CAN handle call-waiting
with NAT/Voicemail active, so it CAN be done. Mountain Cell, however,
seems to think that confirmation tones are uneccessary, so when you hit
*28/*29, *71/2/3/4, etc., you get a re-order/fast busy, leading you to
think that those feature codes are not valid in the Mountain Cell system
when in fact they DO work! (I'm wondering if I should bother calling
these guys and try to have them fix this ... I doubt they even care. Hmmm
 ... I  think the cell co's should pay me for this! :) )

Anyhow, I thought I'd pay a bit more attention to the West coast after
some my other postings on the oddities of roaming back East. :)


Doug    CID Technologies  [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: A lot of the cellular companies are getting
away with murder where observance of traditional standards for telephony
are concerned. But as you rightly point out, they don't give an iota; they
just do their thing.   PAT]

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

From: Jack Bzoza <[e-mail]>
Subject: Delrina Fax MailBox Delivered
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 1994 12:01:00 -0400


There was a recent enquiry in the Digest for information about Fax
Mailbox Services.  I posted a introductory summary at that time.
Delrina has now delivered the service and I thought that readers would
appreciate the whole story, straight from the horse's mouth.

                                ----------

Delrina Delivers Fax Mailbox Service
Users Praise Productivity Benefits and Convenience

SAN JOSE, CA and TORONTO, ONT April 22, 1994 -- They faxed it to
Chicago, but now you're in New York ... your office has been trying
to fax a crucial document to your home, but you forgot to turn on your
computer ... the fax cover sheet says there are three pages, but the
hotel clerk insists he received only two ... you desperately need the
fax tonight but the hotel's business office is closed till tomorrow
morning ...

Now there's a new way to get faxes when and where you need them.

Delrina Corporation (NASDAQ:DENAF, TSE:DC), the world's leading vendor
of fax communications software, today announced the immediate
availability of its fax mailbox service.  Delrina Fax MailBox<tm> is
an enhanced fax messaging service that offers subscribers a +virtual+
fax mailbox with their own 800 number, eliminating the need to leave
their PC+s running all the time or maintain an additional phone line
for their fax device.  Delrina Fax MailBox receives and stores faxes
until the subscriber decides to retrieve them.  Subscribers can
retrieve their faxes at anytime directly into Delrina's fax software,
WinFax PRO 4.0, or by simply dialing into their mailbox by phone and
forwarding all their faxes to any fax device.

Unlike other services, Delrina Fax MailBox allows users to retrieve
faxes directly into their computer.  The advantage of this is that
faxes can be received anywhere and at any time without having a
dedicated or incoming line; for example, a subscriber can now retrieve
faxes from his or her hotel room and a home user does not require a
second phone line to receive faxes.

Furthermore, the service is "one button easy" - users select a menu
item in WinFax PRO, enter their password and the software takes care
of the rest.  Alternatively, users can call into their mailbox by
phone and forward faxes to any fax device.  The service also includes
a voice messaging capability, and options for international access and
paging notification.

Delrina is targeting its installed base of more than four million
WinFax users with communication services.  For the first time, these
services are available +out of the box+ with the purchase of Delrina
WinFax PRO 4.0 or Delrina Communications Suite.  Delrina Fax MailBox
users can retrieve their messages from any location using either their
PC, a traditional fax machine, or a telephone.  The service is reliable
because the phone line is never busy and the system is paperless.
Since the retrieval of messages is self-initiated the transmission
occurs with complete security.  More importantly the service eliminates
the need for a dedicated telephone line or a PC which needs to be
constantly switched on to receive faxes.  For mobile subscribers
Delrina Fax MailBox is a boon, since it guarantees that faxes will
never be missed, lost or read by the hotel clerk.

"Over a period of time and versions, WinFax has been eliminating the
need for a fax machine, and has been exploding the uses of fax
communication," said Delrina president, Mark Skapinker.  "Early
versions made sending a fax with WinFax as easy as printing from any
Windows program.  Then we focused on ease of use and wider
functionality by focusing on usability, improving the phonebook
functionality, adding file transfer capabilities, and making fax
management an integral part of the product.  All along our users have
been asking us to make receiving faxes easier; they did not want to
leave their computers on all the time in order to receive and portable
users needed to receive faxes anywhere they might be.  Fax mailbox now
completes the range of functionality.  WinFax 4 with fax mailbox
provides the flexibility and reliability of receiving faxes anywhere,
anytime with push-button simplicity."

In a recent study, Marketfinders, a market research firm in Austin,
Texas, forecasts the market for traditional enhanced fax services
including fax broadcast, fax on demand, and fax mailbox to grow to
$430 million in 1994 and to $940 million by 1996, and that fax mailbox
alone will to grow to $122 million of this market within the next two
years.  The study does not include in its estimates PC-based faxing,
in which the proliferation of fax modems and the increased use of
fax-enabled software are expected to escalate the need for such
services.  BIS Strategic Decisions, Norwell, MA predicts that by 1997
seventy-two percent of portable computers and one-third of desktop
PC's will have fax modems which enable easy access to services like
Delrina's.

Beta testers of Delrina's new service have been quick to applaud its
benefits.  DRK Inc., an advertising and marketing firm in Boston, MA,
uses Delrina Fax MailBox to collect responses to a five-page marketing
survey that is broadcast by fax to 120 people.  "By using Delrina Fax
MailBox I am able to receive multiple faxes in a timely manner,
reducing the normal time required for such a survey by more than
half," said Jeff Freedman, Supervisor of Media and Marketing Services.
"A never-busy fax line and the convenient 800 access results in a
higher than usual response to our surveys."

"The accessibility to both fax and voice messages gives me the freedom
and convenience to dial my 1-800 number to retrieve messages either at
the office, at home, or on the road," said Alan Morris, programming
consultant at Land Rover North America in Lanham, Maryland. "I am able
to do this without having to leave any equipment on.  And, I am
guaranteed to be reached anywhere."

Subscribers to the Delrina Fax MailBox service receive their own
personal 800 telephone number.  Users can customize Delrina Fax
MailBox by purchasing additional services, such as 24 hour / 7 day
call forwarding and rerouting, from their local telephone company.
International access and paging notification are also available.  An
alternative number is provided for international calls.

Different service plans are available to accommodate users+ volume and
messaging needs with monthly payments as little as $9.95 (Cdn $19.95)
plus retrieval charges.  Volume discounts are also provided.
International access and paging notification are provided for an
additional $4.95 (Cdn $6.95) each per month with a 25 cent fee per
paging notification.  Billing options include a corporate account or
credit card billing through VISA, Master Card, and American Express.

Delrina develops, markets and supports PC-based software products and
services for the fax and data communications, electronic forms
processing and consumer content markets.  Founded in 1988, Delrina
employs more than 450 persons with headquarters in Toronto, Canada;
and offices in San Jose, CA; Washington, DC; Kirkland, WA; the United
Kingdom; France; and Germany.

Delrina Fax MailBox customer service can be contacted at 1-800-670-8777.

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

From: Martin Visser <[e-mail]>
Subject: What Human Resource Required to Set up Large Campus Network?
Date: 14 Apr 1994 02:53:18 GMT
Organization: BHP Steel - Slab and Plate Products Division


Hi,

We are about to undertake a project to set up the backbone and
distribution communications network infrastructure at our Port Kembla
Steelworks. The intention is use ATM as the backbone carrier, and
802.x LANs as the access media into the network. The "campus" is about
6 x 4 km and we should be interconnecting around 2000 end user nodes.
We expect to be installing 30km backbone and 60km distribution fibre,
as well as umpteen switches, hubs, routers, etc.

As part of our final estimate and capital funding we are examining the
personnel required to run this project. Outside of the physical
installation what sort of people and for our long will we need them?
We have estimated that the project life will be about two years,
including a small trial period at the beginning. We also expect that
because of the showcase nature (the first commercial ATM network in an
industrial in Australia if not the world) that the prospective network
vendors will be more than willing to help us in the technical aspects,
especially to set up the generic solution that meets all our
requirements.

I guess I'm asking what manhour requirement there would be to do the
technical design in association with the vendors, network configuration,
change control, QA, management etc. to get the job done. Also what
organizational structure is appropriate?

Ordinarily large engineering projects  (e.g. a blast furnace) have about
8-10% engineering, but is this is a different kettle of fish?

I would appreciate input from those that may have been involved in large
campus networks, or WANs, especically if they were done with "bleeding"
edge technology, such as FDDI a few years.

In expectation and appreciation,

Martin.

(PS We have selected our tenderers for the project and no correspondence
will be entered into.)


Martin Visser
BHP Steel - Slab & Plate Products Division
Engineering Technology - Computer Systems
PO Box 1854 Wollongong NSW 2502, AUSTRALIA
A.C.N. 006 476 218
Phone     [phone]
Fax         [phone]
Internet MARTIN.M.C.VISSER@
bhpmelmsm.x400.bhp.com.au
X.400    G=MARTIN I=MC S=VISSER OU=BHPMELMSM O=BHP
P=BHPMEL04 A=TELEMEMO C=AU

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Saying "NO" to Big Brother
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 94 00:08:04 PDT


NEWS FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY
1528 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington DC 20003

For additional information:
Bill Winter, Director of Communications
        [phone]

Libertarian Party Announces Opposition to Digital Telephony Act

        Calling it a "serious infringement of civil liberties and a
gross violation of property rights," the Libertarian Party National
Committee unanimously voted to oppose the Digital Telephony and
Communications Act of 1994.

        At their quarterly meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, the
governing body of America's third-largest political party charged that
"the Digital Telephony Act would make furnishing the FBI with easy
wiretapping capability the overriding priority for designers of
telephone equipment and related software."

        "It is a lie to call this legislation a 'Privacy Improvement
Act,'" said Bill Evers, the National Committee member from California
who sponsored the resolution.

        The Digital Telephony Act, noted the resolution, "requires
telephone, cable television, and computer network companies to ensure
that the government can conduct surveillance while private communication
is going on. It requires the installation of surveillance-facilitating
software in telephone switching equipment to expose personal information --
such as telephone-calling patterns, credit card purchases, banking
records, and medical records -- to the view of the government."

        "Such personal information should be the private property of
either the company that assembles it or the individual to whom it
pertains," said Evers.

        Libertarians also oppose the Digital Telephony Act because it
"would require a fundamental re-engineering of the communications
infrastructure at great expense to American taxpayers, and to the
owners of private communications systems," said Evers.

        The Libertarian National Committee also unanimously voted to
oppose the National Security Agency's Escrowed Encryption Standard -
the so-called Clipper Chip system - or any "government policies
promoting or requiring specific encryption methods for civilian use."
The party also urged the "repeal of the U.S. ban on export abroad of
Clipper-free encryption devices produced by American companies."

        "Government-mandated encryption standards will foster
indiscriminate surveillance of private communications by the
government," charged Evers.

        The resolution said "the Clinton Administration plans to induce
American manufacturers to install government-readable encryption devices
in every telephone, fax machine, and computer modem made in the United
States."

        "The Clinton Administration is explicitly denying that the
American people have the right to communicate in private," said Evers.
By contrast, he said, "The Libertarian Party has long upheld the civil
liberties of the American citizen."

        Approximately 120 Libertarians serve in elected and appointed
office around the country, including four State Representatives in New
Hampshire and two mayors in California. The Libertarian Party platform
calls for vigorous defense of the Bill of Rights, free enterprise,
civil liberties, free trade, and private charity.

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

Date: 23 Apr 1994 13:04:59 CST
From: Howard Ramagli <[e-mail]>
Subject: NANP and Switches


I have just joined this list and have tried to scan the archives and
the FAQ for an answer to the following questions and have found nothing
that seem to address them.

We currently have a Northern Telecom Meridian Option 61 (software
relase 17) with 44 DID trunks, a T1 for long distance, and about 1300
active phones.  We have been told by Ameritech that, in order for us
to be able to comply with the implementation of the new North American
Numbering Plan (NANP) on January 1, 1995, we must upgrade our switch
with an additional memory card, another ROM board and software release
19.  My questions are (1) is this really necessary and (2) can we wait
until the middle of 1995 before doing this and still provide access
via NANP?  Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.


Howard Ramagli
Director, Information Services and Technology
Lake Forest College   708.735.5115
INTERNET:  [e-mail]        APPLELINK:  RAMAGLI.H

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

From: [e-mail] (Miguel Rios)
Subject: Traffic Measurements
Organization: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 1994 18:14:04 GMT


I would appreciate if some reader of the Digest can give me an
insight about the following problem:

-In a multicarrier long distance telephone system, we need to check
for the QOS, so as to asure that all the available carriers give a
certain QOS. What kind of measurement equipment is available on the
market, that can perform the job?. (We need to check both national and
international connections).

-With respect to to the previous problem, what kind of statistics do we
need (and what are the sizes of the samples needed).


Thank you in advance,

Miguel Rios
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
Universidad Catolica de Chile
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Lance Ware)
Subject: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander
Organization: VOXEL
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 08:40:23 GMT


I need help with programming these two cell phones. Specifically I
need to program the phone numbers, and get the ESN so that I may have
them both put on the same phone number.

This is legitimate, I am not interested in going to jail for many
years!


Lance Ware
IS Manager & VOXEL Guru
VOXEL

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

Date: Sun, 24 Apr 94 04:50:17 -0400
From: [e-mail] (A. Padgett Peterson)
Subject: GM-Hughes 500 Channels


A couple of months ago Hughes was advertising for technicians to
service their new small-dish satellite TV system (500 channel?). Does
anyone know what the status is, when it will become available, or have
a contact phone or E-Mail number ? Reply to: [e-mail]


Warmly,

Padgett

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

From: [e-mail] (Matthew L. Blackmon)
Subject: Telecommuting Policies and Procedures
Date: 23 Apr 1994 21:29:02 -0400
Organization: CS Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville


Greetings:

I have been charged with the task of locating some resources on
telecommuting policies and procedures that are in use in industry.

We here at the University of Tennessee Medical Center are just entering
this arena, and are interested in learning as much as possible.

The particular areas of interest are personnel policies and
procedures, such as, work hours and ethics, pay scales (ie, do you pay
more or less for telecommuters?), payment of services and equipment
(ie, do you pay for the equipment and the ISDN or data lines to the
house, or does the telecommuter?), and etc. We are looking for any
ideas and pointers along this line.

Please email me and I will post a summary if there is sufficient interest.


Thanks,

Matt Blackmon [e-mail] | [e-mail]
Department of Computer Science    | Manager, Network Engineering and Tec
The University of Tennessee       | The University of TN Medical Center
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996        | 615.544.6110

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #182
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa07131;
          27 Apr 94 5:28 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA13370; Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:50:10 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA13361; Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:50:08 CDT
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:50:08 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #183

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:50:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 183

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    International Telecomunication Union to Sponsor Digest (TELECOM Editor)
    Other Telecom-Related Services to be Discontinued (TELECOM Digest Editor)
    Interactive and Broadband Strategy Development ([e-mail]
    More Information Needed on Motorola 550 Programming (Lance Ware)
    Link Budget for Fiber Optic LAN (Marcial Dumlao)
    Busy Hour Erlang (BHE) Capacity of Mobile Cellular System (Aamer Soomro)
    South Africa Voting Information (Carl Moore)
    Telephony/Data Integration Recommendations Wanted (Scott Sanbeg)
    AT&T vs. Ameritech (Chicago Tribune via Van Hefner)
    Cellular Bust (Van Hefner)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach me by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:01:09 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Digest Editor)
Subject: International Telecomunication Union to Sponsor Digest


The International Telecommunication Union in Geneva Switzerland has
agreed to help underwrite the costs involved in producing TELECOM
Digest. The ITU will be providing me with a generous monthly stipend
intended to offset some of the increasing expenses I incur here, and
to relieve me of some of the burden I was faced with over the past
few months in attempting to work elsewhere while producing the Digest.

Their grant to me, or stipend arrived at a time when the need was
greater than ever before. The ITU has not requested, nor have they been
granted any control over the editorial content of the Digest. Their
announcements and messages from staff members there who participate
in the Digest will continue as in the past with no more or less frequency
than before.

The following announcement will appear in the masthead of each issue
of the Digest beginning with the issue you are reading now (if you are
reading the Digest version -- instead of via Usenet -- please go back
and read it now for changes in case you skipped over it.)

                     ------------------------
TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland under the aegis
of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES) project.  Views
expressed herein should not be construed as representing views of the
ITU.
                      -----------------------

May I respectfully request that you take a moment to send a note of
thanks to the ITU for their ongoing support of the Digest?  Write
to:

     Lucio Goelzer
     Chief, Information Services Dept, ITU
     Place des Nations
     1211 Geneva 20
     Switzerland

     Tel: [phone]
     FAX: [phone]
     X.400: S=goelzer; P=itu; A=arcom; C=ch
     Internet: [e-mail]

Additionally, my thanks to to several other readers and supporters who
have sent gifts in recent days; some payable to 'Ameritech' and others
payable to either 'Northern Illinois Gas' or 'Edison'; some simply to
TELECOM Digest with a note to 'use where need is greatest'. All have been
put to use as intended and I continue to be amazed by the generosity
so many of you have shown.

Once again, to the ITU, my sincere thanks for your commitment to a
generous monthly stipend on an ongoing basis.


Patrick Townson
TELECOM Digest Editor

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:18:18 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Digest Editor)
Subject: Other Telecom-Related Services to be Discontinued


As most readers of the Digest know, for the past year or so I have
attempted to fund the Digest through the sale/resale of telecom-
related services such as Telepassport, Orange Card, 800/Inwats
numbers and similar.

Although I believe I handled these things at arms-length to the
Digest itself and with fairness, there were from time to time questions
raised about the propriety of the whole thing while editing the Digest.
The monthly stipend from ITU announced in the message before this has
made it possible to discontinue active involvement in those other
things. I request that users of Telepassport begin directing their
inquiries to the company itself rather than my office; likewise I can
no longer supply 800 numbers. Residuals due me as commissions from Orange
Card will continue to be received on a monthly basis. I believe in
fairness to my new patron that I should devote my energies to the Digest
as much as possible given financial realities. I'll still be doing
other things to earn a living, but now the Digest is provided for and
that has relieved me of a tremendous burden that I dealt with the past
year.

My thanks to all of you who supported the various sale/resale programs
over the past year. Indeed, my deepest thanks.


Patrick Townson

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 16:06:05 EST
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Subject: Report: Interactive and Broadband Strategy Development


The following is a brief outline of a report that we at the institute
are very excited about.  I believe that many members of this list will
also be interested in the subject.  Please be advised that this is not
a RITIM publication and all inquiries should be directed to:

                          Paul M. Orme
                      482 North Salem Road
                  Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877
                         [phone]

               INTERACTIVE AND BROADBAND STRATEGY
            DEVELOPMENT IN A CHANGING COMMUNICATIONS
                           ENVIRONMENT

     "In their rush to get into the multimedia business,
     America's Baby Bells are spending a fortune on
     acquisitions and new technology.  This may help to
     crate an industry, but does it make financial sense?"
                              - Economist, December 4, 1993

Over the last decade, we've worked with companies to develop consumer
electronic, interactive information, communications, entertainment
transaction and shopping services.

Never has there been so much turmoil in the industry, never has there
been a greater need to prepare for the future.

We've examined the industry, technologies, competition, the consumer,
new major markets/opportunities and want to share our analysis,
projections and conclusions with you.

                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

I.   Overview of Telecommunications Distribution/Delivery
     Methodologies
          A.   General
          B.   Telephone Companies
          C.   Cable Companies
          D.   1 Wire or 2 into Each Home
          E.   Interactive Television
          F.   Future Competitive Environment

II.  Deployment and Potential Displacement and/or Competition
     Among the Methodologies
          A.   Twisted Copper Pair/Current Telephone
               Technology
          B.   Cable Coaxial and Fiber-to-the-Neighborhood
          C.   Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
          D.   Wireless Cable
          E.   Broadcast Television
          F.   E-On Technology

III. Estimated Adoption of Interactive TV and Video-on-
     Demand
          A.   Initial Indication of Demand for Interactive TV
               and Video-on-Demand
          B.   Data Transmission Bandwidth Issues
          C.   Supporting Technologies -- Converter Boxes

IV.  Cost of New Technology Deployment, Penetration
     Estimates and Timelines
          A.   Cost Estimates to Deploy Various Technologies
          B.   Market Penetration Estimates -- Consumer
               Acceptance/Penetration of Video-on-Demand and
               Interactive Television
          C.   Relationships between Telephone Companies and
               Cable Companies
          D.   Summary Timeline of Estimated Roll out of
               Largest Media Companies' Full Service Networks

V.   New Growth Opportunities for Interactive and Broadband
               A.   Home Shopping
          B.   Work at Home
          C.   Telecommuting
          D.   Gaming/Gambling
          E.   Education
          F.   Health Care

(ed.  this is an abridged TOC and does not contain the many exhibits
and graphics)

Author:

Paul Orme has over 25 years experience in consulting, general
management, business development and marketing.  He has served in
telecommunications and information companies, financial services
organizations, and consumer packaged goods companies.

For the past 10 years, he has focused on the definition and
application of new technologies in interactive voice, data and video
services.

In the early 1980's, Paul Orme was President of Knight-Ridder's
Viewtron, the interactive information, banking, entertainment and
shopping service, which was delivered through telephone lines to
household television sets.  He led the redesign of Viewtron to serve
PC users, and expanded the service nationally.

At Citibank, Mr. Orme was Vice President of Electronic Delivery
Systems where he led a department of over 120 project managers and
business strategists to create, prototype, test market and introduce
new electronic delivery capabilities to serve the consumer bank.
Products included home banking/bill payment, screen phone/enhanced
telephone and human factor design.

Prior to his focus on the electronic delivery and interactive services
business, he was regional Vice President and General Manager for
Europe/Middle East/Africa for a consumer goods company and was
responsible for over $100 million in revenue.

Mr. Orme is a former consultant with McKinsey & Co. where he directed
consulting assignments in the United States and International markets.
He led the marketing evaluation of the McKinsey study which resulted
in the creation of the Universal Product Code for the grocery
industry.

He is a frequent speaker at industry forums including the 8th Annual
Interactive Services Association (Interact 93).  He has served as
Chairman of Electronic Services Division of the Information Industry
Association and as a member of the board of Directors.

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

From: [e-mail] (Lance Ware)
Subject: More Information Needed on Motorola 550 Programming
Organization: VOXEL
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 00:00:21 GMT


Earlier I requested general programming info on the Motorola 550.  I
am now looking for more info on the 61#, 66#, and 69# functions
pertaining to ESN and identity transfer. If anyone can assist me I
would appreciate it greatly. Specifically I wish to place the ESN from
my already registered Fujitsu Mobile phone into my handheld motorola.

This is a legitimate use and is not illegal.


Lance Ware     IS Manager & VOXEL Guru   VOXEL

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

From: [e-mail] (Marcial Dumlao)
Subject: Link Budget for Fiber Optic LAN
Organization: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 01:16:56 GMT


I'm researching single-mode fiber optics in LAN. I'm fairly new on
this subj.  Is there any text or reference that can guide me thru the
analysis of system design aspects in terms of fibers, fiber cables,
sources and detectors.  My goal in this project is to analyze a system
by calculating and applying numerical aperture values, fiber xmsn
losses, describe pulse propagation properties; select light emitters,
detectors, connectors, and fiber cable to match system specs; and to
compare commercial fiber links. I'ld like to be able to validate
manufacture specs on LANs and create a "link budget".

Any help or guidance is appreciated.


VR,

[e-mail] -or- [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 12:26:22 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Aamer Soomro)
Subject: Busy Hour Erlang (BHE) Capacity of Mobile Cellular System


Hello everyone,

I am writing a paper on the Erlang capacity of the Mobile Cellular
System and investigating the effects of cell radius on the system
capacity.

This analysis involves average Channel Hold time (for a call within a
cell) as apposed to average call hold time used in fixed networks.

Can someone please give me references to the studies on the Channel
Hold time (Its distribution), and cellular system capacity analysis.

Thank you for your time.


Aamer Soomro   [phone]
George Mason University
Electrical Engineering Dept.
Farifax, Va.

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 01:48:28 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: South Africa Voting Information


This appeared under HOW TO VOTE (information for voting in the South
Africa election for eligible voters who are absentee) in the {News
Journal} (Wilmington, Delaware), page A-12, April 24, 1994.  I am
sending it only for the interest in the phone system (NO COMMENT
intended on the election).  The number given for "international" is
apparently Johannesburg area, and I do not see how it can be toll free
or where the 09 prefix would be used.  Here goes:

More information
Call the Independent Electoral Commission toll free at (09-27-11)
401-2000 (International) or 0800-11-8000 (South Africa).  The toll
free line is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It would appear the paper simply reprinted
the PR item it got from the Electoral Commission without bothering to
adjust as required for local consumption.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Scott Sanbeg)
Subject: Telephony/Data Integration Recommendations Wanted
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 00:58:42 -0700
Organization: Connected INC -- Full Service Internet Providers(tm)


Hello All,

We are in the process of upgrade our mid-70's mainframes to a new
platform altogether. For this I am looking to install a fiber
backbone, leaving the currently installed Cat5 copper alone which runs
out to 100 workstations.  So I'm looking for answers to several
questions and any gotcha's I should be aware of. The diagram looks
like this:


  Internet---------
                   \
                    \                      155 Mbps       Equip. Rm.
   PSTN-------------------> Telco CO <--> Fiber MUX <-->      POP    ---|
                   /                       (SONET)                      |
  Subscriber      /                                                     |
   Connections----                                                   Bandwidth
                                           /------------------------  Mangm't
                                          /                            Unit
                                         |                              |
                                        ACD    Voice Processing          \
                                         |-------   & FAX                 |
                                        /                        MEGA    Router
                                      /                          Server
                                    /
                    Modem --------/     UNIX HOST
                    Pool                  (DNS)              Video
                                        (Internet)      Teleconferencing

Without further ado, the fiber backbone connects the Router, Mega
Server, UNIX Host and Video Teleconferencing together with the LAN
side of the modem pool and Voice Processing Host. Not showing are, off
the ACD, digital phone lines out to the one hundred agent workstations
and the Cat5 copper LAN connections to each of the one hundred
stations also.

The copper plant is going into a Ethernet Optical Tranceiver (not
shown) on the rack; the fiber is going into a fiber device (DACS?);
bridging is done between the two. First question: Will the router, a
Cisco 7000, be okay to function as our main router and route, instead
of bridge, the FDDI and Ethernet traffic too?

Second question: I've been looking at FDDI for the fiber side of
things. Yet ATM looks attractive over SONET. Some vendors are
reluctant to deploy ATM at the moment, like I am, because standards
are still being written. We are seeing, nonetheless, some of the
universities and corps. deploying ATM across their backbones. What are
the thoughts here from netland?

Third question: If using FDDI for the fiber side, is CDDI a solid
solution to the agent stations over the Cat5? If using ATM for the
backbone, are there ATM solutions to the workstations (PC's)? If using
ATM for the backbone, is CDDI to the stations bridgable/routeable?

Fourth question: Will someone recommend a modem pool solution that
will take port routing from the ACD instead of T1's directly, give us
144 ports to start *and* acknowledge rlogin, telnet, ftp, PPP/SLIP,
etc.? (The ACD routing allows us to assign ports, move them around,
add to them and so forth as needed.)

Fifth question: What functionality will a DACS, an Ethernet Optical
Tranceiver and/or an Ethernet Switch give us over routing between
FDDI/CDDI/ATM on a Cisco, the above gear and 3Com Linkbuilder Hubs on
the Cat5 side of things?

Sixth question: Is it recommended to have that Cisco serve as both our
firewall *and* main router? If not, is it generally better to but in
some- thing like a Cisco 2500 as the firewall in addition to the 7000?

Last question, maybe: Who can recommend a vendor for the Bandwidth
Management Unit?

For background info, I have worked quite a bit with copper; am
learning and am amazed by optical fiber. We already have the SONET MUX
in our equipment room and our T1's are currently sent to us over fiber
 -- all in all we have the bandwidth requirements covered with 24 fiber
strands. My intention is to perform no, or as little as possible,
electro-optical conversions and use only digital equipment through the
telephony parts (no analog).


Thanks,

Scott Sanbeg    Computer Systems Engineer, Seattle, WA
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 19:23:44 EDT
Subject: AT&T vs. Ameritech


Open local phone service, AT&T urges Illinois

By Jon Van

Tribune Staff Writer

Illinois should become a national showcase for local telephone service
competition, American Telephone & Telegraph Co. said Tuesday in a
petition filed before the Illinois Commerce Commission, but AT&T
itself won't compete.

The nation's biggest long-distance phone company said it would benefit
because competition with Ameritech would reduce the fees it pays to
complete long-distance calls.

Ameritech, the regional Bell operating company based in Chicago that
provides local telephone service to five Midwestern states, responded
that AT&T's petition is really intended to delay competition, not
promote it, because AT&T doesn't want Ameritech in the long-distance
business.

Ameritech has asked federal officials and the ICC for permission to
enter long-distance service. In exchange, Ameritech is willing to
allow competitors into its local-service arena.

Both telecommunications giants did agree Illinois likely will become a
test bed for phone-service competition and deregulation because of
favorable state laws and an attractive market.

Dudley Burgess, AT&T vice president for governmental affairs, said
Ameritech's proposal is a step in the right direction, but doesn't go
far enough, which is why AT&T filed its own petition.

Issues such as allowing customers to keep their same telephone numbers
when they change local telephone companies must be addressed if
competition is to thrive, Burgess said, and Ameritech's proposal
doesn't address them.

AT&T also opposes Ameritech's requirement that it be allowed to offer
long-distance service before it abandons monopoly control of its
network.

But, said Burgess, AT&T doesn't plan to enter the local-service
market. MCI Communications, the No. 2 long-distance carrier, announced
last month that it plans to offer local service in several large
cities later this year.

Burgess didn't rule out the possibility that AT&T may one day seek to
offer local service.

"This business is evolving so dramatically anything is possible," he
said.

A decade ago, AT&T's monopoly in local- and long-distance service was
split up by court order, with AT&T keeping the long-distance business
and seven Baby Bells, including Ameritech, given local-service
monopolies.

Doug Whitley, president of Ameritech's Illinois service company, said
AT&T's petition was filed primarily to divert the Illinois Commerce
Commission from taking prompt action on Ameritech's requests to enter
the long-distance market.

"We think this filing is superfluous," said Whitley. "There's nothing
they asked for in this petition that we haven't already addressed. I
see no reason for AT&T to step in except for purposes of delay.


Van Hefner   Vantek Communications   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 19:24:29 EDT
Subject: Cellular Bust


Cellular phone fraud operation busted  by law enforcement
officials and BellAtlantic Mobile

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. (APRIL 11) BUSINESS WIRE - April 11, 1994 -- State
and local law enforcement officials in conjunction with the network
and corporate security operations of Bell Atlantic Mobile today
uncovered and shut down a cellular phone fraud operation similar to
the ones that are costing the industry up to one million dollars per
day.

Police inspectors of the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice,
Office of the State's Attorney Donald A. Browne, Judicial District of
Fairfield, in cooperation with Bridgeport Police Narcotic and Vice
Officers executed a search and seizure warrant and arrested Teofila A.
Torres, 26, at her residence at 810 Howard Ave. in Bridgeport.  Ms.
Torres is accused of defrauding Bell Atlantic Mobile and long distance
carriers of services determined to be in excess of $50,000.

The search warrant was executed on April 5, 1994 at approximately 5:45
p.m.  Officials uncovered nine cellular telephones, mobile phone
monitoring equipment, papers and notebook ledgers recording phone
numbers and names of individuals alleged to have used telephone
facilities through the scheme.  State and local law enforcement
officials acted after receiving a complaint from security officers of
Bell Atlantic Mobile, following detection of unusual activity on the
carrier's network.

"Cellular fraud effects our customers in many significant ways,"
stated Gary Schulman, regional vice president, Bell Atlantic Mobile.
"Operations such as this one could prevent customers from reaching
emergency numbers or from completing calls.  The additional costs to
the carrier can ultimately effect our operations and our subscribers.

Using a sophisticated computer system called "FraudTec", Bell Atlantic
Mobile can detect abnormal usage as it occurs.  In this case, a tip
from Bell Atlantic Mobile led to further investigation by the State's
Attorney's office with officers of the Bridgeport Police Narcotics and
Vice Units.

 From this operation, numerous telephone calls were made throughout
the United States and to the Dominican Republic.

Inspector John F.  Solomon, Supervisory Inspector for the office of
the State's Attorney in Bridgeport praised the work of Bell Atlantic
Mobile investigators and their technical tracking team.

Ms. Torres was charged with larceny in the first degree: theft of
utility services for profit.  Also arrested was a juvenile, a relative
of the accused. Three small children at the apartment were transported
to the Bridgeport Police Department and later turned over to relatives
of the defendant.

Bell Atlantic Mobile's cellular operations constitute the largest
carrier on the east coast and one of the largest carriers in North
America, serving markets with a total population of 35 million.  Bell
Atlantic Mobile provides cellular service and equipment in Washington,
D.C., and 15 states in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the Carolinas
and the Southwest.  The Northeast region is headquartered in
Wallingford, Conn.


CONTACT:  Bell Atlantic Mobile
   Gary Schulman, 203/269-8858
            or
    State Attorney's Office
   John F. Solomon, 203/579-6506
            or
   Mason & Madison Inc.
   James S. Frawley, 203/393-1101


Van Hefner   Vantek Communications  [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #183
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa11666;
          27 Apr 94 17:13 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21680; Wed, 27 Apr 94 12:03:05 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21671; Wed, 27 Apr 94 12:03:03 CDT
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 12:03:03 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #184

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 27 Apr 94 12:03:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 184

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls (Tom Holderby)
    Reach Out and Touch Someone ... (Worth Magazine via Van Hefner)
    AT&T Craft Access Terminal (Chris Klugewicz)
    Re: GTE/SF Supervising on Busy Calls? (Mike Borsetti)
    Looking For International Switching Symposium Proceedings (Jeong-Gyun Shin)
    Where is NPA/NXX Current List? (Kim Kempf)
    Incident Management Call Boxes (Paul Robinson)
    Source of 25 Pair AMP Connectors to RJ11 Patchboard Needed (Joe McGuckin)
    Qualcomm and ATM (John Anderson)
    NT Script Files (Jeff Whitcomb)
    What is True Voice? (Kendall Willis)
    Wanted: Chip CS61574A or CS61575 (Sorokin Anatole)
    CFP: NCC'95 (IIT Kanapur, India) (Chandrabose Aravindan)
    CFP: First Smart Card Research/Advanced Application Conference (Vandewalle)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Tom Holderby)
Subject: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls
Date: 27 Apr 1994 10:50:34 -0400


I've recently become aware of the fact the many BBS's and Internet
service providers use the call-forwarding trick where they go buy a
phone number (without a phone) in outlying exchanges which are
permanently call-forwarded to their main lines, thereby increasing
their local call area.  Apparently some of them carry this to the
point of multiple forwarding, which may get them 50 or 75 miles
without a toll.

I was just wondering how the phone companies feel about this.  Is this
something that you can just tell them you want to do, being very open
about it?  Or do you need to sneak around, get the numbers in different
names, etc?

Also, assuming that this is legal and acceptable, can you forward
multiple calls off of one line, or do you need one line per call?

Thanks in advance for any help.


Tom Holderby    [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally, using the *regular, residential
variety* of call forwarding will NOT save money where toll charges are
concerned unless you are able to link two or three large toll free calling
areas together. Generally, two or more short calls linked together cost
more than a single long-haul call covering the same points. There is a
service offered by many telcos called 'remote call forwarding' which con-
sists of a phantom number in a central office with no actual wire pair
going somewhere attached to it. This phantom number is programmed perman-
ently by telco to automatically 'call forward' to some other location
outside the CO. The subscriber pays for those calls at the direct dial
rate in effect at whatever time a call is received. Remote call forwarding
usually requires a 'path' for each call to be forwarded at the same time.
You want to be able to receive three calls at once, you need three paths,
etc.

This often times is not intended so much to save money for the caller
as it is intended by the called party to provide a local presence in
the community where the caller is located. Remote call forwarding is
legal and a published tariff. On the other hand, the casual stringing
together of phones in a call forwarding link purely for the purpose of
toll-avoidance is not legal; but more important, it rarely can be
justified economically with the exception mentioned above of phones in
large toll free areas which have been *very* strategically placed at
certain locations. As long as they buy the line 'without the phone'
from telco according to remote call forwarding tariffs (they are NOT
priced the same as regular call forwarding tariffs) then it is legal.
Subscribers who elect to use this really need to sit down with pencil
and paper and work out the costs before proceeding to see if it makes
any real difference or not to them and their subscribers before
proceeding. It might if they are large like Compuserve.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 94 09:24:04 EDT
Subject: Reach Out and Touch Someone ...


The following is a reprint from the May 1994 issue of {Worth Magazine}.

Shady Operators

A new measure would mean phone callers don't have to put everything on
the line.

How would you feel if your telephone company were to sell your name and
address to a travel agency because you make lots of international calls?

What if it gave your name to an X-rated video marketer as part of a
list of phone-sex addicts?

Though they haven't been hashed out in court, such actions are likely
legal right now. Phone companies aren't barred from hawking lists of
names, organized by calling habits, to all comers. Meanwhile, police
departments and other authorities need a subpoena to see such records.

Most phone companies insist they'd never divulge your habits to a
marketer -- although they may use them for their own marketing purposes.
But many other companies sell phone-call records: Mail-order companies,
for instance, often use caller-identification technology that tells them
who's calling, then sell that data to other merchants.  And some
numbers exist just to gather mailing lists.

"A great deal of information about us is collected, analyzed, and sold
when we are conducting everyday activities," says Congressman Edward
J. Markey of Massachusetts, who's pushing a measure to limit info
harvesting.

Markey's proposal, included as an amendment to a broader telecommunications
bill, seems like a no-brainer: It would mainly require phone companies to get
a consumer's express consent before disclosing any calling patterns or
other data. The bill also would set nationwide privacy standards for
caller-identification technology and require new privacy rules for all
telecommunications media.

But powerful local phone companies oppose the measure, which will
likely be debated in the late spring. "The telephone business has been
around for more than 100 years, and sacrosanct privacy has always been
its hallmark," says a spokesman for BellSouth. "It seems strange that
anyone thinks legislation like this is necessary."


 -- by David A. Andelman

            ============================================

Van Hefner    Vantek Communications    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Chris Klugewicz)
Subject: AT&T Craft Access Terminal
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 02:52:35 -0500
Organization: Chesapeake Bay Information Systems


I recently purchased a surplus AT&T Craft Access Terminal for use as a
telephone test set -- a function it fulfills quite adequately.
However, I would like to be able to use the "Craft Access Terminal"
part as well -- it'd be a nifty handheld data terminal, for instance.

Using the CAT, I dialed into one of the modems around here and
discovered that the set features a 1200 baud modem, which connected
quite readily with my own AT&T DataPort.  However, I could do nothing
more.  The CAT sends out a steady stream of ESC-LF-LF-LF-LF-ACK-NUL-NUL
(pause) as if it's expecting a reply from the other end.

Anybody familiar with AT&T's Craft computers or CAT test sets?  I'd
appreciate follow-up here or by email.


Thanks!

Chris Klugewicz
Chesapeake Bay Information Systems
[e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 00:40:02 PDT
From: Mike Borsetti, Cellular One/San Francisco <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: GTE/SF Supervising on Busy Calls?


In TELECOM Digest V14 #182 [e-mail] writes:

> [...] I recently oticed that GTE/SF (00040) is *supervising* if a dialed
> cellular customer is busy.

> That is to say, if you call my GTE Mobilnet/San Francisco cell number, and
> it is busy, the call will be BILLED, ie, you pay whatever local or toll
> charges to hear a busy signal.

That is correct; we've found the same problem with ring no answer
situations.

Of course, there is a second cellular carrier in the Bay Area <g>, and
it *does* handle call supervision correctly.  Additionally, almost all
of its roaming partners are on the NACN, and call waiting works in
almost all of them.


[e-mail]
Cellular One/San Francisco

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

From: Jeong-Gyun Shin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Looking For International Switching Symposium Proceedings
Date: 27 Apr 1994 20:15:57 GMT
Organization: University of Delaware


I came across few references quoting proceedings of International
Switching Symposium (ISS) for 1990. Since the library where I am does
not have these proceedings, I requested inter-library loan in my
location.  But, the problem is that the inter-library loan office in my
location is unable to locate these proceedings.

I consulted so called I.S.T.P. (? I forgot exact acronym) which is a
manual with cross-references of all (?) technical conferences held
around the world, and I failed to find this so called International
Switching Symposium.

Now, it is more of my *curiosity* than need.  Can somebody knowledgeble
tell me where to find (library/institution) the proceedings of Interna-
tional Switching Symposium?  Does your library has proceedings of ISS?
If so, what years?

Please email to [e-mail].  Thanks for attention and time.

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

From: mcrware![e-mail] (Kim Kempf)
Subject: Where is NPA/NXX Current List?
Organization: Microware Systems Corp., Des Moines, Iowa
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 18:41:37 GMT


I seem to recall a periodic posting of NPA/NXX numbers on the net
somewhere.  Is it still available and if so, where?  Thanks in
advance.


Kim Kempf    MicroMall, Inc.   [e-mail] [phone]

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

Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 16:37:35 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Incident Management Call Boxes
Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA


In another news group, a representative of North Carolina State
University wanted some information about costs and usage for setting
up a system of roadside call boxes for freeways, as they've been asked
to do so by the State.

Someone else pointed out that the Texas Department of Transportation
created a callbox system on freeways in the Fort Worth/Dallas area;
the system uses cellular to call 911.

The writer from Texas pointed out that "the system does not allow
calls to anywhere else."  It was at this point that I mentioned the
incident in Southern California where one call-box unit was either
stolen or monitored to get its identification code, which was used to
cause tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent cellular calls.

I am wondering if there isn't some sort of "dispatch/reply" system
that would use several shared radio frequencies along with a "request"
channel where someone would send in an identifier and then be told
what frequency to tune to?  Someone could have perhaps 10 channels and
use them as needed, instead of paying airtime and usage of a cellular
network, or some other ideas.

Responses may be made to me personally (I'll forward them), to TELECOM
Digest or to list <[e-mail]>.  Thank you for any responses.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Joseph McGuckin)
Subject: Source of 25 Pair AMP Connector to RJ11 Patchboard Needed
Date: 27 Apr 94 14:25:50
Organization: Schlumberger Technologies, ATE Division


I'm looking for a rack mountable patchboard that accepts a 25 pair AMP
connector and fans it out to 25 RJ11's.


Thanks,

Joe   [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 16:53:59 CDT
From: [e-mail] (John Anderson)
Subject: Qualcomm and ATM


I heard that Qualcomm is doing something with ATM.  I'm just getting
interested in ATM (better late than never :-) Does anyone have some
information?


Thanks,

John

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

From: [e-mail] (Jeff Whitcomb)
Subject: NT Script Files
Date: 27 Apr 1994 00:08:20 -0400
Organization: PC-OHIO PCBOARD - Cleveland, OH - 216-381-3320


For the past few years, I have been writing script files in xtalk for
interfacing to Northern Telecom PBX's.  We currently have Option 11's
at our remote sites, and an Option 61 at our RHQ.

I was wondering if there is any market out there for such a product,
or if it is even possible to sell them without permission from
Northern or Xtalk.  I would imagine that it would at least have to
include the old, "NT is a trademark of Northern Telecom ... blah,blah".

So far, I have written scripts for menu-driven programming changes,
(changing phone features, setting date and time, and some misc), an
automatic NPA,NXX updater for NARS/BARS equipped switches, A DTI/T1
interface monitor, which alerts my pager of a t1 outage,(outages
effect my actual bonus $) or high error rate, an automatic phone
TRACer, and some other misc shtuff.  I am currently writing one for
doing automated remote backups of all of our Option 11 switches on a
monthly basis which would save time and money for visits to the actual
site for P.M.'s.

I am also planning to add all of these routines into a single script
file, that is upgradeable by adding specific modules. I was also
writing one to alert my pager of the actual load that is seeing a
problem, such as 911-60 for a T1 outage or 911-32 for a set outage.

Well ... just curious and looking for input.  I would hate to write
all of these, and not let anyone else have the opportunity of using
them.


Jeffrey T. Whitcomb
jeffwhitcomb#pcohio.com    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Kendall Willis)
Subject: What is True Voice?
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 19:19:03 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri-Rolla, Missouri's Technological University


I'm interested in some of the technical specifications of True Voice
by AT&T.  Is it another method of companding the signal to get better
sounding voice?  I got the feeling that it only works between
subscribers that are both AT&T.  The ads say it is part of the I-plan
and I suspect it is a bit of a ploy to get family members to join AT&T
like MCI's friends & family.

Most importantly, does it mess with data transmission?  I would
suppose it changes the channel characteristics.


Kendall Willis


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Several months ago a detailed technical
analysis of TruVoice (that's the official spelling, I think) was presented
here in the Digest, and it is available in the Telecom Archives for your
review of interested. The archives is accessible using anonymous ftp at
the archives site, lcs.mit.edu.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Sorokin Anatole)
Subject: Wanged: Chip CS61574A or CS61575
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 94 20:21:13 +0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]


Wanted: Chip CS61574A or CS615785 and quartz CXT8192 in quantity of
ten. Payment in US Dollars.

E-Mail: [e-mail]
Fax: [phone]  Lesko Ltd.

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 14:02:37 GMT
From: Chandrabose ARAVINDAN <[e-mail]>
Subject: CFP:  NCC'95 (IIT Kanapur, India)


The five IITs and IISc (Bangalore) of India jointly announce NCC'95
sponsored by their Joint Telematics Group. The NCC conferences will be
held annually.  Their goal will be to foster greater interaction
between communications professionals, academics and students in India
through research papers, tutorials and workshops.

                       ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS
                National Conference on Communications (NCC'95)

 I.I.T., Kanpur, INDIA                                     March 1995

 Sponsored By:  The Joint Telematics Group of the five IITs and IISc.

 Papers are solicited on research and development work in the general area of
 communications. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

 Base band transmission and modulation theory including detection, estimation
       and equalization.
 Information and rate distortion theory.
 Channel coding, spread spectrum and line codes.
 Source coding, voice, video and data encoding, compression and encryption.
 Telecommunication and computer networks.
 ISDN and broadband integrated networks.
 Telecommunications switching: message, circuit and packet switching,
    photonic switching and fibre optic networks.
 Signal processing, optical signal  processing
 Neural networks, artificial intelligence and expert systems in communications.
 Radio, microwave, millimetre wave and optical communications.
 Satellite communications.
 Mobile and personal communications.
 Telecommunication devices and circuits.
 Telematics including audio and video conferencing
 Network architectures, planning and management.
 National telecommunication policies, standards, regulation and planning.
 Future telecommunication technologies.

 The conference will be preceded by a few tutorials on topics of current
 technical interest.  Suggestions for tutorials are also solicited.

 Schedule: Intention to submit due:    July 1, 1994
           Full Paper Due:        Sept 1, 1994
           Notification of acceptance:    Nov 15, 1994
           Final Manuscript Due:    Jan 1, 1995

 Address for Correspondence:

 Prof. Sanjay K. Bose                      Email Address:  [e-mail]
 Dept. of Electrical Engineering,
 I.I.T.,Kanpur - 208 016, INDIA

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

From: [e-mail] (Jean-Jacques Vandewalle)
Subject: CFP: First Smart Card Research/Advanced Application Conference
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Universite Laval, Quebec, Canada
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 1994 13:22:42 GMT


CALL FOR PAPERS : CARDIS

FIRST SMART CARD RESEARCH AND ADVANCED APPLICATION CONFERENCE

October 24 - 26, 1994  LILLE FRANCE

Sponsored by IFIP - The International Federation for Information Processing

AIMS AND GOALS

Smart cards or IC cards are becoming a significant part of the
information processing world. Furthermore they are beginning to move
towards real integration into the information systems. They
participate in the overall data management, security and communication
processes. But they bring their own special characteristics. It is
very likely that future IC cards will require many scientific and
technical improvements which represent a challenge for the success of
the technology. So far there are many events which are mostly devoted
to the commercial and application aspects of IC cards. There is now an
opportunity to initiate a scientific conference bringing specialists
who are involved in all aspects of design of the future IC cards and
related devices and environment. IFIP - the International Federation
for Information Processing has agreed to sponsor this conference. It
will be the first occasion for the IC card community to start a
permanent activity: In addition to the conference itself there will be
discussions about creating a permanent group within IFIP with possible
implication for advancing standards, publishing and international
cooperation.

SUBMISSIONS

Six copies of detailed abstracts of original papers corresponding to
one or several themes for the conference should be sent in English to
the program chairman before May 2, 1994. The submissions will start
with a succinct statement of the problem addressed and their
significance, appropriate for a non-specialist.  Technical development
directed to the specialist should follow as needed (at most ten
pages).

They should be accompanied by a fact sheet indicating the following:
  - Title of the paper with the relevant conference theme(s);
  - Author(s) with affiliation, address, phone and fax numbers, E-mail.

Proceedings will be available at the conference.

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission deadline           May 2, 1994
Acceptance notification       June 17, 1994
Camera ready paper due        August 13, 1994
Conference                    October 24 - 26, 1994

THEMES

TECHNOLOGY
           IC architecture and techniques
           Memories and processor design
           Read/Write unit engineering
           Specific co-processors for cryptography
           Biometry
           Communication technologies
           Interfaces with the owner, the service suppliers
           Reliability and fault tolerance
           Special devices
           Standards
SOFTWARE
           The operating system
           Models of data management
           Communication protocols
IC CARD DESIGN
           IC cards formal specification and validation
           Tools for internal or external software production
           Validation and verification
           Methodology for application design
SECURITY
           Models and schemes of security
           Algorithms
           Security interfaces
           Hardware and software implementation
           Security of information systems including cards
           Formal verification of transaction sets
IC CARDS, INDIVIDUALS AND THE SOCIETY
           IC cards and privacy
           Access to his data by the owner
           IC cards: political and economical aspects
           Is the IC card going to change regulation?
           Patents, copyrights
FUTURE OF THE IC CARDS
           Innovative technologies
           Moving towards the pocket intelligence
           Convergence with portable PCs, laptops etc ...
           PCMCIA
INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS
           Design methodology of applications
           IC cards and the information system
           Examples of new applications
           Requirements for innovative cards


ORGANIZATION

General Chairman                 Program Chairman
Prof. Vincent Cordonnier         Prof. Jean-Jacques Quisquater
RD2P                             Universit'e Catholique de Louvain
CHRU CALMETTE                    Dept. of Electrical Eng. (DICE)
Rue du Prof. J. Leclerc          Place du Levant, 3
F - 59037 LILLE  CEDEX           B - 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
FRANCE                           BELGIUM
Tel [phone]             Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]             Fax [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]     [e-mail]

Program committee
 Mart'in Abadi (Dec Research, USA)
 Ross Anderson (Cambridge, UK)
 Benjamin Arazi (Ben-Gurion, Israel)
 Todd Arnold (IBM, USA)
 Jacques Berleur (FNDP, Belgium)
 William Caelli (Queensland, Australia)
 David Chaum (DigiCash, Netherlands)
 Vincent Cordonnier (Lille, France)
 Mark Cummings (SRI, USA)
 Amos Fiat (Tel-Aviv, Israel)
 Andr'e Gamache (Quebec, Canada)
 Marc Girault (SEPT, France)
 Louis Guillou (CCETT, France)
 Joseph Hoppe (TRT Philips, France)
 John Kennedy (Cylink, USA)
 Philippe Maes (Gemplus, France)
 Roger Needham (Cambridge, UK)
 Jean-Jacques Quisquater  (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)
 Laurent Sourgen (SGS-Thomson, France)
 Doug Tygar (Carnegie-Mellon, USA)
 Michel Ugon (Bull-CP8, France)
 Klaus Vedder (GAO, Germany)
 Robert Warnar (NIST, USA)

The city of LILLE is about 150 miles away from PARIS. It can be
reached : from Paris by either motorway (two hours) or train (one
hour). From most European countries by train, motorway or plane. The
conference will take place at the University of Sciences and
Technology of Lille. Accommodation can be provided either on the
campus or in the center of the Lille. We will provide maps and help
for hotel reservation and travels.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #184
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12434;
          27 Apr 94 19:08 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA23324; Wed, 27 Apr 94 13:15:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA23315; Wed, 27 Apr 94 13:15:02 CDT
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 13:15:02 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #185

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 27 Apr 94 13:15:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 185

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Looking For Information on BNC, Inc. ([e-mail])
    Customer <-> Local Phone Company Contact Point (Jonathan Liu)
    Proprietary Rights and Pirate Psychology (A. Padgett Peterson)
    Voice Recognition With Octel Systems (Eric A. Litman)
    BT Redirection Message (Tony Harminc)
    Telecom Inventory Management (Mark Kelly)
    Multi-Line Office Phone System - How to Connect Modem? (Misha Glouberman)
    Help! Need 800 Number/WATS History (Dwight Phili Victor)
    Intelligent Network Architecture (INA) (Brian Anzaldua)
    Answering Machines: What Use? (Daniel Joha)
    Responses to Voltage Drop Query (Dick O'Connor)
    E1 Help Wanted (Jack W. Lix)
    FYI: CommerceNet Press Release (William Tao-Yang Wong)
    Alfred Hitchcock Episode - Bomb Scare (Carl Moore)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Looking For Information on BNC, Inc.
Organization: Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 21:39:10 GMT


I'm trying to find some information on a company called Business
Network Communications, Inc. (BNC).  They are supposedly a long-distance
wholesaler, reselling AT&T services.  A friend of mine is considering
investing in this company, and asked me to post this to see if anyone
may be familiar with them.  If anyone has any direct experience with
this company (or one like it), we would appreciate any information.

I also have another question.  This company claims that due to some
FCC rulings, AT&T is required to make discount packages like the ones
they give large companies available to resellers.  The resellers can
then make money selling AT&T long-distance service to other companies
or individuals.  Is this for real?


Joe Crum | [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed 27 Apr 1994 01:51:32 -0400
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Customer <-> Local Phone Company Contact Point


I would like to suggest that after local telephone service competition
is under way, somebody should create a special point of contact
between all customers and all local telephone companies.  This entity
would represent customers, all local telephone companies or the
government.  It could either be a separate government agency in each
state or it could be a single industry-wide organization.  This agency
would have multiple functions.

First, it would control the assignment of area codes, prefixes and
telephone numbers; it would maintain a database of what company
handles whose services.  Second, it would verify any service orders
when somebody is trying to change local telephone service from one
company to another.  Third, it would handle reports of trouble on
calls, localize them to one company's network, and then refer it to
that company.  Fourth, it may provide some operator services or
billing functions.  Fifth, it would set business, ethical and
technical standards for the industry.  I am sure that there are other
functions for it too.  The point is that this agency should either
represent no telephone companies and be either customer- or
government-controlled, or it should represent each and every local
phone company in the nation.  It could be organized with a two-house
board of directors: one with one director from every LEC and one
apportioned to which LEC has the most customers.

What do people think?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Wouldn't this be redundant since we
already have both the Federal Communications Commission and a state
agency in every state at present?  In addition there are already many
consumer organizations which devote their attention to utility matters.
Why add still another layer to the whole thing?   PAT]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 11:58:44 -0400
From: [e-mail] (A. Padgett Peterson)
Subject: Proprietary Rights and Pirate Psychology


Originator's name unimportant

> I've been told by a usually reliable source that the full confidential,
> proprietary details of the Videocrypt video scrambling system are being
> released this week on some international bulletin boards.

Am not a lawyer so may be ignorant and would appreciate education if
wrong. My understanding is that there is no legal meaning to the word
"proprietary" other than a contractual (civil) obligation that may be
required for access to data. This contract does not exist between any
other parties who may gain access (note: am not addressing *how* access
was gained, merely that it was).

Further "confidential" in the civil as opposed to the military sense
is similar: actionable only on those people who have contractually
agreed that it is.

As such, merely marking "proprietary" or "confidential" on a document
does not automatically induce any obligation on the part of any
individual who has not entered into a "proprietary rights agreement"
beyond the test of "common sense". There is no consideration and there
is no contract between any party who happens on it due to a lack of
proper protection on the part of the originator. (Again not talking
about any improper acts, merely the fact that no-one who has not
signed a PRA is under any obligation to keep information secret merely
because it is considered "proprietary" by another). Please correct if
wrong but if so, please be explicit about under what juristiction.
(sovereign can do *anything* but only in area of sovereignty).

> If all the above is true, I'm interested in knowing what the pirates
> stand to gain from releasing the information on bulletin boards.
> Surely, it is more profitable to keep the information to yourself, and
> have something to sell.  Or is this a move to force Videocrypt's hand
> in some way?

Some people claim that "information should be free", others feel that
by sharing what they have others will share what they have. Yet
another might be involved in a competing system and feel that its
market share will improve if VideoCrypt's secrets are known. Too many
possibilities to list. Why are there computer viruses ?


Warmly,

Padgett

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

From: [e-mail] (Eric A. Litman)
Subject: Voice Recognition With Octel Systems
Date: 26 Apr 1994 13:50:33 -0500
Organization: Proxima, Inc.


I have a client with (n:n>100) Octel systems who would like to develop
polling/survey applications with Octel's TransAct software option. I
am looking for any way to incorporate speech recognition technology
into this system.

As I understand, AT&T has recently started a marketing blitz with a
new speech recognition package they are offering. Can this interface
with the Octel systems? Does anyone have any more information on this
in gereral?

Any information appreciated.


Eric Litman               Proxima, Inc.     vox: [phone]
Senior Systems Engineer   McLean, VA        [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 04:41:30 EDT
From: Tony Harminc <[e-mail]>
Subject: BT Redirection Message


The 26 March 94 issue of {New Scientist} mentions an example of BT
ineptitude.  The London number [phone] has been changed to +44
81 242 3000.  If you dial the old number, BT's automated system will
tell you the new number, in UK-internal format (081 242-3000).  "But
whereas BT's numbering system groups digits logically into an area
code followed by the number, BT's electronic stitcher works in a
completely different way."  The new number is read as 0812 423 0 00,
with the last group read as "double oh".  (The number is that of the
UK Press Gazette.)


Tony Harminc

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 05:06:23 EDT
From: Mark Kelly <[e-mail]>
Subject: Telecom Inventory Management


Thanks to everyone that responded to my request for information about
STU III phones. I'll post a summary soon.

But who knows anything about Telecom inventory management?

In particular, what options are available for management of telecom
assets and circuits? It would seem to me that given the large number
of service providers and telcos in North America there must be
off-the-shelf software that provides inventory management functionality.

I know that in Canada most of the large telcos (Stentor) have their
own internal systems for managing their assets. Is this because
everyone does it differently or because this software isn't available
and has to be custom designed.

Any comments or assistance would be appreciated. I will post a summary
back to this Digest.


Thanks,

Mark Kelly                  Advanced Multi-Point Conferencing
Email: [e-mail]   320 March Road, Suite 102
Phone: [phone]        Kanata, Ontario, Canada  K2K 2E3

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

From: [e-mail] (Misha Glouberman)
Subject: Multi-Line Office Phone System - How to Connect Modem?
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 22:19:15 GMT


I'm trying to hook up a modem in a friend's office. They have those
typical office phones that require you to pick a line to get a dial
tone. This is a real drag for the modem setup of course. Anyone know
of a way to hook up a modem in such a situation? (The system's a
Trillium TalkTo 616, if that helps.)

It's a small office they've got, and phone lines for businesses are
real expensive here in Canada. AT&T, who bought out the company that
made the system, want an absurd amount of money to connect a POTS jack
onto the existing system.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.


Misha Glouberman     [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dwight Phili Victor)
Subject: Help! Need 800 Number/WATS History
Organization: University of Hawaii
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 03:12:05 GMT


Howzit!

I'm a student at the University of Hawaii and I'm doing a report for
my communications class on 800 Numbers/WATS.  I need some info/history
as soon as possible. I'm looking for when and why this service began.
If you have any information, could you please e-mail me at:

[e-mail]


Mahalo in advance,

Dwight Victor    University of Hawaii    College of Communications


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This was received during the time I was
off line a couple weeks ago and Mr. Victor needed his information about
a week ago unfortunatly ... but it seemed like an interesting question
to present here. WATS service began in the late 1950's with the advent
of direct long distance dialing. In-WATS (or 800 service, as it is more
commonly known) began *under that name with direct dialing* in the
middle to late 1960's; however the predecessor to 800 service was called
'Enterprise Service' in some areas and 'Zenith Service' in other areas.
Companies which agreed to accept incoming collect or reverse charge calls
on an automatic basis -- without the operator asking their permission to
place the charge each time -- were assigned a four digit number with the
prefix 'Enterprise' or 'Zenith', ie Enterprise 5781, which was my toll-free
number in those days. Callers dialed the operator and asked for connection
to the desired Enterprise number. Dial-it-yourself 800 numbers largely
made Enterprise service obsolete by the late 1970's.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Brian Anzaldua)
Subject: Intelligent Network Architecture (INA)
Date: 26 Apr 1994 20:11:12 GMT
Organization: Hewlett Packard


Does anybody know where I can get a copy of a white paper on INA?

[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Daniel Joha)
Subject: Answering Machines: What Use?
Date: 26 Apr 1994 22:05:11 GMT
Organization: TUBerlin/ZRZ



Short Discussion on ANSWERING MACHINES, comments are welcome!

- Answering machines save time since they allow
  asynchronous communication.

- Answering machines are impersonal. I don't like to talk
  to machines!

- With answering machines one can answer calls in a "bulk"
  and is therefore less disturbed while working.

- Many callers hesitate talking on to the tape.

- While absent, it is possible to obtain messages.
  This can be important if upon one's return the caller himself is absent.

- Callers never know whether the called party is absent or just
  happily listens to them.

- Call screening is possible: only calls that are welcome are answered.

- An answering machine causes additional costs:
  electricity and phone charges.

Which positive and negative experiences have you had with answering
machines?

What is the major benefit of answering machines?


Daniel Joha   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Answering machines came on the scene in the
middle 1960's. They were simply an automated form of the old telephone
answering services which had been around since the beginning of the telephone
itself. By the early 1970's answering machines were beginning to become
quite popular and the telephone answering services were beginning to feel
a pinch in their business. The term 'voicemail' was unheard of back then.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dick O'Connor)
Subject: Responses to Voltage Drop Query
Date: 27 Apr 1994 09:57:52 GMT
Organization: University of Washington


Recently I asked a question about residential phone line voltage drops
(if they were possible, could they be what was suddenly affecting the
devices I put on that line, etc.).  I got some very useful responses
that I'm summarizing below.  On the second day of troubleshooting,
with two US West folks involved at our house, they found a circuit
board in one of the two boxes on the side of the house ("their" box,
not "mine") that was testing flaky.  They replaced it, and voltage
returned to normal; all devices ring or pick up now, as before.  Happy
ending!  Responses follow:

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 09:38:51 PDT
From: Jay Hennigan <[e-mail]>

Ringing is a low-frequency AC signal applied to the line (Typically 90
volts at 20 Hertz).  Tell the repair desk that "ringing voltage is not
being applied".  They will likely find the problem to be the line
equipment (printed circuit card in modern exchanges) feeding your
line.

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 1994 14:27:44 -0800
From: [e-mail] (James Baker)

Yep, the ring voltage falls during peak calling times, when lots of
ringers are ringing simultaneously. Most cards have a sensitivity
setting.  Bigmouth for example has rsens = XX or some such thing in
setup software.  (I had the same problem with PCX software and
bigmouth card on US West line in Seattle).

Good luck!

From: Floyd Davidson <[e-mail]>
Date:     Sun, 17 Apr 1994 14:17:19 -0800

You gave a very apt description!  And to take it one step farther...
if your water pipe isn't leaking, but it has low pressure...  you look
at the pump?  Yep.

The line card which supplies ring voltage appears to be bad.  If it
were anything else it probably would affect your ability to talk over
the phone or it would abort the ringing on the first or second ring.
The explanation for that is probably longer and windier than you want
to sit through ... so I won't unless you ask.

One thing that is obvious is the fellow who took two hours to figure
out it wasn't you house wiring is not very good at what he does...
That should have taken about 15 minutes, most of which would be just
finding the demarc point and opening the box.  After that it should
take about 15 seconds.  And that is what he should have done to start
with.

Whatever ... the "line card" could be in a remote-switching unit, it
could be in the telco switch if you are close enough to it physically,
or if you are on any kind of cable carrier it might be in the nearest
junction box to your house.  It is where the ring voltage comes from.
Note that what you hear when calling a phone is NOT the "ringing" that
rings the phone.  There is no talk path at that time and the
"ringback" is sent toward the calling line just to let them know it is
working.  It is usually not sent at the same time the ring voltage is
being sent.

Have a good day,
Floyd

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 94 22:45:02 EDT
From: Michael Jacobs <[e-mail]>

Hi There!

I am a technician for Bell Atlantic in Pennsylvania.  It sounds to me
like your problem is in one of two areas:

1- Insufficient ringing current on the line or
2- Ring-trip insulation breakdown fault.

The first problem is usually caused by too many sets on a line.  There
is a limit (usually 5 or 6) as to the number of sets that can be on a
line and still have the ringers work properly (each takes a certain
amount of the limited power that can be supplied over the line).
Otherwise, a fault in the telco's central office or loop carrier
equipment may be present.  Ringing voltage should be greater than 90
Vrms AC.  Your telco technician should be able to make this
measurement.

The second problem is usually related to a resistive fault somewhere
in the line.  It is most easy for the technician to find this problem
by first ensuring that there are no obvious faults on the line by
using loop testing equipment or an ohmmeter.  If the line tests ok, I
then usually monitor the line with my butt-set (the phone-like thing
hanging from the tech's belt) and have someone call the line.  I can
immediately hear whether ringing current has been applied to the line,
and whether it was abruptly terminated by a ring-trip condition.  This
means that there is a fault in the line which presents a
high-resistance condition at DC (where most line test equipment
operates) but which becomes a low-resistance fault at 60 Hz (ringing
signal).  Since you acknowledge a ringing telephone by lifting it off
the hook (closing a switch to lower the line resistance), this fault
is spoofing the central office into thinking the line has been
answered, thus it stops applying the ringing signal.  An experienced
technician should be able to troubleshoot this condition rather
quickly.

Other, more obscure problems could relate to custom-calling features
(like call-forwarding) being inadvertantly activated on the line, or
even having a different number accidently sent out over your line due
to a telco splicing error.  Hopefully, your telco (USWest?) will get
this straightened out.  Other action you can take would be to plug
into the network interface jack for that line (if telco installed one)
and checking for normal operation.  Normal operation indicates a fault
in the wiring on your premises.  Problem operation at the NI indicates
either telco trouble or a bad set being used to test.

Let me know if I can be of more assistance, or if telco finds
anything interesting.

Date: Mon, 18 Apr 1994 10:28:46 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Rich Greenberg)

My best guess as to what happened is that somewhere between your
demark and the CO, there is a partial short.  Another possibility is
that somebody's phone line was connected across yours.  If you have
too many ringers on one line, some or all won't ring.

In any case its probably telco's problem.  Keep on them till its
fixed.  Ask them to give you another pair from the CO to you.

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

Thanks to all who responded!


"Moby" Dick O'Connor                                 [e-mail]
Wash. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife        *Remember: the fish were here first!*

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

From: [e-mail] (Jack W. Lix)
Subject: E1 Help Wanted
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 09:59:19 GMT


I need some information about "real world" E1 usage.  Does timeslot 16
(normally used for signalling) ever get used for data in point to
point usage.  I also understand some satellite transceivers use an E1
interface.  Would they also reserve timeslot 16??  If so, whats the
point??

Thank you for your help.


Jack W. Lix   [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 14:28:55 GMT
From: [e-mail] (William Tao-Yang Wong)
Subject: FYI: CommerceNet Press Release


For press information, contact:

Lisa Croel
Edelman Technology Communications
Phone:  [phone]
Fax:  [phone]
MCI Mail:  629-8643 or [e-mail]


CommerceNet Makes Electronic Commerce over the Internet a Reality in
Silicon Valley

New Infrastructure for Electronic Commerce on the Internet Enables
Companies to Streamline Procurement, Cut Costs, Shrink Development
Cycles and Communicate More Effectively

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 12, 1994 PP -- CommerceNet, the first
large-scale market trial of electronic commerce on the Internet, will
be formally launched today by BARRNet, Enterprise Integration
Technologies (EIT), and Stanford University's Center for Information
Technology (CIT) at an event here at the Techmart.  The event will
include the first public demonstration of CommerceNet, which goes
"live" on the Internet today, offering Silicon Valley-based companies
access to services and applications that make the Internet suitable
for electronic commerce.

Many of the companies who have indicated an interest in participating
in the CommerceNet market trial will be on hand at today's event to
show their support and to discuss the potential impact of CommerceNet
on the way they transact business (see page 6).  In addition,
representatives from sponsoring organizations including Smart Valley,
Inc., Joint Venture:Silicon Valley Network and the State of California
Trade and Commerce Agency were present to discuss the potential
economic impact of CommerceNet on the local economy and on business.

CommerceNet was created and is operated by a consortium of major
Silicon Valley users, providers and developers.  It seeks to
revolutionize the Valley's core electronics, software and information
service industries by making interactions between customers, suppliers
and development partners as efficient as interactions among internal
departments.  CommerceNet will ultimately help to revolutionize the
way most Bay Area companies transact business, regardless of their
size or business focus.

CommerceNet's founders and supporters believe that the new electronic
marketplace will benefit participating companies by: Shortening
procurement cycles up to 80% through online catalogs, ordering and
payment; cutting costs up to 10% on both stock and manufactured parts
through competitive bidding; and shrinking development cycles up to
50% and accelerating time-to-market through collaborative engineering
and product implementation.

"The Internet is a vast, untapped marketplace," said Jay M.
Tenenbaum, Chairman and founder of EIT and the visionary behind
CommerceNet.  "With over 20 million users, the Internet is the biggest
and most immediate venue for electronic commerce.  CommerceNet
provides the tools that will make the Internet secure and easy to use,
'unleashing' its potential to transform how business is done."

An outgrowth of ARPA-sponsored research begun in the 1960's, the
Internet was originally used by colleges, universities and the
government for research and development purposes.  It has since
evolved to become "the network of networks," interconnecting not just
government and education, but a huge portion of the commercial
business sector as well.  Today, the Internet links over 20,000 public
and private networks encompassing over 20 million users in nearly 140
countries, and it is growing ten percent a month.

Several factors have kept the Internet from facilitating electronic
commerce until now.  They include: The lack of standard and
easy-to-use interfaces; the lack of a secure means for transmitting
sensitive data or identifying users; and the lack of indexing and
search mechanisms that make it easy for users to find information.

"We evaluated all of the barriers to electronic commerce on the
Internet and then came up with what we believe are excellent solutions
that break down most of these barriers," said Allan M.  Schiffman,
Chief Technical Officer of EIT and Principal Architect of CommerceNet.
"CommerceNet will win over many skeptics who thought electronic
commerce either wasn't possible over the Internet, or was years away
from becoming a reality."

Specifically, CommerceNet provides an integrated set of services
from a single source, including:

% Affordable, high quality Internet connectivity using a variety of
connectivity options including T1, 56K, Frame Relay and ISDN.  Many
are available immediately; others will be rolled out during the
remainder of 1994.

%  Easy access to user interface and networking software and
registration forms for CommerceNet access.

%  Software tools for providers that make it easy to put up
interactive CommerceNet services on any Internet host.

% Simple point-and-click access to all CommerceNet services using an
enhanced version of Mosaic, a popular hypermedia user interface from
the NCSA (National Center for Supercomputing Applications).  Mosaic
supports full multimedia presentations,    including audio, video, text
and graphics, as well as electronic forms.

%  A variety of specialized directories to help users locate
information and services on CommerceNet.  These directories, as
with other CommerceNet services, can be browsed or searched for
keywords using Mosaic.

%  Security mechanisms, including authentication and encryption,
supported within applications, including Mosaic, using RSA public
key cryptography.  Public-key certification services will also be
provided to CommerceNet members.

Buyers and sellers will be able to meet on the network and safely
exchange sensitive information such as credit card numbers and bid
amounts, sign legally enforceable contracts, maintain audit trails,
and get paid through cooperating financial institutions.

Data and transmission security issues are minimized on CommerceNet
because there are no remote logins and private information such as
passwords is transmitted under encryption.  Digital signatures
ensure that important information is delivered uncorrupted and
untampered.

Secure client and server products will be available for beta
testing in May of this year; widespread release will follow in
August.

Participating companies are expected to use CommerceNet to provide
customers with online catalogs, product literature, and ordering.
Job shops will provide online access to engineering and
manufacturing services that are faster, cheaper, or better than
those available in-house.  Companies will also use CommerceNet for
competitive solicitations and bidding, interactive EDI, and
inter-company collaborative engineering and product data exchange.

The Commerce.Net Server

The CommerceNet server, which acts as the hub of CommerceNet,
provides users access to all CommerceNet-related information and
applications via the World Wide Web, a general purpose architecture
for information retrieval developed by groups of Internet users.
Information about CommerceNet is also available via electronic
mail.

The CommerceNet server hosts:  Information on the CommerceNet
organization; directories of participants, value-added third-party
services and Internet resources; member registration and
communications; and tutorials and examples.  The server is also a
principal distribution channel for CommerceNet software.

Like the Internet, CommerceNet is open to all.  Any individual or
organization can offer information, goods and services by creating a
multimedia "home page" on their own server and listing it in
appropriate directories on the CommerceNet server, as well as with
value-added directories and referral services operated by third
parties.  These home pages serve as "virtual storefronts," providing
brief company overviews and paths for accessing their product
literature, catalogs, order forms, etc.  CommerceNet is thus a fully
distributed network of information service providers whose growth is
essentially unbounded.  The CommerceNet server is merely a convenient
starting point for entering this marketplace.

The CommerceNet Consortium

CommerceNet is operated by the CommerceNet Consortium, a non-profit
corporation funded by a six million dollar, three year grant from the
United States government's Technology Reinvestment Project, which will
be matched by contributions from the State of California and member
companies.

The Consortium consists of the core development team members,
sponsoring organizations, and industry participants.

The core team is comprised of BARRNet, EIT and Stanford CIT.  They
have been responsible for developing and operating CommerceNet and
securing its funding, and will oversee the day-to-day management of
CommerceNet, led by the organization's new executive director, Cathy
J. Medich.

The sponsoring organizations PP Smart Valley, Inc., Joint
Venture:Silicon Valley Network, and the State of California Office of
Strategic Technology PP were instrumental in raising CommerceNet's
visibility with the State and Federal Government.  They continue to
support the efforts of CommerceNet and other initiatives that improve
the competitive and business environment in Northern California.

The following industry participants, in alphabetical order, have
indicated their interest in CommerceNet: Amdahl Corporation, Anthem
Electronics, Inc., Apple Computer, Inc., AVEX Electronics Inc., Bank
of America, Citibank N.A., Dataquest, Digital Equipment Corporation,
Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, Electronic Marketplace Systems, Inc. (An
International Data Group Company), Hewlett-Packard Company, Integrated
Systems Solutions Corporation (A Subsidiary of IBM), Intel
Corporation, Internet Shopping Network, InterNex Information Services,
Inc., Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc., Nanothinc, A California
Corporation, National Semiconductor, Network Computing Devices, Inc.
(NCD), Pacific Bell, PartNet, Inc., RSA Data Security, Inc., Solectron
Corporation, Sun Microsystems, Inc., Synopsys Inc., Tandem Computers
Incorporated, Trusted Information Systems, Inc., Wells Fargo & Co. and
Xerox Corporation.

Other affiliated organizations that are participating in CommerceNet
include: the Association of Bay Area Governments, the California
Department of General Services, the Commercial Internet eXchange
Association, the Financial Services Technology Consortium (FSTC),
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Silicon Valley Public
Access Link (SV-PAL).

Information on how to participate in CommerceNet can be obtained by
calling [phone], by sending e-mail to [e-mail], and by
connecting to http://www.commerce.net/.

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 17:42:25 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Alfred Hitchcock Episode - Bomb Scare


An Alfred Hitchcock episode I just saw has a reference to a bomb
scare; the persons and events depicted are FICTICIOUS, and resemblance
to actual persons and events is coincidental.  The episode seems to
date from the early 1960s.

In it, a man retires from a job with a firm, and makes off with a big
stash of money (from that firm) which he carts off in a briefcase to
his home, where his wife is.  He then steals away from there with the
briefcase, and intends to fly off to Hawaii with another woman.  He
insists on taking the briefcase with him onto the plane, and has some
problems storing it when in the passenger compartment.  Then there are
apparent mechanical difficulties with the plane and all passengers
have to get off.

He impatiently inquires what the problem is, how long the delay, etc.,
and finally learns that there was a bomb scare and that luggage will
have to be searched.  He and that other woman are then approached by
plainclothesmen who say "Police.  We need to ask you some questions."
Then the wife (already aware of the theft of the money from the firm)
is seen slipping into a phone booth and saying on the phone that the
bomb scare was a joke.

At the end of the episode, Mr. Hitchcock notes that the man had the
last laugh in this (FICTITIOUS) case, because the wife was prosecuted
for the bomb scare.  (The offense is conveying information about a
bomb while knowing that the information is false.)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Ah yes, the bomb scares of the sixties.
I guess kids in school still call them in anonymously on the phone
now and then when they want an afternoon off. During the Vietnam era
when there were constant protests against the government and large
corporations I was working for the Amoco/Diners Club credit card billing
office when it was located here in Chicago. We shared a building on
Canal Street with Social Security. Social Security had about a thousand
employees in the building using three floors; the Diners processing
office had about two thousand employees using four floors. First nice
warm day every spring you could count on it: Some disgruntled employee
would make an anonymous call to the Amoco/Diners switchboard to report
'a bomb is gonna go off, better get out of there!'. Or maybe they would
call upstairs to the Social Security switchboard and report it there.

Either office which got it would report it to the police and the other
office.  The inevitable announcement on the public address system
that, 'it is necessary to leave the building at this time ...' would
cause the chickens who were roosting at their desks after lunch to
wake up. Thousands of employees streaming down the stairway out to
Canal Street, standing around until the all clear signal was given to
return to the office; but always there were a few who did not bother
to return for the day, especially if the 'bomb' was called in perhaps
an hour before closing time.  I think it was mostly the government
employees at the SSA who caused the disruptions. That particular SSA
back-office was the pits as I recall in terms of the employees they
had there, although the credit card back-office was just as bad. Do
schools/companies still get bomb scares on nice spring afternoons?  Is
the Pope Catholic?  :) PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #185
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa12818;
          27 Apr 94 19:58 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26458; Wed, 27 Apr 94 14:30:35 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26449; Wed, 27 Apr 94 14:30:33 CDT
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 14:30:33 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #186

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 27 Apr 94 14:30:30 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 186

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Canadian Information Highway Advisory Council Memebers Named (Nigel Allen)
    Free Compu$erve Membership Kits ([e-mail])
    DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100 (Jonathan Aitken)
    Looking For Internet Over Satellite (Kirk Woolford)
    $$$$$$$ For Concepts! ([e-mail])
    Traineeship Request, Help Please (Jeroen de Leeuw den Bouter)
    DunsNet ([e-mail])
    Info on CSTA (Computer Supported Telephony Architecture) (Andy Spitzer)
    Basic ISDN Question (Mike Jones)
    Market Survey - Please Participate (Tom and Randi Fecker)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Canadian Information Highway Advisory Council Memebers Named
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 05:39:40 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Nigel Allen)


The following press release was issued by the Canadian federal
government's Industry department. If you would like to be added to the
mailing list for Industry Canada press release, please contact
[e-mail] (Tyson Macaulay).

Industry Canada

                 MANLEY ANNOUNCES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
              AND ISSUES INFORMATION HIGHWAY DISCUSSION PAPER

OTTAWA, April 19, 1994 "Together, as Canadians, we must decide how we
want to develop and use the information highway for the economic,
cultural and social advantage of all Canadians," said Industry
Minister John Manley. He made the comment today as he announced the
membership of the national information highway advisory council and
issued a discussion paper The Canadian Information Highway: Building
Canada's Information and Communications Infrastructure.

"This document is intended to foster that dialogue between Canadians;
so is the advisory council," said the Minister. He added that these
discussions are essential to the implementation of a Canadian strategy
for the information highway.

On March 16, Minister Manley named McGill University Principal and
Vice-Chancellor David Johnston as Chair of the council. Commenting on
the membership (list and biographical notes attached), Mr. Johnston
said, "I believe Canadians will agree that this is a highly qualified
group of volunteers who will work hard to ensure that a wide range of
views is represented."

The advisory council, along with other Canadians, will have the
discussion paper as a starting point as it looks at the many issues to
be addressed in developing a strategy for Canada's information
highway.  These include: how to use the information highway to improve
the growth and competitiveness of all Canadian businesses; how to
ensure that Canadians have universal access to essential services at
reasonable cost; how to achieve an appropriate balance between
competition and regulation; how to promote the development and
distribution of Canadian culture and content.

            "We know that these rapidly evolving issues will have
profound impacts on the people of Canada," said Mr. Manley. "The
federal government is determined that these effects will be positive
ones that enable us to meet our objectives:

    -  to create jobs through innovation and investment;
    -  to reinforce Canadian sovereignty and cultural identity; and
    -  to ensure universal access at reasonable cost."

It is anticipated that the council might form five or six working
groups to address the specific issues. "Canadians can expect to have
the opportunity to work with council members on these matters," said
the Minister.

People will be able to contact the council secretariat to put forward
views and suggestions, as well as to obtain information. The secretariat
can be reached in the following ways:

       Internet: [e-mail]
       Telephone (fax): [phone]
       Telephone (voice): [phone]
       Mail: Room 640, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8.


Further information:

Bill Milliken or Eli Turk                         Susan Baldwin
Minister's Office                                      Industry Canada
[phone]                                    [phone]

For copies of the discussion paper:

[phone]                                                 Release/7038


               INFORMATION HIGHWAY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Neil Baker

Neil Baker is Chairman of the Telecommunications and Information
Technology Committee for the Regina Economic Development Authority. He
has been a successful entrepreneur and corporate executive for
twenty-three years in a number of areas, including strategic planning,
sales and marketing and financial analysis and management.

Andre Bureau

Andre Bureau has been involved in publishing, broadcasting and
telecommunications during his entire career. He was Chairman of the
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and
is currently Vice-Chairman of Astral Communications Inc.,
Vice-Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer of the Astral
Broadcasting Group and a member of the Board of some major
communications and telecommunications corporations.

Andre Chagnon

Andre Chagnon is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of Groupe Videotron Ltee. He has been awarded many
honours, including the Grand Laureat du Prix des Communications
(1983). In 1993, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and
received the Edouard-Montpetit Medal for his role in the economy and
his commitment in the field of communications.

Robert H. David

Robert David is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ED TEL
Inc.  (Edmonton Telephones Corporation). He is a Civil Engineer
(University of Saskatchewan) and holds a Master of Science Degree from
the University of Alberta. He serves on the Boards of TRLabs, Grant
MacEwan Community College Foundation and the Edmonton YMCA. He has
received the Governor General's Commemorative Medal for Service to the
Community.

Dr. Mary Dykstra

Mary Dykstra is a Professor and Director of the School of Library and
Information Studies in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie
University. Her area of teaching and research in information
management is subject indexing and retrieval, including epistemology,
linguistics, and the impact of information technology. Consultancies
include the National Film Board of Canada where she developed a
national film information system, and the Art and Architecture
Thesaurus Project of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

William Etherington

Bill Etherington is President and Chief Executive Officer, IBM Canada
Ltd. He held several marketing and service positions across Canada
before his appointment as IBM Vice President, Western Region in 1989.
He has also served as Chief Financial Officer, Latin America Vice
President and Assistant General Manager with IBM Canada. Mr.
Etherington is a Director of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,
Ontario Hydro, the Conference Board of Canada, Junior Achievement of
Canada, and is a founding board member of the National Quality
Institute.

The Honourable Francis Fox

Francis Fox is former federal Minister of Communications and has
served in several other cabinet portfolios. He is Chairman of the
Board, Rogers Cantel Inc., Chairman, Fasken Martineau, and President,
CITEC's Committee to Implement the Recommendations of the Review on
Science and Technology in Montreal.

George E. Harvey

George Harvey is Chairman of the Board of Unitel Communications Inc.
He led Unitel's bid to bring competition to Canada's long distance
communications market. Mr. Harvey has extensive experience in the
computer and communications industries gained over three decades.

W. Brian Hewat

Brian Hewat is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bell-Northern
Research, one of the world's leading telecommunications research and
development organizations, with global headquarters in Ottawa. Born in
Noranda, Quebec, Mr. Hewat has held numerous senior executive
positions with leading corporations during his 30-year career in the
telecommunications industry.

Elizabeth Hoffman

Elizabeth Hoffman is the Chair of the Coalition for Public Information
(CPI), a national coalition of organizations, public interest groups
and individuals whose goal is to foster broad access to affordable,
useable information and communications services and technology in
Canada. She is the University Ombudsperson, University of Toronto, and
has served as a member of the Advisory Committee on a
Telecommunications Strategy for the Province of Ontario, the Ontario
Library Association Task Force on Information Policy and as Chair, of
the Ontario Public Library Strategic Planning Group.

Douglas M. Holtby

Douglas Holtby is President and Chief Executive Officer of WIC Western
International Communications Ltd., operating in television, pay
television, radio and satellite network services. Mr. Holtby studied
at the University of Alberta and received his Chartered Accountant's
designation in 1972. He is Chairman of Canadian Satellite
Communications Inc. (Cancom) and serves as a Director on the Boards of
the CTV Network and Northwest Sports Enterprises Ltd.

Rosemarie Kuptana

Rosemarie Kuptana is President of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. She
was active in the establishment of Television Northern Canada (TVNC)
and was President of Inuit Broadcasting Corp. (IBC) from 1983 to 1988.
She co-chairs the International Arctic Council and is the author of No
More Secrets, a book about child sexual abuse in Inuit communities.
Ms. Kuptana has received several awards and distinctions for her
self-government work, including the Governor General's Confederation
Medal, and has been named to Maclean's Honour Roll.

Veronica Lacey

Veronica Lacey is the Director of Education for the North York Board
of Education. The North York Board recently pioneered the creation of
the National Network for Learning - an electronic highway for schools.
Under Ms. Lacey's leadership, the Board has developed innovative and
strategic partnerships with the private sector and government to bring
technology into schools. Ms. Lacey has received numerous awards and
was recently named Educator of the Year by the Ontario Institute for
Studies in Education.

John MacDonald

John MacDonald is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New
Brunswick Telephone Company Limited (NBTel). A native of Cape Breton,
he is an electrical engineering graduate of the Technical University
of Nova Scotia (TUNS). Mr.  MacDonald serves on the advisory board for
Softworld '94 and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial
Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Advisory Board.

Terry Matthews

Terry Matthews founded Newbridge Networks Corporation in March 1986.
The company was formed to address a rapidly growing demand for greater
digital communications capacity. Newbridge has grown to a public
company employing more than 2,000 people worldwide. The company
maintains facilities in North America, Europe and Asia and has an
installed base of its switching products in more than 100 countries.

John T. McLennan

John McLennan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Canada.
Mr. McLennan has held senior positions with a variety of companies,
including Bell Ontario, BCE Mobile Communications Inc., Cantel Inc.,
and Mitel Corporation.  Mr. McLennan was also the President and
founder of his own firm, Jenmark Consulting Inc., which specialized in
strategizing, financing and managing technology companies in Canada
and the U.S., with a primary focus on telecommunications.

Gerry Miller

Gerry Miller is Chairman of CA*net Networking Incorporated, the
non-profit company that manages and operates the Canadian national
Internet backbone network which connects regional networks in all ten
provinces. He is also Chairman of MBnet Networking Inc., the
non-profit company that manages the Manitoba regional Internet.

Reginald Noseworthy

Reginald Noseworthy, M. Eng., P. Eng., is President of Porak
Enterprises Ltd., a management consulting company primarily involved
with Information Technology and Strategic Management. He was
Vice-President, Information Services, Inter-City Gas Corporation;
Vice-President Operations and Information Services, Mercantile Bank of
Canada, and acting Executive director, Information Services,
Government of New Brunswick.

Jean-Claude Parrot

Jean-Claude Parrot is Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour
Congress (CLC).  He began his career in the post office in Montreal in
1954.  Active in the Canadian Union of Postal Workders (CUPW) since
1961, he held several local positions before becoming Vice-President,
then President of the Union.

Anna Porter

Anna Porter is the Publisher, President and Director of Key Porter
Books. She has had an extensive career in the publishing industry,
including Executive Chairman of Double Day Canada and as President of
McClelland-Bantam Ltd. She serves on the boards of various companies
and non-profit organizations, including Alliance Entertainment, Young
Naturalist Foundation and the UNICEF Advisory Board. She is an Officer
of the Order of Canada.

Derrick Rowe

Derrick Rowe is President and Chief Executive Officer of NewEast
Wireless Technologies Inc. NewEast is an integrated wireless
telecommunications carrier and product developer. Mr. Rowe currently
serves on several Executive Committees such as the Communications
Research Centre (Industry Canada), the Newfoundland Provincial Science
and Technology Advisory Council and a national Sectoral Advisory Group
on International Trade (SAGIT).

Guy Savard

Guy Savard is President and Chief of Operations, Caisse de depot et
placement du Quebec. He is a member of the Ordre des comptables agrees
du Quebec, and was awarded the designation of Fellow by this
corporation. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Ontario, the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants, the Leaders' Networking Group of Quebec Inc. and the
Order of Chartered Administrators of Quebec.

Irene Seiferling

Irene Seiferling is Vice-President, Issues and Policy, of the
Consumers' Association of Canada. A small business owner/manager, she
received the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal and the Saskatchewan
Consumer Award of Merit in 1993.

Dr. Gerri Sinclair

Gerri Sinclair is Director of ExCITE (Exemplary Center for Interactive
Technologies in Education) at Simon Fraser University. She is also the
President of GeoSync Interactive Corp. Dr. Sinclair has gained an
international reputation first, for her pioneering work in the field
of educational telecommunications, and more recently, for developing
interactive multimedia applications designed to run over high-speed
networks.

Charles Sirois

Charles Sirois is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Teleglobe Inc. and National Telesystem Ltd. He has been active in the
telecommunications industry, both as a business executive and an
investor, particularly in cordless communications, data transmission
and international telecommunications.

David Sutherland

David Sutherland headed the organizing committee for the National
Capital FreeNet and currently holds the positions of Chairman of the
Board of Directors and acting President. Mr. Sutherland is Director of
Computing and Communications Services at Carleton University in
Ottawa. His major interests in this context are public literacy in the
use of telecommunications technology and services, the social impacts
of these services and the development of a "new democratic process"
via computer mediated communications.

J.G. (Gerry) Turcotte

Gerry Turcotte is President of the Ottawa-Carleton Research Institute
(OCRI). One of OCRI's major achievements is OCRInet -- an asynchronous
transmission research network in the National Capital Region. An
electrical engineer with degrees from Royal Military College and
McGill University, he is a department head at Algonquin College.

Dr. Mamoru (Mo) Watanabe

Mo Watanabe is a Professor in Internal Medicine at the University of
Calgary and a former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. He chaired
Alberta Health's Advisory Committee on the Utilization of Medical
Services. To support rural physicians, he has been developing the
Remote Consultative Network, a tele-medicine project utilizing two-way
interactive video.

Colin D. Watson

Colin Watson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers
Cablesystems Limited. In 1992, Mr. Watson was named to the Canadian
Cable Television Association's Honour List for "outstanding
achievement and dedication which have significantly enhanced the
industry's ability to serve its public."  He also acts in a fund
raising capacity for a number of public charities, including IMAGINE
and Juvenile Diabetes.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Free Compu$erve Membership Kits
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 09:28:40 PDT


There was an ad in the 20 Apr 94 {Wall Street Journal} offering free
Compu$serve membership kits (sell for about $39.95 retail) obtainable
one to a customer, excepting present members, by calling its order
service at 800 554-4067 and requesting one.

You get your choice of "Mac" or "IBM", DOS (the rep pronounced it as
doss; I use to attempt to explain the difference between abbreviations
and acronyms whenever I heard that abbreviation pronounced -- an
extremely futile undertaking) or Windows, 3.5 or 5.25 inch media.

(Readers may do as they please, but if it gets back to Compu$erve that
the REAL reason so many membership kits are being requested is a
result of a posting on a Usenet group, Compu$erve will realize that
the purpose of targeting TWSJ's "select" readership has been defeated,
thereby, undoubtedly, queering the freebie for all.)

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

From: [e-mail] (Jonathan Aitken)
Subject: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100
Date: 27 Apr 1994 17:57:47 GMT
Organization: The Stanford Daily
Reply-To: [e-mail]


Phone Question for those in the know.(I am not one of them, so please
reply in layperson lingo if possible. :-))

I am the Business Manager of the Student newspaper, the Stanford
Daily.  We are independent from the university, and are running a
very tight budget.  We pay alot each month to be connected to our
phone service and have no choice but to use the university phone
service.  We are currently we are being charged anywhere from $28.50
to $37.50 per month for each phone (which we own) plus $12.50 per
phone for an expanded local calling area ranging from San Francisco
to San Jose and parts of the East Bay.

The Daily intends to convert its current incoming 32 line mixed ET and
single-line set configuration to a set of 16 analog DID wink-start
trunks mapped to our current 32 numbers. We will be installing a
DID-ready PBX, station lines, and PBX telephones on our premises.

We are planning on a PBX from Panasonic, the KX-T336 system.  Please
tell me what you think!

I need to know thoughts about PBX's, DID's and University Phone
services.  Also how much does Pac-Bell charge and how much do other
university services charge?

Stanford has a SL-100 systems and I think that Stanford rates are
currently tarriffed as analog DID service at a base charge of $10 for
an 8 line group and $2 line/month for each line. However Stanford
Communication Services does not currently tariff standard analog DID
service, but we understand that the Stanford SL-100 system is capable
of providing this service, and would like to work it in tariffing
this offering at standard and reasonable rates as soon as possible.

Any replies or suggestions would be appreciated.


Jonathan Aitken  [phone] -  [e-mail]

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

From: KiRk WoOlford <[e-mail]_koeln.de>
Subject: Looking For Internet Over Satellite
Date: 27 Apr 1994 15:40:26 GMT
Organization: Kunsthochschule fuer Medien Koeln


I need to find a way to receive and send internet services over
satellite from continental Europe. Initially, I just need a low speed
connection 19.2 Kbs capable of sending/receiving email and basic
services like xmosaic, gopher, WAIS, etc. This low speed link should
be as portable as possible, require very little maintenance, and be
installable by an engineer with extensive experience building
internet/ethernet LANS, but no experience with satellite communications.

In addition, I need to know if it is possible to set up a high speed
satellite link (1.2Mbs or faster) capable of IP multicasting, or if
such a link could feed to a single site which would then use multi-
casting to broadcast the data.

And, of course, I need prices for these services, and equipment lists
of what we would need to purchase, lease, steal, to get the links up
and running.


Kirk Woolford       Kunsthochschule fuer Medien   Kolen
[e-mail]   Academy of Media Arts, Cologne

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: $$$$$$$ for Concepts !!!!!!!!
Organization: Princeton University
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 1994 21:46:22 GMT


I work for a company that does a lot of new product concept generation
directed to small and medium sized businesses.  These concepts are
both product and services, and both medium and high tech.  We have a
preference for IT and telecommunications concepts and services, but
are flexible.  We need more ideas and will pay $10.00 for every
concept used.

Contact Gene at (AT&T Mail) !cencondev or fax @ 609-921-7799.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Hey, you mean you will pay me ten dollars
for every new idea I come up with that you can develop into millions of
dollars in sales? That sounds like a great deal! Are you sure the company
can afford to pay that much? I think I will ditch all my other projects
and begin sitting here all day full time thinking up new products and
concepts for you. This message reminds me of the joke 'help wanted' ad
placed in the {Chicago Tribune} some time ago:  A 'job' was offered by
something called the 'Cash Recovery Corporation'. The job involved working
outside all the time. Your duties would be to walk around wherever you
wanted to go, looking down at the sidewalk. Whenever you found some money
that someone had dropped on the sidewalk by accident, you were to take it
and turn it in to the company ... in turn, they would pay you a ten percent
commission on whatever money you found and turned in. Hey Gene ... if I
have any bright ideas, I'll milk 'em myself for all they are worth and
find some investors, etc. Somehow I will sacrifice and get by without the
ten dollars you are offering.   PAT]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 15:21:14 +0200
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Traineeship Request, Help Please


Hello,

As a third-year student of the faculty of Information Science and
Technology at the Haagse Hogeschool (The Hague Polytech- nic), I am
looking for an opportunity to fulfill my trainee- ship in the USA.
This traineeship is a requirement of my pro- gram of studies. When I
graduate I will have earned the title of "Ing.", for Ingenieur, which
is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree. A foreign placement will
contribute to the international orientation that I feel will help in
my future career.

The general conditions the school sets for traineeship are the
following: I must be a trainee for 100 working days (about five months).
This traineeship must start in September (1994). The Hague Polytechnic
wants to have a contactperson or mentor in the organization where I
work as trainee, this because there has to be contact between the
place where I work as trainee and the school. I have to work on a
project or on an assigment. The traineeship must also be in the line
of office automation or system analyses.

Why the USA?  The USA is the country were the history of the computers
are, for example IBM who made the first PC and of course the Intel
corporation who produces many computer chips.  Also the USA has got a
high developed network of computers which are of course connected to
the Internet, the big globall network.

I like to know if you know companies that are willing to take trainees,
for that period at a project.

About money, don't worry; if you pay for my stay it will be more then
enough, if you pay for the trip, it would be great. But I am a hard
worker so money will be appreciated.

Hope I gave enough information, if not please e-mail. If you have such
trainee spot and are willing to take me please e-mail.

Please help.



Sincerely yours,

Jeroen de Leeuw den Bouter   Galileiplein 18
2871 XP  Schoonhoven       The Netherlands
internet e-mail : [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Why don't you investigate the great
opportunity offered by Gene in the message just before this one? His
company will pay you ten dollars for each new idea you come up with. I
suppose considering the large amount of money involved you would have
to sign over all your intellectual property rights to your ideas, but
you'd get valuable experience in how some American firms do business.  :)
Who knows, you might like it and stay on with the company after you
finish school.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (echo on BIX)
Subject: DunsNet
Date: 26 Apr 94 01:15:32 GMT
Organization: Delphi Internet Services Corporation


Has anyone out there heard of a PSN called DunsNet? As much information
as possible about it would be appreciated. Please mail me.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: DunsNet is a service of Dun and Bradstreet
which delivers business and credit reports to companies dealing with
other companies.   PAT]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 11:47:21 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Andy Spitzer)
Subject: Info on CSTA (Computer Supported Telephony Architecture)


Does anyone out there have pointers to information about CSTA
(Computer Supported Telephony Architecture)?

We are also curious to know what products suport it, if anyone is
using it, and what the general impressions of it are.

We will compile e-mail responses and post here if there is enough interest.

Please respond to:

   [e-mail]

Andy Spitzer     The Telephone Connection  301-417-0700  Voice

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

From: [e-mail] (Mike Jones)
Subject: Basic ISDN Question
Date: 27 Apr 1994 10:50:25 GMT
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY, USA
Reply-To: [e-mail]


ISDN has recently become available here in this corner of NYNEX-land.
The cost is a $10 surcharge onto normal business rates. We're
interested in using the 64 Kbps data channel to connect to a local
internet provider; I've checked with NYNEX and ISDN is available at
both our and their CO's. My question is, how does this practically
work? I have a moderate understanding of ISDN at a conceptual level,
but no real feel for how you go about hooking things up.  Any
information would be appreciated.


Mike Jones  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Market Survey - Please Participate
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 02:25:15 GMT


We are a small, dedicated group of people desperately trying to get
a video production company off the ground.

Recently, we secured enough financial backing to produce several
videos on the subject of personal computing.

Because we don't have the financial resources to perform a traditional
market analysis, we considered several alternatives and concluded that
we should consult the people of the Internet, who are technically
proficient and tend to be enthusiastic personal computer users.

We would like you to indicate which three of the below described
videos would appeal to you most.

Please note that each video synopsis is numbered.  When you are ready
to send your response, please specify the numbers corresponding to
your three video selections, and use commas to separate the numbers.

For example, if you choose selections four, eight, and eleven, the
body of your letter would simply be:

4,8,11

and nothing more.

When you send back your response, please specify "MARKET SURVEY" in
the subject field.  Then, direct your response back to sngmedia@world.
std.com.

Please realize that this is not an advertisement, or solicitation.  We
simply would like to know your response.  You will not be contacted
further.

Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.


Tom and Randi Fecker   [e-mail].

Please select three videos that interest you most:

1. The Internet Pilot's Guide

A plain English guide to getting around on the Internet by veteran
users.  How to use Internet resources to send/receive e-mail, and to
search for documents and files relating to a particular subject.  How
to use LISTSERVs, GOPHER, ARCHIE, WWW and WAIS.  How to use FTP and
Telnet to access remote computers for file transfers, remote logins,
etc.  Also, learning how to observe Internet's "netiquette."  And how
to access multimedia Mosaic bulletin boards.

2. How to Make Money at Home With Your PC I -- Successful PC-Based
Businesses

Meet five successful entrepreneurs who started their own home-based
businesses using a PC.  Includes businesses that provide typing
services, mailing list management, horoscopes, bookkeeping, and even a
software developer who does not know how to program -- he hires other
people to implement his software designs.  Includes ideas for two
dozen home-based businesses you can start using your PC.

3. How to Make Money at Home With Your PC II: Portfolio Management.
Whether you manage your own portfolio for investment gains, or you
take on clients for a consulting fee, a PC can give you powerful tools
for portfolio management.  Meet three successful home-based portfolio
managers who use their PCs to maximize profits.  They'll inspire you,
and share some tricks of the trade that can help you land clients and
get started.  We'll also show you how to determine which software
applications will meet your needs, and which online services will
satisfy your requirements.

4. How to Make Money at Home With Your PC III: Telecommuting Learn how
to use your PC to telecommute to companies across America that are
looking for specialized consultants with skills like bookkeeping,
software design and programming, editorial and script writing,
technical proofreading, graphic design, copywriting, and more.
Includes interviews with three successful telecommuters who use their
PCs, faxes, modems and phones to serve distant clients, and
information about a telecommuting referral service that could help you
find employers.

5. How to Upgrade Your Hard Drive, Step-By-Step
 From choosing your new hard drive, through ordering, installing and
testing it.  This plain English video shows you how to do the job
correctly, one simple step at a time.  Using industry-wide standards,
we'll show you what all hard drives have in common.  Includes how to
determine if your controller will support a particular hard drive.
How to remove the old drive, and install, format and test the new
drive.  Includes a discussion on the differences between the various
standards.

6. How to Design Your Own PC
You don't have to be an engineer to design and build the PC of your
dreams.  This plain English video shows you how to figure out the
PC design that is best for you, how to specify components, how to
make sure they'll work together, and where to buy them.  You'll end
up with a top quality system that will save you money.

7. How to Build Your Own PC
Once you've designed your PC, we'll show you how to build it.  The
actual process will take you only a few hours.  Using an easy-to-
understand method, we'll show you how to inspect, install and test
components.  Includes tips and tricks from computer production
experts.  The technical skills can be easily mastered by almost
anyone, and you probably already own most of the tools you would
need.

8. How to Increase Your Computer's Memory
This plain English video shows you how to determine whether your
computer memory can be increased, and how to do the job correctly,
one step at a time.  You'll learn about industry-wide standards for
memory, how to configure additional RAM and cache, how and where to
buy RAM chips, and three ways to eliminate low-quality RAM chips.
Covers all phases of the process from opening your computer, to
testing your memory.  Includes discussions on how to ensure your
DOS set-up is able to access all available memory, and how to use
various memory management software applications.

9. How to Use MS-Windows 3.1
This powerful graphical user interface can help you work smarter
and faster, but the manual and the online tutorial that come with
Windows leave many questions unanswered.  This plain English, step-
by-step video will show you how to install Windows on your computer
and set it up to get optimum performance.

10.  How to Find a Job in the Information Age
A PC can give you an incredible advantage when you're searching for
a new job -- or even a new career.  But you have to know just how
it can help you.  In this video, an experienced employment
counselor will show you how to tap the power in your PC to find job
leads, create a winning resume and customized cover letters, tap
into databases and find bulletin boards that will lead you to job
openings, and use online services to research potential employers.

11. How to Install a Sound Card in Your Computer
Here's how to add incredible stereo sound to your computer with
step-by-step help. In plain English, you'll learn how to determine
if your computer can support a sound card, how and where to buy a
high-quality sound card.  How to open your computer, and install
and test the sound card.

12. How to Install a CD-ROM Drive in Your Computer
Using simple tools, this plain English video shows you how to
install a CD-ROM Drive in your computer.  You'll learn how to make
sure your computer can support a CD-ROM drive -- and what to do if
it can't.  Covers internal vs. external drives, how and where to
buy a high quality CD-ROM drive, what you need to know about
differing industry standards, preparing the drive bay, testing and
trouble-shooting.  Covers SCSI and IDE.

13. How to Fix the Most Common Computer Problems
Your computer serviceman may not want you to know this, but all you
need is the know-how you'll get from this video, simple tools, and
easily-obtainable diagnostic software -- and you can fix most
common problems you'll ever encounter with a PC.

14. What to Do When a Virus Strikes Your Computer
Viruses can come from almost anywhere: a colleague or friend's
disks, a network, a bulletin board, even commercial software.  If
you ignore the first warning signs, a virus can wipe out your data
and permanently damage your computer's memory.  In plain English,
this video will tell you how to scan disks for viruses, how to
check downloaded files from bulletin boards, how to set up a virus
prevention program for your home or office computer, and how and
where to buy the best anti-virus software.  We'll also cover the
pros and cons of the antivirus software in DOS 6.X and Windows 3.X,
how to use antivirus software, and more.

15. How Your PC Works: Inside the Case
Here's a down-to-earth explanation of how your PC actually
processes information, and what really goes on inside the case.
You'll get a guided tour of the insides of a PC, learn about how
the various components work and how they communicate with each
other, and get a clear explanation of technical terms.  A must for
anyone who wants to really understand how to program, use and
repair a PC.

16. How to Create Config.Sys, Autoexec.Bat and Batch Files
These basic files can make it much easier to use your computer --
or cause incredible headaches if they are not written properly for
your particular software and peripherals.  Now you don't have to be
at the mercy of murky tech manuals, because we'll show you how to
create files that work for your system -- step-by-step, in plain
English.  You'll learn how to write, modify and test Autoexec.Bat
and Config.Sys files; and how to create batch files.

17. How to Add a Modem or Faxmodem to Your Computer
Here's the easy way to add a modem or faxmodem to your computer,
with step-by-step guidance from this plain English video.  You'll
learn how to determine if your computer can support a modem or
faxmodem, and what to do if it can't, how to choose and buy the
best modem or faxmodem, how to open your computer, and install the
modem or faxmodem, how to test it, how to quickly eliminate common
problems, and how to set your modem or faxmodem correctly.

18. How to Make Money at Home With Your Computer
The information age is opening up incredible new opportunities for
PC owners to make undreamed of money, using skills and knowledge
you may already have!  Here's inside information on the ten most
promising telecommuting jobs and 12 small businesses you can run
right from your home, using your PC.  Includes profiles of PC
owners who are actually running PC-based home businesses.

19. The Super-Highway Roadmap
This is your guide to where to go and what to see.  You can make
incredible contacts and gather powerful, valuable information on
the Internet, but the problem is that most people can't begin to
imagine the potential of something that seems so abstract.  This
plain English video will introduce you to the Internet, and make
these opportunities concrete.  Includes interviews with 7 people
who did the impossible by gathering information and making contacts
on the Internet.

20. How to Upgrade and Repair Your PC I: Basic
This is the video your repairman doesn't want you to know about!
Since the components of most PCs are highly modular, PC repair is
easier than you think.  Just pinpoint the problem component, unplug
it, remove a few screws, replace it, and presto! You're in business
again.  This step-by-step video shows you how to pinpoint problems
and replace your PC's components, using ordinary household tools.

21. How to Upgrade and Repair Your PC II: Multimedia
Here's how to save big money on a PC with all the latest multimedia
peripherals.  You learn how to determine if your PC can be
upgraded, how to upgrade your video card and bus, and how to add a
CD-ROM drive, sound card, video accelerator, and more.  Presented
in plain English.  The procedures you'll learn require ordinary
household tools -- nothing fancy!

22. Plain English Guide to DOS 6+.
The powerful sub-programs buried deep within DOS 6.0 and higher can
help you work smarter and faster, but the manual and the online
tutorial that come with DOS leave many questions unanswered. This
plain English, step-by-step video will show you how to install DOS
on your computer and set it up to get optimum performance. In
addition to DOS commands, you'll learn how to use the shell,
defragmentation, scan and antivirus programs that come with DOS.

23. Home Financial Management on a PC.
Your computer can help you create and manage a budget, keep track
of your credit card accounts, handle your tax deductions, and
reconcile your bank accounts.  But that's not all!  You can also
determine whether you should pay down your mortgage, finance a new
car or pay cash, buy or rent your home, and how much you'll need
for retirement.  The financial information your computer can give
you might mean the difference between just getting by and a very
comfortable lifestyle -- if you ask the right questions and use
your PC to develop a financial strategy.

24. The Online Bulletin Board Guide
Bulletin boards can be the on-ramps to the Information Super
Highway -- if you know how to access and use them.  This step-by-
step guide shows you how to find bulletin boards, set-up your
modem, log on, find out what they have to offer, find bulletin
board users who share your interests, search for information, and
upload and download files.


Thank you.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #186
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa21264;
          28 Apr 94 14:31 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA14622; Thu, 28 Apr 94 10:25:15 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA14613; Thu, 28 Apr 94 10:25:12 CDT
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 10:25:12 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #187

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 28 Apr 94 10:25:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 187

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Book Review: "Internet for Dummies" by Levine/Baroudi (Rob Slade)
    Unitel (Canada) Calling Card Rates (Dave Leibold)
    Minority Scholarships in Telecommunications (Dennis Foote)
    Top Ten Networks More Shaky Than T3 (Paul Robinson)
    Dial Back Services With Account Codes (David M. Sokolic)
    Joint Venture Partners For Internet (Barclay Hambrook)
    Internet Access in Kenya (Elmar Bob)
    Questions Ahout SS7 (John Mehringer)
    Radio Station Interference on Phone Line (Don Saewert)
    Wanted: Recomendations on Telephony Books (John and DonaLeigh Engstrom)
    Cellular Phones:  What to Look For? (Terry Cary)
    X.25 Information Request (Mike Vandusen)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 15:35:27 MDT
From: Rob Slade <[e-mail]>
Subject: Book Review: "Internet for Dummies" by Levine/Baroudi


BKINTDUM.RVW  940124

Macmillan of Canada
29 Birch Avenue
Toronto, Ontario  M4V 1E2
Elizabeth Wilson
416-963-8830
Fax: [phone]
or
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
International Data Group
155 Bovet Road, Suite 310
San Mateo, CA   94402   USA
415-312-0650
fax: [phone]
Brandon Nordin, Marketing and International Sales
"Internet for Dummies", Levine/Baroudi, 1993, 1-56884-024-1, U$19.95/C$26.95
[e-mail]

Generally speaking, most of this book is a good, basic overview of the
primary uses and tools of the Internet.  The ordering of material is
sound, and the formatting and presentation is friendly and useful.  I
would, however, note some relatively important tips that are missing,
and extensive material that has very limited usefulness.

I have some problem with the "... For Dummies" titles, but I have no
problems with the intent of providing an easily accessible "leg up"
for those who, as the Introduction has it, "have access to the
Internet," and, "are not interested in becoming the world's next great
Internet expert."  With that in mind, I have no idea why the six
chapters of part one are even in this book.  Nobody except technical
historians cares about ARPANET.  Nobody even understands the phrase,
"network of networks."  And I solemnly promise you that nobody except
IP routing programmers have to understand the concept of dynamic
rerouting.  Part one is well written, and it may even be of interest.
But it is certainly not required reading and doesn't deserve this
prior position in the book.

"Not so!" I hear Levine cry (seconded by Ed Krol).  "Part one tells
you how to get connected!"  Well, yes and no.  Chapters three, four
and five do go over some points, but I think the most apposite comment
is the statement that "[g]etting SLIP or PPP configured correctly is a
pain in the neck."  It is a pain which Levine is obviously not willing
to put much space or effort into.  Not that I blame him at all, but it
does severely restrict the usefulness of these chapters.

Following part one, however, the book improves immensely.  Part two
deals with what might be seen as personal communications: mail,
mailing and distribution lists, Usenet news and the real time
functions of talk and Internet Relay Chat (IRC).  The various tools
are well related where they intersect.  For example, both BITNET and
Internet LISTSERVs, although distinguished from one another, are
discussed together.  A nice feature is the inclusion of a brief list
of recommended resources for the user to try out (such as some well
chosen distribution lists when discussing LISTSERVs).  Parts three and
four carry on to discuss the more advanced tools, first telnet and
ftp, and then archive, gopher, WAIS and World Wide Web.

Part five is a collection of quick tips for troubleshooting, short
cuts, and a little fun.  Part six is a set of resource lists.  The
software listing is very useful, and quite possibly worth buying this
book for, in and of itself, if you really want to make your
workstation a part of the Internet.  The list of Internet providers is
less so: very US-centric and woefully incomplete.  Chapter
twenty-nine, listing sources of further information, gives contact
information for three magazines, three organizations -- and none of
the dozens of related books.

A book for beginners cannot be exhaustive.  The choice of topics must
be made carefully, and you can't include absolutely everything.  I am
very glad to see a strong emphasis on the interpersonal aspects of
communication.  Although there is no chapter on netiquette, per se,
there are a number of important tips strewn throughout the relevant
chapters on mail and news, and they possibly have a greater impact
that way.  Some omissions, however, are rather odd.  The number one
newbie mistake on distribution lists is sending administrative
messages to the list, itself, rather than the LISTSERV.  Levine gives
the correct information, but doesn't point out this common error.
Ftp-by-mail servers are mentioned but the one specified only works for
BITNET systems.  Under "cool things to do" is listed "read a book" --
but Project Gutenberg isn't mentioned at all.  The suggestions about
how to find email addresses on the Internet doesn't mention the most
helpful that I've found: the usenet- addresses mail-server at MIT.
(It is mentioned in the book -- under ftp sites.)

Some aspects of the book will be open to subjective reaction.  There
are numerous "well, maybe" errors, such as the statement that UNIX was
developed at Berkeley.  The "...For Dummies" format does not fit well
with this material.  The Internet cheat sheet, for example, is fine
for ftp and OK for news, but basically useless otherwise.

Although it is evident that Levine is most comfortable in UNIX, the
book does not have quite the UNIX bias as that of Krol (BKKROL.RVW) or
Dern (BKTIGFNU.RVW).  One prejudice that Levine does share with Krol
is the "whole Internet" elitism.  In a great many ways, the impression
is given that unless your machine has an IP connection, and you are
running your own gopher, ftp, WAIS and WWW clients, you aren't truly
on the Internet.

Overall, a good, solid intro to the Internet for beginners.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1994   BKINTDUM.RVW  940124 - Distribution
restricted to TELECOM Digest and associated mailing lists.

Postscriptum - apparently an "Internet for Dummies Quick Reference" and "More
Internet for Dummies" are in the offing.

                    ======================
DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer [e-mail], [e-mail], Rob Slade at 1:153/733
DECUS Symposium '95, Toronto, ON, February 13-17, 1995, contact: [e-mail]


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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Leibold)
Date: 27 Apr 94 22:59:58 -0500
Subject: Unitel (Canada) Calling Card Rates
Organization: FidoNet Nameserver


I got my hands on some tariff info for the new Unitel calling card.
This is from their tariff, CRTC 4005 (which is subject to revision and
change as time goes by).

The idea is that card callers dial a Unitel 800 number, then use tone
dialing to enter the card number, and destination phone number. Since
Unitel cannot (yet) determine the caller's number, it can only bill on
the basis of which area code the call originates (Unitel says it can
find out which area code the 800 call came from based on the incoming
trunk group; the originating area code is necessary anyway, for the
800 service to operate properly and determine which area codes can
call). The cited lack of ANI or CNID service from Bell (at present)
was the reason for going with area code only billing.

There is the card surcharge rate:

85 cents from areas 416, 418, 514, 519, 613, 705, 709, 807, 819, 905
(Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland) 68 cents from 506 (New Brunswick) 63
cents from 604 (BC) 42 cents from 902 (Nova Scotia, PEI)

The surcharge on Canada to Mexico calls is a trifling $5.00.

Card calls are eligible for time of day discounts, business customer
home discount number, and a discount for residential customers (the
15% for those with existing Unitel residential service). No Close
Connections discounts are allowed, unfortunately, nor can calls
originate from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan (though Unitel is
apparently looking at connecting provinces other than Sask.)

The surcharge for calls from the U.S. to Canada is similar to the
above surcharges, except add an 85c surcharge for calls to 306 (Sask),
403 (Alta.) and add 55c surcharge to 204 (Man.). For intra-U.S. calls
on the Unitel card, these are billed at U.S. carrier rates, converted
to CAD$ by Unitel (which U.S. carrier, you ask? Well, since Unitel is
partly owned by AT&T, one might wonder if they are a suspect ...)

Now usage charges are added to the surcharge to get the total call
cost on the Unitel card ... some main area codes work out like this
($ per minute):

        <---------------- to ------------->
 from    416     905     604     613     519
 416     .191    .255    .408    .322    .305
 905     .254    .258    .408    .329    .260
 604     .408    .408    .281    .408    .408
 613     .326    .331    .408    .225    .332
 519     .298    .254    .408    .332    .262

Note that it costs 85c + 19.1c/min to place a Unitel card call within
416 (Toronto exchange) as opposed to the flat 75c for the Bell card,
or 25c in coin. Note also that the usage charges from 416 to 519 are
30.5c/min while from 519 to 416 they are 29.8c/min; a slight
difference, yet an interesting asymmetry.

Calls to continental U.S. are all rated at 43c/min, Alaska $1.52/min,
Hawaii 81c/min, Mexico $1.72/min (plus a slight $5 surcharge,
remember). Minimum charge per call is 26c.

Since the call origin can only be determined by area code, the time
zone remains constant throughout an area code. That means 807 is
assumed to be Eastern time for time of day discounting purposes, even
though some areas of 807 are in Central time. 604 (BC) is assumed to
be Pacific time. In Ontario, the discounts go 35% for 18-23h Mon-Fri,
60% 23-08h M-F, weekend & statutory holidays. (BC has a slightly
different discount timing, as does calls involving a U.S. or Mexico
point).

There is also an introductory $10 free calling deal, which is provided
for in the tariffs until the end of April. This means up to $10 in the
first to billed months usage of the card is free.

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 1:19:23 PDT
From: DENNIS FOOTE <[e-mail]>
Subject: Minority Scholarships in Telecommunications


The University of San Francisco (USF) announces the availability of
scholarships for minority students from California in its graduate
programs on Telecommunications Management and Policy, and on
Telecommunications Economics and Policy.

The McLaren School of Business at USF offers two telecommunications
programs: one that is a specialization in "Telecommunications
Management and Policy" within the regular Masters of Business
Administration (MBA) curriculum, and one that offers a "Masters in
Telecommunications Economics and Policy" under a joint program of the
Business School and the Department of Economics.

The Telecommunications Program has received funding from the
Telecommunications Education Trust, established by the California
Public Utilities Commission, to provide scholarships for minority
degree candidates who have demonstrated an interest in the effects of
telecommunications regulation, technology, and policy on California's
most vulnerable consumers.  Applicants for the Jack P. Eckley Minority
Scholarships should be minority California residents.

Additional information and applications can be obtained by e-mail to
"[e-mail]", or by writing or calling the addresses given at
the end of the program description below.

               ____________________________________________

                        UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
                        McLaren School of Business

                              MBA PROGRAM IN
                 TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT AND POLICY

Careers for the Information Age

With the arrival of the "information age," business and government are
recognizing the strategic importance of information technologies.  As
a result, professionals with combined expertise in business and
telecommunications are in heavy demand.  The Telecommunications
Management Program is USF's response to this growing demand.  It is
targeted to meet the advanced education needs of those preparing for
information-age careers, and also of those already in
telecommunications-oriented occupations who decide to expand their
applied expertise by taking time off for graduate-level education in
telecommunications management.

The Curriculum

The Program prepares students for careers in telecommunications
administrative management, marketing, strategic planning,
public-policy analysis, and consulting.  No technical background is
required, but students must be prepared to learn basic technical
concepts.  Those with technical backgrounds may choose electives that
build on their knowledge, integrating their technical skills with
management and/or policy-analysis expertise.  Telecommunications
courses are taken as electives within the regular MBA curriculum.
They include:

   * MBA 651: Telecommunications Technology and Management
     (convergence of telecommunications, computers and media)
   * MBA 652: Telecommunications Planning (planning of data networks)
   * MBA 653: International Telecommunications (trends in deregulation
     and privatization, and business applications of global networks)
   * MBA 654: Telecommunications Policy (the evolution and present
     structure of the U.S. telecommunications industry)
   * MBA 659: Special topics in Telecommunications (providing timely
     and in-depth analysis of current events and trends)

Students may combine telecommunications with another area of
concentration in Management, Marketing, International Business, or
Information Systems.

USF is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
colleges (WASC). The Business School is fully accredited by the
American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Industry Participation

The Telecommunications Program, under the directorship of Dr. Heather
Hudson, has achieved international recognition for the high quality
and successful careers of its graduates, its research activities, and
its innovative curriculum.  A major reason for its success is its
"real world" orientation.  It features:

   * An Advisory Board composed of executives and other professionals
     from diverse sectors of the telecommunications industry
   * Adjunct faculty and guest speakers from leading Bay Area
     telecommunications vendor and major user organizations
   * A Telecommunications Club that organizes site visits to San
     Francisco and Silicon Valley companies and links students with
     Program alumni
   * Attendance at trade shows and conferences featuring new
     technologies, products, and services
   * Seminars and workshops for professionals and executives in the
     telecommunications field, examining key issues and developments
     in the industry
   * Student internships with Bay Area companies

USF's Strategic Location

USF is located in one of the world's leading centers for the
development and application of information technologies.  Silicon
Valley is the birthplace of high technology entrepreneurship.  The Bay
Area is the headquarters for many telecommunications and computer
manufacturers, software vendors, wireline and wireless common
carriers, and value-added service providers.  As the financial center
of the West Coast and a major U.S. gateway to the Pacific, the San
Francisco metropolitan area is the home of many leading-edge,
telecommunications-intensive financial and other user organizations.

                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                    Professor Heather Hudson, Director
             Telecommunications Management and Policy Program
                        McLaren School of Business

                        University of San Francisco
                            2130 Fulton Street
                       San Francisco, CA 94117-1080

                   Telephone: [phone] or 666-2504
                            Fax: [phone]

                         E-mail: [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 06:14:37 EDT
From: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Top Ten Networks More Shaky Than T3


Top ten less reliable networks than NSFnet's T3:

10.  Cans tied together with string during a San Fran 8.5 earthquake.
 9.  The Arthritic's Morse Code net.
 8.  AT&T's net during a transparent software upgrade.
 7.  Bouncing signals off satellite, orbiting asteroid near Alpha Centauri.
 6.  "Great Valleys Of The World"'s semaphore net.
 5.  Chain-packet net (every time you get a packet, send off two more).
 4.  Using carrier mackerel across the Sahara.
 3.  Single Side Band transmitted from ground zero of a thermonuclear
     explosion.
 2.  100 monkeys sending at random (by chance,
        they'll eventually send the information you want sent).
 1.  L.A.'s smog signal net.


Paul Robinson - [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 05:44:19 EDT
From: David M Sokolic <[e-mail]>
Subject: Dial Back Services With Account Codes


Hello Trelecomm gurus:

I live and work outside of the US., I am looking for a dial-back
service that will let me use different account codes for business use.
In other wordsd, I want to be able to assign codes so that I can
charge clients for different call and I want to get a bill itemized by
call. Can any of the services do this? It sounds like a simple thing
to program into the software. The solution of just getting a differetn
dialback nuumber for each case code will not work for two reaswons:

1) Five of us work in the office and we all soetimes call from home.We
have 8-10 projects going at any time. This would require us to have
about 50 call back access numbers - each with a minimum of about $20.
No good?  I want something where we can each have just one access
number and where we can enter a code taht will show up in the bill.
Any such animal?


Thanks,

David    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Barclay Hambrook)
Subject: Joint Venture Partners For Internet
Date: 28 Apr 94 01:11:59 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada


Our firm is searching for joint venture partners for internet
providers in various centers around the world for business
applications.  Serious parties only please contact Mr. B. Hambrook by
email, fax [phone] or phone [phone].  Forward details on
your organization or yourself to expedite matters re qualifying.

Barclay Hambrook, P. Eng., MBA
Phone [phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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

From: Elmar Bob <[e-mail]>
Subject: Internet Access in Kenya
Organization: B.U.G., Inc., Sapporo, Japan
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 10:25:27 GMT


Hi netters,

I am posting this for a friend who will be going to Kenya very soon and
would like to find out whether she can gain access to the internet somehow
over there.

Best regards from Japan,

Elmar

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

From: uswnvg!uswnvg.com![e-mail] (John Mehringer)
Subject: Questions About SS7
Date: 28 Apr 94 00:09:43 GMT


   Looking for references regarding the SS7 Network. This is for a
term paper/presentation ... but also for my own interest. Anything out
there that is considered outstanding? What I'm looking for mainly is
clarity of explanation and moderate in depth technical exploration.

Thanks in advance.

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

From: [e-mail] (Don Saewert)
Subject: Radio Station Interference on Phone Line
Date: 28 Apr 1994 19:18:54 -0700
Organization: Occidental College, Los Angeles CA 90041  USA


Hello, with all the knowledge out there I am sure I will get an
answer.  A friend of mine has a phone where she can hear a local radio
station in the background on her phone. I do not hear it at the time
but she does.  She has used other phones on the same line and the
music is gone. The phone she hears the music has a builtin answering
machine so she was wondering if that may be the problem. Any solutions
would be helpful.


Thanks!

Don


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It is very likely that she is close (maybe
within half a mile or so) of some radio station's transmitter/antenna.
Better quality phones would probably be shielded against that sort of
interference which is possibly why she gets it on the one phone but not
on others. Components in the affected phone act like a little radio rec-
eiver, with the earpiece on her phone as the speaker for her after-the-
fact 'radio receiver'. There are filters which can be added to the
phone itself or the phone line to remove the interference, but unless
it is demonstrated to be in the phone line itself (not likely since she
gets it only when using that one phone) then telco won't be able to
help very much, and they may charge her to add the required filtering.
If the radio station is broadcasting within the technical requirements
of the law -- almost certain they would be, if a commerical station --
then they are not obliged to do anything either, but now and then an
appeal phrased in a polite way will bring some assistance from the
engineering staff at the radio station. One thing often overlooked when
purchasing an inexpensive phone/answering machine is whether or not it
is properly sheilded against such interference in the event the user
is located relatively close to a powerful transmission source. A few
readers here have the technical expertise required to suggest solutions
and perhaps they will write you with diagrams and/or instructions you
can experiment with.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (John and DonaLeigh Engstrom)
Subject: Wanted: Recomendations on Telephony Books
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 13:46:27 CDT


I've never posted to this newsgroup before, but I have been reading it
for about the last two months.  I think Patrick and all the posters
out there in netland provide an interesting useful reference source
and I just wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate their
work/time.

Now, I was wondering if anyone knows of a good book to explain the
hardware/software/protocols used in the wonderful world of telephony.
What I would really like is a description of how communications
between two entities happens -- from a residential phone line going to
a CO which gets switched to a carrier which gets switched to anothe CO
and finally to the destination phone line, all the way to how a
company's switch can connect to other switches, COs, etc and what type
of analog and digital information is passed along and how.

    I have a solid background in packet switched computer networks
and protocols (ethernet, token-ring, TCP/IP, DECNET, etc) but I tend
to get lost talking about T3s, ISDN, ANI, DNIS, DUSs (I think) and the
like.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.


John Engstrom   [e-mail]

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

Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 14:16:08 EDT
From: The One and Only <[e-mail]>
Subject: Cellular Phones: What to look for?
Organization: Penn State University


I'm in the market for buying one and don't know what to look for or
where to look.  What's out there?  Who are more carriers?  Is it true
that there are only two in any given area?  Why? Any replies appreciated.


Thanks,

Terry Cary

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

From: [e-mail] (Mike Vandusen)
Subject: X.25 Information Request
Date: 27 Apr 1994 16:10:30 -0500
Organization: NeoSoft Internet Services   [phone]


I am looking for general reference material (ie. books, ftp'able docs,
etc.) describing X.25.  I am interested in documentation that starts
with conceptual overview, discusses details of the various other
protocols involved (X.28, X.29, etc.), and finally addresses typical
software interfaces.

I would appreciate a reply from anyone who has a working knowledge of
X.25 as to the reference material you have used.

I understand that the CCITT Fascicle recommendation is not available
for ftp ... and makes for rather dry reading anyway;-)


Thanks in advance,

Mike

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #187
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa22360;
          28 Apr 94 16:25 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA16035; Thu, 28 Apr 94 11:21:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA16026; Thu, 28 Apr 94 11:21:02 CDT
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 11:21:02 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #188

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 28 Apr 94 11:21:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 188

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Bell/Beacon Project (Bell News via Dave Leibold)
    Dial-an-Art (Toronto Star via Dave Leibold)
    How and Where is Big Brother Watching? (Dave)
    Getting Caller-ID Out of the Box (Joe Portman)
    Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do? (Vance Shipley)
    Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do? (Linc Madison)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Dino Moriello)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Jean Sarrazin)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Vance Shipley)
    Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up?? (John Nagle)
    Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up?? (Brett Frankenberger)
    Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up?? (Dave Levenson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Dave Leibold)
Date: 27 Apr 94 23:00:24 -0500
Subject: Bell/Beacon Project
Organization: FidoNet: The Super Continental - North York, Canada


[from Bell News, Bell Ontario 18 Apr 94]

Bell and the Beacon Initiative at a glance

The Beacon Initiative and Bell Canada:

* Bell Canada will invest $5.4 billion in the Beacon Initiative over the
next 10 years.

* Combined investment from the Stentor owner companies will total $8.0 billion.

* Based on preliminary estimates, Bell's investment will fund about
8,000 jobs over the next decade. These jobs will be generated both
within Bell and indirectly in other sectors, through spinoff effects.

* The total investment from the Stentor owner companies in the Beacon
Initiative will fund, directly or indirectly, an estimated average of
12,000 jobs over the next decade.

* Between 80 and 90 per cent of all businesses and homes in Canada
will have direct access to the new technology by 2005. Bell will use
alternative technologies to provide broadband capabilities to the
remaining 10 to 20 per cent of its customers.

Canada's telecommunications infrastructure:

* 99 per cent of Canadian h omes have telephone service, giving
Canada one of the highest penetration rates for telephone service in
the world.

* The Stentor companies invest more than $4 billion a year to expand
and develop Canada's telecommunications network. More than $2 billion
of this is invested by Bell Canada.

* In 1992, Canada's telecom network generated $13.7 billion in
operating revenues, provided employment for 97,000 Canadians and
generated $1.7 billion in annual tax payments.

* According to a recent U.S. study, Canada is among the top four
countries with the highest levels of digital access lines.

Canada's telecommunications industry:

* The telecommunications industry is one of the fastest growing
sectors in Canada. In 1990, the sector grew by 8.6 per cent, versus
0.3 per cent for the Canadian economy as a whole.

* In 1992, the Canadian telecommunications industry created 5,000 new
jobs. Wage rates for these jobs were 30 per cent higher than the
Canadian average.

* In 1993, the total telecommunications market in Canada was worth
$15.1 billion.

* In 1992, the telecommunications industry was responsible for 17.5
per cent of all R&D expenditures in Canada.

Bell's network:

* As of December 1993, Bell's network was:

Access Network

* 3 per cent fibre penetration

Local Network

* 95 per cent of local lines served by digital switches
* 93 per cent digital trunks
* 57 per cent fibre trunks

Toll Network

* 100 per cent digital switching
* 97 per cent digital trunks
* 73 per cent fibre trunks
* Since 1985, Bell has spent more than $1.4 billion placing fibre
optic cable - approximately 600,000 fiber kilometres, including the
company's portion of the national fibre optics network.

Research and development:

* In 1992, Bell Canada, Northern Telecom and Bell-Northern Research
together spent $1.3 billion on research and development.

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Leibold)
Date: 27 Apr 94 23:10:07 -0500
Subject: Dial-an-Art
Organization: FidoNet Nameserver


{The Toronto Star} today reports of an art "faxhibition" by artist
Robert Tonks. The idea is that artworks will be transmitted by fax
(during the night to control costs and avoid active business periods).
The 32 fax-artworks are apparently free. The art is being offered the
fax way because it "doesn't belong in a gallery".

For information, contact [phone] and maybe some art can be
faxed your way. This event will happen 3-27 May.

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 19:33:27 CDT
From: David Causey <[e-mail]>
Subject: How and Where is Big Brother Watching
Organization: Southeastern Louisiana University


I need articles, and legislative reference numbers for current and
future government access to direct and indirect communication.
Including but not limited to; cellular, radio, telephone, satellite,
computer, or television. I want to identify means of accessing these
and other media, and where the government or subgroups is already
using simple and high tech means to listen in to public and private
communication.


Thank you,

Dave (please reply e-mail)

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

From: [e-mail] (Joe Portman)
Subject: Getting Caller-ID Out of the Box
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 13:44:05 -0700
Organization: Connected INC -- Full Service Internet Providers(tm)


I just started using a Caller-ID box (from US West) and I have
discovered that I love it. In fact I want to expand on the
capabilities of Caller-ID.

Basically, I need a device that will allow me to capture the incoming
Caller-ID info and transmit it to my home computer. Why, you ask?
Simple, I write and maintain Voice Mail systems for a living and I
want to put together a custom home voice mail package that will
respond to the incoming calls based on the Caller-ID information.

For instance, calls with out-of-area or private or no Caller-ID will
get a generic greeting, with no personal information.

Calls from friends will get my "warm personal greeting".

Calls from undesired numbers will get either nothing (hang up)
or a warning not to call again.

So, does anyone know of a Caller-ID box with a serial port?  Or
something similar? Any good ideas, and: what do you think of the
overall idea?


Thanks,

Joe Portman (Westin Hotels & Resorts)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Your idea has already been elaborated on
by various organizations, and has been discussed here a few times. There
are modems available with Caller-ID capabilities built into them and
Caller-ID display units with serial ports. Shop around for them.   PAT]

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

From: Vance Shipley <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:08:01 -0400
Subject: Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do?
Organization: XeniTec Consulting, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada


In article <[e-mail]>, David Gingold <gingold@Think.
COM> wrote:

> I've got a Northern Telecom Meridian phone on my desk.  It has a DB-25
> connector on the back, which I suspect is a serial port.  (The
> connector hooks to a small PCB in the base, which in turn plugs into
> what might be an ISDN plug inside the base?)

> Is this a serial port?  Does anyone know how to talk to it and what I
> can do with it?  In particular, I'd like to program my workstation to
> dial the phone.

Ask your administrator for a User's Guide for the data adaptor; they
are easily available.  You may use the data port as a Hayes compatable
"modem" to communicate with other data ports in your office.  You may
also use it to control your telephone.  There are two ways of doing
this.

The simplest is to use AT dialing commands to initiate a voice call;
send the following string to the port to dial 9-1-555-1212:

ATDP915551212

Since pulse dialing would make no sense they chose it as the command to
dial the voice line of the telephone instead of the data line.

The second way is to put the port in a transparent mode which will
send all signalling between the set and the switch throught the port
to your computer and accept signalling from your computer on behalf of
either the switch or the set.  This allows you to read the incoming
callers number (which is sent to the set's display by the switch) or
transfer the caller to another destination as an example.

To put the set in transparent mode send the following string to the port:

ATSP!

I'm afraid that if you want to use this mode you'll either have to buy
Northern Telecom's Visit product or reverse engineer the protocol.
They aren't too eager to share.  I did the later.


Vance Shipley, [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Linc Madison)
Subject: Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:32:34 GMT


David Gingold ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I've got a Northern Telecom Meridian phone on my desk.  It has a DB-25
> connector on the back, which I suspect is a serial port.  (The
> connector hooks to a small PCB in the base, which in turn plugs into
> what might be an ISDN plug inside the base?)

> Is this a serial port?  Does anyone know how to talk to it and what I
> can do with it?  In particular, I'd like to program my workstation to
> dial the phone.

I had just such a beast on my desk two years ago.  I don't know all
the technical details, but the way our phone system was configured,
each station had three different extension numbers: 2XXX, 4XXX, and
5XXX, which were, respectively, the normal extension, "priority" call
extension (warble the ringer even if you're off-hook), and data
extension.  The last of these ran out through the serial port thingie.
I could use this to plug my desktop computer directly into the phone
and dial as if it were a modem.  I never tried, so I don't know if it
could dial '9' and seize an outgoing line; I only ever connected to
the company's internal port server.  (They were sufficiently
security-paranoid that I won't even tempt fate by mentioning them by
name, even though I'm no longer employed there.)


Linc Madison   *   Oakland, California   *   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dino Moriello)
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 00:50:35 -0500
Organization: VE2DM


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(jeff bamford) wrote:

> My latest bill from my LD company has a little form to return
> for equal access dialing. They did not indicate when equal access would
> be arriving anywhere in Canada.

The CRTC has given July 1st  as a starting date.


Dino Moriello
PO BOX 105       Internet: [e-mail]
Radisson,Quebec  Compuserve: 76120,1472  Tel.: [phone]
CANADA  J0Y 2X0  Packet:   VE2DM@VE2FKB        819-638-8281
Please E-mail replies since I can't always read the USENET postings.

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

From: [e-mail] (Jean Sarrazin)
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada
Date: 28 Apr 1994 12:38:11 GMT
Organization: Communications Accessibles Montreal, Quebec Canada


jeff bamford ([e-mail]) wrote:

>     My latest bill from my LD company has a little form to return
> for equal access dialing.  Currently, you need to dial into a local
> port.  They did not indicate when equal access would be arriving
> anywhere in Canada.  They only wanted me to know that I could make the
> switch when it becomes available.  Presumably it will happen first in
> the larger centres and then make its way to the smaller centres.  Does
> anyone else have target dates?  I'm also curious as to when we'll get
> carrier codes like in the U.S.

We are already getting some "universal access" via the Unitel
calling-card. At last, you don't have to spend a quarter just to
access an alternate LD company from a public phone-just use the 800
number.  Unitel is pressing Ottawa to allow a nation-wide "survey" to
let every customer decide for themselves which LD company to choose. I
guess they want to beat the inertia and dig deeper into Bell's base of
"do-nothing" customers.

Full universal is indeed on its way -- but it's still up to the CRTC
to determine when. My concern is: when will we be able to choose our
own LD company when using Canada Direct -- right now, you can only use
Bell ...


Jean B. Sarrazin   [e-mail]   Montreal

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

From: Vance Shipley <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada
Organization: XeniTec Consulting, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:18:15 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>,

jeff bamford <[e-mail]> wrote:

>    My latest bill from my LD company has a little form to return
> for equal access dialing.  Currently, you need to dial into a local
> port.  They did not indicate when equal access would be arriving
> anywhere in Canada.  They only wanted me to know that I could make the
> switch when it becomes available.  Presumably it will happen first in
> the larger centres and then make its way to the smaller centres.  Does
> anyone else have target dates?  I'm also curious as to when we'll get
> carrier codes like in the U.S.

The Canadian Radio-television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC),
in it's 92-12 decision, directed Canada's federally regulated
telephone companies to provide "Equal Ease of Access" to competetive
long distance providers.  The access methods were to be FGB, FGD and
FGD with CCS7.

On July 1st, 1994 Bell Canada will begin providing trunk side access
in virtually all it's service areas.  Carrier access codes (CICs) will
be available to select the long distance provider to handle any toll
call.  Equal access will also start on July 1st.  The default long
distance provider for a given telephone line will be programmed into
the serving switch by the telephone company at a long distance
providers request.  Bell Canada's CIC is 323, Northquest has 289.

To make a casual call through Northquest's network a telephone user
would dial 10289-905-893-3210 while Bell's network could be used by
dialing 10323-905-893-3210.  In these examples the destination
telephone number is 905-893-3210. (Don't bother, it's an out of
service recording. :) Once your telephone line has been presubscribed
to your carrier of choice (Northquest I hope :) you may dial as
before; 1-905-893-3210.

While it seems likely that Bell will make the July 1st date for trunk
side access, it remains to be seen whether they will provide any
reasonable amount of equal ease of access availability.  Putting the
connections and routing in place is one thing, data filling millions
of presubscriptions is another.

Long distance providers gain access to the telephone company networks
at the access tandem level.  There are eleven access tandems in
Ontario.  By gaining FGD connection to an access tandem a provider may
accept calls from all telephone subscribers served by central offices
under that tandem.

The CRTC stipulated the amount which a telephone company could charge
for switching and aggregation (and a further settlement to offset the
cost of upgrading the telphone companies network to equal access).
This charge is consistent across the country and does not reflect the
distance from the subscriber to the tandem or the number of
subscribers in the service area.  This should mean that barriers to
ubiquity of service are minimized.

In other words; equal access will be available nearly everywhere,
right away.

BCTel, in British columbia, and AGT in Alberta will follow suit later
this year.


Vance Shipley, [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John Nagle)
Subject: Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up??
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 17:19:43 GMT


[e-mail] (Daniel H. Chang) writes:

> I am ordering DID service for the first time and have run across a
> strange situation. The DID lines ride in our case on eight time slots
> of a T1 line. We discovered the following:
> * Here's the weird part: we discovered that at this point, after
> we've sent the wink and *before* we seize the line, we are able
> to patch that line to a phone and perform *full duplex*
> communications through it! We asked Pac Bell about this, who
> said the behavior is normal and the caller is not charged until
> we seize the line, and if we do not seize a timeout will
> eventually occur. We have determined that timeout is longer
> than ten minutes!

       That offers a possibility for a useful PBX feature -- fax/voice/
data routing.  The PBX could listen for fax and modem setup tones
before routing the call within the PBX.  There's also the possibility
of determining whether a call is fax, voice, or data before accepting
it.  So would this work generally, or is it just a fluke?


John Nagle

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

From: [e-mail] (Brett Frankenberger)
Subject: Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up??
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 12:20:50 GMT


[e-mail] (Daniel H. Chang) writes:

> I am ordering DID service for the first time and have run across a
> strange situation. The DID lines ride in our case on eight time slots
> of a T1 line. We discovered the following:

> * When someone calls one of the DID numbers, we get an appropriate
> A/B signal on our side.

> * We are responsible for sending a wink to get the DID digits
> (that works fine), then providing the ring signal on the
> voice band for the sake of the caller on the other end.

> * Presumably at some point the intended guy picks up the phone,
> and our equipment seizes the line by raising the A/B bits and
> patches the call.

> * Here's the weird part: we discovered that at this point, after
> we've sent the wink and *before* we seize the line, we are able
> to patch that line to a phone and perform *full duplex*
> communications through it! We asked Pac Bell about this, who
> said the behavior is normal and the caller is not charged until
> we seize the line, and if we do not seize a timeout will
> eventually occur. We have determined that timeout is longer
> than ten minutes!

You are right.  But it would be improper, and probably illegal, for
you to implement this hack to get free calls.  Just as you have the
responsibility to not use stolen credit card numbers, you have the
responsibility to properly report supervision to the telco.

> I guess if the DID were carried on analog lines and the PBX had to
> supply the ring, then the CO having to offer full duplex is inevitable
> since there is no half-duplex in analog.

You could do the same thing in analog.  The two wire analog local loop
is immediately converted to a four-wire (two for transmit, two for
receive) once it hits the telco office.

> To me this just says that it is unlikely for the CO to assign the
> ring responsibility to the PBX --

They have little choice, because your PBX might not always return
ring.  If the called number is busy, it will report busy.  While today
they could have you digitally tell the CO switch which to provide,
when DID originally came out, there was no easy way to signal the CO
whether to provide ring or busy.  (Especially since CO switches
usually see the DID customer as just another witch with a trunk
connection, and it has always been standard that the far end of a
trunk connection privide ring-back or busy signal).

> otherwise the resulting loophole and possibility for abuse seems
> enormous!

Not too enormous.  And it would be fairly easy for the telco to detect
if they wanted to.

Also note that AT&T will NOT open the forward path until supervision
is provided.  That is, if the call is long-distance via AT&T, the AT&T
part of the call will only carry voice one way until you report answer.
(I'm told the reason is that an AT&T PBX once has a bug that prevented
it from always reporting supervision.  To fix it, they released a
patch then closed the talk path on their network until supervision was
returned, to make sure that everyone implemented the patch).

> Can anyone with more experience shed some light on whether what I
> described is typical, and what factors am I not taking into account
> which would make this the signalling behavior which Pac Bell (and I
> presume other RBOC's) finds advantageous to implement?  Some
> historical perspective would be really interesting too.

It is indeed typical.  As I said, it would be trivial for the telco to
detect.  (Calls that ring for a long time.  No one will really listen
for ring for ten minutes).  Also, as I said above, if you want to use
this hack to give free incoming LD to friends, make sure they call
with Sprint or MCI.

Most, if not all, RBOCs DID works the same way.  (All require the
terminating PBX to provide ring or busy, as there is no standard
(short of ISDN) way for them to digitally indicate to the CO whether
to provide ring or busy, but some might close the forward path until
superivison is returned).


Brett Frankenberger   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dave Levenson)
Subject: Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up??
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Westmark, Inc.
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 01:54:09 GMT


It has been the case for many years that the destination CPE is
responsible for returning off-hook supervision on DID trunks when
cutting the call through to a live person or voice mail or whatever.
In some cases, two-way communication is possible before off-hook
supervision is sent; in other cases, only one-way communication,
allowing the caller to hear call-progress tones or recordings, is
supported.

If the DID call arrives via the AT&T network, they typically block
forward audio until the reverse supervision shows off-hook.  The
local telco often does not do this.

Yes, there is some opportunty for fraud ... but like most fraud, if
you do it to any large extent, you'll probably be noticed and asked to
correct the situation.


Dave Levenson        Internet: [e-mail]
Westmark, Inc.        UUCP: {uunet | rutgers | att}!westmark!dave
Stirling, NJ, USA    Voice: 908 647 0900  Fax: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Not only asked to correct the problem, but
in some instances if telco really wants to get tough about it they may
choose to back-bill an estimated amount lost on completed calls which went
unsupervised. Illinois Bell found a company here in Chicago deliberatly
playing games like that and back-billed them a half-million dollars covering
calls over a five year period. The company protested of course, but all
the facts pointed to them doing it on purpose as toll-avoidance; they were
slow to answer their phones because they did not want to hire the help
needed to do so promptly and they were playing a tape recorded music on
hold 'all positions busy please wait for an available agent' message to
their callers for five or ten minutes at a time. Their customers squawked
about the cost of *their* calls as a result so the company gerry-rigged
the system to not supervise until they got ready to handle the call.
IBT said it wasn't *their* problem ... they wanted their money! Instead
of going back to each individual caller (thousands of them) to collect
the couple dollars each of them would have paid had they been supervised
properly, telco told the company since they pulled this stunt they could
pay for it instead ... or get sued with the resulting publicity, etc.
Telco did not get all they asked for, but they collected a nice chunk of
it. So be careful about playing games with supervision. If telco wants
to do so, they'll work you over good to show who is boss.  PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #188
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa22541;
          28 Apr 94 16:30 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA17419; Thu, 28 Apr 94 12:11:35 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA17403; Thu, 28 Apr 94 12:11:31 CDT
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 12:11:31 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #189

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 28 Apr 94 12:11:30 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 189

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (Peter M. Weiss)
    Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (Les Reeves)
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (H. Peter Anvin)
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (Gregory P. Monti)
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (John Anderson)
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (Michael Covington)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (David Josephson)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (Gary Sanders)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (Jari Junikka)
    Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please (Bob Larribeau)
    Re: DISN Information Request (Bob Larribeau)
    Re: Quality of Long Distance Telephone Lines (Carl Oppedahl)
    Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100 (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number? ([e-mail])
    Re: TCP/IP Over X.25/Datapac (Garrett Wollman)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 07:11:50 EDT
From: Peter M. Weiss <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"
Organization: Penn State University


Once upon a time, we here at PSU were advised NOT to let our outgoing
LD calls ring more than eight (?) times or else we would incur toll charges
even without an answer.

Don't know what the rules of the game are today.


[e-mail]     "The 'NET' never naps"             [phone]
31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: For lack of ability to supervise your
calls, they were saying if you stayed on the line longer than that they
were going to assume you got an answer. I imagine the same would have been
true if you listened to a busy signal without hanging up for more than
30-40 seconds. The flip side of the coin was if you were able to get
connected, convey your message in twenty or thirty seconds and disconnect
you would not get charged for the call.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Les Reeves)
Subject: Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"
Date: 28 Apr 1994 02:59:22 -0700
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access  [phone]  [login: guest]


Steve Kass ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I had to leave an important message after hours tonight, and the party
> I was calling warned me that to reduce their voice mail load, the
> system was set up not to answer for 16 rings or longer.  The sanity of
> that aside, I placed the call through AT&T and was unable to get
> through.  Before the call was answered, AT&T informed me that my party
> did not answer, and that they were sorry, I would now be disconnected.
> I then successfully placed the call by dialing 10222+ .  I couldn't
> help wondering if an AT&T operator could have placed the call with
> this "feature" disabled.

I find this AT&T "feature" particularly annoying.  As far as calling
through the AT&T operator is concerned, you would have gotten a
solicitation to use their Voice Mark Messaging Service (they no longer
refer to it by that name) by pressing *123.

This kind of invasion of 0+ calls is fine.  However, disconnecting an
unanswered 1+ call is *unacceptable*.


Les     [e-mail]       Atlanta,GA      404.874.7806


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'll tell you why AT&T adopted that stance.
Radio talk show host Larry King was in the habit of helping his callers
avoid toll charges by telling them, "when you call us, just let it ring,
we will answer you when it is your turn to be on the air ..." While most
talk shows answer and screen your call, then leave you on hold upwards
of 30-45 minutes waiting for your chance to spill your bile (on your
nickle, I might add ... very few are willing to provide an 800 number
for you to camp out on at their expense), King's thing was to have all
his bells turned off and let the lights on his phone wink instead. That
way the caller did not have to pay and neither did King. AT&T got stuck
with the cost instead of having their circuits tied up in a non-revenue
position for the several hours King is on the air. AT&T finally got tired
of being the straight man for King's routine and started cutting off his
unanswered calls after a couple minutes.

King's response was predictable: when he found out what AT&T was doing
he blasted them over the air and told all his callers to start calling
him using Sprint's 10333 code instead. AT&T's response:  Good!  Let him
abuse Sprint instead. AT&T was glad to get rid of all that non-revenue
dead weight traffic. So send thanks to Larry King for his abuse of the
network which led AT&T to install the 'feature' you do not like.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (H. Peter Anvin N9ITP)
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Reply-To: [e-mail] (H. Peter Anvin)
Organization: Northwestern University Electromagnetics Laboratory
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 09:11:10 GMT


> In article <[e-mail]> Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
> wrote:

> I agree with Paul.  As long as the names and addresses are gleaned
> from public messages, no harm is done.  Anybody who posts their
> address publicly, whether in a newsgroup or on the local supermarket
> notice board has no grounds for complaint about what others do with
> that information.

> On the other hand, if he's scanning headers of mail messages that are
> routed through his machine, or worse, reading packets that fly by on a
> net backbone, that's slimy.  Rather like opening people's mailboxes to
> read the return addresses on their mail, or hooking a pen recorder up
> to their phone line.

Based on the subset of the users on machines I maintain that were
listed, I can almost guarantee that the addresses were from public
USENET messages.  They also have an option for unlisting your address
(by sending mail to [e-mail]) or adding it if you don't
post ([e-mail]).  Seems fair to me.


hpa

INTERNET: [e-mail]               FINGER/TALK: [e-mail]
IBM MAIL: I0050052 at IBMMAIL       HAM RADIO:   N9ITP or SM4TKN
FIDONET:  1:115/511 or 1:115/512    STORMNET:    181:294/101

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 11:43:48 EDT
From: Gregory P. Monti <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet


A recent posting noted that an "Internet Yellow Pages" had been
published.  The writer speculated that a white pages might be along
soon.

Too late.

The other weekend, I was in the Borders Book Store in Bailey's
Crossroads, VA, and noted that an "Internet White Pages" was for sale.
About three inches thick.  Listed by personal last name, then first
name, just like the telephone directory.

I, and a friend whose Internet address I knew offhand, were both in
it.  They must have "fingered" or "pinged" the world to find all the
personal names and associated them with their Internet addresses.


Greg Monti  Arlington, Virginia, USA  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John Anderson)
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Date: 28 Apr 94 11:40:46 GMT
Organization: Motorola Cellulsr Infrastructure Group


[e-mail] (John Hall) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]> Paul Robinson <[e-mail]>
> writes:

>> Internet White Pages".  Someone started collecting E-Mail addresses
>> and names for people from public messages, probably those posted on
>> newsgroups and heavily circulated mailing lists and put them in
>> alphabetical order.

> On the other hand, if he's scanning headers of mail messages that are
> routed through his machine, or worse, reading packets that fly by on a
> net backbone, that's slimy.  Rather like opening people's mailboxes to
> read the return addresses on their mail, or hooking a pen recorder up
> to their phone line.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are on-line databases
that you can query to get a person's e-mail address.

MIT provides a service that will search for a user's e-mail address
given a search string.  Supposedly, MIT gathers this info based on
posts to Usenet News that pass through their site.

Here's an example of how to get a list of all users named "anderson":

> mail [e-mail]
Subject:
send usenet-addresses/anderson

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

From: [e-mail] (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Date: 28 Apr 1994 00:59:35 GMT
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens


I don't object to people knowing my email address, PROVIDED they don't
presume that I'm the secretary for the whole university and maybe the
whole state of Georgia!

I hope this directory cautions new users that they should _not_ send mail
to people other than the person they're actually trying to reach.  The
mere fact that I live within 50 miles of someone else doesn't mean I am
handling email for them!

Does anybody else get this kind of stuff, or is it just me?


Michael A. Covington, Assc Rsch Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Programs
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7415 USA    [e-mail]
Unless specifically indicated, I am not speaking for the University.
For information about any U.Ga. graduate program, email [e-mail].


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I believe former Digest participant John
Higdon once commented that he recieves a large amount of mail at his site
each day from people who make all sorts of erroneous assumptions about
who he is, what his company does, how to reach other people via his site,
etc ... all sorts of time-wasting, junk mail inquiries, and some of it
quite rude at that claiming it is his fault the mail did not go through.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Josephson)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Organization: a2i network
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:17:17 GMT


In <[e-mail]> Stewart Fist <100033.2145@CompuServe.
COM> writes:

> I've just received by fax a photocopy of a story from the {Guardian
> Weekly} (UK) dated April 3.

> It is headlined "Mobile phone set off airbag" and the story is about a
> couple of instances where (it is claimed) GSM handsets have set off
> airbags in luxury cars in Europe.  I'm interested to find out whether
> this stuff is true, or an urban myth.  I think it's probably myth,
> because I can't imagine anything easier to shield from EMI than an
> inertia switch in a car.

If you want to do some research, check on the safety regulations for
the distance between a 3 watt (or even 600 mW) 900 MHz transmitter and
a blasting cap is. The actuating mechanism of an airbag is essentially
a shotgun shell (without shot; the expanding gas is vented to the bag
which it inflates) fired by a blasting cap or electric squib.

> problem, but when I contact them they deny it.  BMW, VW and Mercedes
> are also reported to have had airbag blow-outs with GSM, but they also
> all deny it.

> Someone's not telling the truth.

Would you? How about asking them just plainly what it is in an airbag
that blows the bag up, eh?


David Josephson <[e-mail]>

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

From: [e-mail] (Gary Sanders)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Columbus Ohio.
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 12:49:04 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Stewart Fist <100033.2145@
CompuServe.COM> wrote:

> I've just received by fax a photocopy of a story from the {Guardian
> Weekly} (UK) dated April 3.

> It is headlined "Mobile phone set off airbag" and the story is about a
> couple of instances where (it is claimed) GSM handsets have set off
> airbags in luxury cars in Europe.  I'm interested to find out whether
> this stuff is true, or an urban myth.  I think it's probably myth,
> because I can't imagine anything easier to shield from EMI than an
> inertia switch in a car.

Yes but think about it; what is a switch but a couple of contacts? Add
a liitle bit of dirt and gunk and you now have a diode. What can you
you do with a diode -- you can detect radio signals. You now have an
RF switch.

Actually this warning went around the Ham radio circles for a while
with friends and friends of friends having the problem. I have never
heard anyone directly with the problem.  However with all the
electronics going into car the idea of RF floating around is scarry.


Gary W. Sanders (N8EMR) [e-mail]
AT&T Bell Labs 614.860.5965

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

From: [e-mail] (Jari Junikka)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Date: 28 Apr 1994 17:03:10 +0300
Organization: University of Jyvaskyla, Finland


One of the Finnish evening papers had a story some weeks ago claiming
that a GSM phone had set off a fire alarm in a hotel several times.

What else? Soon you can probably get pregnant by using a GSM phone ...


jari

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

From: [e-mail] (Bob Larribeau)
Subject: Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please
Organization: Consultant
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 16:10:30 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Dean Banfield) writes:

> We have a 10baseT Ethernet lan and would like an outlier individual to
> have access on a hardwired basis.  ISDN sounds great, but I have no
> idea what's required here.

> You take the 64kpbs 'B' channels and then using a 'bridge?' you
> convert the serial data to 10baseT?  Who makes bridges?  At what
> prices?  I assume higher price translates into higher performance.
> Any info appreciated.  Thanks.

You can get either bridges or routers.  Bridges are available from
Combinet, Digiboard, Gandalf, Extension Technology.  Routers are
available from Cisco, Ascend, and ACC.  Prices for bridges start about
$2,000 and routers around $3,000.

You have a lot of good choices for connecting IP networks.  There are
fewer choices for Novell networks.


Bob Larribeau    Consultant    San Francisco

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

From: [e-mail] (Bob Larribeau)
Subject: Re: DISN Information Request
Organization: Consultant
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 16:11:49 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Rodney Todt) writes:

> Can anyone in this group provide me with a pointer to online
> information about DISN.  I am specifically looking for a map and how
> to get connected information. Thanks.

Call Bellcore at 1-800-992-ISDN.  They should be able to help you.


Bob Larribeau   Consultant   San Francisco

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

From: [e-mail] (Carl Oppedahl)
Subject: Re: Quality of Long Distance Telephone Lines
Date: 28 Apr 1994 10:55:42 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC


In <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Boogaart T.I.) writes:

> I would like to know if anyone has conducted research on the quality
> of long distance telephone lines. With "Quality" I mean the amount of
> noise and echo (e.g. signal noise ratio). In particular, I want to
> know if it is at all feasible to perform speech recognition / speaker
> verification over long distance lines.

> The focus is on the quality of lines to Europe, but any information on
> the subject (references, pointers, hints) is welcome.

Well, for calls originating in the US it is easy to make the test
calls, anyway.

You precede your dialing string with 10222, 10288, 10333, etc.

So for a test call to someone in England you might dial, from New York,

011-44-71-XXXXXXX

as a normal way to dial.

Instead, to do this kind of testing, you would dial

10222-011-44-71-XXXXXXX

or

10288-011-44-71-XXXXXXX

or

10333-011-44-71-XXXXXXX

to force your call to MCI, AT&T, Sprint, respectively.

If you were doing modem calls this way, and if your modem is the kind
that keeps session statistics, you could note down how many resent
packets there were, how many NAKs, etc. etc.

This is all taken from The Phone Book, page 98 and following.  (Consumer
Reports Books, ISBN 0-89043-364-X).


Carl Oppedahl AA2KW    Oppedahl & Larson (patent lawyers)
Yorktown Heights, NY   voice 212-777-1330


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Carl Oppedahl wrote 'The Phone Book' although
he modestly fails to mention that point in his remarks above.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100
Date: 27 Apr 1994 16:47:14 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
writes:

> Phone Question for those in the know.(I am not one of them, so please
> reply in layperson lingo if possible. :-))

> I am the Business Manager of the Student newspaper, the Stanford
> Daily.  We are independent from the university, and are running a
> very tight budget.  We pay alot each month to be connected to our
> phone service and have no choice but to use the university phone
> service.  We are currently we are being charged anywhere from $28.50
> to $37.50 per month for each phone (which we own) plus $12.50 per
> phone for an expanded local calling area ranging from San Francisco
> to San Jose and parts of the East Bay.

> The Daily intends to convert its current incoming 32 line mixed ET and
> single-line set configuration to a set of 16 analog DID wink-start
> trunks mapped to our current 32 numbers. We will be installing a
> DID-ready PBX, station lines, and PBX telephones on our premises.

Unless you get an extraordinary amount of incoming traffic, 16 DID
trunks for 32 numbers is gross overkill.  Six to eight trunks are far
more realistic.  Also, keep in mind that DID trunks are usually
one-way incoming, so you'll need some outbound and/or two-way
ground-start trunks as well.  Depending on your expected growth, six
would be a good starting number here as well.  If your traffic
includes substantial long distance, you might want to consider a T-1
trunk from an interexchange carrier.  (This means that AT&T, Sprint,
MCI, etc. bring in a special circuit that is used solely for outbound
long distance, you need a lot of long-distance traffic to handle
this.) T-1 direct from a carrier is a way around the outrageous local
exchange carrier toll rates (with it, you will no longer pay more to
call 25 miles away than across the country).

> We are planning on a PBX from Panasonic, the KX-T336 system.  Please
> tell me what you think!

This is a good switch, thought without a real track record yet.  It
will not handle T-1 circuits, but you could use an external channel
bank if T-1 becomes attractive to you.  You might also want to look at
the Mitel SX-50 or even the SX-200 Digital if you are expecting
substantial growth.

I like the Panasonic 7000 series feature phones, they are a good value
for the price.

> I need to know thoughts about PBX's, DID's and University Phone
> services.  Also how much does Pac-Bell charge and how much do other
> university services charge?

As for Pac Bell, call them and ask.  They will most likely try to sell
you Centrex, with a sales pitch that it is more reliable or easier to
expand than a PBX.  Centrex is (IMHO) not really a good deal unless
you have a number of satellite offices spread out within a local
calling area.  You pay for every feature every month, and the features
aren't usually very user-friendly.  Ask your centrex sales rep exactly
what steps you would take to put a call on hold on one phone and pick
it up on another across the room for an example.

> Stanford has a SL-100 systems and I think that Stanford rates are
> currently tarriffed as analog DID service at a base charge of $10 for
> an 8 line group and $2 line/month for each line. However Stanford
> Communication Services does not currently tariff standard analog DID
> service, but we understand that the Stanford SL-100 system is capable
> of providing this service, and would like to work it in tariffing
> this offering at standard and reasonable rates as soon as possible.

Are you limited by Stanford to taking what they offer, or can you deal
with Pacific Bell?  If you're limited, then you don't have a choice.
If not, haggle.  You're in a lot better position than most in that you
have a choice of dial-tone provider.


Jay Hennigan    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number?
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 16:51:48 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> An extremely well publicized FAX number that is on a POTS phone line
> now is in an office that has a T1 to an IXC.
> There is a LOT of long distance FAXing, and it would be very nice to
> put this machine on the PBX, but there are some problems and I am
> looking for creative solutions.
> It is not acceptable to change the FAX's phone number. Nor is it possible
> to add a second FAX machine.

Adding a second fax machine is a fairly low-cost alternative.  You
might be better off to reconsider.

I hate to quote all the rest of what you said, hopefully folks will
remember.  It should be possible with a couple of line relays and some
creative electronics to:

- allow the fax to answer either line
- place outgoing calls on the line of choice
- busy out either line when the other is in use.

The only problem I could see is that there could be a narrow timing
window where an incoming call could be answered by busying out the
line (because of a call coming in or going out on the other line).  I
really think a second fax would be the least costly and most effective
solution, and would provide more functionality also, as you could send
faxes and still leave the original line open for receiving.


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Garrett Wollman)
Subject: Re: TCP/IP Over X.25/Datapac
Date: 28 Apr 1994 12:59:38 GMT
Organization: MIT Laboratory for Computer Science


In article <[e-mail]>, Gordon Sawatzky <gord@infomag.
mb.ca> wrote:

> Does anyone know of products that allow TCP/IP over X.25 (datapac)
> connections for Windows?

I don't know of any for Windows, as PCs in general tend to have lousy
serial interfaces and synchronous cards are generally very expensive
(cheaper to build 'em yourself if you have the EE expertise).
However, IP has been running over X.25 for a LONG time now, so it
wouldn't surprise me if you could dig up someone who has done it.

I was listening to the Seattle IETF and someone from UCL (Jon
Crowcroft?) was talking about the development of the Internet in
Britain.  The British academic network was based on home-grown
"Coloured Book" protocols which were layered on top of X.25 network
service.  People at UCL were given a contract to figure out how to
migrate the little IP clouds which were attached to this big X.25
network to OSI networking (so that they could then be completely part
of the network).  The result of this work has been an explosion in IP
connectivity in Great Britain.  In the original network, IP was
encapsulated the standard way over X.25 and then forwarded around by
the X.25 switches.  In the current network, X.25 traffic is
encapsulated in TCP and forwarded about a 622-Mbit IP network instead,
so the network setup has gone from:

Internet applications -> TCP -> IP \
         Coloured Book Applications +-> X.25
   ISO applications -> TP0 -> CONS /

 ...to:

ISO applications -> TP0 -> CONS \
      Coloured Book Applications +-> X.25 \
                     Internet applications +-> TCP -> IP

The speaker noted that they never did transition from Internet to OSI
protocols, but they do now provide the best X.25 service ever seen...


Garrett A. Wollman    [e-mail]
formerly known as     [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #189
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23432;
          28 Apr 94 18:04 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA20919; Thu, 28 Apr 94 14:03:37 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA20911; Thu, 28 Apr 94 14:03:35 CDT
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 14:03:35 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: telecom
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #190


TELECOM Digest     Thu, 28 Apr 94 13:56:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 190

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Demise of Newsgroups Feared (Dan Reifsnyder)
    Re: Looking For Information on BNC, Inc. (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: Customer <-> Local Phone Company Contact Point (Gregory P. Monti)
    Re: Basic ISDN Question (Bob Larribeau)
    Re: Telecommuting Policies and Procedures (Peter M. Weiss)
    Re: Help Reading AT&T and NYNEX Toll Tapes (Paul S. Sawyer)
    Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real? ([e-mail])
    Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service (John Zambito)
    Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone (Dave Held)
    Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone (David D-Weber)
    Re: Occupied Territories Telecom (Josh Backon)
    Re: How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number? (Dean Banfield)
    Re: NANP and Switches (Linc Madison)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Dan Reifsnyder)
Subject: Demise of Newsgroups Feared
Date: 28 Apr 1994 17:28:49 GMT
Organization: InterAccess, Chicagoland's Full Service Internet Provider


Remember the bozo who cross-posted a message about an upcoming lottery
for green cards to every single newgroup on the net?  According to a
Clarinet Newsbytes article, he recieved over 35,000 responses, most of
which were flames and mail bombs comprising over 73GB(!) of data.  As
you can imagine, his service provider, Internet Direct, was more than
a little peeved, as this caused over a dozen system crashes and
brought their machine to it's knees; they ended up revoking his
account, citing storage costs.  This bozo then has the balls to show
up at Internet Direct's office with four lawyers threatening to sue
for $250,000, claiming that not being able to get to their e-mail
would cost them at least that much.  The thing that kills me is the
bozo's attitude about the entire situation.  His name is Laurence
Canter, and he claims that:

1) Most of the responses that he got were for more information, and
he'll gladly do the same thing again once he clears the resulting
order backlog.

2) The revocation of his account is of no concern to him since he has
accounts with a number of other Internet service providers.

3) If a newsgroup isn't moderated, they have to expect and accept
crossposts.

In an interview with Newsbytes, he concludes by saying that he has
every intention of advertising other products and services through
Usenet groups.  He adds that "Although what we're doing may upset
them, there's no doubt that will change.  Other people will advertise
on the Usenet in the same manner, because it makes sense financially."

My personal belief is that Mr. Canter is taking advantage of and
abusing the system, but that's just one man's opinion... and while I
am *NOT* advocating doing anything nasty to Laurence Canter (of Canter
& Siegel, [phone]), I think it would be an interesting analogy
to his service provider's problem if his phone was inundated with more
data than *it* could handle... *NOT* that I'm recommending that anyone
in the 602 area code program caller-id blocking and [phone]
into their autodialers before they go to work in the morning.  I'm
also *NOT* suggesting that people outside of the 602 area code program
[phone] into a speed-dial button on their phone so that they
can call, let the phone start to ring and then hang up before it's
answered.

My biggest concern is that if Mr. Canter carries out his intent of
advertising products and services through newsgroups, it could lead to
others feeling justified in doing the same thing ... and will end up
destroying the best example of consensual anarchy that I've ever been
privileged to participate in.


Dan Reifsnyder /[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I have said it before, I will say it
again.  Moderated forums is where things are at. Some months ago I
made a comment which has apparently been widely spread on the net, at
least judging from the places I have seen it reappear: Usenet is a
dung heap. It is getting worse every day. Years ago, the 'make money
fast' messages appeared only rarely; perhaps one every year or so. Now
they appear almost daily in one or more newsgroups. Massive crossposting
of the kind you mention is very commonplace now.  Advertisements
appear regularly. You will see more and more of them.  The world has
discovered the Internet in general, and Usenet in particular.
Lotteries, chain letters, make money fast, send postcards to sickly
children, Jesus Saves, AIDS is God's punishment for gays ...  Gene
Spafford's 'Sunday afternoon in the park' analogy is still a good one,
but the park has turned into an inner city park in Chicago; gangs of
maruders making the park miserable for everyone else. And its not that
they intend to disrupt or ruin everyone else's day; its generally that
they *just don't know any better*. Why, some of them think they are
just as entitled to sit here and do their thing as anyone else ...  :)

Listen kids, some of us are old enough we remember in the late 1960's
when Citizens Band Radio was going to be the place where all could
express themselves freely and the rest of us would listen respect-
fully to the ideas of the others, etc. By sometime in the late 1970's
CB radio had gone to hell, and the newest thing was computer bulletin
boards. Then came the linking of the boards in networks and of course
Usenet. Everything I heard about the glories of CB back in 1970 I
heard about Usenet back in 1983-85. 'The people' discovered CB when
Johnny Cash popularized it in a song, and that ended CB for all
intents and purposes. And now the latest rage is 'how do I get an
account on the Internet?'  ... everyone wants one. At least once a
day I get asked that by someone here in Skokie. System administrators
face a major challenge from now through the year 2000 as they try to
deal with the flood of new users coming aboard; many of whom -- shall
I say in a polite way -- don't give an iota about the standards of
the past. You'll see soon enough; the moderated groups will survive
and thrive, the unmoderated groups will get more trashy than ever.
The traffic will get so heavy that more and more of the unmoderated
groups will get dropped by sites which can no longer deal with a full
'news' feed .. that is, if they still refer to it as 'news'.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: Looking For Information on BNC, Inc.
Date: 27 Apr 1994 17:00:06 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> I'm trying to find some information on a company called Business
> Network Communications, Inc. (BNC).  They are supposedly a long-distance
> wholesaler, reselling AT&T services.  A friend of mine is considering
> investing in this company, and asked me to post this to see if anyone
> may be familiar with them.  If anyone has any direct experience with
> this company (or one like it), we would appreciate any information.

As I recall, this is an aggregator/reseller using a pyramid-style sales
system a la Amway.  His "investment" is likely going to include convincing
his friends (you) to "invest" in it, too.

> I also have another question.  This company claims that due to some
> FCC rulings, AT&T is required to make discount packages like the ones
> they give large companies available to resellers.  The resellers can
> then make money selling AT&T long-distance service to other companies
> or individuals.  Is this for real?

Sort of.  Depending on the arrangements with AT&T, they may or may not
have the same access to the network as regular AT&T subscribers.  With
some of these companies there is a "software-defined network", meaning
that although the calls use AT&T facilities, if the reseller only
"bought" 1000 "lines", and 1001 of its customers attempt to call at
the same time, the last guy gets a "circuits busy".  Billing may be
done by a third party, and credit for wrong numbers and the like will
probably not be what you're accustomed to.  There are dozens of these
small resellers, and to a large extent you get what you pay for.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Speaking of Amway, did you know there is
now 'amway.com'?   Yep, they're on the net.  PAT]

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 07:16:21 EDT
From: Gregory P. Monti <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Customer <-> Local Phone Company Contact Point


On Wed 27 Apr 1994, Jonathan <[e-mail]> wrote:

> I would like to suggest that after local telephone service competition
> is under way, somebody should create a special point of contact
> between all customers and all local telephone companies.  This entity
> would represent customers...

> Third, it would handle reports of trouble on calls, localize them to
> one company's network, and then refer it to that company...

> Fifth, it would set business, ethical and technical standards for
> the industry.

The Editor wrote:

> Wouldn't this be redundant since we already have both the Federal
> Communications Commission and a state agency in every state at
> present?  In addition there are already many consumer organizations...

I think Jonathan <[e-mail]> meant that the FCC, other
regulators and consumer groups usually only get involved after the sin
of "slamming" has been committed.  His fear is that local telephone
service, once numbers become portable between local carriers, would be
subject to slamming (unauthorized change of a customer's vendor).  His
proposed agency would be the "slamming prevention agency", not the
"slamming complaint handling agency."

Also, with many telecom companies, local or not, handling a service,
who would coordinate repair calls among providers?  If a circuit or a
call passes through six companies on its way across the country, which
one do you call when repairs are needed?  On the other hand, many
people's data circuits pass through Rolm (CPE), NYNEX (local svc),
then MCI (interexchange svc), then Illinois Bell (local svc), then
Northern Telecom (CPE).  With the usual finger-pointing, those five
companies seem to be able to handle a repair call.

I guess he wants to avoid the finger-pointing.  That would require a
lot of first-hand knowledge of the customer's current problem, which
an outside agency would be unlikely to have.


Greg Monti          Arlington, Virginia, USA        [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well the way we used to do it in the past,
until 1983 or so, was we called Repair Service and let it go at that.
Of course, that wasn't good enough ...  :(    PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Bob Larribeau)
Subject: Re: Basic ISDN Question
Organization: Consultant
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 14:16:39 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Mike Jones)
writes:

> ISDN has recently become available here in this corner of NYNEX-land.
> The cost is a $10 surcharge onto normal business rates. We're
> interested in using the 64 Kbps data channel to connect to a local
> internet provider; I've checked with NYNEX and ISDN is available at
> both our and their CO's. My question is, how does this practically
> work? I have a moderate understanding of ISDN at a conceptual level,
> but no real feel for how you go about hooking things up.  Any
> information would be appreciated.

You need to find an Internet service provider that supports ISDN. They
should be able to help you with the implementation.  PSI supports
ISDN, others are starting to.


Bob Larribeau   Consultant  San Francisco

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:11:33 EDT
From: "Peter M. Weiss" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Telecommuting Policies and Procedures
Organization: Penn State University


Don't forget the notebook archives of FLEXWORK stored on the
[e-mail].

Here is the script that I sent to the listserv followed by the INDEX
output.  Change the INDEX to PRINT to get the actual text:

/* --------------------- clip and save ---------------- */
//ListSrch JOB Echo=no
Database Search DD=Rules OUTLIM=3000 f=mail
//Rules DD *
S (pay or salary) and (policy or policies) in flexwork
index
/*
//  EOJ
/* --------------------- clip and save ---------------- */

> S (pay or salary) and (policy or policies) in flexwork
--> Database FLEXWORK, 5 hits.

> index
Item #   Date   Time  Recs   Subject
------   ----   ----  ----   -------
000057 93/05/26 07:04  447   teleco
000059 93/05/31 13:21  943   NEW SIRI SERVICES
000060 93/06/19 14:08   99   Tele-Community (fwd)
000065 93/10/15 16:15  592   INT'L ACADEMY OF BUSINESS DISCIPLINES CALL FOR PAP+
000079 93/11/02 08:30  962   (Forwarded) article on telework

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

 co-owner LDBASE-L, et -L
[e-mail]     "The 'NET' never naps"             [phone]
31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 08:34:11 -0400
From: Paul S. Sawyer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Help Reading AT&T and NYNEX Toll Tapes
Organization: UNH Telecommunications and Network Services


In article <[e-mail]> is written:

> We are taking our call accounting software inhouse, buying a package
> that allows us to get the SMDR call records into an SQL database. As
> such I need to reconcile it with the toll tapes from NYNEX and AT&T.

> Does anyone have the format of these 9 track tapes. Are they EBCDIC or
> ASCII?  Any info is greatly appreciated.

They are EBCDIC.  Both AT&T and NYNEX (at least ex-NET) have extensive
documentation available.

Good luck.


Paul S. Sawyer    - University of New Hampshire CIS -  [e-mail]
Telecommunications and Network Services                VOX: [phone]
50 College Road                                        FAX: [phone]
Durham, New Hampshire  03824-3523

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real?
Date: 28 Apr 1994 13:23:36 GMT
Organization: The MITRE Corporation


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> Technology (DCT)?  It claims it can move 16 Mbps of various kinds of
> data down a regular telephone line (yes, that's 16 MEGABITS per
> second.                       ^^^^

> "DCT technology lets telephone wire simultaneously carry four 1.5 Mbps
                                 ^^^^

> VCR quality video channels; two broadcast quality 3 Mbps video
> channels; two 1.5 Mbps two-way interactive videoconferencing channels;
> and ten other channels dedficated to a mix of videophone, fax, and
> program selection channels."

There's a big potential difference between a telephone line and a
telephone wire pair.  A telephone line may be multiplexed over various
carrier systems that limit the carried bandwidth to approximately 4
KHz.  There is no way that one can transmit (lossless) data at 16 Mbps
over such a line or channel.  On the other hand, the wire pair that
normally runs between a subscriber and the central office can support
much high bandwidths, depending on its length and condition (for
example, proposals exist for putting 155 Mbps on short -- 100 m --
wire pairs within a building).

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

From: [e-mail] (John Zambito)
Subject: Re: Questions on Fractional T-1 Service
Organization: Performance Technologies, Incorporated
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 11:33:31 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:

>> Is there a difference in how the fractional T-1 is delivered to a user
>> whether it is inter or intra-LATA?  As and example if I want a 128Kbps
>> fractional T-1 is it a Tail Circuit from the C.O. where my DSU/CSU is
>> slaved to a 128Kpbs reference from the C.O.  or is it a T-1 from the
>> C.O.  with 2 DS0 channels being used in a DACS?  Or am I totally
>> messed up?  What is the proper way a fractional T-1 gets delivered to
>> a user via inter and intra-LATA?

> Actually quite possibly YES there IS a difference, and watch out!
> Ignore the clocking or whatever you are worrying about, that is not
> the issue.  Here in NYNEX land, they do have 2 fractional T1
> offerings. T 1/2 and T 1/3 (not what they call them but what they
> are). They give you 12 or 8 DS0s.

> They could care less about keeping the individual DS0s in sync! Each
> could take a different path through the DACS network and be delayed a
> different number of 1/8000 of a second. Makes not a twit of difference
> if those are individual voice channels.

> If you plan to run FT1 data at Nx56/64, that can kill you, and even if
> it works day one, there is NO guarantee that it will continue to do
> so.

We just purchased a fractional T1 service from Rochester Telephone.
It's used to connect the file servers at two buildings which are
serviced by two different COs. We were told that we will be getting all
24 DS0s but they only guarentee the first six that we actually bought.
Six channels at 64000 bits per second each gives us 384K. The way the
istaller kept telling me we would get 24 DS0s made me question exactly
what he meant. After making sure that these 6 channels must be
provided in the same frame that they left in, he realized that we must
need the "Super 8" option of the Newbridge mux which our span passes
through. We tested the whole span and it does not maintain sync for
all 24 DS0s but it does (and will) maintain sync with the first 6
timeslots. We have an Ethernet router at each end to connect the two
Ethernets together. We connect to the CO from this building using a
set of HDSL cards which are connected through 16,750 feet with no
repeaters with a 6dB of noise margin.  We actually only buy the
connection from CO to CO. So far it's working like a champ.


John Zambito, Performance Technologies Incorporated    [e-mail]
315 Science Parkway, Rochester, New York 14620    uupsi!ptsys1!jvz

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 12:44:59 -0500
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


Kris <sanctum![e-mail]> writes:

> With the advent of digital telephony, 1.5 megabit and higher lines
> running to each house, and even higher bandwidth on the poles, how
> much less is the potential for a delayed dialtone situation ...

The wider bandwidth available does not reduce the change of blockage
(dial tone delay).  It may increase it.

That is because the bandwidth is not available all the time for
everyone simultaneously.  Instead, it is "concentrated" at various
places in the network.  With good traffic engineering, you'll never
know that others are using bandwidth when you're not.  But in a
"crunch" situation, a wideband network like this has a greater number
of points where concentration occurs, and any one of these can become
overloaded.

Let's put it like this.  In a direct wired network, there are two
wires that go from your phone to the switch.  Those wires are yours;
no one else can use them.  The switch may get too busy to handle your
call, but at least you can be sure that your call request got all the
way up to the switch.  But in a distributed bandwidth network, you
don't have a unique wire; you share access to a digital highway with
your neighbors.  If that highway is full at any given time, your
attempt to place a call won't get beyond your own block.

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 09:11:17 CST
From: [e-mail]
Reply-To: David Devereaux-Weber <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone


[e-mail] asked about the potential to reduce
delay of dialtone in events such as storms.

Delayed dialtone occurs when more people attempt to dial calls than
the switching equipment is designed to handle; it is not a function of
the bandwidth from the switch to the customer.  During the design of a
telephone system, the designer chooses to equip the system for a
particular level of simultaneous calling.  Designers of new or alternative
telephone systems will still need to make such decisions -- balancing
system cost against peak handling capacity.


David Devereaux-Weber, P.E.             [e-mail] (Internet)
The University of Wisconsin - Madison   [phone] (voice)
Division of Information Technology      [phone] (FAX)
Network Engineering  1210 W Dayton St.  B263   Madison, WI 53706

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Occupied Territories Telecom
Date: 28 Apr 94 15:53:04 GMT
Organization: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Miguel
Cruz) writes:

> Does anyone know who will be providing telecom services in the
> occupied territories following an agreement with Israel for
> self-governance (or something like it; I don't want to get into the
> political questions)?  My understanding was that projects were
> underway (on paper, anyway) to provide infrastructure independent of
> Israel's.

> Anyway, if anyone does have such information (preferably an email
> address of someone at the organization involved) please send it to me.
> I'm roughing it through Asia at the moment so I can't really read news
> (but oh, the stories I could tell about trying to place international
> calls), so direct email would be appreciated. Thanks.

Your's truly :-)

I am involved (through the United Nations UNDP) in setting up Internet
connectivity in both Jordan and the West Bank through a private satellite
link to our teleport in the United States.


Josh    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Dean Banfield)
Subject: Re: How Can FAX Use T1 But Keep POTS Number?
Date: 28 Apr 1994 22:31:29 GMT
Organization: IDD Information Services


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:

> An extremely well publicized FAX number that is on a POTS phone line
> now is in an office that has a T1 to an IXC.

> If the current phone line were to be fed through the PBX (a Mitel
> SX200D running G1005) to always ring that extension, everything would
> be ok with one exception. Outgoing LD calls would go on the T1.
> Outgoing local calls could easily be routed to the FAX's own line
> thereby busying it.

> But when a LD call is going out, the FAX phone number would simply
> ring and ring which WILL prompt callers to call the main number and
> complain about the machine apparently being broken or out of paper. -
> NOT acceptable.

Working with the local telco is pointless in this case.  In the back
end of your PBX hook up the old telco line and your T1.  On the front
end of the PBX configure a POTS extension to support the FAX machine.

In PBX programming configure all dial-out to take the proper path, T1
for LD, local line for local calls.  For inbound calls, the default
station to ring is the POTS extension for the FAX. Sounds like your
already this far in the configuration.

The trick is how to configure the POTS extension when it is busy.
Your PBX (I'm not familiar with the Mitel *at all*) should have a way
to create an internal rollover of stations.  E.G. call station 1, if
it is busy, have call route to station 2 ... depending on the
sophistication of your setup when station 1 (FAX machine) is busy you
could:

a) forward to a voice mail message - "Sorry, the FAX is currently in use"
b) forward to a second fax machine
c) forward to a 'dead' extension (in our PBX an extension with no
   handset would produce a busy signal)
d) outdial to the local FAX number which is definitionally busy due
   to the incoming call.

Any help?  Let me know what you come up with.


Dean Banfield  IDD/Information Svcs
               90 Grove St
               Ridgefield CT 06877

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

Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 02:48:15 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Linc Madison)
Subject: Re: NANP and Switches
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)


In article <[e-mail]> is written:

> We currently have a Northern Telecom Meridian Option 61 (software
> relase 17) with 44 DID trunks, a T1 for long distance, and about 1300
> active phones.  We have been told by Ameritech that, in order for us
> to be able to comply with the implementation of the new North American
> Numbering Plan (NANP) on January 1, 1995, we must upgrade our switch
> with an additional memory card, another ROM board and software release
> 19.  My questions are (1) is this really necessary and (2) can we wait
> until the middle of 1995 before doing this and still provide access
> via NANP?  Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

I don't know about the hardware/software requirements for your
specific switch, but whatever changes your switch requires to work
with the "new-style" area codes *CANNOT* wait until mid-1995.  They
*MUST* be up and running and fully functional absolutely no later than
1/15/95, when the first two "new" area codes go into service.
Otherwise, Murphy's Law guarantees that someone will try to call
Alabama.


Linc Madison   *   Oakland, California   *   [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #190
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23235;
          2 May 94 16:59 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26680; Mon, 2 May 94 12:26:25 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA26668; Mon, 2 May 94 12:26:23 CDT
Date: Mon, 2 May 94 12:26:23 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #191

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 2 May 94 12:26:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 191

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Toll-Free Prank Calls (Keith Laaks)
    Inteljak Wireless Phone Jak System (Lindy Williams)
    OSP Employment Opportunity ([e-mail])
    5ESS Setup For Multipoint ISDN (Allan D. Griefer)
    San Carlos Joins Internet (Brian Moura)
    Perhaps Finally a Good Cordless Phone? (Danny Burstein)
    PageMart Changes Services, No Notice (Doug Reuben)
    NPA Optional in 818 - it Works! (Fred Heald)
    IPX Network Through T1 (Azeus Systems Ltd.)
    Call Costing Database (Omnitrend)
    Hybrids, Electronic or Transformers (Scott Barnes)
    Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Telephone Line (Dirk Menzel)
    Fight A*vertising! Petition! (Michael P. O'Leary)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Keith Laaks)
Subject: Toll-Free Prank Calls
Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 06:22:39 GMT
Organization: ITB Department, University of Potchefstroom


Can anybody tell me how the problem of prank calls to toll-free
numbers can be cured?

Often, immediately after a toll-free client advertises it's service on
the radio/television or in the press, it receives hundreds of prank
calls, for which it pays the toll-free service provider. This bill can
run up to thousands of Rands/Dollars.

With some of the prank callers calling from old electromechanical
exchanges, who do not provide caller identification, CLI/ANI is not
always usefull.

How is this problem solved in your country? Is it a problem, or does
this thing only happen here in South Africa?

One possible way of overcoming this problem is if the Telco gives the
Toll- Free client a refund for all calls shorter than five seconds, or if
it only starts the billing after the first five seconds.

Any comment or suggestions?

(Please Email me direct also, as i cannot get into news on a regular basis)

 Potch Univ.       Email :                     Tel:
 Potchefstroom        [e-mail]      Voice [phone]
 West Transvaal                                   FAX   [phone]
 South Africa


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It happens here in the USA also. The extent
of the 'prank', and when it turns from a prank into harassment or downright
viciousness depends on who operates the 800 number and who is doing the
calling. A very notorious case here a few years ago involved the toll free
lines of Jerry Falwell, a well known televangelist and leader in what is
sometimes termed the 'Christan Right' (where American politics is concerned.)
Falwell has about 20-25 incoming toll-free lines in a rotary hunt group.
They terminate in a phone room in Lynchburg, Virginia along with all the
centrex lines for the university and church he operates there. Several
operators staff the phone room around the clock; according to the report
from Southern Bell at the time, he gets a couple thousand toll free calls
daily from people who wish to communicate with him or recieve his liter-
ature, etc. The operators work at positions connected to an automatic
call distributor; they get a 'click' in their headset indicating a call is
on the line and the call could be via the 800 lines or via the regular
incoming lines to the centrex or whatever.

Some fellow around Atlanta somewhere had a real grudge against Falwell
and decided to make trouble for him. He programmed a modem to dial the
800 number once a minute forever ... and to sit on the line silently for
several seconds until it timed out. That went on for *several weeks*.
Because of the volume of calls received in the phone room, it was almost
impossible to trace, and for at least a week or so after the calls first
started, there was no communication between the operators and their sup-
ervisors to establish any kind of pattern. Everyone got a few calls each
day, and no one thought much of it. The calls would arrive somewhere in
the hunt group; the same operator rarely got two in a row. Finally the
staff realized *something* was going on and their first assumption was
that the ACD was malfunctioning; that it was 'tossing' non-existent calls
to the various operator positions, or maybe the carrier AT&T was handing
them non-existent calls, or maybe the calls did exist but for some reason
the ACD was not supervising correctly and AT&T was then not opening the
talk path, or whatever ...

A couple technicians from Southern Bell tore their hair out working on
that ACD for a day. The volume of incoming traffic was so high that it
was almost impossible to check some of the trunks since as soon as one
call dropped off instantly there was another seizure. They finally were
able to prove the ACD was not at fault and started watching the incoming
800 lines with a counterpart at AT&T. Meanwhile the calls kept coming in
to the phone room from this guy's modem and Falwell's phone operators
kept dealing with them. Then one day the phone bill arrived. Normally the
800 number cost Falwell about fifty thousand dollars per month and this
time the bill was for much more than that. The ANI had lots and lots
of one minute calls, costing about 10-13 cents each for one minute all
originating at the same number in Atlanta. Most calls tended to last four
or five minutes or longer since the callers wanted counseling or wanted
to order literature sent to them, etc. Armed with the printout as a clue,
AT&T zeroed in on that phone number and looked at it closely. Sure
enough ... once a minute, now about two months after the 'prank' began
the calls were still coming in. Security representatives from AT&T and
Southern Bell were at the dude's door the next day with a warrant and
local police officers for backup. Naturally everything in sight relating
to telecom or computers was seized -- the usual routine in cases which
involve phreaking. Over the three billing cycles during which this had
been going on it cost Falwell several thousand dollars which Southern
Bell wrote off for goodwill, charging it to AT&T. AT&T filed criminal
charges against the phreak and asked for restitution.

Depending on the amount of money involved, there is not a lot that can
be done before the cost of detection/prevention exceeds the cost of the
abuse. The larger the incoming phone room and volume of calls, the less
likely it is that detection will be accomplished. About all you can do
is check the phone bill closely looking for very short calls from the
same phone number(s) in a repeating pattern, etc. If/when it becomes
outrageous, as in Falwell's case, then you nail one or two of the worst
offenders and let it go at that.  PAT]

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

From: Lindy Williams <[e-mail]>
Subject: Inteljak Wireless Phone Jak System
Date: Sun, 1 May 1994 17:21:05 GMT


Saw an ad for this system. Says phone extensions can be located
anywhere there is an existing electical outlet. Is this safe? Is it UL
approved.  Pluses are obvious, what are minuses?

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Sun, 01 May 94 17:23:13 EDT
Subject: OSP Employment Opportunity


Business Network Communications, Inc., a leading reseller of long
distance services -- and provider of an extensive menu of
telecommunications products and services, seeks an experienced
individual for continued development of our Operator Services
division.

We are currently well positioned in this industry and now seek a
qualified individual with experience in institutional accounts.  The
candidate should have experience in contract negotiation.

Salary plus commission commensurate with experience.

Mail, fax, or eMail resume to Business Network Communications, Inc. -
ATTN: Mr. Glaspie

BNC, Inc.
2770 Ridgway Ct.
Walled Lake, MI 48390
Fax [phone]
eMail Address:  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Allan D. Griefer)
Subject: 5ESS Setup For Multipoint ISDN
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 00:54:49 GMT


I'm trying to have Pac Bell set up my ISDN line for two devices and
they seem to be having trouble getting it correct.  Does anyone out
there have some knowledge of the switch setup?  Here's the data:

Switch:         5ESS
Software:       5E8
Terminal 1:     Combinet 400
        Type:   E
        BCHAN:  2 Ckt Data
        SPID:   Supported
Terminal 2:     IBM Waverunner Card
        Type:   A
        BCHAN:  Alt Voice/Ckt Data
        SPID:   Supported

Any help greatly appreciated.


Al Griefer, KC6ZTW        [e-mail]
EMT-1A, AHA CPR Instructor    San Jose, CA

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

Date: 01 May 94 21:08:12 EDT
From: Brian Moura <[e-mail]>
Subject: San Carlos Joins Internet


        CITY OF SAN CARLOS
                  666 Elm Street
            San Carlos, CA 94070

                  ######

For More Information, Call:

Brian Moura, Assistant City Mgr.       For Release 9:00 A.M.
[phone]                                   May 2, 1994

                SAN CARLOS JOINS THE INTERNET
             San Carlos On Line Project Expands

     SAN CARLOS, CA -- May 2, 1994 -- The City of San Carlos announced
today that citizens can now communicate with City officials and City
departments using the Internet.  Anyone who has access to the Internet
(or commercial services with Internet gateways such as America On Line
and CompuServe) can reach City Hall by addressing their message to
[e-mail].

      Use of the Internet is part of the San Carlos On Line project
that began in 1993.  During 1993, the City of San Carlos distributed
information on economic development, telecommunications and public
safety through the America On Line and CompuServe commercial on-line
services.  Acknowledging the popularity of the Internet as a key part
of the future "Information Superhighway," San Carlos is now bringing
City information and services to the Internet.

      The first phase of the San Carlos Internet presence will involve
a mail box for messages to the City.  Later in the year, the project
will expand to include files on a Gopher server and City information
on a World Wide Web (WWW) hypertext server accessible with the popular
new Mosaic and Cello browsers.

      The project will then move on to bring Internet connectivity to
the San Carlos School District.  The schools see the Internet as an
educational tool and a key part of the City/School joint technology
sharing program known as "Technology Goes to School."

      San Carlos Mayor Tom Davids stated: "I am pleased to announce
the availability of Internet messaging to the citizens of San Carlos.
The establishment of an Internet mailbox to the City demonstrates our
continuing commitment to finding new ways of serving businesses,
citizens and students in San Carlos."

     City Manager Mike Garvey noted that "San Carlos has been working
on innovative ways to disseminate City information during the last
year.  Over 100 people have downloaded our user-friendly guide to
opening a business in San Carlos called "Doing Business in San Carlos"
from the GO WUGNET, GO WINAPD and GO CALFORUM forums on CompuServe.  I
am hopeful that our work on the Internet is as successful in helping
people discover what the City of San Carlos has to offer."

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

From: [e-mail] (danny burstein)
Subject: Perhaps Finally a Good Cordless Phone?
Date: 1 May 1994 13:04:03 -0400


Has anybody heard anything -definitive- about this AT&T real-soon-now
cordless unit?

Thanks,

danny

  From misc.consumers Sun May  1 13:01:13 1994
  From: [e-mail]
  Subject: Re: 900MHz cordless phones
  Date: 1 May 1994 15:44:03 GMT

I am looking at a spread spectrum phone by AT&T.  It is not yet on the
market.  AT&T keeps telling me "any day." <G> The phone is suppose to
go about two miles.

Additionally, (and this is why it is late - they want to get all the
accessories FCC so everything comes out at the same time), it supports
repeaters!, encryption, etc.

Later.

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

[e-mail] (or [e-mail])

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

From: [e-mail] (Cid Technologies)
Subject: PageMart Changes Services, No Notice
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 02:36:55 PDT


Since Monday, I noticed that PageMart -- a local and nationwide paging
company -- has REDUCED the number of digits per page to only 15. They
used to take at least 22, perhaps even more (24 Max).

I spoke with Mike Mahler at PageMart about this, and after a few days
of checking, he got back to me just now and stated that this was
indeed policy because having more than 15 digits slowed down the
effectiveness (speed?) of nationwide paging. He said this change was
permanent, and that it was for the benefit of "over 200,000 of their
customers".

What this does for me is make my pager basically useless: If someone
wants to beep in their number and extension, or some special code, the
last digits will be truncated and not come through above and beyond 15
digits!

Thus, if someone beeped you with:

18005551212*12345 (ie, a "*" as a space to show 'the following is an
extension number') will not come out fully, and all you will get is
"18005551212 123"! Note that even without the "*", you will STILL not
get a five-digit extension number (and these are common) if the
caller(s) place a "1" before the telephone number, which many do.

I mentioned this to Mike Mahler at PageMart when I initially spoke
with him, and his response was "Yeah, that sounds like it could be a
big problem to me". He even tried beeping me with his 800 number and
extension, and it just fit in. If he had one more digit in his
extension, or wanted to use a code like "911" after the extension
number to show urgency he would not have been successful, the paging
system would merely cut him off and not let him enter extra digits.
(He could of course page me twice, but this would run up my quota of
200 nationwide pages per month twice as fast, which *conveniently*
nets them more money in "overpage" charges, which at 25 cents each can
amount to a bit of cash at the end of the month! :( )

Basically, if you have a long-term contract with them (any amount of
time, ie, not month-to-month), and you do not like this policy, you
should be able to break your contract, as this may be a substantial
modification of past performance which can vitally affect the use and
functionality of your pager service with PageMart.

I intend to bring this to the attention of PageMart management, and
they are supposed to call me back presently. I would suggest that any
other PageMart customers who are affected or who think they will be
affected by this new policy should call PageMart at: [phone]
and ask to be IMMEDIATELY connected to a manager or to have someone at
the corporate level call you back. (Forget customer service -- they
will usually tell you it is something wrong with your pager! :( )

Also, don't let them pull the routine where they say "Well, in the
back of your contract with us in tiny little print it says we can
change the terms of the contract at will and there is nothing you can
do about it".  Regardless of whether they wish to claim this or not,
if they make a substantial change from their past performance like
this change, and/or one which you relied upon prior to signing your
contract with them, they can not simply change it and claim that you
have no recourse.

I don't know how many people use PageMart, or how many actually care
if they can get more than 15 digits (ie, one full screen plus three
digits on the next screen of a standard Motorola pager), but if you
are affected or anticipate being affected by this, I urge you to call
now to complain before this policy becomes institutionalized.

It seems all so silly me to that they think they are going to speed up
paging so much by going from 24 digits to 15; how many people do a
full 24 and how much time would 9 digits less really save?


Doug Reuben        CID Technologies    [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (Fred Heald)
Subject: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works!
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 08:01:06 GMT


To my surprise this morning I found that a feature I've been asking for
forever finally works!

My phone is in 818 (but I'm travelling all over LA, 213, 909, 310,
714, 805, 619, and all.  Not 524 yet, but soon I'm sure.  So I tend to
always dial the entire number (1-NPA-NXX-XXXX) first, and get the
ridiculous message "We are sorry, it is not necesary to dial one and
the area code for this call".  Well, this morning (in fact, calling
Netcom) I accidentally dialed the 1-818, and the call went through!

Since I'm in PacBel land, I'm hoping they've implemented this all over
the area.  FINALLY! and yet with no fanfare or even notice -- I guess
they'd be admitting a mistake.


Fred Heald    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Azeus Systems Ltd.)
Subject: IPX Network Through T1
Date: 02 May 94 07:18:58 GMT
Organization: Hong Kong Internet & Gateway Services, Wanchai, Hong Kong


Our company has connected two Novell file servers through the T1 line.
Although we have set the CSU/DSU and the HP router to their limit, the
performance of the network is very poor. We have tested the speed of
the network by the Norton 'SI'(sysinfo) and we found that the transfer
rate of the network is about 10KB/s. Normally, if you test a workstation
which is in the LAN, the through will be about 400KB/s or even 600KB/s.

We don't think that there is the problem of the telecom company. We
think that the configuration of the CSU/DSU and the HP router may not
be correct. Also, we have thought that there may be the limitation of
the IPX WAN, i.e. Novell is not suitable for WAN. Does somebody knows
about the performance of the IPX network in the WAN environment.

Here is the configuration of the our IPX WAN.  CSU/DSU - DCP3552 from
Cray Communication HP Router SR and PR Novell 3.12

If you know the answer or you want to know more about our configuration,
please send us email.

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

Date: 02 May 94 08:00:59 EDT
From: Omnitrend <[e-mail]>
Subject: Call Costing Database


I hope someone there can help me.

I understand there are companies that have updated databases of "call
costs".  These are costs for long distance calls made on the major
carrier's (ATT, MCI, SPRINT) lines for all the different kinds of
services.

I am writing a call accounting system and need the information in
order to compute the cost of each call.

I know there are several companies that provide subscription services
for this info, but I have no idea who they are.  Can you help me?

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

From: [e-mail] (CSA)
Subject: Hybrids, Electronic or Transformers
Date: 02 May 94 07:28:17
Organization: Brigham Young University, Provo UT USA


I am looking for a source for good hybrids, electronic and/or transformers.
I haven't had much luck with the transformers.  I need to be able to record
and play back to/from a codec at the same time.  Does anyone suggestions or
sources where I might look?


Scott Barnes

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 04:03:59 PDT
From: Dirk Menzel <[e-mail]>
Subject: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Telephone Line


Please help me if you can.

My home is wired for two residential telephone lines.  Because of my
proximity to an am radio transmitter (am 1550khz), many of my audio
and telephone devices suffer from "radio noise", from that one station
only though.  Some days it is worse than others, some days there is no
interference at all.

I have had all of the affected telephone devices modified by their
respective manufacturers ... the problem persist on a recently puchased
Panasonic KXT3175, two-line, Easa-Phone.

The local telco has installed several blue capacitors(?) at the demark box
on my house.

I have tried to eliminate the Panasonic telephone as the culprit by
putting it in a metal breadbox (really!!!), with no success.

I believe that the noise is entering the line via a TP four-conductor
cable strung along the outside of my home.

At this point I am open to suggestions.  Might I be able to install a
filter (to filter out mainly 1550khz) right at the telephone?  (I use
one of my lines for voice and modem.)  A commercially available inline
filter (#Z100B1), besides being a single line device, did not have any
effect.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I am fairly technically and
mechanically competent and could handle minor electrical modifications
with limited instructions.

Please respond via e-mail to [e-mail].


Thank you!

Dirk Menzel

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 22:07:08 EDT
From: Michael P. O'Leary <[e-mail]>
Subject: Fight A*vertising! Petition!
Organization: Penn State University


Read with great interest the article quoted below, it IS the future of
teh internet.  BUT, it shouldn't be.  People like this have no right
ot waste bandwidth on a valuable resource like the internet.  We must
stop happenings like this with legislation so that the 'information
highway' (or whatever you want to call it) doesn't become expensive
and riddled with a*vertisi*g.  (And oh yeah, I use the wild card so
people with the wor a* in their kill file still get this message.  I
am taking upon myself the burden of collecting a petition from this
group (and eventually other groups as well) stating our opposition to
this practice and our support for legislation to stop it.  We must act
fast though, because the bills that will govern the future are quickly
advancing through Congressional committees.  Here is what to do:

Send a note eo me at [e-mail] with the following subject:

SUBJECT: I SUPPORT

Then put this comment in the body of your letter:

I support legislation against advertising on the internet.  Also
include any other comments you wish to make.  I will compile this
hopefully lenghty list of responses, print out several copies, and
distribute them to:

1: the Congressmen working on these bills (Markey, Fields, etc...)

2: Political lobbying groups such as The Policy Roundtable, EFF, TAP, etc...

Please, read this, respond, and pass it on to  anyone or anywhere you wish;
we need to start the fight now!

> Remember the bozo who cross-posted a message about an upcoming lottery
> for green cards to every single newgroup on the net?  According to a
> Clarinet Newsbytes article, he recieved over 35,000 responses, most of
> which were flames and mail bombs comprising over 73GB(!) of data.  As
> you can imagine, his service provider, Internet Direct, was more than
> a little peeved, as this caused over a dozen system crashes and
> brought their machine to it's knees; they ended up revoking his
> account, citing storage costs.  This bozo then has the balls to show
> up at Internet Direct's office with four lawyers threatening to sue
> for $250,000, claiming that not being able to get to their e-mail
> would cost them at least that much.  The thing that kills me is the
> bozo's attitude about the entire situation.  His name is Laurence
> Canter.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #191
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa23878;
          2 May 94 17:55 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA28397; Mon, 2 May 94 13:33:27 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA28386; Mon, 2 May 94 13:33:24 CDT
Date: Mon, 2 May 94 13:33:24 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #192

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 2 May 94 13:33:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 192

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Clipper Petition Delivered to White House (CPSR National Office)
    New Electronic Privacy Group Formed (Dave Banisar)
    Intellectual Property and Telecom Conference (Barry Greene)
    Protocol For Alpha-Numeric Pagers (Gary Morris)
    AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead (John C. Fowler)
    Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition (Gregory P. Monti)
    Information Wanted on GSM (Tullamore Andre Pettigrew)
    What's a Ballpark Cost For a T1 Line? (Bruce O'Neel)
    What is Infopath? (Gayton Osgood)
    Frame Relay Questions (Glen Bojsza)
    Hayes Optima 288 Problems With PMaster IIe ([e-mail])
    Information Wanted: Telecommunications in IVHS (Kilian Scholz)
    Motorola "Advisor" pager Information (Pat Barron)
    Telecommunications Management Standard (3010) Wanted (Bedryfsingenierswese)
    MCI as a Long Distance Carrier For Data and Voice (Javier Henderson)
    Wanted: Information on Computer Telephone Interface (Xiaoyi Eve Zhang)
    Bulk Call Display (Tony Harminc)
    Info SuperHighway Seminar (Roy Kerwood)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 07:12:07 +0000
From: CPSR National Office <[e-mail]>
Subject: Clipper Petition Delivered to White House


                          CPSR PRESS RELEASE
             Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
                             P.O. Box 717
                         Palo Alto, CA 94301
                           415-322-3778 (voice)
                           415-322-4748 (fax)
                             [e-mail]

              "CLIPPER" PETITION DELIVERED TO WHITE HOUSE
         COMPUTER USERS CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO DROP ENCODING PLAN
                     NEW PRIVACY CENTER ESTABLISHED

    Washington, DC -- A national public interest organization
today delivered to the White House a petition asking for withdrawal of
the controversial Clipper cryptography proposal.  The Clipper plan
would provide government agents with copies of the keys used to
encoded electronic messages.

    The petition was signed by more than 47,000 users of the
nation's data highway.  The petition drive occurred entirely across
the Internet.  It is the largest electronic petition to date.

    Earlier this year, the White House announced support for the
Clipper proposal.  But the plan has received almost unanimous
criticism from the public.  A Time/CNN found that 80% of the American
public opposed Clipper.

    Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility began the
petition drive in January.  In the letter addressed to the President,
the organization said that if Clipper goes forward, "privacy
protection will be diminished, innovation will be slowed, government
accountability will be lessened, and the openness necessary to ensure
the successful development of the nation's communications
infrastructure will be threatened."

    The petition asks for the withdrawal of Clipper.  It is signed
by many of the nation's leading cryptographers including Whitfield
Diffie, Martin Hellman, and Ronald Rivest.  Users from nearly 3,000
different sites across the Internet are represented.  Responses came
from more than 1300 companies including Microsoft, IBM, Apple, DEC,
GE, Cray, Tandem, Sun, SGI, Mead Data Central, AT&T, and Stratus.
Signatures also came from more than 850 colleges and universities and
150 non-profit organizations. Many responses came from public networks
such as America Online and Compuserve. Nearly a thousand came from
government and military sites including NASA, the Army and the Navy.

    Next week hearings will be held in Congress on the
controversial cryptography proposal, an initiative developed by the
FBI and the National Security Agency.  Most of the witnesses are
expected to testify against the plan.

    In a related development, the establishment of the Electronic
Privacy Information Center was announced today.  EPIC is jointly
sponsored by CPSR and the Fund for Constitutional Government. It will
focus on emerging privacy issues surrounding the information data
highway.  [see accompanying release].

    CPSR is national membership organization, based in Palo Alto,
California.  For more information about CPSR, contact CPSR, P.O. Box
717, Palo Alto, CA 94302.  415 322 3778 (tel) 415 322 4748 (fax)
[e-mail] (email).

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 10:02:33 +0000
From: Dave Banisar <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Electronic Privacy Group Formed


                        EPIC Press Release

              Electronic Privacy Information Center
               666 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Suite 301
                       Washington, DC  20003
                       [phone] (tel)
                       [phone] (fax)
                       [e-mail] (email)


                  NEW PRIVACY CENTER ESTABLISHED
                   EPIC TO MONITOR DATA HIGHWAY

WASHINGTON, DC -- A new organization was launched today to address
growing public concerns about privacy protection for the national
information infrastructure.  The Electronic Privacy Information Center
(EPIC) will focus on emerging threats to personal privacy.

    Among the threats are the government's controversial Clipper
computer encryption proposal, which has caused widespread protests
from companies and computer users around the world.  Proposals for an
information superhighway and recent plans to reform the nation's
health care system also involve significant threats to personal
privacy.

    "We have established EPIC to focus public attention on these
new privacy issues -- the Clipper Chip, the Digital Telephony
Proposal, medical record privacy, and the sale of consumer data." said
Marc Rotenberg, director of EPIC.

    A 1993 poll by the Lou Harris organization found 80 percent of
Americans concerned about threats to their privacy.  More than two
thirds believe they have lost all control over personal information.
Still, 70 percent believe that privacy is a fundamental right
comparable to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," and a
clear majority of Americans favor establishment of a privacy agency
within the government.

    EPIC brings together an unprecedented group of experts from
computer science, information law, civil liberties, human rights,
public interest advocacy, library and research communities, as well as
privacy experts and scholars. Among the members of the EPIC Advisory
Board is former Congressman and Presidential candidate John B.
Anderson.  Mr. Anderson said today at a Capitol Hill press conference
he was very pleased by the establishment of the new organization.

    "Privacy is one of the bedrock American values.  EPIC will
help ensure that privacy is protected in the information age," said
Mr. Anderson.

    Simon Davies, the Director General of Privacy International,
welcomed the launch of EPIC. Speaking from London, England today he
said, "EPIC is an exciting initiative on the leading edge of privacy
protection. My hope is that EPIC will be the forerunner of many such
organizations around the world."

    EPIC is a joint project of the Fund for Constitutional
Government and Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility.  FCG
is a non-profit charitable organization established in 1974 to protect
civil liberties and constitutional rights.  CPSR is a national
membership organization established in 1982 by professionals in the
computing field concerned about the social impact of computer
technology.

    For more information contact EPIC, 666 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Suite 301, Washington, DC 20003.  202 544 9240 (tel), 202 547 5482
(fax) [e-mail] (email). Current materials include a program
description and list of Frequently Asked Questions about EPIC.


Marc Rotenberg, EPIC Director
David L. Sobel, Legal Counsel
Dave Banisar, Policy Analyst

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

From: Barry and Laina Raveendran Greene <[e-mail]>
Subject: Intellectual Property and Telecom Conference
Date: Mon, 02 May 94 10:45:22 -0500
Organization: Baha'i Computer and Communications Association


The Global Telecommunications Society & The Foreign Lawyers Forum, Inc
Invite You To A Panel Discussion On:

    "International Law & Telecom:
    Issues of Intellectual Property Rights"

Wednesday, May 11'94, at 6.30 pm, at The International Law Institute,
1615 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. (Near Dupont Circle
Metro)

    Moderator: Emery Simon
               Executive Director, Alliance to Promote Software Innovation

    Panelists: Peter Farkas
                   Partner, Graham & James, and Chair of Intellectual
                   Property Committee, American Bar Association

                   Edward Kazenske
                   Executive Assistant to the Commissioner and Director
                   of Interdisciplinary Programs, Patent and Trademark Office

                   Ronald Palenski
                   Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Information
                   Technology Association of America

Members of the Global telecommunications Society or the Foreign Lawyers
Forum, Inc get in for free. Non-members pay $10 at the door. A wine and
cheese reception will follow the discussion.

Please RSVP by 5.00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10th, 1994. Call 202-833-3322
and leave a message on the voice mail. If interested in becoming a member
of either group, please leave a message at the same number.

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

Date: Mon, 2 May 94 09:55:34 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Gary Morris @ignite)
Subject: Protocol for Alpha-numeric Pagers


I would like to write some software for a specialized computer system
to send pages to alpha-numeric pagers.  Is there a standard protocol
that these services use to accept messages via a modem?

I haven't selected a pager provider yet, so if some use proprietary
protocols I would be interested in know which ones to avoid.  I've
talked to several providers and they have said we can do paging from a
PC and they have a software package for PC's, but I have a special
need that requires custom software (and it's running on Sun/Unix).

I checked the Telecom archives but didn't find much about paging there.


Gary Morris                 Internet: [e-mail]  ([e-mail])
SDSD/EPD/RACES              Packet:   KK6YB @ N0ARY.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
San Diego, CA, USA          Phone:    [phone] x128 (voice/fax)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In the Telecom Archives you might want to
check out 'ixo*' files for some information.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 2 May 94 09:47:25 -0600
From: John C. Fowler <[e-mail]>
Subject: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead


(Newcomers: The Public Phone 2000 was a venture attempted by AT&T a
few years ago.  Essentially, computer terminals were placed at many
international airports in the U.S.  With a calling card, you could
place calls anywhere there was a modem, without having to worry about
bringing your own laptop and somehow connecting it to a pay phone.
Unfortunately, it turned out the phone terminals were not tariffed,
so AT&T had to disable the terminal feature pending approval.)

I had the chance to spend a couple of hours at the St. Louis International
Airport this weekend, and I saw a couple of AT&T Public Phone 2000
booths, so I decided to check them out.  Alas, what I found were plain
old pay phones.  I suppose this means that AT&T has decided to give up.


John C. Fowler, [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: That's a shame, because the 2000's were
a very useful service. Too bad it did not work out.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 11:05:52 EDT
From: Gregory P. Monti <[e-mail]>
Subject: Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition


According to the 4/29 {Communications Daily}, Metropolitan Fiber
Systems (MFS) has just won the right in Maryland to compete on a
substantially equal footing with Bell Atlantic-Maryland.  MFS will
become a "co-carrier", which means it will have blocks of telephone
numbers (possibly whole prefixes) assigned to it and will originate
and terminate calls to and from toll carriers and to and from Bell
Atlantic-MD.

Presumably, the access charge that a toll carrier normally pays per
minute to the local phone company that terminates each call will now
be paid to MFS if the call is completed to one of MFS's numbers.

MFS will serve mainly business and government, no residential competition
was announced yet.

MFS won similar rights in NY state about two weeks ago.  The Maryland
decision by the PSC takes NY a step further.  In NY, customers will be
required to change their phone numbers to jump to MFS service.  In
Maryland, customers may keep their old phone number.  PSC ordered BA
to make numbers portable among local carriers.  PSC also ordered BA to
interconnect with MFS using "collocation" or "virtual collocation."


Greg Monti          Arlington, Virginia, USA        [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tullamore Andre PETTIGREW)
Subject: Information Wanted on GSM
Organization: Computer Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 14:01:48 GMT


I am looking for information on the GSM digital phone system used in
Australia for an essay I am writing. Of particular interest are
comments/articles etc about privacy, security and the standard in
general.


Thanks for your help,

Tully Pettigrew

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

Date: Mon, 2 May 94 13:38 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Bruce O'Neel)
Subject: What's a Ballpark Cost For a T1 Line?


Hi,

I was wondering what the ballpark cost for a T1 line is?  I figure it
will depend greatly on a number of factors, so I'm thinking about
Maryland around Washingtion DC, with maybe 20 miles for a length.
These figures are to give us a direction on a project.

Thanks for any information!!


bruce

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

From: [e-mail] (Gayton Osgood)
Subject: What is Infopath?
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 08:08:54 GMT


My local library has put their card catalog on line but in order to
access it they say you must have a NYNEX Infopath account and to
contact the phone company to open one. I don't know wnhat an Infopath
account is or how much it costs. I am reluctant to pay NYNEX ant more
than I already do. If anyone has one of these accounts could you tell
me a little about it.


Gayton Osgood   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Glen Bojsza)
Subject: Frame Relay Questions
Date: 02 May 94 19:44:09 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada


Frame relay is already a "HOT" topic ... so where can someone find
some good design reference material. Notably there are standards but
many vendors routers don't work with them ... ie. for congestion
control if a BECN is sent out most boxes ignore this and lead to
timeouts and retrans.

Another area I would like some information on is what kind of
parameters are being set when using Frame relay ... if a router does
support BECN and its CIR is set to zero does that not mean it will
drop to that rate on the first BECN it receives?

I would appreciate hearing from anybody that has worked with and or
has some refernce material I could read. I realize traffic analysis is
required but there must be some guidelines based on protocol used and
application.


Please contact me at:   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Hayes Optima 288 Problems With Liv. PMaster IIe
Date: Mon, 02 May 94 03:45:58 PDT
Organization: Columbia University Center for Telecommunications Research


    Has anyone got any experience with Hayes Optima 288 and
Livingston Portmaster IIe terminal servers? I am at the end of my rope
trying to configure these beasts.  The problem?  After a fresh init or
a power reset, the modems work fine, but after dropping a session --
although AA remains lit the modem WILL NOT answer any calls.  This is
true for all 30 Hayes modems installed on this server.

    I've got a sneaking suspicion it's got something to do with
the combination of &D3 and &Q5 that the Hayes tech told me I must use.

TIA

soniq

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

From: [e-mail] (Kilian Scholz)
Subject: Information Wanted: Telecommunications in IVHS
Date: 02 May 1994 20:43:24 GMT
Organization: University of Miami


Can someone point me to any info published on telecommunications
related to intelligent vehicle highway systems on the net.

Please mail info to: [e-mail]

Thanks.

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Motorola "Advisor" Pager Information Wanted
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 17:34:34 -0400
Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA


Does anyone have technical info on the Motorola "Advisor" alphanumeric
pager?  Specifically, any sort of configuration or status report
modes, and/or what one can do with the serial port that seems to be on
the bottom of the unit.

Any info would be most welcome.


Thanks,

Pat

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

From: [e-mail] (Abrie Nel Bedryfsingenierswese)
Subject: Telecommunications Management Standard (3010) Wanted
Date: 02 May 1994 14:41:24 GMT
Organization: University of Stellenbosch


I am currently doing a project in a South African cellular telephone
company.  My brief is that I should create management procedures
utilizing the Telecommunications Network Management Standard (TMN
3010).

If anyone:
1) Knows where to find telecommunications standards,
2) Knows where to find this specific standard,
I would be most grateful if they could help me!


Abrie Nel
Coopers & Lybrand
Management Advisory Services
South Africa  Cape Town
e-mail: [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: MCI as a long distance carrier for data and voice?
Date: 02 May 94 10:38:18 PST
Organization: Medical Laboratory Network; Ventura, CA


Hello,

We're currently using Cable & Wireless for long distance for data, and
AT&T for voice.

We've been approached by just about every long distance vendor and a
number of telemarketers trying to get us to switch over. Even though
we're getting good rates from AT&T, the contract we have with them was
negotiated long time ago when we were owned by another company. That's
no longer the case, and we fear that the new contract with AT&T will
have the rates hiked (the total volume is not near what it used to
be).

So far MCI seems to have the better deal, and they would handle both
data and voice.

I'd like to get in touch with current (or past) MCI customers to hear
their good and bad stories about service.

Thanks ever so much.


Javier Henderson    [e-mail]

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

From: Xiaoyi Eve Zhang <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wanted: info on Computer Telephone Interface
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 21:39:20 -0400
Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA


Hi there;

I am new, and seeking help here. It's not exactly CPI, hopefully I can
make you understand my question.

Basically two sides. 1) When I want to place a phone call I want to
dial the number from my computer, then let my phone set pick the
response up, then my computer will be freed;

2) When a phone comes in, I want my computer be able to recognize the
number (assume we have ANI service), and my phone set pick it up.

If anybody there knows how to do it or where to go for the information,
your help will be GREATLY appreciated.

Reply back to [e-mail], or [e-mail], or if
you live in Pittsburgh area, you are more than welcome to call me at
[phone].

Thank you all for your help.


Eve


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: More and more people are asking how to use
Caller-ID or ANI (in the case of 800 service) to accomplish certain tasks
on their computer in the process of handling incoming phone calls. What
you need is a modem with Caller-ID functions built in; there will surely
be software and/or documentation with it showing how to use it. Another
solution is a Caller-ID display box with a serial port. These are also
quite common.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 94 10:16:45 EDT
From: Tony Harminc <[e-mail]>
Subject: Bulk Call Display


There is an alternative long distance provider here (Toronto) that a
friend subscribes to.  I don't remember their name, but they have a
local access number 416 860-1900.  I notice that when I dial it from
my friend's phone, they return a dial tone almost immediately.  If I
block Call Display using *67, they return a normal busy signal almost
immediately.  (By 'almost immediately' I mean well under one second.)

So what interface are they using to receive the Call Display data ?
It must be some sort of bulk interface, since they are certainly not
letting it ring once and waiting for the data to come down the wire
between the first and second rings.  I wasn't aware that any such
interface was tariffed or standardized.


Tony Harminc


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Is it possible that the number you dial
is being 'handled like' an 800 number, i.e. the way '950' is handled
here in the USA?  On our 950 numbers, the recipient gets the calling
number instantly, as part of the connection the same as with delivery
of the ID on 800 calls. If that is the case with your example there,
then the blocking could be done almost instantly. It may also be that
some form of 'block-blocking' -- or whatever you want to call it -- is
in effect there such as we have in a few places in the USA where the
subscriber can dial a code saying they will not accept calls with
blocked ID. Here, the telco then returns a voice announcement to that
effect, but perhaps in your exchange telco returns a busy signal instead.
'Block-blocking' is not too common here yet.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Roy Kerwood)
Subject: Info SuperHighway Seminar
Date: 02 May 94 17:30:26 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada


I have organized the following seminar for June 24 from 8AM - 8PM:

          THE TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO THE INFO SUPERHIGHWAY

All the information you need to KNOW about the INFO SUPERHIGHWAY!!
Keynote Address Respected professionals involved with the Info
Superhighway will provide detailed info on the superhighway and a
personalized ROAD MAP for you so you or your company can get onto the
SUPERHIGHWAY and get there at the highest speed.  Hands on displays of
the latest Communications Software Video Tele-Conference information.
On line Databases WORLDWIDE Internet Connections, World Wide
Information access.  You will be part of the highest level of the
Information SUPERHIGHWAY and have access to the leading edge of the
latest Communications Technologies Lectures on The Information
Superhighway. Display by hardware, Software, Communications,
Information Suppliers.

Stage :     Presenters
Timing:
  9:00 -    Registration of attendees explore  exhibits

  9:30 -    Introduction to show by Roy Kerwood  10:00 -    Hon Gordon
Campbell has been invited to deliver a Keynote address (Mr. Campbell's
attendance is not critical to the show but would provide us with a
perspective as to where the Government intends to help with Information
Superhighway)

  10:20  -  Mr Mike Patterson of the Internet
            Service provider BC Net informs audience
            of latest developments in the
            Superhighway from his perspective and
            future visions in Panel Format

  11:00 -   BC Tel has been invited to explain the current state of the
            communications Superhighway from a providers point of view and
            how it will develop

  12:00 -   Break for lunch examine the exhibits (lunch will be included.)

  2:00  -   Hon. John Manly has been invited to Video Tele-conference link

  3:00  -   Richard Pitt will explain "point and click" access to the infor-
            mation super highway using Mosaic and give live demonstration
            of the World Wide Web, Archie and other exciting new developments
            in the state of the art.

  4:00 -    Bruce Woodward of Cyberstore will do a live demonstration of a
            local BBS.

  5:00  -   Wrap up by Roy Kerwood, participants question period.

  8:00  -   Show closes

                 Thank you for you interest in the seminar.

Date June 24, 1994 Please E-mail me if you would like to reserve space
for you and any of your co-workers.

Admission is $40.00 You may mail your Cheque for tickets to:

Roy Kerwood @ Associates 907-1011 Beach Ave.  Vancouver BC.  V6E-1T8
Phone or fax [phone].

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #192
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa24294;
          2 May 94 18:20 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00443; Mon, 2 May 94 14:26:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA00434; Mon, 2 May 94 14:26:02 CDT
Date: Mon, 2 May 94 14:26:02 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #193

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 2 May 94 14:26:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 193

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: NANP and Switches (Al Varney)
    Re: NANP and Switches (Randal Hayes)
    Re: E1 Help Wanted (Steve Daggett)
    Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls ([e-mail])
    Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls (Sean P. Peacock)
    Re: X.25 Information Request (Ketil Albertsen)
    Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please (Curtis Sanford)
    Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please (Ken Germann)
    Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging? (Rob Lockhart)
    Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging? (D. Castillo)
    Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging? (Sean Daly)
    Re: Basic ISDN Question (William H. Sohl)
    Re: CO's and Disasters (Andrew Ayers)
    Re: CO's and Disasters (Michael Jacobs)
    Re: Telco MUX to Home? (Kendall Willis)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 02 May 94 10:20:10 CDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: NANP and Switches
Organization: AT&T Network Systems

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Linc
Madison) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]> is written:

>> We currently have a Northern Telecom Meridian Option 61 (software
>> relase 17) with 44 DID trunks, a T1 for long distance, and about 1300
>> active phones.  We have been told by Ameritech that, in order for us
>> to be able to comply with the implementation of the new North American
>> Numbering Plan (NANP) on January 1, 1995, we must upgrade our switch
>> with an additional memory card, another ROM board and software release
>> 19.  My questions are (1) is this really necessary and (2) can we wait
>> until the middle of 1995 before doing this and still provide access
>> via NANP?  Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

> I don't know about the hardware/software requirements for your
> specific switch, but whatever changes your switch requires to work
> with the "new-style" area codes *CANNOT* wait until mid-1995.  They
> *MUST* be up and running and fully functional absolutely no later than
> 1/15/95, when the first two "new" area codes go into service.
> Otherwise, Murphy's Law guarantees that someone will try to call
> Alabama.

   Alternatively, you can tell your 1300 users that attempts to reach
numbers where NPA is not of the N0X/N1X form must be made through your
IXC operator, using operator dialing.  There is no requirement that
all numbers in the NANP (or the world) be directly dialable from your
CPE.

   Whether or not this would cause irate users, I have no idea.  You
could try to guess which, if any, of the new NPAs would be commonly
called.

   Again, there is no REQUIREMENT of CPE to be able to reach all
dialable points using direct dialing -- but it sure is nice to be able
to do so.


Al Varney

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: 2 May 94 10:30 CST
Subject: Re: NANP and Switches


> must upgrade our switch. 1)Is this really necessary, and 2)can we wait
> until the middle of 1995 before doing this and still provide access via
> NANP?

I was just at a seminar with Harry Newton, and, although it is necessary
to accomodate switches for the NANP, he had a suggestion for those who may
have a need to delay a switch upgrade for this purpose.

Harry suggested putting in a couple of Centrex lines for the switchboard
operator/receptionist, and anyone needing to place calls to areas with the
new style area code could go through them for call placement. Centrex
lines will surely be able to reach the new area codes.

Although this suggestion will not be acceptable in all companies, it
may buy some time for those who are buying a new switch/upgrading a
little beyond January 1, 1995.

Just passing on what sounds like an interesting idea.


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Steve Daggett)
Subject: Re: E1 Help Wanted
Organization: NETRIX Corporation
Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 18:29:33 GMT


Jack W. Lix - [e-mail] writes:

> I need some information about "real world" E1 usage.  Does timeslot 16
> (normally used for signaling) ever get used for data in point to
> point usage.  I also understand some satellite transceivers use an E1
> interface.  Would they also reserve timeslot 16??  If so, whats the
> point??

It's pretty simple really.  If ANY of the timeslots in the E1 require
A/B signaling in timeslot 16 then TS 16 MUST be reserved for Channel
Associated Signaling (CAS).

If NONE of the timeslots require A/B signaling then TS 16 MAY be used
for data.  This is of course dependent on the transmission network
being able to pass TS 16 as a clear channel.  Some networks don't
allow TS 16 as a clear channel.

The satellite modems shouldn't care what's being carried in any of the
timeslots. The satellite modems I'm familiar with only require a 2.048
meg clock and an adequate 1's density in the data stream.  They didn't
care about framing or signaling at all.

(BTW: I've installed voice/data networks running E1's lines in Europe
and Africa.)


Steve Daggett  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls
Organization: Digital Equipment Computer Users Society
Date: 2 May 94 12:26:02 -0400


In article <[e-mail]> Tom Holderby <holderby@inca.
gate.net> writes:

> I've recently become aware of the fact the many BBS's and Internet
> service providers use the call-forwarding trick where they go buy a
> phone number (without a phone) in outlying exchanges which are
> permanently call-forwarded to their main lines, thereby increasing
> their local call area.  Apparently some of them carry this to the
> point of multiple forwarding, which may get them 50 or 75 miles
> without a toll.

> I was just wondering how the phone companies feel about this.  Is this
> something that you can just tell them you want to do, being very open
> about it?  Or do you need to sneak around, get the numbers in different
> names, etc?

I'm the guy who started this back in the early 80's here in the Los Angeles
area.  My own BBS is a non-profit thing, but many others around here are
not; they make money (and for some of them, lot of it) and four or five
hops are quite common now, providing a rather big toll free calling area.

Some years ago one of the spoil-sport BBS operators here tried to turn
in all the other BBS operators for making commercial use of a
non-commercial service.  (Back when I began this one could use remote
call forwarding for it, which is a business service, as there was no
metering of time used.  It was later changed in California around
1984/85 to measured service, thus forcing the use of phones lines
actually terminating at a residence -- this sent the bill for a month
on such a line from about $14 to $440+).  The result -- nothing
happened, and it's still business as usual here.  I don't know the
details, perhaps someone reading this does ...?

> Also, assuming that this is legal and acceptable, can you forward
> multiple calls off of one line, or do you need one line per call?

This depends on how the central office switch is set up to handle
this.  Here Pac Bell forwards all calls on the same one line.  GTE
will only pass the first call, all other callers get a busy signal.  I
have not tried to talk them out of this, I instead moved my lines to
Pac Bell when the local limit here went from 8 to 12 miles (for other
reasons like crummy service).  This is not a fun thing to attempt
getting changed in many phone companies.


Billy Y.

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

From: [e-mail] (Sean P Peacock)
Subject: Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 18:23:35 GMT


Tom Holderby ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I was just wondering how the phone companies feel about this.  Is this
> something that you can just tell them you want to do, being very open
> about it?  Or do you need to sneak around, get the numbers in different
> names, etc?

> Also, assuming that this is legal and acceptable, can you forward
> multiple calls off of one line, or do you need one line per call?

Depends on how the CO is set up. PacBell has the capability to, but
has not implemented 1 forwarded call per forwarded line _yet_.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally, using the *regular, residential
> variety* of call forwarding will NOT save money where toll charges are
> concerned unless you are able to link two or three large toll free calling
> areas together. Generally, two or more short calls linked together cost
> more than a single long-haul call covering the same points.

[...]

Usually the forwarded lines are within local calling distance of each
other and are flat-rate service. I know of at least five BBS services
in my local area that provide this service. Most commom is that a
member is given a free account and a monthly allowance to drop in a
second line that is permanently forwarded.

As for size, there is one group of about 20 people splitting the cost
of a forwarded line to save on toll charges.


Sean

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

From: [e-mail] (Ketil Albertsen,TIH)
Subject: Re: X.25 Information Request
Organization: T I H / T I S I P
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 08:43:23 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail].
COM (Mike Vandusen) writes:

> I am looking for general reference material (ie. books, ftp'able docs,
> etc.) describing X.25.  I am interested in documentation that starts
> with conceptual overview, discusses details of the various other
> protocols involved (X.28, X.29, etc.), and finally addresses typical
> software interfaces.

> I understand that the CCITT Fascicle recommendation is not available
> for ftp ... and makes for rather dry reading anyway;-)

It certainly is available -- gopher to info.itu.ch and climb the tree
through ITUDOC / Search using group structure / ITU Telecom
Standardization Sector / Recommendations / X series.  You won't find
them all there, but X.25, X.28 and X.29 are certainly there right now,
in Postscript format (som recs are also or only available in
MS-Word-for-Windows format).

Yes, it is dry reading, but I have never seen any textbook going to
sufficient depth to make the recommendations superfluous.  In our
tech.college we use W.Stallings: Data and Computer Communications, 4th
ed, MacMillan 1994, for an introduction to X.25.  It does not cover
X.28/X.29, and there are other books going in greater depth about X.25
(I think Uylless Black's book on OSI networking is somewhat more
thorough), but Stallings' book is a good preparation for attacking the
recommendation!

I too wonder what a "typical software interface" to X.25 looks like :-)


ketil

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

From: [e-mail] (Curtis Sanford)
Subject: Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please
Date: 02 May 1994 09:03:45 GMT
Organization: Ascend Communications, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, Bob Larribeau <blarrib@netcom.
com> wrote:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
> (Dean Banfield) writes:

>> We have a 10baseT Ethernet lan and would like an outlier individual to
>> have access on a hardwired basis.  ISDN sounds great, but I have no
>> idea what's required here.

> You can get either bridges or routers.  Bridges are available from
> Combinet, Digiboard, Gandalf, Extension Technology.  Routers are
> available from Cisco, Ascend, and ACC.  Prices for bridges start about
> $2,000 and routers around $3,000.

Bob is generally correct.  However, our newest model (Pipeline 50) can
be either a bridge or a router, and starts at $1,495.  Contact
[e-mail] for more information.


Curtis Sanford    Ascend Communications

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

From: [e-mail] (Ken Germann)
Subject: Re: ISDN Bridge Advice Please
Date: 02 May 1994 06:26:34 -0500
Organization: SkyPoint Communications, Inc.


In article <[e-mail]>, Bob Larribeau <blarrib@netcom.
com> wrote:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
> (Dean Banfield) writes:

> You can get either bridges or routers.  Bridges are available from
> Combinet, Digiboard, Gandalf, Extension Technology.  Routers are
> available from Cisco, Ascend, and ACC.  Prices for bridges start about
> $2,000 and routers around $3,000.

The Digiboard ISDN, New Port Server with the NET C/X for SCO and
Novell drivers and a demo for ATM will be shown at Interop in Las
Vegas next week.

The Digiboard ISDN products are priced from $795.00 to $3200.00
depending on the configuration.


Ken Germann         SkyPoint    [e-mail]
Voice: [phone]         MCIA         Modems: [phone].

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

From: [e-mail] (RLockhart)
Subject: Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?
Date: 02 May 1994 08:13:03 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
(Franclark) writes:

> When the customer calls in the operator dumps the message in my
> voice mail and I am paged.  This is cumbersome, time consuming, and
> expensive.

and

> I would like to be able to capture the calls on an answering machine
> which would automatically ring my pager(preferrably alphanumeric) upon
> receipt of each call. Are there answering machines available with this
> capability? Is software available to do this via modem?

There are some answering machines that'll turn 'round and outdial a
preprogrammed number on receipt of a message (Panasonic makes one, I
believe), but these rely solely on DTMF and blind timers to send the
numeric message, not any sort of handshaking protocol.  This is less
than optimal 'cause during the busier paging times of the day (the
'busy hour'), that timing can be *way* off to where you get a portion
of your preprogrammed dial back number or even no number or page at
all ... your message just gets 'blindly thrown over the wall' with no
regard top anyone on the other side capable of catching it.

An alternative, if you want to play, is to get a voice mail add-on to
your PC or Mac that supports DDE or Apple Events and link it up with
one of the alpha paging apps that supports paging via DDE or Apple
Events (e..g. EvTek, Ex Machina, InfoRAD ... to name a few).  This
way, when your voice mail comes in, you would link the event to the
alpha paging app and let the TAP alpha page protocol stiffen up the
link to the paging system for you ... and if you could find a voice
mail card that supported CLI, you could have it link *that* information
to the page, as well.


Rob Lockhart
Resource Manager, Interactive Data Systems
Paging Products Group Motorola, Inc.
Desktop I'net:  [e-mail]
Wireless Data I'net (<32K characters):  [e-mail]
Wireless Data I'net (< 1K characters):  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (D. Castillo)
Subject: Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?
Date: 02 May 1994 10:58:36 -0600
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque


Another really cheap way of having your answering call your pager
(sort of) is what I did.  I assume you have a computer and modem,
you're posting here after all :-) I wrote a real simple script for my
comm software (commo, ms-dos based) that sits there and looks for
RING, waits two minutes (you can set it for any length, but if they
have to leave a message longer than two minutes it's probably someone
without a life).  Then I've got it call my pager: xxx-xxxx,,,any
number here (in my case my home number with a couple of **) So far
it's worked great, and it basically didn't cost me anything.  You have
to leave your computer on, true, but that's a whole other discussion.

Someone with a CID modem could write something really neat where it
would send the actual number of the person that called to your pager!


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Sean Daly)
Subject: Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?
Organization: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
Date: Mon, 02 May 94 08:27:28 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Franclark) writes:

> I need some advice. I own a small refrigeration company (two employees).
> Currently we lease a phone line from an answering service. When the
> customer calls in the operator dumps the message in my voice mail and
> I am paged.  This is cumbersome, time consuming, and expensive.

> With an eye to the future, when I can afford full time office
> help, I am getting my own business line in June. I would like to be
> able to capture the calls on an answering machine which would
> automatically ring my pager(preferrably alphanumeric) upon receipt of
> each call. Are there answering machines available with this
> capability?

If you want to spend around $300, I saw a device in Damark called a
Bogen Friday or something like that. I know the brand name was Bogen
and I have seen a company listed in other magazines as Bogen
Telecommunications Products. Anyway, it connects to two phone lines.
Then, you program eight mailboxes. Four of them are for outside calls
to leave messages for four employees. Three are for internal messages,
and the last was described as a "gateway" for a modem or fax. You can
program each mailbox to 1) forward to another number, 2) take a digital
message, or 3) take a message, then page you.  When I called them, they
said all those options can be set remotely.  This was the coolest
answering machine I've ever seen.

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

From: [e-mail] (sohl,william h)
Subject: Re: Basic ISDN Question
Date: 02 May 1994 09:26:50 -0400
Organization: Bell Communications Research (Bellcore)


In article <[e-mail]>, Mike Jones <jonesmd@aule-tek.
com> wrote:

> ISDN has recently become available here in this corner of NYNEX-land.
> The cost is a $10 surcharge onto normal business rates. We're
> interested in using the 64 Kbps data channel to connect to a local
> internet provider; I've checked with NYNEX and ISDN is available at
> both our and their CO's. My question is, how does this practically
> work? I have a moderate understanding of ISDN at a conceptual level,
> but no real feel for how you go about hooking things up.  Any
> information would be appreciated.

That depends on the purpose of the connection.  If the ISDN connection
is to simply connect you as an "end user" to your Internet provider,
then it is a simple 64Kb dial up connection to the Internet provider.
To do so, you need ISDN AND the Internet provider must have an ISDN
line also.  The bottom line is that the connection is no different
(other than the transmission speed and the termination equipment ...
ISDN) from a typical modem connection operating at a lower speed.

Another possibility is that your location wants to connect to an
Internet provider using ISDN B channel dial-up between your location
for a multitude of users on a Local Area Network (LAN) that you and
others at your location connect to.  In that arrangement, the ISDN
connection is made between the LAN and the Internet provider without
any involvement by you (or other users) on your LAN.

That's a very short explanation, I know, but that's it in brief.
Any questions, please post or call us:

Bill Sohl - Bellcore ISDN Hotline  [phone]-ISDN

For additional information...check out Bellcore's FTP site at:

                    info.bellcore.com

look for ISDN information in the subdirectory: /pub/isdn


Bill Sohl (K2UNK) BELLCORE (Bell Communications Research, Inc.)
Morristown, NJ             email via UUCP      bcr!cc!whs70
201-829-2879 Weekdays      email via Internet  [e-mail]

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

From: Andrew Ayers <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: CO's and Disasters
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 09:12:42 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> Thomas Tengdin, [e-mail]
writes:

> I was at an earthquake disaster training session this week and
> a statement was made:

>    The telephone company computers will connect some customers
>    at a higher priority that others.

> Doctors, etc were mentioned.

> This is the first I have heard of calls being processed in any other
> way than first to finish dialing, first to be processed (more or
> less).

> Is there something in CO Class of Service? or other programming that
> gives "priority" service to a select class of lines?

    It is possible to do that sort of thing in programming. You
can also wire an MDF so that if a switch goes down, certain subscriber
lines still have access to a tandem (long-distance) switch.

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 94 19:07:00 EDT
From: Michael Jacobs <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: CO's and Disasters


The program that administers priority handling of calls during
emergency situations is the National Communications System's
Telecommunications System Priority program.  Most CO switches have the
capability to assign higher service priority to designated lines for
either originating or terminating service.  I believe Bellcore in its
role as government SPOC (single point of contact) is involved in this.
Last year at the Network Reliability Council's meeting in Arlington,
VA, there was mention made of expanding this service to include cellular
operators since many emergency and essential service providers use
cellular extensively.  If anyone has details on the implementation of
this, please let me know since I have been trying to get TSP priority
for certain cellular numbers used by a Hax-Mat response team with
which I am involved.


Michael W. Jacobs <[e-mail]>
Service Technician - Bell Atlantic-Pennsylvania

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

From: [e-mail] (Kendall Willis)
Subject: Re: Telco MUX to Home?
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 03:41:17 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri-Rolla, Missouri's Technological University


Roger Marquis ([e-mail]) wrote:

> When Pac Bell recently installed a second line into my (1940s) apartment
> building they didn't run any new wire but instead installed a new demark/
> junction box.  When I opened this box to connect my second line I was
> surprised to find only the one original line going in, and _two_ lines
> coming out!  Could it be my lines are MUXed to the local switch?

> I've tested the quality of both lines by making a voice call on one and a
> data call on the other (while executing 'sz /dev/zero' at 14.4+) without
> finding any measurable degradation.

> The alleged MUX measures 2*3*3 in. and is fully sealed except for the
> contacts.  Does anyone know what I have here?

Don't ever fool yourself into thinking that you will see high tech
stuff installed by the phone company anywhere near your house. :) The
whole philosophy is to keep your end of the connection simple and
their end modern.  Even the much ado and hoopla given to network
interfaces is ridiculous.  Most are glorified junction boxes and the
exceptions are rare.  I doubt it is a MUX.  More likely it is a new
box with two more connections.

Many locations are capable of adding a second line without stringing
another wire because there is plenty of wires in the original bundle.
You may not have to run a second wire into your apartment if you
really did not want to.

The four-conductor wire in many houses is capable of handling two
lines.  The green and red are tip and ring of Line one and the yellow
and black are for Line two.  The big problem is that some equipment is
not designed to take advantage of this.  That is why you have two
wires at the network interface.  You could wire it up in this fashion,
though.

Now a word of caution.  If you have inside wiring that is blue, orange
and white, the system won't work obviously.  Also, sometimes that
extra yellow-black pair is hooked up to a power transformer somewhere
in the house which lights the dial and pushbuttons in older TrimLine
phones.  Don't shock yourself, test them before using.


Kendall Willis   [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #193
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa24686;
          2 May 94 18:52 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02462; Mon, 2 May 94 15:20:12 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA02449; Mon, 2 May 94 15:20:09 CDT
Date: Mon, 2 May 94 15:20:09 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #194

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 2 May 94 15:20:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 194

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Two Communication Courses (Richard V. Tsina)
    Senior Telecom Engineer Wanted at Intel/Oregon (Mike Gore)
    Open Position SWE / ISDN TCP/IP Unix Networking Agent SFSYS (Hal Kinney)
    Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed Up? (Jonathan Loo)
    Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100 (Zafar Khalid)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (Bill Tighe)
    New BBS List to Save Money (Stu Whitmore)
    Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander ([e-mail])
    Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander (John Barcomb)
    Re: E1 Help Wanted (Marc Chatel)
    Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (Jonathan Loo)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Richard V Tsina)
Subject: Two Communication Courses
Date: 2 May 1994 19:15:51 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley


U.C. BERKELEY

Continuing Education in Engineering Announces Two Short Courses on
Communication Technology:

1.   WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
     (July 26-27, 1994)

     There are technical bottlenecks to developing a ubiquitous
wireless multimedia environment: the capacity of the radio link, its
unreliability due to the adverse multipath propagation channel, and
severe interference from other channels.

     This course covers the principles and fundamental concepts
engineers need to tackle these limitations (e.g., a thorough treatment
of channel impairments such as fading and multipath dispersion and
their effect on link and network performance).  Topics include:
Introduction to Wireless Channels, Cellular Telephone Networks, Analog
and Digital Transmission and Wireless Data Networks.  Comprehensive
course notes will be provided.

Lecturer: JEAN-PAUL M.G. LINNARTZ, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of
California, Berkeley.  His work on traffic analysis in mobile radio
networks received the Veder Prize, an innovative research in
telecommunications award in the Netherlands.  At Berkeley he works on
communications for intelligent vehicle highway systems and multimedia
communications.  Professor Linnartz is the author of numerous
publications and the book "Narrow Land-Mobile Radio Networks" (Artech
House, 1993), the text for the course.

2.   COMMUNICATION NETWORKS: FROM FDDI TO ATM
     (August 9-10), 1994)

    This course provides an overview of the operating principles and
design guidelines for communication networks, and includes a
description of the popular current networks and a discussion of major
industry trends.  Topics include: History and Operating Principles,
Open System Interconnection, Overview of High-Speed Networks, Physical
Layer, Switching, Trends in Data Networks (FDDI, DQDB, Frame Relay,
SMDS), Trends in Telecommunication Networks (SONET, Fiber to the home,
ISDN, Intelligent Networks, ATM) , Topological Design of Networks,
Control of ATM Networks.  Comprehensive course notes will be provided.

Lecturers:

PRAVIN VARAIYA, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley.  At Berkeley he
works on stochastic systems, communication networks, power systems and
urban economics. He is the author of "Stochastic Systems: Estimation,
Identification, and Adaptive Control" (Prentice-Hall, 1986) and
coeditor of "Discrete Event Systems: Models and Applications"
(Springer, 1988).  He is a fellow of the IEEE.

JEAN WALRAND, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer
Sciences, University of California, Berkeley.  He is the author of "An
Introduction to Queuing Networks" (Prentice-Hall, 1988) and
"Communication Networks: A First Course" (Irwin/Aksen, 1991).

For more information (complete course descriptions, outlines,
instructor bios, etc.,) contact:

Richard Tsina
U.C. Berkeley Extension
Continuing Education in Engineering
2223 Fulton St.
Berkeley, CA 94720
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email:  [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Senior Telecom Engineer Wanted at Intel/Oregon
Organization: Multimedia Software Technology Group
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 11:09:05 GMT


                     SR TELECOM ENGINEER

Intels Oregon Information Technology Group is looking for a senior
Telecom engineer to create an Enterprise-wide Plan for the deployment
and support of Network and Systems technologies, focusing on the
Operational Infastructure Requirements. Individual will work with
Central Network and LAN Systems engineering staffs and site IT
Network. Candidates should have knowledge of 802.3,FDDI, and ATM
standards. Knowledge of TCP/IP,IPX,RIP,OSPF. In addition you should
have experience any Cabletron, Synoptics, Cisco, and Wellfleet
hardware. Must use network analyzers, and SNMP management Spectrum,
HP-Openview, SunNet Manager or Netview 6000. BA and 6 to 9 yrs
experience in designing and implementing mul-protocol enterprise
routed networks.. This position includes great salary, bonuses, stock
options, 401K, and excellent relocation package.

If you are interested:
EMAIL: [e-mail]
Or you may call 602-554-4485

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

From: [e-mail] (Hal Kinney)
Subject: Open Position SWE / ISDN TCP/IP Unix Networking Agent SFSYS
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 00:24:58 GMT


  Position: SWE Software Engineer
  Skills: C programming - Heavy Communications knowledge

  Minimum Industry Experience: Three years experience.    College projects
  do NOT qualify.

  Location: Palo Alto Ca.

  Start Date: ASAP

  Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience

  Length: Contract to hire

  Student Visa ok ?: No No No No
  H1 Visa ok ?: For the right candidate

Comments : Should be very strong writing device drivers in the
communications environment. Should be experienced with ISDN, TCP/IP,
X.25, POTS, Unix, Routers and Bridges, PC's.  Programming devices in
the communications / network environment.

Contract to hire or immediate hire for the right engineer.

FAX/email resume and/or lets talk.


San Francisco Systems, Inc.   Contact: Hal Kinney     [e-mail]
110 Sutter St. Suite 701                            Voice: 415.982.3500
San Francisco, Ca. 94104           FAX: [phone] (high res. please)

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 01:30:09 -0400
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed up?


TELECOM Digest Editor noted:

> TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Not only asked to correct the problem,
> but in some instances if telco really wants to get tough about it they
> may choose to back-bill an estimated amount lost on completed calls
> which went unsupervised. Illinois Bell found a company here in Chicago
> deliberatly playing games like that and back-billed them a
> half-million dollars covering calls over a five year period. The
> company protested of course, but all the facts pointed to them doing
> it on purpose as toll-avoidance; they were slow to answer their phones
> because they did not want to hire the help needed to do so promptly
> and they were playing a tape recorded music on hold 'all positions
> busy please wait for an available agent' message to their callers for
> five or ten minutes at a time. Their customers squawked about the cost
> of *their* calls as a result so the company gerry-rigged the system to
> not supervise until they got ready to handle the call.  IBT said it
> wasn't *their* problem ... they wanted their money! Instead of going
> back to each individual caller (thousands of them) to collect the
> couple dollars each of them would have paid had they been supervised
> properly, telco told the company since they pulled this stunt they
> could pay for it instead ... or get sued with the resulting publicity,
> etc.  Telco did not get all they asked for, but they collected a nice
> chunk of it. So be careful about playing games with supervision. If
> telco wants to do so, they'll work you over good to show who is boss.

Sounds pretty ingenious to me.  I would like to note a few things:

1.  No meaningful conversation occurred until after the company turned
supervision on.

2.  The telephone company could have been nicer about the whole thing.
Instead of waiting for five years and then billing for half a million
dollars, why not send a warning to the company within one month and
then bill them shortly thereafter?  There must be a way for the
telephone company to automatically detect this kind of stunt.
Furthermore, the company that received the calls may have assumed that
the telephone company would have objected immediately had its stunt
been illegal.  After all, nobody lets the phone ring for five minutes
on a routine basis.  If the telephone company had been doing its
homework, then it should have noticed calls ringing for several
minutes, in- vestigated the possible trouble, referred it to the
business office, and told the company to stop, quickly.

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

From: clipper.robadome.com![e-mail] (Zafar Khalid)
Subject: Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100
Date: 02 May 1994 17:03:03 GMT
Organization: ROLM - A Siemens Company
Reply-To: clipper.robadome.com![e-mail]


In article [e-mail], [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]
> writes:

>> Phone Question for those in the know.(I am not one of them, so please
>> reply in layperson lingo if possible. :-))

>> I am the Business Manager of the Student newspaper, the Stanford
>> Daily.  We are independent from the university, and are running a
>> very tight budget.  We pay alot each month to be connected to our
>> phone service and have no choice but to use the university phone
>> service.  We are currently we are being charged anywhere from $28.50
>> to $37.50 per month for each phone (which we own) plus $12.50 per
>> phone for an expanded local calling area ranging from San Francisco
>> to San Jose and parts of the East Bay.

>> The Daily intends to convert its current incoming 32 line mixed ET and
>> single-line set configuration to a set of 16 analog DID wink-start
>> trunks mapped to our current 32 numbers. We will be installing a
>> DID-ready PBX, station lines, and PBX telephones on our premises.

> Unless you get an extraordinary amount of incoming traffic, 16 DID
> trunks for 32 numbers is gross overkill.  Six to eight trunks are far
> more realistic.  Also, keep in mind that DID trunks are usually
> one-way incoming, so you'll need some outbound and/or two-way
> ground-start trunks as well.     ....

I agree that 16 DID lines are overkill, while six to eight are very
realistic.  I would further recommend that instead of DID lines, you
get ordinary loop start or ground start lines arranged in a hunt
group, and route all calls to a Auto-Attendant system behind your PBX.
Auto-attendant can redirect incoming calls and also could be used as
voiceMail system. These systems are in $3000-15000 price range
depending upon the vendor. For example: Centigram, ROLM PhoneMail,
ActiveVoice, Octel SmoothOperator are worth looking into.

Cheers.

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

From: [e-mail] (Bill Tighe)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Date: 2 May 94 10:24:1 GMT


[e-mail] (Gary Sanders @ AT&T Bell Labs, Columbus Ohio.)
once wrote ...

> In article <[e-mail]>, Stewart Fist <100033.2145@
> CompuServe.COM> wrote:

>> I've just received by fax a photocopy of a story from the {Guardian
>> Weekly} (UK) dated April 3.

>> It is headlined "Mobile phone set off airbag" and the story is about a
>> couple of instances where (it is claimed) GSM handsets have set off

     ...

> Yes but think about it; what is a switch but a couple of contacts? Add
> a liitle bit of dirt and gunk and you now have a diode. What can you
> you do with a diode -- you can detect radio signals. You now have an
> RF switch.

I have a brochure from Chrysler with a photo of one of their cars
undergoing RF testing.  The car is on a turntable in an anechoic room
with a _huge_ Yagi-like antenna pointed at it.  The test stated that
all the cars systems are tested in every conceivable RF environment.
It looks like they spend a lot of money to make ambient RF a
nonproblem.

I know RF has been a problem in the past; my 83 Volvo drops out of
cruise control when near a CB transmitter.  Some Audis in the early
80s would respond to RF by having the cruise control go to full
throttle while the ABS disabled the brakes!

I think the car makers have learned their lesson and now test their
cars for use with cellular phones and other transmitting products.
Hackers with multi-kW linears may still have problems.


Bill Tighe                 Noller Communications, Inc.
Email:  [e-mail]    1250 Holm Road
Phone:  [phone]       Petaluma, CA 94954-1172
FAX:    [phone]

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 13:40:47 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Rattlesnake Stu)
Subject: New BBS List to Save Money
Organization: Central Washington University


I have decided to compile a list of BBSs that use Sprint for a long
distance carrier for outbound long distance.  The sole purpose for
this is to save money through Sprint's automatic discount on
Sprint-to-Sprint calls.

If you run a BBS and your long distance carrier (on at least one line)
is Sprint, feel free to fill out the information below and e-mail it
to me.  The list will be published in two forms: The terse form will
be limited to one line per BBS, and the verbose form will include a
second line for comments.

Please feel free to pass this along to other SysOps so that a
comprehensive list can be established.  Let it be known upfront that I
do not work for Sprint and am in no way affiliated with Sprint other
than as a customer.  The list will not be sold, but will be
distributed freely.  There is little in it for me other than the
savings, which I hope to pass along to other Sprint customers.  I
fully encourage customers of other carriers that offer similar
automatic discounts like Sprint's to start similar lists.

The form for the data is:

Data needed:                               Example:
------------                               --------
System name: [_______________________]     [Hibernation BBS________]
Primary #:   [___-____-_____]              [628-433-9812]
City:        [___________]                 [Cyberville_]
State:       [__]                          [IT]
SysOp:       [_______________________]     [Big Bear_______________]
# Nodes:     [__]                          [1_]

Free-form Comments:
[______________________________________________________________________]

(Example:
[This is a BBS for beekeepers and bear watchers.__(NOT A REAL BBS!)____] )

E-mail to [e-mail] or [e-mail].  These
addresses are temporary - send a note of inquiry after 5/15/94 to either
of these addresses for an address update.


Stuart Whitmore
[e-mail]
Standard disclaimers apply  (no implied representation of CWU)

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 21:40:47 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, Lance Ware <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> I need help with programming these two cell phones. Specifically I
> need to program the phone numbers, and get the ESN so that I may have
> them both put on the same phone number.

> This is legitimate, I am not interested in going to jail for many
> years!

You may consider it legitimate, but it's a violation of federal
regulations and also contrary to your contract with the service
provider.  Not that folks haven't done it in the past, you understand,
but it's against the rules.  If you, at some point, have both phones
powered up at the same time, the service provider is likely to detect
it and lock you out.

The ESN's are supposed to be a permanent part of the phone, and not
changeable without replacing the ROM.  I've heard, though, that some
are capable of being changed in the setup.  Also, Motorola for one has
a special version of their phones with loadable ESN so that they can
provide a loaner in service situations.  Normally the setup only
allows changing the telephone number and other setup info, not the
ESN.


[e-mail]

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

From: uswnvg!uswnvg.com![e-mail] (John Barcomb)
Subject: Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander
Date: 02 May 94 17:51:00 GMT


Lance Ware ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I need help with programming these two cell phones. Specifically I
> need to program the phone numbers, and get the ESN so that I may have
> them both put on the same phone number.

> This is legitimate, I am not interested in going to jail for many
> years!

The ESN of your Motorola phone will be listed on the phone in HEX,
starting with an 8.  I'm not too sure about your Fujitsu.  My
experience with having two cellular phones programmed with the same
number is that both WILL ring, but no matter which one is answered,
the call will drop right away.  Can't explain it, it just happens.


John

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

From: [e-mail] (Marc Chatel)
Subject: Re: E1 Help Wanted
Date: 2 MAY 94 08:56:39 HEC
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Jack W.
Lix) writes:

> I need some information about "real world" E1 usage.  Does timeslot 16
> (normally used for signalling) ever get used for data in point to
> point usage.  I also understand some satellite transceivers use an E1
> interface.  Would they also reserve timeslot 16??  If so, whats the
> point??

Hmmm ... where do I start? E1 (described in ITU-TS G.703) is a
2.048Mbps clocking standard (unlike 1.544Mbps T1). All the E1
implementations I have seen so far use HDB3 for coding. This means
that, unlike some forms of T1, E1 is always (to my knowledge)
data-insensitive. That is, you can send as many zeroes or ones in
succession on an E1 link without losing sync.

How is E1 used in practice in the field for data usage?

1) Most common: Keep timeslot 0 for framing as per G.703 and use
timeslots 1 to 31 (including timeslot 16) for data. Effective
bandwidth available to the access device: 1.984 Mbps. Useful because
the carrier can monitor timeslot 0 and detect if the link is down at
the same time as the user (more or less) ...

2) Next most common: If the devices at both ends can create their own
framing without requiring G.703 framing, and if the PTT providing the
link is prepared for it (no intermediate devices on the line that
expect G.703-compliant timeslot 0), you can use timeslots 0 to 31 for
data. Effective bandwidth available to the access device: 2.048 Mbps.

You get more bandwidth, but the carrier cannot tell if the user
end-to-end link works or not, until a loopback is inserted, of
course ...

3) Fractional: Just like for T1, some administrations offer lower link
speeds (any N x 64 speed) by providing the user a 2.048 Mbps G.703
access with only some of the timeslots being transported to the far
end. There is no standard among PTTs and carriers about what timeslots
are used in such a case. This is more difficult to get in some
European countries than others, believe me.

The only case where timeslot 16 has a special meaning is when E1 is
used to transport standard voice traffic. In that case, timeslot 16
(as per G.704, G.732, etc.) is used to transport the signalling for
the voice channels being carried in timeslots 1-15 and 17-31.

Two signalling standards are defined for E1: CAS (a 4-bit value per
voice channel is transmitted 500 times per second) and CCS (timeslot
16 is used as a straight 64Kbps data channel, usually carrying CCS-7
style signalling).

In the hope this helps,


Marc Chatel    consultant
currently at: Digital Equipment France
Annecy, France

e-mail: [e-mail]
        [e-mail]        (permanent)

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"
Date: 02 May 1994 11:02:39 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


[In reference to AT&T disconnecting unanswered direct-dial calls]

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'll tell you why AT&T adopted that stance.
> Radio talk show host Larry King was in the habit of helping his callers
> avoid toll charges by telling them, "when you call us, just let it ring,
> we will answer you when it is your turn to be on the air ..." While most
> talk shows answer and screen your call, then leave you on hold upwards
> of 30-45 minutes waiting for your chance to spill your bile (on your
> nickle, I might add ... very few are willing to provide an 800 number
> for you to camp out on at their expense),

"The only information highway you'll ever need" does.  1-800-282-2882.

> King's thing was to have all his bells turned off and let the lights
> on his phone wink instead. That way the caller did not have to pay and
> neither did King. AT&T got stuck with the cost instead of having their
> circuits tied up in a non-revenue position for the several hours King
> is on the air. AT&T finally got tired of being the straight man for
> King's routine and started cutting off his unanswered calls after a
> couple minutes.

This seems a bit hard to swallow.  How many incoming trunks does Larry
King have?  Maybe a dozen.  Maybe two dozen.  How many million calls a
day does AT&T carry?  So ten or twenty people listen to ringing for an
hour or so.  Are you suggesting that this is going to have enough
impact on AT&T's revenue that they are going to re-engineer their
network to prevent it?  Thousands more get busy signals.  If AT&T
would improve their call processing time by one second, they would
free up the thousands of busy signal circuits one second sooner (and
AT&T indeed has very fast setup times).

> King's response was predictable: when he found out what AT&T was doing
> he blasted them over the air and told all his callers to start calling
> him using Sprint's 10333 code instead. AT&T's response:  Good!  Let him
> abuse Sprint instead. AT&T was glad to get rid of all that non-revenue
> dead weight traffic. So send thanks to Larry King for his abuse of the
> network which led AT&T to install the 'feature' you do not like.   PAT]

This makes even less sense on the part of AT&T.  They are willing to
anger someone with an audience the size of Larry King's, and suffer
his public endorsement of their competitor for a miniscule amount of
potential lost revenue from a couple of dozen callers a day listening
to ringback tone?  Somehow, "all that" non-revenue traffic seems
bearable in the face of free advertising for Sprint on the Larry King
show.  I'll bet Sprint is delighted to take such "abuse".


Jay Hennigan    [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It was never a question of how much
or how little network resource was being used. Obviously it was only
a drop in the bucket regards the overall network, although it may
concievably choked things up a little in the local center where King's
calls terminated. The point was that King was unwilling to pay part
of the cost involved in his business communications, yet he wanted his
'customers' to maintain their goodwill, so he pawned off what should
have been his expense (if he wanted his callers to get by as inexpensively
as possible) onto AT&T. It certainly was not their problem either. I
think AT&T simply looked at him as sort of a petty leecher, ripping off
a little bit at no cost to enhance his position.   PAT]

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 01:53:07 -0400
From: Jonathan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"


I disagree with the conventional wisdom on the unwelcome AT&T
"feature."  I believe that it is a VERY good idea to disconnect
callers after the called party number does not answer or gives a busy
signal for several minutes.  This condition may occur when the caller
leaves the phone off hook accidentally and also may occur if the
caller leaves the phone off-hook for the purpose of refusing incoming
calls.  Disconnecting the call frees up network resources and prevents
large amounts of toll charges from accruing in a system which does not
accept answer supervision.

However, if the call is placed as 0+ then there should be a way for
the operator to override the feature!

By the way, several times (in the past) I called collect (410) 954-xxxx
and got a recording saying that all representatives are busy.  After
about 2.5 minutes of waiting I got the recording, your party is not
answering.  we're sorry, but your call will now be disconnected.  This
was very annoying, and the AT&T operator could not override the
recording.  (This was a COLLECT call, as I remember.)

As I see it, the number ought to have turned on supervision as soon as
the all-attendants-busy recording came on, and the number should have
given a busy signal instead of cutting off if no representative had
picked up in 2.5 minutes.  Actually, with that particular number, I
think that what should happen is that it should say, "We're sorry;
your call cannot be completed at this time unless it is urgent.  If
you have an urgent call, then please remain on line for the next
repair representative; otherwise, please hang up now" if the wait is
longer than 4 minutes.  Supervision should begin about 10 seconds
after the "please hang up now."  The number should never make people
wait and then cut them off after they wait.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #194
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa03908;
          3 May 94 15:46 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA19912; Tue, 3 May 94 11:40:58 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA19901; Tue, 3 May 94 11:40:55 CDT
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 11:40:55 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #195

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 3 May 94 11:40:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 195

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Summary: Information on Telecommuting Policies Wanted (Matthew Blackmon)
    Worldwide Telecom Information (Ion Publishing Systems)
    Commercial E-mail and News Service in Argentina (Horacio Stolovitzky)
    Easy Asia-Pacific Roaming For Pagers and Phones (Greg Alexander)
    Cirrus Network ATM Usage in Slovakia? (Barry Bouwsma)
    Any Modem Decode DTMF? (Mark Boylan)
    Programming For Mitsubishi 4000 Cellular Phone? (Alan M. Gallatin)
    Government Limits Number of Modem Redial Attempts (Tim D. Gilman)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Matthew L. Blackmon)
Subject: Summary: Information on Telecommuting Policies Wanted
Date: 3 May 1994 10:00:33 -0400
Organization: CS Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville


Greetings:

I received over 30 requests for summaries regarding my recent posting
with respect to telecommuting policies.  As such, I am posting a
summary of the large number of replies that I received.

I have pared this down as much as possible, but the posting is still
quite long.  Any omissions or errors as a result are mine.

A very large THANK YOU to all those that responded.


Thanks again,

Matt Blackmon [e-mail] | [e-mail]
Department of Computer Science    | Manager, Network Engineering and TechnologyThe University of Tennessee       | The University of TN Medical Center
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996        | 615.544.6110

              ********BEGIN SUMMARIZED POSTING

 Article 13464 of comp.dcom.telecom:
 Date: 23 Apr 1994 21:29:02 -0400
 From: [e-mail] (Matthew L. Blackmon)
 Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
 Subject: Telecommuting Policies and Procedures
 Organization: CS Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
 X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 14, Issue 182, Message 9 of 9

Greetings:

I have been charged with the task of locating some resources on
telecommuting policies and procedures that are in use in industry.

We here at the University of Tennessee Medical Center are just entering
this arena, and are interested in learning as much as possible.

The particular areas of interest are personnel policies and
procedures, such as, work hours and ethics, pay scales (ie, do you pay
more or less for telecommuters?), payment of services and equipment
(ie, do you pay for the equipment and the ISDN or data lines to the
house, or does the telecommuter?), and etc. We are looking for any
ideas and pointers along this line.

Please email me and I will post a summary if there is sufficient interest.

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

   From: [e-mail] (Nigel Allen)

You might want to contact some large institutional employers, such as
your state's civil service commission .

Some Canadian organizations that you may want to contact are:

 Deputy Minister
 Management Board Secretariat
 Government of Ontario
 12th floor, Ferguson Block
 77 Wellesley Street West
 Toronto, Ontario M7A 1N3
 Canada
 telephone [phone]
 fax [phone]

 Francine Giguere
 Director - Public Affairs
 Bell Canada
 1050 Beaver Hall Hill
 Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1S4
 Canada
 telephone [phone]
 fax [phone]

 Ontario Hydro
 Corporate News Office
 Attn: Terry Young
 700 University Ave.
 Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X6
 Canada
 telephone [phone]

 Secretary General
 Public Service Commission of Canada
 300 Laurier Ave. West
 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M7
 Canada
 telephone [phone]

These people may not be able to answer your questions, but they
should be able to refer you to someone in their organization who
can help.

A researcher at McGill University (I don't know her name) in Montreal
is doing a study of "teleworkers", salaried employees who work at
home. You might want to give her a call at [phone] (voice). She
might be able to give you some good contacts.


  From: uswnvg![e-mail] (Jack Brand)
  Organization: US West NewVector, Inc., Bellevue, WA

I used to work for Pacific Bell and my work group did quite a lot of
telecommuting.  If you can contact P.B. they might send you their
official guidelines for telecommuting (it's a well-written booklet).

jb

  From: <[e-mail]>
  Organization: Concurrent Computer Corporation, Oceanport NJ

I am the Telecommunications Administrator for my company, and we have
many telecommuters in our company.  We handle them in various
different ways.  In most cases they use their company calling card and
use their own personal lines for the calls.  In some cases, where the
employee uses their home for more than data telecommunicating, i.e.
receiving calls at home, I install telephone and data lines and the
bills are charged to the company, and reviewed monthly.  Each location
receives one data line and one voice line. I never install more than
two lines.  I hope this helped a bit.

Carla Parisos


   From: [e-mail] (David Young)
   Organization: Cornell University

Hi,

I'm a graduate student at Cornell University.  I work with Professor
Frank Becker at the International Workplace Studies Program.  The
program is sponsored by organizations like Aetna, Arthur Andersen,
Ernst & Young, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Silicon Graphics and several
others.  Many of these organizations have implemented successful
telecommuting programs and other innovative workplace strategies like
virtual offices, hotelling and non-territorial offices.

These organizations sponsor research in the area you are interested
in.  You can find out more by contacting Frank Becker:

email: [e-mail]
phone: [phone]

David Young
Department of Design & Environmental Analysis
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850


  From: [e-mail] (Micky Skronski)

I spotted your April 23 post in comp.dcom.telecom.  I had just
subscribed to comp.dcom.telecom for exactly the same reason.  In my
inquiries around my campus (UC Berkeley) I have found one written
policy from one of the other departments in our control unit --
Information Systems and Technology.  If you would like, I can send
that to you.  It is not terribly sophisticated but is the only thing I
have so far.

I hope that you will share any other responses you receive.  I will
send along a University policy if I find any.  I also have friends who
work in the computing industry and will be asking them.  I called a
cousin who works in human resources for Charles Schwab -- they don't
really have a policy -- they strongly discourage the practice.

Let me know if you are interested in the only "department level"
document I have.

   From: "[e-mail]" <[e-mail]>

Saw your post in the TELECOM Digest on this subject.  You should know
that the "telecommuting guru" is Gil Gordon, 10 Donner Court, Monmouth
Junction NJ 08852; [phone]; (908-329-2703 fax). Extremely
knowledgable and very helpful a couple years ago when my former
employer was planning and implementing a flexplace program.  John
Covell


   From: [e-mail] (Dave Mausner)

Ny previous employer made these arrangements:

He paid dedicated line (9600 baud) costs if employee lived in service
area of company's telco exchange office;

Otherwise, he paid connection charges over dialup lines using
automatic expense reimbursement;

Telecommuters were NOT discriminated against with respect to pay.

Work was based on completion of assigned tasks, not hours-per-day
quotas.

Hope you find this useful. Regards.

Dave Mausner, Braun Technology Group, 30 W. Monroe 300, Chicago, IL 60603


  From: [e-mail] (Shuang Deng)
  Organization: GTE Laboratories, Waltham, MA

Bellcore reportedly has, or is working on, a policy.  My employer is
looking at it, but no thing is expected to come out for at least
another six monthes.

Regards,

Shuang Deng             Email:   [e-mail]
GTE Laboratories            or     [e-mail]
40 Sylvan Road          Phone: [phone]
Waltham, MA 02254, USA  Fax  : [phone]


   From: Michael Duane x7827 <[e-mail]>

The telecommuter saves you money (by not occupying office space, so
you should pay for the phone lines). ISDN probably isnt needed except
for graphics intensive applications.

I'll include an a similar posting I recently saved:

    Date: Thu, 27 Jan 1994 13:17:59 +0100
    From: cvitoa![e-mail] (Koos de Heer)
    Subject: Telecommuting Summary

Recently I have had email discussions with a few people about
telecommuting. A number of questions remained unanswered between us,
so I am posting a summary of our discussions and the questions that we
have. Anyone who is willing to contribute: please do so. Preferably by
posting, but if you cannot post, email me and I will summarize in a
future post.  Special thanks to G. Trevor Foo ([e-mail])
for his contributions.


Driving forces for the proliferation of telecommuting:

Technology:

For example, the advent of low priced desktop videoconferencing
equipment and the recent movements in the U.S. for a national
information infrastructure.  The LINK Resourse, a telecommuting
research firm, states that employees are spending an increasing amount
of money on acquiring their own equuipment to telecommute.  From 1991
to 1992, PCs sold to information workers have increased by 27%.

Traffic problems:

No need to elaborate: costs, time, environment ...

Job mobility:

Lifetime employment means moving once to the town of your employer and
never having traffic problems again. Planning to switch jobs means
living where you want to live, independent of where your job is
located because after a few years you will have another job somewhere
else anyway.

Women's (and men's) lib:

More flexibility in the daily schedule, for both partners, makes it
easier to both have a career and children.

Changing management culture:

Output oriented management instead of process (attendance) oriented
management.  This is a requirement, telecommuting is not going to work
well without it.

Size of business that will especially adopt (and benefit from)
telecommuting:

Small organizations:

- small businesses have a less formal organizational culture,
  less bureaucracy, than larger organizations.
- innovation is easier and more common, new technologies are
  adopted faster.
- they have less rigid operating procedures.

Large organizations:

- large businesses are changing management culture and
  desperately looking for ways to become more efficient.
- another important condition for effective telecommuting is
  specialization: in a small organization, the workers tend to
  be less specialized. When someone has more different tasks,
  more contact with co-workers is needed.
- large organisations are familiar with the use of elctronic
  links between co-workers, possibly to the extent that they
  will not know if a co-worker is at home or in the office.

Numbers and growth:

Present estimates of the size of the potential telecommuting work
force range from 30% to 45% of the total work force in highly
industrialized countries. This does not mean that 30% or 45% of the
_work_ is telecommutable. Many of the workers will telecommute only
part of the week. The portion of the total amount of work that could
be considered telecommutable is probably less (does anyone have a
hunch about a figure for this?).

The present research seems to start from jobs and criteria as they are
now, allowing for growth of telecommuting on the basis of growing
acceptance of technologies and growing political concern. It would be
useful to have a prediction of how other factors may change. There are
developments in society that will influence the telecommuting
potential in the years to come:

- Industrial jobs are decreasing in number as processes are
  automated. Jobs in commerce, automation, consultancy and
  other services are increasing.
- Not only technology develops, but also people get more
  used to technology for communication. The need for personal
  meetings will never disappear, but become less over the
  years to come.

We have not found a way to calculate a figure for the impact of these
changes. Anyone have ideas on this?

A thought: if there are figures for the penetration of email and fax
and for the growth of internet, and if there are predictions for how
those figures will develop in the future, would that information be
useful to say something about the rate at which technology becomes
accepted? Of course, that does not solve the equation yet, as there
are more unknown variables. Like the necessary change in the culture
and management style of organizations (output driven rather than
process driven).

As I said, any comments are appreciated.


koos de heer - centrum voor informatieverwerking
[e-mail]               tel. ++31.30.924860

[e-mail]


   From: "Peter M. Weiss" <[e-mail]>
   Organization: Penn State University

Don't forget the notebook archives of FLEXWORK stored on the
[e-mail].

Here is the script that I sent to the listserv followed by the INDEX
output.  Change the INDEX to PRINT to get the actual text:

/* --------------------- clip and save ---------------- */
//ListSrch JOB Echo=no
Database Search DD=Rules OUTLIM=3000 f=mail
//Rules DD *
S (pay or salary) and (policy or policies) in flexwork
index
/*
//  EOJ
/* --------------------- clip and save ---------------- */

> S (pay or salary) and (policy or policies) in flexwork
--> Database FLEXWORK, 5 hits.

> index
Item #   Date   Time  Recs   Subject

000057 93/05/26 07:04  447   teleco
000059 93/05/31 13:21  943   NEW SIRI SERVICES
000060 93/06/19 14:08   99   Tele-Community (fwd)
000065 93/10/15 16:15  592   INT'L ACADEMY OF BUSINESS DISCIPLINES CALL FOR PAP+
000079 93/11/02 08:30  962   (Forwarded) article on telework

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

 co-owner LDBASE-L, et -L
[e-mail]     "The 'NET' never naps"             [phone]
31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA 16802-1202 USA

********END SUMMARIZED POSTING

Matt Blackmon [e-mail] | [e-mail]
Department of Computer Science    | Manager, Network Engineering and Technology
The University of Tennessee       | The University of TN Medical Center
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996        | 615.544.6110

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

From: [e-mail] (Ion Publishing Systems)
Subject: Worldwide Telecom Information
Date: 3 May 1994 10:40:48 -0400
Organization: Gigital Gateway Systems


I am looking for information about the current telephony
infrastructure in each country around the world. Is there such a
source anywhere?

Please reply directly.

Thanks!

Gerry

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

Subject: Commercial E-Mail and News Service in ARGENTINA
From: [e-mail] (Horacio Stolovitzky)
Date: Tue, 03 May 94 00:47:49 -0400


You can find enclosed an updated information about SatLink in Argentina:

SatLink
========
Argentina SatLink Uucp/Internet gateway

SatLink service was introduced in 1992 as the first independant e-mail
and USENET news commercial provider in South an Latin America.  The
network users are UUCP connected. Satlink serves companies,
enterprises, academic and scientific institutions, government
agencies, embassies, media, public organizations, and individuals.

Facilities:
===========

Electronic mail, USENET news, Domain Name Server, FTP mail service,
ARCHIE service, listserv, argentinian mail lists, directory and naming
services, UUCP connectivity.

Addressing:
===========

All computers and subnetworks on SatLink use Internet-style domain
addresses.  SatLink has its own domains for its hosts and routers
(satlink.net, ar.net and argentina.com).  Each attached member
organization has its own Internet-style set of domain addresses. Each
attached member system has a postmaster account for inquiries on
addresses and users.

Please contact [e-mail] for information or help.  There
are about 300 attached member domains and sub-domains across Argentina
connected to Satlink (April 1994).


Contact:
========
Horacio D. Stolovitzky
SatLink Uucp/Internet gateway
Casilla de Correo 3618
(1000) Correo Central
Buenos Aires - ARGENTINA
Telephone: [phone]
Modem: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
        [e-mail]

Future Plans:
=============
SatLink plans to open a TCP/IP connection by the beginning of 1995.

Notes:
======

Satlink is developing POPs (Points of Presence) all around Argentina
in the major cities: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, La Plata, Rosario,
Mendoza, Comodoro Rivadavia, etc ...


Horacio Stolovitzky             Internet address: [e-mail]
SatLink Uucp/Internet Gateway                     [e-mail]
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA                           [e-mail]

                  SatLink: Networking for the masses!

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

From: [e-mail] (Greg Alexander)
Subject: Easy Asia-Pacific Roaming For Pagers and Phones
Date: Tue, 03 May 94 03:41:19 EDT
Organization: Cybernet BBS, Boca Raton, Florida


I'm trying to help my father out by finding a way for us and his work
to keep in contact with him as he travels throughout Asian countries
(and sometimes Europe). We live in Australia, so the GSM Digital
phones look good, but aren't yet functioning in most of the countries.

Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore are easy to get, but Vietnam,
Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia are quite difficult. Does anyone know of
any company that has a pager or phone roaming feature that might work
(without signing up in every country individually for our Analogue
phone to have a different number everywhere (preferably :) -- that
would cost alot!)

I've heard a new Global Paging System is being setup for release in
July, but no-one in Australia seems to know anything about it. This
would seem ideal (for one-way communication). Anyone know anything?


Thanks heaps,

Greg   [e-mail]  (above address less frequently used)

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

From: [e-mail] (Barry Bouwsma)
Subject: Cirrus Network ATM Usage in Slovakia?
Date: 3 May 1994 04:13:37 GMT
Organization: St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, OH
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Barry Bouwsma)


    Yes, the money machine type of ATM.  I made a post to this group
somewhat over half a year ago, in which I inquired about the behavior
of my money machine card when it would work, and wouldn't work, in the
Slovak Republic.

    Shortly thereafter, the ATM card I was using was reissued, and the
replacement card was supposed to work throughout the world.  It seemed
to, except not in Slovakia.  I'm now trying to figure out if this may
have been a problem with the Slovak bank network, or with my US card
and bank.

    What I would like to ask, seeing as I never had any success trying
to use the Cirrus/MasterCard/EuroCard ATMs anywhere in Slovakia from
about October of 1993 through March of 1994, is whether anyone from
anywhere in the US, or elsewhere in the world, might have tried to use
a Cirrus card, or even a MasterCard, anywhere in Slovakia (such as in
Bratislava) during this time, or recently, and whether you had success
or failure with this.

    Of course, mail your responses directly to me rather than to the
group, to help me see if this problem is unique to my bank, or if it
has affected others and would then be a problem with the Slovak bank.
I'm asking this of Telecom readers, because as they travel, I would
expect them to pay more attention to these electronic fund transfers
then your typical traveler.  Thanks in advance ...


Barry Bouwsma, back in Michigan, wishes he were in Europe
MIME mail to  <[e-mail]> , ASCII text to  <[e-mail]>

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

From: [e-mail] (mark boylan)
Subject: Any Modem Decode DTMF?
Date: 3 May 1994 00:24:41 -0400
Organization: International Internet Association.


Is there a modem that can accept and decode DTMF tones after it's
answered an incoming call?  And also, how can I send the output of a
SoundBlaster card over the same phone line?  I'm trying to write an
app that will allow a caller to select a .WAV file from just a phone,
and then listen to it.


mark

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

From: Alan M. Gallatin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Programming For Mitsubishi 4000 Cellular Phone?
Date: 2 May 1994 21:39:19 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC


Greetings.  I have a Mitsubishi 4000 cellular phone (unless I'm
mistaken, it is the same as the Diamondtel 22X) -- I need to change my
security code (not the lock code) and, therefore, need to get into the
phone's programming mode.  Does anyone have the programming code for
this model (along with appropriate instructions for entering this
mode)?

Replies via e-mail only, please.  Thanks a bunch!


Alan M. Gallatin          [e-mail]
[e-mail]   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tim D. Gilman)
Subject: Government Regulates Number of Modem Redial Atttempts?
Date: 3 May 1994 03:51:30 GMT
Organization: UC Bezerkeley


I was trying out new modem software yesterday, and under the option
where one can specify the number of redial attempts before giving up,
somthing like the following reads: "Governement regulations may limit
you to 10 redials maximum."  I had never heard anything about this.
Out of simple curiosity, could someone enlighten myself (or others as
well) on this matter?


Thanks,

Tim


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: That has been the case in Canada for quite
a few years and I think it is true here in the USA also now. The reason is
a modem has no way of knowing it is dialing a wrong number and being
offensive to the human victim at the other end ... and some owners of
modems could care less :( ... by limiting the number of redial attempts,
the owner is forced to re-enter the data for the dialing string now and
then, meaning if he entered the wrong information to start with (and as
a result has been hounding some poor person for several minutes with
modem calls) the chances are likely he may enter the correct string the
next time he has to enter it manually. Some people, you see, leave the
speaker turned off all the time and as a result don't even realize they
are connecting to a live person in errror instead of another modem. I
would rather have seen a rule saying that if voice was detected instead
of carrier, the speaker would automatically turn on regardless of its
setting and play the intercept message (or bewildered human saying 'hello'
over and over) to the person at the computer. But the way they have it
now with limits on the redial attempts is the next best solution.   PAT]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #195
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa04652;
          3 May 94 16:47 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21263; Tue, 3 May 94 12:26:06 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA21249; Tue, 3 May 94 12:26:03 CDT
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 12:26:03 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #196

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 3 May 94 12:26:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 196

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    The Great Clipper Debate - 5/9/94 (Dave Banisar)
    Telecom in China (Todd Allmendinger)
    "The President's Analyst" is on AMC Tonight! (Jim Maurer)
    Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Line ([e-mail])
    Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Line (Carl Oppedahl)
    Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Line (Rich Osman)
    Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead (Edwin Green)
    Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead (Hans-Gabriel Ridder)
    Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead (Rob Levandowski)
    Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works! (Rich Greenberg)
    Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works! (Bill Hofmann)
    Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real? (Christian Weisgerber)
    Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real? (John Lundgren)
    Re: GM-Hughes 500 Channels ([e-mail])
    Re: Source of 25 Pair AMP Connector to RJ11 Patchboard Needed (J. Lundgren)
    Re: Source of 25 Pair AMP Connector to RJ11 Patchboard Needed (J. Hennigan)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon,  2 May 1994 18:17:02 +0000
From: Dave Banisar <[e-mail]>
Subject: The Great Clipper Debate  5/9/94


                      The Great Clipper Debate:
              National Security or National Surveillance?

Sponsored by:  The Georgetown University Law Center Space Law Group
               and Communications Law Forum

In Coordination with: The George Washington University Institute for
Computer and Telecommunications Systems Policy, the Association for
Computing Machinery Special Interest Group for Computers and Society,
and the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section.

Date and Time:    May 9, 1994, at 7:30 p.m.

Place:            The Georgetown University Law Center(Moot Court Room)
                  600 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

     The Administration, through the Department of Justice and the
National Security Agency, has proposed a standard encryption algorithm
for both the public and commercial marketplace, with the goal of
making this algorithm the method of choice for persons wishing to
encode their telephone and other voice and data communications.  The
FBI and the NSA are concerned that the increasing availability, and
affordability, of encryption mechanisms will make it difficult and in
some cases impossible for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to
tap into and to understand the communications of criminals and other
pertinent groups.  This proposal has become known as the "Clipper
Chip," in that it would be implemented by the voluntary insertion of a
computer chip into telephone, fax machine, and other communications
systems.

     The Clipper Chip has generated considerable controversy.
Opposing it are various civil libertarian groups, as well as
telecommunications companies, software and hardware manufacturers, and
trade associations.  The debate has raged behind closed doors, and
openly in the press.

     On Monday, May 9, at the Georgetown University Law School, a
round table debate will take place on this controversy.  The
participants represent both sides of the issue, and are illustrative
of the various groups which have taken a stand.  The participants are:

        Dorothy Denning, Chairperson of the Computer Science Department
        of Georgetown University

        Michael Godwin, Legal Counsel of the Electronic Frontier
        Foundation;

        Geoffrey Greiveldinger, Special Counsel to the Narcotic and
        Dangerous Drug Section of the U.S. Department of Justice;

        Michael Nelson, of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
        of the White House;

        Marc Rotenberg, Director of the Electronic Privacy Information
        Center; and

        Stephen Walker, President of Trusted Information Systems, Inc.,
        and a former cryptographer with the National Security Agency

     In addition, there will be two moderators: Dr. Lance Hoffman,
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The George
Washington University, and Andrew Grosso, a former federal prosecutor
who is now an attorney in private practice in the District of
Columbia.

     The program will last approximately two and one half hours, and
will be divided into two parts.  The first half will offer the panel
the opportunity to respond to questions which have been submitted to
the participants beforehand; the second will present the panel with
questions from the audience.

     There is no charge for this program, and members of the public
are encouraged to attend. Reservations are requested in advance, and
should be directed to one of the following individuals:

   - C. Dianne Martin, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical
   Engineering and Computer Science, The George Washington University,
   Phillips Hall, Room 624-C, Washington, D.C. 20052; telephone: (202)
   994-8238; E mail: [e-mail]

   - Sherrill Klein, Staff Director, ABA Criminal Justice Section,1800
   M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20036; telephone: [phone];
   fax: [phone]

   - Francis L. Young, Young & Jatlow, 2300 N Street, N.W., Suite 600,
   Washington, D.C. 20037; telephone: [phone];  fax: (202)
   331-8001

   Questions for the panelists should be submitted, in writing, to one
   of the moderators:

   - Lance Hoffman, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and
   Computer Science, The George Washington University,  Washington,
   D.C. 20052; fax: [phone]; E mail: [e-mail]

   - Andrew Grosso, 2300 N Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C.,
   20037; fax: [phone]; E mail: [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 08:46:23 MST
From: Todd Allmendinger <[e-mail]>
Subject: Telecom in China


    I am working on a project concerning leased line digital
telecommunications, using satellite links.  I understand a joint
equity venture is not possible, however a joint revenue sharing
agreement is permitted, and in use by several companies.

        I am interested in talking with some telecommunications
persons in China. Either from the MPT, regional local PTT or some of
the other minitries such as Minstry of Electronics who operate their
own networks, CHINAPAC etc.

        I will be in Harbin for June and July and in Bejing for a few
days in Aug. I plan to attend the information technology conference in
Beijing.

        I would also like to find out about upcoming conferences
either in China or outside of China which will talk about telecommunicat-
ions in China. Again these could be related to MPT organizations or
Other Ministries that have their own networks.

Please respond directly to my E-mail address. Thank you.


Todd Allmendinger    [e-mail]

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

Subject: "The President's Analyst" is on AMC Tonight!
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 09:41:03 PDT
From: Jim Maurer <[e-mail]>


The movie "The President's Analyst" will be on the cable channel AMC
tonight at 9:30 pm (at least in California, check your local listings).
I'm sure it'll be on again, but I don't know any dates or times.

Be sure to watch it and find out how the Bell System took over control
of the government in the 1960's!!!!  Classic Telecom entertainment!


Jim Maurer          Specialix Inc.
[e-mail]   [phone]

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

Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 18:42:52 -0700
From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Telephone Line


In article <[e-mail]> is written:

> My home is wired for two residential telephone lines.  Because of my
> proximity to an am radio transmitter (am 1550khz), many of my audio
> and telephone devices suffer from "radio noise", from that one station
> only though.  Some days it is worse than others, some days there is no
> interference at all.
> The local telco has installed several blue capacitors(?) at the demark box
> on my house.
> Please respond via e-mail to [e-mail].

The problem with radio-frequency energy actually becomes a problem
when it ends up at "a something" that demodulates it, then you hear
the signal.  One potential 'something' is anything containing
semiconductor electronics.  Another 'something' is any kind of a poor
connection, which sometimes acts as a diode.

You can fight this by reducing the signal.  Capacitors/RF filters at
the demarc and capacitors across the carbon mike in a telephone (it's
non-linear and will demodulate RF) are good starts.  A ferrite choke
(donut) placed near the telephone, with the line cord making a couple
turns through it, is another common tactic.  Non-electronic phones
often are less of a problem (although less functional) than electronic
ones.

Visit your local amateur radio / electronics shop for parts and
advice.  Good luck!


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Carl Oppedahl)
Subject: Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Telephone Line
Date: 3 May 1994 00:26:02 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC


In <[e-mail]> Dirk Menzel <[e-mail]> writes:

> I have had all of the affected telephone devices modified by their
> respective manufacturers ... the problem persist on a recently puchased
> Panasonic KXT3175, two-line, Easa-Phone.

> The local telco has installed several blue capacitors(?) at the demark box
> on my house.

> I have tried to eliminate the Panasonic telephone as the culprit by
> putting it in a metal breadbox (really!!!), with no success.

This was unlikely to have helped.

> I believe that the noise is entering the line via a TP four-conductor
> cable strung along the outside of my home.

Could be.

> At this point I am open to suggestions.  Might I be able to install a
> filter (to filter out mainly 1550khz) right at the telephone?

I would consider installing low-pass filters at many locations, to
break up your lines so that they are unlikely to present any resonant
lengths.

> (I use one of my lines for voice and modem.)  A commercially available
> inline filter (#Z100B1), besides being a single line device, did not
> have any effect.

You can filter each line (red/green and yellow/black) separately.

Pick up the May issue of QST.  It has ads in the back from companies
that sell phone line filters, and it has an article on the FCC testing
phones tht turn out to be bulletproof against RF interference.


Carl Oppedahl AA2KW    Oppedahl & Larson (patent lawyers)
Yorktown Heights, NY   voice 212-777-1330

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

Date: Mon, 2 May 94 18:13:20 CDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Radio Frequency Interference on Residential Telephone Line


> My home is wired for two residential telephone lines.  Because of my
> proximity to an am radio transmitter (am 1550khz), many of my audio
> and telephone devices suffer from "radio noise", from that one station
> only though.  Some days it is worse than others, some days there is no
> interference at all.

This is an increasingly common problem.  Newer more electronic devices
have more opportunities for rectification and internal amplification.
This makes them more susceptable to this kind of interference.  I have
an AM Spanish-language station 3/4 of a mile from the house -- same
problem in my bulletprook ole' 1A2.  The problem is occurring in the
music-on-hold receiver or amp.

> I have had all of the affected telephone devices modified by their
> respective manufacturers ... the problem persist on a recently puchased
> Panasonic KXT3175, two-line, Easa-Phone.

**IF** the problem appears on both lines equally, then it is probably
the Easa-Phone.  My guess is that the variation in the problem
correlates to wet weather or wet ground.  If you are powering the
phone off the wall (not the phone line), see if you can run it off a
battery temporarily.  Unplugging the phone lines may tell you
something, but I'll bet they need to be plugged in to see the problem,
even if it's coming in the power line.  It is possible that it's
sneaking in the power connection.  There are some off-the-shelf
filters available to add addtional filtering in the line.  I'll have
to see what I can spot.  I'll be you get other notes suggesting brands
and sources.

How many devices are on the line with the Easa-Phone?  Does the
problem appear on both lines?  The bad news is that the problem may
actually be occurring in another device and only appears on
Easa-Phone.  If the problem is not on both lines, you might try
swapping lines into the Easa-Phone, and try swapping devices between
lines.

> The local telco has installed several blue capacitors(?) at the
> demark box on my house.

*Ahem*, condensers my good man!  These really are caps, and are good
for certain applications, but I'm found them to be really useful only
when installed inside early (read: non-electronic hybrid) 500/2500
sets.  Since you have already said that you've had the Panny modified
by them, I'd try external filtering at the phone.  The blue cans are
cute, but I don't hold a lot of hope for them.  A good commercial
filter is the best bet.

> I have tried to eliminate the Panasonic telephone as the culprit by
> putting it in a metal breadbox (really!!!), with no success.

It's unlikely that this will help.  The problem is probably coming in
the phone or power line.  The only way this *might* help is if the
problem was occurring in the phone itself, and them you'd need to be
sure the grounds were all correct and that the lid really was grounded
too.  Try putting an AM radio tuned to 1550 in the breadbox and see
what happens.  Try tuning another strong local station.

> I believe that the noise is entering the line via a TP four-conductor
> cable strung along the outside of my home.

Why do you believe this?

> At this point I am open to suggestions.  Might I be able to install a
> filter (to filter out mainly 1550khz) right at the telephone?  (I use

Right at the phone, or better yet inside are the only really useful
locations in this kind case.

> one of my lines for voice and modem.)  A commercially available inline
> filter (#Z100B1), besides being a single line device, did not have any
> effect.

Whose part number is that and what were it's specifications?  Many of
these are designed to combat higher frequency problems (like CB) and
are inneffective at AM broadcast frequencies.

> Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I am fairly technically and
> mechanically competent and could handle minor electrical modifications
> with limited instructions.

One thing I'd try is to e-mail [e-mail] and ask them for their
lastest RFI brochure.  It's written from the standpoint of a ham
trying to solve his own problems and prevent problems with and for
neighbors.  I think there's also a note in the archives under RFI or
somesuch.


[e-mail]  (Rich Osman) [phone] (w)  [phone] (h;v/msg/fax)

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

From: [e-mail] (Edwin Green)
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 07:41:47 EST
Subject: Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead
Organization: AT&T


In article <[e-mail]> is written:

> (Newcomers: The Public Phone 2000 was a venture attempted by AT&T a
> few years ago.  Essentially, computer terminals were placed at many
> international airports in the U.S.  With a calling card, you could
> place calls anywhere there was a modem, without having to worry about
> bringing your own laptop and somehow connecting it to a pay phone.
> Unfortunately, it turned out the phone terminals were not tariffed,
> so AT&T had to disable the terminal feature pending approval.)

> I had the chance to spend a couple of hours at the St. Louis International
> Airport this weekend, and I saw a couple of AT&T Public Phone 2000
> booths, so I decided to check them out.  Alas, what I found were plain
> old pay phones.  I suppose this means that AT&T has decided to give up.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: That's a shame, because the 2000's were
> a very useful service. Too bad it did not work out.   PAT]

The reports of our death are premature!  We received partial approval
from the FCC to turn on terminal emulation, but not full approval.  We
have been waiting since March to turn it back on.  It could be any day
or it could be months.  At any rate, when we get approval I will let
you know.


Edwin G. Green
AT&T Bell Laboratories          Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
INH 1A-519                      317-845-3659
[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Please do!  I'll be happy to post it here
and let everyone know the 2000 phones are back in full service.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Hans)
Subject: Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead
Date: 3 May 1994 16:37:27 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - DECwest Engineering


In article <[e-mail]> John C. Fowler <fowlerc@magellan.
Colorado.EDU> writes:

> I had the chance to spend a couple of hours at the St. Louis International
> Airport this weekend, and I saw a couple of AT&T Public Phone 2000
> booths, so I decided to check them out.  Alas, what I found were plain
> old pay phones.  I suppose this means that AT&T has decided to give up.

I was in the Alaska Airlines terminal at the Seattle-Tacoma airport
two weeks ago, and saw a couple of Public Phone 2000's *with
keyboard*.  I didn't have time to check them out ... I assume they
were working since after the tariff problems all the keyboards seem to
have been removed.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: That's a shame, because the 2000's were
> a very useful service. Too bad it did not work out.   PAT]

Since John based his remarks on his experience in one airport, and not
from any offical announcements from AT&T, it's probably a bit premature
to be speaking in the past tense, don't you think?


Hans-Gabriel Ridder <[e-mail]>
DECwest Engineering, Bellevue, Washington, USA

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

From: [e-mail] (Rob Levandowski)
Subject: Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead
Organization: University of Rochester - Rochester, New York
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 00:41:11 GMT


It strikes me as odd, too ... considering that the 2000s have been
very visible in some episodes of the NBC-TV show "Viper" lately as
videophones -- logo, name and all -- I had been wondering if AT&T was
considering a new use for them. Especially considering the way AT&T
has been pushing videophone technology of late. One would imagine it
would not be impossible to retrofit the 2000s with video codecs ...
Perhaps not cost-effective, but possible.


Rob Levandowski
Computer Interest Floor associate / University of Rochester
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Rich Greenberg)
Subject: Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works!
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 22:36:32 GMT


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Fred
Heald) writes:

> To my surprise this morning I found that a feature I've been asking for
> forever finally works!

[...]
> Netcom) I accidentally dialed the 1-818, and the call went through!

> Since I'm in PacBel land, I'm hoping they've implemented this all over
> the area.  FINALLY! and yet with no fanfare or even notice -- I guess
> they'd be admitting a mistake.

I am in the 310 part of Pa Bell, and it worked here also.  Thanks Pa.


Rich Greenberg            Work: ETi Solutions, Oceanside & L.A. CA 310-348-7677
N6LRT   TinselTown, USA   Play: [e-mail]                  310-649-0238

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

From: [e-mail] (Bill Hofmann)
Subject: Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works!
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 03:04:02 GMT


This has been the case in 510 since October.


Bill Hofmann                [e-mail]
Fresh Software and Instructional Design    [phone]

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

Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 22:30:00 +0200
From: [e-mail] (Christian Weisgerber)
Subject: Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real?


In comp.dcom.telecom was written:

> Has anyone heard of a small company called Digital Compression
> Technology (DCT)?  It claims it can move 16 Mbps of various kinds of
> data down a regular telephone line (yes, that's 16 MEGABITS per
                      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> "DCT technology lets telephone wire simultaneously carry [ a lot ]
                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Is this for real or is DCT a couple of engineering students with some
> vaporware, a fax machine, and a gift for self-promotion?

Quite possibly this is real. However, you're completely
misinterpreting the achievement. Those people move 16Mbps over
telephone type cabling, comparable to, say, Twistet Pair Ethernet
(10Base-T). They're not doing this over the traditional PSTN. There's
no reason to get particularly excited.


Christian 'naddy' Weisgerber, Germany         [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: 16 Mbps Modem for Real?
Date: 02 May 94 18:36:33 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


I thought CDDI and fast ethernet were already here.  In this case, the
16MBPS modem sounds more like a CSU/DSU, or TA.  If so, then the phone
co. would provide service at whatever speed your heart and wallet
desires.  If you want 45MBPS, then they will provide it.  They may
decide the most practical solution is to provide fiber to your
location, or a microwave link if it's more cost effective.  You hook
up your 16MBPS thingy, and away you go.

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: GM-Hughes 500 Channels
Organization: organized?? me?
Date: Mon, 02 May 1994 21:51:14 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, A. Padgett Peterson
<[e-mail]> wrote:

> A couple of months ago Hughes was advertising for technicians to
> service their new small-dish satellite TV system (500 channel?). Does
> anyone know what the status is, when it will become available, or have
> a contact phone or E-Mail number ? Reply to: [e-mail]

 From the Friday, April 22nd, {Milwaukee Journal}

   The DBS dishes are small, about 18 inches in diameter vs. 6 to 10
feet across for conventional satellite dishes.  DBS dishes are also
less expensive.  Suggested retail prices range from $700 to $900,
quite a bit lower than the $2,000 to $3,000 cost of the larger dishes.

   They will be manufactured by Thomson Consumer Electronics and sold
under the RCA brand name.

   Up to 150 channels will be available through DBS, including most
major cable channels and premium stations like HBO.

   Programming will be provided by DirecTV, a unit of GB Hughes
Electronics, and United States Satellite Broadcasting.  Users will
have to pay monthly fees ranging from $22 to $35, depending on the
channels they want.


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: Source of 25 Pair AMP Connector to RJ11 Patchboard Needed
Date: 03 May 94 10:11:30 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


Joseph McGuckin ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I'm looking for a rack mountable patchboard that accepts a 25 pair AMP
> connector and fans it out to 25 RJ11's.

> Joe   [e-mail]
                ^^^^^^^^

You look like you're within a reasonable distance from Fry's
Electronics.  Check them out.  The one here in Orange County has a
fairly good supply of stuff such as octopus cables, etc. for telecomm.

Best of success.

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

From: [e-mail] (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: Source of 25 Pair AMP Connector to RJ11 Patchboard Needed
Date: 03 May 1994 06:15:01 -0700
Organization: Regional Access Information Network (RAIN)


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail]-Jose.
ate.slb.com (Joseph McGuckin) writes:

> I'm looking for a rack mountable patchboard that accepts a 25 pair AMP
> connector and fans it out to 25 RJ11's.

Try Allen-Tel (sold by Graybar) for their model AT125-SM.  This does
what you want but it's surface-mount.  Bolt one (or more) to a blank
rack panel and you're done.


Jay Hennigan   [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #196
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa05651;
          3 May 94 18:29 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA24764; Tue, 3 May 94 14:11:06 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA24751; Tue, 3 May 94 14:11:02 CDT
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 14:11:02 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #197

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 3 May 94 14:11:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 197

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: NANP and Switches (James Slupsky)
    Re: NANP and Switches (Carl Moore)
    Re: X.25 Networks (Doug Gurich)
    X.21 Testing (Gabor Fencsik)
    Sun and X25 (James Slupsky)
    Information on X.25 and Other CCITT Documents (Emmet Hikory)
    Re: Demise of Newsgroups Feared (Barry Mishkind)
    Re: More Information Needed on Motorola 550 Programming (John Barcomb)
    Re: DunsNet (Thrivikrama Shenoy)
    Re: Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone? (George Beuselinck)
    Re: Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone? (Sean Donelan)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Carl Moore)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Matthew Stone)
    Re: Phoning Cuba (John R. Levine)
    Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 (Emmet Hikory)
    Re: CO's and Disasters (Tom Watson)
    Computer Information Systems (Terri M. Kouba)
    Re: Telco MUX to Home? (David Kiviat)
    Re: GSM and Airbags (John Lundgren)
    Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100 (John Lundgren)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 11:39:00 +0700
From: [e-mail] (James Slupsky)
Subject: Re: NANP and Switches


> In article <[e-mail]> is written:

>> We currently have a Northern Telecom Meridian Option 61 (software
>> relase 17) with 44 DID trunks, a T1 for long distance, and about 1300
>> active phones.  We have been told by Ameritech that, in order for us
>> to be able to comply with the implementation of the new North American
>> Numbering Plan (NANP) on January 1, 1995, we must upgrade our switch
>> with an additional memory card, another ROM board and software release
>> 19.  My questions are (1) is this really necessary and (2) can we wait
>> until the middle of 1995 before doing this and still provide access
>> via NANP?  Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

In answer to question one, no.  Firstly, if you are using an access
code to dial outside calls (such as "9"), then your software will not
care what digits are dialed after that.  An exception is if your
local area gets an NXX (that's the first three digits of your seven
digit phone number) that has a "1" or a "0" as the second digit.  In
that case, if you have assigned a COS which restricts toll calls to
that local, the call will be blocked.  This is not a very large
possibility, since it will take time for telco's to introduce these
NXX's.  For Toll calls, you would not have this problem.  Just tell
all the users that Toll calls MUST be 10 digits, and you MUST use a
"1" in front of the 10 digits.  (so a typical toll call might look
like -assuming you access outgoing trunks using "9"- "9 1 520 447
5003".  Your switch will cheerfully pass "1 520 447 5003" to the
serving CO.

In answer to two, yes.  It is unlikely that you will run into NXX
codes using a "1" or "0" as the second digit for some time to come.
One small problem with CDR however.  You should change your CDR
collection options from OTL (Only Toll Calls) to OAL (All calls).  The
presence of the "1" or "0" as part of the NXX may cause problems for
the OTL option.


Regards,

James Slupsky, P.Eng.  ([e-mail])  [phone]

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 06:50:33 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: NANP and Switches


Just my idea: be wary of companies taking advantage of the change
(area codes being generalized) to push across expensive new equipment.

Perhaps dust off anecdotes about people on the east coast in the 1970s
trying to reach prefixes of N0X/N1X form in southern California?  No
other area codes had such prefixes until New York City around the end
of 1980.

On further thought: the old equipment (along with the old area codes)
is useable until you start reaching full cutover for the NNX area
codes.  But it's been known (certainly in the Digest) for years that
NNX area codes were coming.

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 11:39:51 CST
From: [e-mail] (Doug Gurich)
Subject: Re: X.25 Networks


> I'm looking for data connectivity between Chicago and Milan Italy.
> I'm guessing that X.25 will be cheaper than a leased line, but I'm
> having a heck of a time finding anyone to quote me a price.  Does
> anyone have any thoughts about relative pricing?  I assume Telenet and
> Tymnet are still around.  Anyone know where?

Chris,

I believe GlobalCom International can help you with your data
connectivity problems.  We routinely provide quotes for international
leased lines and other services such as X.25, ISDN, etc.  It is
difficult to say whether X.25 would be cheaper than a leased line in
your situation, without knowing more detail.  However, in the interim
I can provide you with a rough measure as to what costs a leased line
would entail.  Just a few days ago, we quoted a 56/64 Kbps line for a
customer wishing to connect New York City with Rome, Italy.  Because
of the difference in US termination points, I will leave off the US
local loop costs.  However, the longhaul portion would be the same in
your case.  We quoted a price of $6,690/month for both the US 1/2
circuit and the Italy 1/2 circuit combined.

Without knowing your expected usage volume, I cannot say whether this
cost would be justified.  You would be able to use the circuit 24
hours a day and could even mux the line into 4-6 distinct channels
which you could use for data or voice (with the appropriate
equipment), but it still may be more than you are willing to pay if
your usage is relatively low.


Doug Gurich   GlobalCom International

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 12:32:08 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Gabor Fencsik)
Subject: X.21 Testing


I am looking for equipment to test/simulate X.21 interfaces (both DTE
and DCE).  I would appreciate any pointers, including vendor
recommendations and/or war stories from past product testing efforts.
Thanks.


Gabor Fencsik             VOX:   [phone]
Manager, Comm Software    FAX:   [phone]
SBE, Inc.                 Email: [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 14:26:48 +0700
From: [e-mail] (James Slupsky)
Subject: Sun and X25


I run X25 connections on a Sparc 10 myself, using Brixton's BrxX25
software.  I have developed my own applications using their API.  I
don't have many connections open simultaneously (currently three,
sometimes 4), but the programs work fine, and I haven't noticed any
effect on performance.


Regards,

James Slupsky, P.Eng.    (send replies to: [e-mail])
[phone]

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

Subject: Information on X.25 and Other CCITT Documents
Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 22:38:46 EDT
From: Emmet Hikory <[e-mail]>


    The ITU maintains a document store that includes the CCITT
standard definitions.  Information about this service can be obtained
by sending a message to [e-mail] with HELP in the message body.
If I remember correctly CCITT has changed their name to the ITU
Telecommunications Standardization Sector.  More useful information is
available from ITU directly.


Emmet Hikory   [e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I would like to remind readers that this
Digest is funded in part by a grant from the ITU, and the Digest is
available for retrieval from that organization's public ftp directory.
I'm quite thankful for their valuable assistance, and hope that if you
have not yet sent a note of approval to them you will do so today.   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 11:03 MST
From: [e-mail] (barry mishkind)
Subject: Re: Demise of Newsgroups Feared
Organization: Datalog Consulting, Tucson, AZ


 You raise some excellent points.

In an interview printed in the {Arizona Daily Star}, Canter claims
that not only will he do it again, but he is going to write a book
telling others how to advertise on the net. He sure is getting his
full value of publicity.

A post in another newsgroup suggested asking for information, and at
least making them mail out material. Phoning them, or flaming them may
simply encourage them to do more ...

Of greater import, as Pat pointed out, the entire structure of the net
is threatened as the growing cyberchildren each try their hand at
abusing the 5000 or so newsgroups with more and more garbage. I
wouldn't be surprised to find somewhere a little program designed,
with the data already entered, to hit every newsgroup with a message.

That, the gB of porno moved around the globe each day, and the recent
reports that some radio stations are planning to "feed" their programs
into the net seem to me to be likely cataylsts for some bureaucrat to
try to get a law passed for a "Net Czar" would will administer (for a
user fee, payable to the government, assessed like the long distancs
access fee) the whole pie, and decide what can and can't be used.

The old notion of being a good neighbor has broken down in the world.
We can see it in the rude, abusive way people treat each other in
public, on the road, and especially in poor sections of town. The
children who discovered the Net have been extremely good at screaming
about their "first amendment rights" to use any language they wish,
send any file they wish, and generally fill the Net with their
"scrawlings".

Total anarchy brings control. Control will change the net ... and it
will cost us all.


Regards,

Barry Mishkind     [e-mail]     Tucson, Arizona


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: That First Amendment always has been a
troublesome thing ... all the Bill of Rights was written under the
mistaken assumption that citizens in the USA would take *responsibilty*
for their actions and words; under the mistaken assumption that people
would know the difference between *freedom* on the one hand and *license*
on the other. Sadly, that is becoming less and less the case. The Bill
of Rights will cause the ultimate demise of the United States. Not today,
not this month, but over the next hundred years or so, maybe less. At
nearly 218 years of age, our country and government is one of the oldest
in the world. Very few last as long as our has, and ours is definitly
showing signs of old age and decay. The gradual decay of Usenet is just
one small part of the picture. Violent crime is epidemic in the USA. All
the prisons in the world are not going to contain it or slow it down,
and anyway, prisons only are able to operate when they have the cooperation
of the prisoners; witness Attica two decades ago or New Mexico several
years ago. Enjoy the Bill of Rights while it lasts! Lots of things that
fifty years ago were unthinkable are starting to become more and more
'thinkable' where the government is concerned. Enjoy Usenet!   PAT]

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

From: uswnvg!uswnvg.com![e-mail] (John Barcomb)
Subject: Re: More Information Needed on Motorola 550 Programming
Date: 03 May 94 17:56:10 GMT


Lance Ware ([e-mail]) wrote:

> Earlier I requested general programming info on the Motorola 550.  I
> am now looking for more info on the 61#, 66#, and 69# functions
> pertaining to ESN and identity transfer. If anyone can assist me I
> would appreciate it greatly. Specifically I wish to place the ESN from
> my already registered Fujitsu Mobile phone into my handheld motorola.

> This is a legitimate use and is not illegal.

Sounds pretty strange to me.  Those #xx# functions you talk about are
for a Motorola Universal Loaner phone program.  There is a special box
used to transfer the identity from your phone into a phone that is set
to all zeros.  After the transfer, the ESN in your original phone is
set to "FFFFFFFF".  The phone goes to Motorola, where they reset it
and then send it back to the shop to do the reverse transfer after a
repair is completed.


John

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

From: [e-mail] (Thrivikrama Shenoy)
Subject: Re: DunsNet
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Thrivikrama Shenoy)
Organization: Motorola Codex, Canton, MA
Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 18:49:04 GMT


DunsNet is a corporate packet switching network of Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation. It is a X.25 packet switching network spanning U.S,
Europe, Australia. Recently I heard it reached India too.

The network is used mainly to deliver Information services offered by
subsidiaries of Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. The subsidiaries offer
variety of services; most popular is the corporate credit report
services. In addition the network carries services of OAG, McCormick &
Dodge (?), Donnelly Directory, A.C. Neilsen Co etc.

As far as I know, only user contact with the network as one of
customers using the services offered -- using a Async dial-in connection.


Vikram Shenoy

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

From: [e-mail] (George Beuselinck)
Subject: Re: Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone
Organization: Performance Systems Int'l
Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 11:52:32 GMT


What you are trying to do can't be too tough.  After all, Hertz and
Avis do it all the time.  Perhaps the easiest way would be to rent a
car with the cellular phone installed ...


George Beuselinck    Porsche 944 Ecology  [e-mail]

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

From: Sean Donelan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Connect a Card Reader to a Cell Phone?
Date: 03 May 94 04:17:17 CDT
Organization: Data Research Associates, St. Louis MO


In article <[e-mail]>, Andrew C. Green <ACG@dlogics.
com> writes:

> My father is exploring ways of setting up a credit card authorization
> terminal for one afternoon's use at an outdoor concert. He has the use

You might want to contact Verifone, Inc.  They have been advertising a
card authorization system that uses cellular telephones for use in
taxi cabs.  It might be useful in your application.  A lot of banks
also resell/lease Verifone equipment (at rather massive markups), so
you might ask your local bank.  Yes, I know more than likely the bank
will be clueless, but that is the drill.

Supposedly Verifone was working with the cellular telephone companies
on getting a special air rate for these calls.  I don't know if they
had any success.  Most "mobile" merchants seem to have found it too
expensive though.  Some just chance it, and don't get any on-line
authorization batching them up till later.  Others use a cellular
telephone for voice authorizations.  No one seems terribly concerned
about broadcasting credit card numbers in the clear.  After all, its
illegal for unauthorized people to listen to cellular frequencies,
isn't it?


Sean Donelan, Data Research Associates, Inc, St. Louis,
MO Domain: [e-mail], Voice: (Work) [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Yes it is illegal, and yes people listen
illegally to cellular calls. However there is very little risk of fraud
by passing credit card numbers in this way. One, there has to be someone
listening to a scanner which is in the proximity of the tower from which
the message is being transmitted. Two, they have to have their scanner
land on the channel (out of 832 such channels) during the five seconds
or so that the card number is being read. Third, credit card verification
involves reading the number, the expiration date and the amount of the
sale -- not the name and address of the card holder. Fourth, without having
physical possession of the card they cannot make purchases in stores.
Fifth, with only the number but no name or address to go with it they
cannot very easily engage in mail order fraud. Sixth, without having actual
possession of the card they cannot see who the issuer of it was -- unless
they have the list of four digit (starting with three for AMEX, four for VISA,
five for MC or six for DISCOVER) codes telling which bank (or credit grantor)
issued the card -- thus no calls can be made to customer service putting
in bogus inquiries or name/address changes.  In short, a non-issue here.

If I were going to rip off credit card numbers, PINS and related data, I
would find it far easier to tap the phone line used by an ATM machine
and put some kind of data capture device on that instead ... yet people
use ATMs quite willingly. So what's the beef about cellular phones and
credit card numbers?  On the one in a million chance someone *might*
happen to hear your credit card number read, what is it gonna get them?  PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 05:38:15 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada


Back in January, I went to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. before turning
around back into the U.S.  I got to a pay phone on 705-759 there, and
10288 didn't work (I then omitted it, got the "boing" for Bell Canada,
then punched in my AT&T card number and the call, going to the U.S.,
went through).  The call didn't make it to my phone bill until March,
and it was in the AT&T part of the bill.  So there are no 10xxx codes
currently useable in Canada?

The Orange Card did work from there.  That went through as being from
"800" as happens in many places in the U.S.

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

From: [e-mail] (Matthew Stone)
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada
Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix at U. of Denver Math/CS dept.
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 00:39:13 GMT


Does anyone know what companies will be offering equal access when it
comes into service July 1st?  And the access codes to access the
different LD companies?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I have been told it will by and large
follow the USA numbering scheme; i.e. 10288 for Mother, 10222 for MCI,
etc. with Canadian-only carriers getting a few numbers as well.   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 11:56 EDT
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Re: Phoning Cuba
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


> Does anyone know how to phone Cuba for a reasonable amount of money
> from the U.S.?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Calls to most areas of Cuba ...
> must be placed through the AT&T International Operator.

Recent news reports say that Wiltel and MCI have arranged to
re-establish cable service to Cuba.  Apparently the head of Wiltel was
born in Cuba and used informal contacts to get the arrangements made.
AT&T was not real pleased and may have filed regulatory complaints
that could delay the start of service.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

Subject: Re:  AT&T Public Phone 2000
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 13:45:44 EDT
From: Emmet Hikory <[e-mail]>


    I called AT&T about the data communications potential of the
Public Phone 2000 about eight months ago, and after being referred to
many departments, was told that the FCC had told AT&T they couldn't
have public access data terminals for unspecified reasons.  Due to the
time involved, my memory is a little vague on all of this, but I seem
to remember that AT&T was pursuing the possiblilty.


Emmet Hikory    [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Watson)
Subject: Re: CO's and Disasters
Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 09:02:53 -0800
Organization: Apple Computer (more or less)


In article <[e-mail]>, Thomas Tengdin <[e-mail]>
wrote:

> The telephone company computers will connect some customers
> at a higher priority that others.

> Is there something in CO Class of Service? or other programming that
> gives "priority" service to a select class of lines?

Yes, they DO exist.  Will the local operating company tell you if you are
one of the selected few, NO!

The reason for this is that they want some traffic to get through.  In
addition, they will usually pick out one house in a block and give it
the "good" treatment.  The object here is to at least let some people
get out.  This load-leveling (there is a snazzy term for it, but I
don't remember) usually relates to the priorities in getting dial
tone.  In addition, they can deny dial tone to the "unfornatate", but
when I talked to the head of the CO (admititally a few years ago) he
said that "turning the switch" requires a MOUND of paper work, and
justification, and they will avoid doing at ALL cost.  The capability
exists though.


Tom Watson   Not much simpler!!   [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Terri M Kouba)
Subject: Computer Information Systems
Date: 03 May 1994 15:41:18 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley


Hello.  My name is Terri Kouba.  I work in the Telecommunications
Department at the University of California at Berkeley.  I have been
assigned a project to bring in a new Telecommunications Management
Information System for the department.  This system includes, but is
not limited to: order processing, billing, call costing, call routing,
directory services, equipment inventory, cable management, and
management information systems.  This system can either be purchased
software packages or written in-house.

The Telecommunications Department provides voice and data service to
over 18,000 sites.  The campus phone systems are connected to and
served by a dedicated Pacific Bell Centrex switch.  In addition to
voice communications and modem services, the department also provides
data circuits for point-to-point data connections, ISDN lines,
wireless services, and alarm circuits.

As part of my analysis, I need to get a feel for what kinds of
computer information systems are currently out there.  I would
appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes and answer some
questions and/or offer some advice.  I want to thank you in advance,
for your time and information.

What kind of order processing, billing, reporting, telecommunications
information system(s) do you currently use?  On what hardware
platform(s)?  Are you satisfied with the system?

Is it integrated with other systems (i.e., campus general ledger,
directory services, network traffic analyzers, etc)?

Can customers look at their ordering/billing information on-line?

How are you getting the SMDR information?

What software are you using to do your cost-a-call processing?

Do you know of any software vendors who may have a system which could
handle all or some of the above-listed items?  If so, could you please
pass their name and number on to me?

Do you know of anyone tackling the same sort of project?  If so, could
you please pass their name and number on to me?

Any software/hardware vendors reading this are free to call me and/or
send me information.  At this point I am requesting information and am
open to all solutions.

Thank you for your time.


Terri M. Kouba    University of California at Berkeley
Telecommunications   2168 Shattuck Ave., Suite 310
Berkeley, CA   94720   [phone]

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

From: [e-mail] (David Kiviat)
Subject: Re: Telco MUX to Home?
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 01:12:28 GMT


Kendall Willis ([e-mail]) wrote:

> Roger Marquis ([e-mail]) wrote:

> When Pac Bell recently installed a second line into my (1940s) apartment
> building they didn't run any new wire but instead installed a new demark/
> junction box.  When I opened this box to connect my second line I was
> surprised to find only the one original line going in, and _two_ lines
> coming out!  Could it be my lines are MUXed to the local switch?

I definately have one of these installed. I have a four conductor
cable coming in to my house and have three phone lines now. Apparently
they started installing these around six months ago. I believe they
started using these to avoid having to dig lots of trenches as a Pac
Bell employee told me that if you need a trench dug now they WILL do
the work.  This is a change from their policy of a year ago where I
was told that since my phone line had been direct buried with no pipe
around it I would have to dig a conforming trench to get a third line
installed. Perhaps the PUC cuased this change because of people
electrocuting themselves while trying to dig trenches to add phone
lines.

The audio quality using the 'DAML', which is the installer's name for
this device is not noticeably affected by the unit.  I can't say
anything about its effect on computer modems because my PC is on the
non-muxed line. However I recently discovered to my distress that
there is a sort of 'bug' to these systems. If there is ever any
trouble on your phone line the unit will shut down and STAY down till
a repairperson comes by and 'shorts' the inside of the device. This
has already caused a 24 hour shutdown when some sort of ground fault
on one of my phone lines during a storm shut off the entire unit (2
phone lines) till someone could come and fix it.

The unit I have is made by Raychem.


dk

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

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: GSM and Airbags
Date: 03 May 94 09:01:59 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


Pregnant from using a cellular phone ... happens all the time, just
ask any escort service.

The problem is that the inertial sensor that detects the excessive
G-force of a crash has some wires from the contacts to the trigger
circuit.  If the sires are about the length of a 1/4 wave at the
cellular feequency, or a multiple thereof, then they will act as an
antenna.  The trigger circuit rectifies the signal, and thinks it's a
valid contact closure.  Ka-Boom.  Instant airbag.

My own thoughts were that the airbag system would be much more
susceptible to CB and Ham radio, because they are so much higher power
than a phone.  But the airbag system could have short wires, and not
pick them up since they are lower frequency and longer wavelength.

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

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: DID, PBX and University Phones, SL-100
Date: 03 May 94 17:39:13 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


We are currently being serviced by Pac Bell Centrex, at our local
Community College, where I work.  We have all of the (714)564-4xxx,
5xxx, and 6xxx numbers, but we have about 1500 of them used.  No
wonder that the telcos need more area codes ...

The rate for a local line is $17.25 per month for the line, which
isn't a lot more than a 1MB measured business line.  But that's just
in our local exchange CO.  Our other campus is in an adjacent Foreign
Exchange, and it costs us another $25 a month for each line, total
$42.25.  Ouch.  Well, when the budget crunch hit a year or two ago, we
cut back on as many FX lines as we could.  So, the other post says
that a Centrex isn't a good deal.  WE are using a David Systems
manager to give us the features that we had with our old 1A2 Key
system.  But the phones cost $300+ each, and a lousy wall bracket
costs $45.  But we're stuck with the managers because our network runs
through them.

WE will be rewiring our buildings with 10baseT in the near future, so
I'm thinking that that would remove the network from the managers, and
allow us to go with whatever PBX we wanted.  Trouble is that it won't
ever happen because of politics, so just a thought.

WEll, it sounds like the cheaper way to go is having your own PBX, but
there are a lot of IFs, like who supports them, since they're just
like a mainframe computer.  Our managers have had to be relocated
because of problems with air conditioning, etc.  and we've had to put
in air ducts.  I wonder what would happen to a PBX.  Our phone bill
used to run around $30K a month before the cutbacks.  There seems to
be some room for saving money.  One of my suggestions was to upgrade
our links to other campuses from 56KB to a microwave.  But it looks
like the choice will be T1 or a fractional T1.  We may be getting
bridges that do compression, so that should help.  Who knows what the
future will bring.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #197
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa10376;
          4 May 94 3:18 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06526; Tue, 3 May 94 23:38:04 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06517; Tue, 3 May 94 23:38:03 CDT
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 23:38:03 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #198

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 3 May 94 23:38:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 198

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Book Review: "Modems for Dummies" by Rathbone (Rob Slade)
    IXC Timing Problem (Linda Slovick)
    Help: Bogen 2-line Friday AND Distinctive Ring Call Router (R. La Ferla)
    CONNECT Preview: May/June '94 (Patricia Snyder-Rayl)
    Re: Info SuperHighway Seminar (Steven King)
    Re: Worldwide Telecom Information (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: Worldwide Telecom Information (Alan Leon Varney)
    Re: What is Infopath? (Barry Margolin)
    Re: What is Infopath? (John R. Levine)
    Re: What is Infopath? (Carl Oppedahl)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 14:48:34 MDT
From: Rob Slade
Subject: Book Review: "Modems for Dummies" by Rathbone


BKMDMDUM.RVW  940127

Macmillan of Canada
29 Birch Avenue
Toronto, Ontario   M4V 1E2
Elizabeth Wilson  416-963-8830  Fax: [phone]
or
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
International Data Group
155 Bovet Road, Suite 310
San Mateo, CA   94402   USA
415-312-0650    fax: [phone]
Brandon Nordin, Marketing and International Sales
"Modems for Dummies", Rathbone, 1993, 1-56884-001-2, U$16.95/C$21.95/UK#14.99
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]

For those who are not reading this online, trust me.  An almost
iron-clad, gold plated, guaranteed way to turn your local computer
guru into a mumbling idiot is to give him or her a modem to set up.
Computer communications is extremely easy -- on the second call.
(Even then, I'm not so sure.  A friend calls the same BBS I do and
uses the same settings I do.  My messages go out OK using the word
wrap on the editor, his have to have a carriage return at the end of
every line.  Then, there is the national public data network that we
have here in Canada.  I have to give my high tech modem a forty
character command to convince it to act brain damaged in order to use
it as all.  Even then, the flow control doesn't work (Ceterum censeo
Datapac delendam esse).

All of this is to say that I have only the best wishes towards those
who try to explain modems in simple terms.  You cannot simply explain
modems; you also have to talk about telephone service, telephone
jacks, serial cables, serial connectors, conflicts and communications
software.  And that is only to test and see if the modem is working.
The installation and setup is the hardest part: usage is relatively
easy.

Thus, parts one and two of Rathbone's work are somewhat disappointing.
Only relatively speaking: it is easily as good as anything by, say,
Baaks (BKPRTCOM.RVW, BKMDMREF.RVW) or Pournelle (BKPCCOMB.RVW).  (It
is also a lot more fun: at least we will assume that you will find
Important Tips about keeping Chinese parsley fresh and jokes about
your mouth being your cereal port amusing when you are banging your
head about installing software.)

Organization of presentation is critical with newcomers.  Rathbone has
organized the material, but, in spite of extensive efforts to make
this a non- technical manual, the design is best understood by those
who already understand data communications.  This fits in with the
statement in the Introduction that this book is a reference, but
neophytes don't need a reference.  They need either a tutorial or a
cookbook.

Part three is substantially better.  An overview of whom to call, it
has excellent comparative coverage of Prodigy, CompuServe and America
Online.  Treatment of GEnie is quite terse, and one suspects it was
written from the perspective of a few days' exploration with a guest
account.  Delphi fares even worse, being lumped in with MCI Mail and
other specialized also-rans.  Rathbone's presentation is substantially
better balanced than other works, though, with the inclusion of
discussions of BBSes and the Internet.  Rathbone seems somewhat
hostile to the Internet, for some reason, but at least the material is
there.

Part four gives some very helpful troubleshooting lists organized by
symptom.  In conjunction with parts one and two, and a section from
the BBS chapter, there is likely more material altogether than in
other books.  However, without the more practical organization of
Gianone's "Using MS-DOS Kermit" (BKUMSKMT.RVW) or LeVitus and
Ihnatko's "Dr. Macintosh's Guide to the Online Universe" (BKDMBTOU.RVW),
this may not be of much help to the beginning user.  One very good
point, though, is the lack of system bias.  Rathbone covers both Mac
and MS-DOS specific points without denigrating one or the other.

(A passing comment on the cartoons in the "...For Dummies" series.
These seem to be assigned by the publisher rather than the individual
authors.  They also indicate a strong commitment to recycling on the
part of IDG.  May of the cartoons reappear in different books, with
minor modifications to either the captions or elements of the
pictures.  There also doesn't seem to be much thought to matching
cartoon to content: a picture of an evil looking djinn arising out of
the smoke from a monitor which has obviously been rubbed the wrong way
introduces not the chapter on GEnie but Compuserve.)

For the novice, one would still have to recommend Gianone or LeVitus
and Ihnatko in order to get the best chance for connection.  Rathbone,
however, is possibly the best work to date for an overview of where to
call once you have "OK" to your "AT".

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1994   BKMDMDUM.RVW  940127. Distribution is
permitted via TELECOM Digest and associated newsgroups/mailing lists.

======================
DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer [e-mail], [e-mail], Rob Slade at 1:153/733
DECUS Symposium '95, Toronto, ON, February 13-17, 1995, contact: [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 20:33:27 PDT
From: Linda Slovick <[e-mail]>
Subject: IXC Timing Problem


I've been testing a product that must redial inter-LATA calls using
the same IXC as the original call.  The original call is made from a
pay phone (where the IXC is determined by the pay phone owner, and the
caller just dials 0-NPA-NXX-XXXX, then enters his/her calling card
number), and the redial attempts are made from a voice mail machine in
the same LATA as the pay phone (where the machine knows which PIC to
use, dials the call as 10XXX-0-NPA-NXX-XXXX, then tries to "guess"
when the IXC will want the original caller's calling card number
entered by "listening" to the call's progress through the IXCs
announcements, etc.).

So far, testing this product has been a nightmare.  It appears that
different IXCs have totally different timing requirements.  Some have
a bongtone, some don't, one has a chime, some have an announcement,
some just sit there, etc.  This intro verbage varied from 0 to 6
seconds in length, though it seemed pretty consistent for a given IXC.
The window for valid calling card entry varied from 4 to 49 seconds
after whatever the IXC used for an intro (most of the IXCs seemed to
have a pretty stable window, however).  Finally, there's a 3 to 7
second lag (with or without talking, or other noise) while the calling
card is verified and my machine "thanked" for using that particular
IXC before the called party's line is rung.

As if this wasn't bad enough, there were a few IXCs with REALLY exotic
problems.  One won't allow me to redial the call at all, requiring my
voice mail machine to have them as its primary IXC.  Another has
different timing when dialed from different exchanges in the same
LATA.  One IXC totally ignored the redialed calling card number and
just dialed the call (I suppose my voice mail machine is supposed to
get billed for those calls?).

At this point, I had to call a halt to testing and go back to basics.

 From reading the Bellcore literature on the subject, I'm getting the
strong impression that we're going about this all wrong.  Bellcore
specifically mentions that timing is NOT guaranteed after the call is
handed off to the IXC.  Arrgh!

Much as I might like to just exclude the oddballs, this is NOT
an option for this project (sigh...).

Questions:

1.) This whole thing is sounding a bit like the old problems folks used
    to have trying to thread FGB calls.  The solution to that was to
    hook in to SS7ness and dump all this inband listening for
    signalling stuff.  Is there something tariffed in SS7land that I
    could hook my machine through to get signalling that all the IXCs
    would have to respect?

2.) Is there some standards body for IXCs like Bellcore is to the LECs
    (maybe CCITT?) where I might find documentation on this subject?
    (any documentation pointers?)

3.) Anybody have any other ideas on how to approach solving this
    problem?

Thanks for any and all info and ideas!


Linda Slovick   Slovick Engineering

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

From: Robert La Ferla <[e-mail]>
Subject: Help: Bogen 2-line Friday AND Distinctive Ring Call Router
Reply-To: Robert La Ferla <[e-mail]>
Organization: Hot Technologies
Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 03:45:15 GMT


I am looking for a distinctive ring call router that will work with a
Bogen 2-line voice mail system.  I want the long ring to go to one
mail box and the double ring to go to the other.  i.e.  trick the
Friday in thinking that there are two incoming lines.  I don't plan on
using the second line for pagers or anything.

I have a Lynx Automation Ring Director but that doesn't work -- however
I think it's because the unit is defective.

Furthermore, Hello Direct tells me that I can't use their Ring Decipher
because:

(1) the 'pin configuration' coming from the Ring Decipher product will
not conform to what the Friday line two port will be expecting;
(2) a 'ground loop' short will be created between the two products;
(3) the call forwarding features and remote urgent notification
features will not work with distinctive ring service (with one line in
use, the other will appear as busy).

Please e-mail since I want to get this thing up and running ASAP.


Thanks in advance,

Robert

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

From: [e-mail] (Patricia Snyder-Rayl)
Subject: CONNECT Preview: May/June '94
Date: 3 May 1994 14:37:59 -0400
Organization: Cyberspace Communications Public-Access UNIX


                  CONNECT Magazine Table of Contents
                  Vol 2 No 3           May/June 1994

FEATURES

Education Online by Jack Germain
     CONNECT magazine scoured Cyberspace for online learning opportunities
     and this article brings you the results of our exhaustive search.

Kids in Cyberspace by Rilla Moulden
     This article takes another look at the blending of online activities
     and education, with real-life examples of how online resources are
     helping kids and parents.

File Express for Windows by the CONNECT Technical Staff
     A review of Synergy Communication's File Express for Windows, the
     remote file management software which brings "The Worldwide Desktop" to
     your PC.

National Videotex Network by Alan Frayer
     An avid National Videotex Network (NVN) member introduces CONNECT
     readers to the online service and what it has to offer.

Cryptography for the Unwashed Masses by L. Detweiler
     Privacy issues are an important part of the "information superhighway"
     debate. This article helps average users understand what's at stake and
     why cryptography should be important to them.

CRIS -- A New Kind of Online Serivce by Bill Rayl
     The author takes a look at CRIS, a new online service offering the best
     features of BBSes and national commercial services.

Prodigy Revisited by Mike Whalen
     Prodigy has had its ups and downs in the last few years, but the author
     tells us why he's recently given Prodigy another chance.

Getting Lost on the Internet by Hal Hill
     Don't know your way around the vast Internet universe? This article
     teaches you to stop worrying and learn to love being lost. Getting
     there really can be half the fun!

A Security Primer for BBS Operators by Geoff Northcott
     Crackers and others bent on breaking into systems have been a part of
     the online world since the first BBS took callers. In this article, the
     author shares some common sense ideas on how to make your system more
     secure.

WORDNET Translation Service by Bryce Webster
     This article shows how businesses benefit from an online language
     translation service available 24 hours a day, thanks to computers,
     modems, faxes and some of the best translators in the business.

COLUMNS

The Inside Line
     Editorial Staff Columnist Michael A. Banks is on the move, and he
     explains how the online services are helping him decide on his
     destination.

Eye on America Online
     Columnist Julia Wilkinson focuses on the Lifestyles and Interests areas
     on America Online.

Connecting with CompuServe
     Electronic privacy issues and encryption tools available on CIS are
     discussed by Columnist Jim Ness, who also takes a detour to access two
     useful online databases.

Telecomputing the DELPHI Way
     Columnist Dick Evans talks about DELPHI's planned GUI interface, online
     etiquette, USA Gymnastics online, the Fox Network, and more.

GEnie's Treasures
     Continuing this issue's focus on online education, Columnist Jim
     Mallory tours the educational services available on GEnie.

The Internet Gateway
     Columnist Paul Gilster gives useful tips on using Veronica to find
     information on the Internet.

Clear to Send
     Stop your search for the ultimate PC-based terminal program, because
     columnist Victor Volkman says Terminate is it!

Dial M for Macintosh
     Columnist Ross Scott Rubin reports the latest developments concerning
     eWorld, Apple's newest venture into the online service market.

Staying Connected for about a Pound
     Sending e-mail and keeping in touch using the Apple Newton MessagePad
     is Columnist Marty Mankins' focus this issue.


CONNECT magazine is available at the following magazine outlets: B.Dalton
Bookseller, Bookstop, Bookstar, Barnes & Noble, Doubleday, Scribner's,
Crown Books, Tower Books, Little Professor, Lichtman's News and Books,
Coles Book Stores, CompUSA, Computer City and Software Etc. chains, as well
as other chains and independent newsstands, book stores and computer
dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Call [phone] to find the magazine
dealer nearest you who carries CONNECT.

CONNECT is a bi-monthly magazine covering the major commercial online
services (such as America Online, BIX, CompuServe, DELPHI, GEnie and
Prodigy), the Internet, and bulletin board system networks (such as
Fidonet, WWIVnet, and GlobalNet). The magazine is platform-independent,
with columns focusing on PC-specific (DOS and Windows), Macintosh-oriented,
and Palmtop/PDA-related topics.


   CONNECT Magazine         [phone]      Covering commercial online
"The Modem User's Resource" [phone] fax  services, Internet and BBS
   3487 Braeburn Circle     [phone] BBS    networks from a user's
   Ann Arbor, MI  48108        14.4Kbps V.32bis        perspective.

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

From: [e-mail] (Steven King, Software Archaeologist)
Subject: Re: Info SuperHighway Seminar
Date: 3 May 1994 14:26:11 GMT
Organization: Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group
Reply-To: [e-mail]


[e-mail] (Roy Kerwood) publicly declared:

> I have organized the following seminar for June 24 from 8AM - 8PM:

>          THE TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO THE INFO SUPERHIGHWAY

This is a public plea to anyone who uses world-wide newsgroups or
mailing lists to announce a seminar, lecture, symposium, or other
gathering of corporeal bodies:

PLEASE STATE WHERE THE EVENT IS GOING TO OCCUR!

I found this announcement in the TELECOM Digest, which *is* a
world-wide forum.  I saw the announcement four times and I still don't
know where the seminar is going to take place.  The mailing address
for tickets is Vancouver so I assume that's where the event is to be
held, but then again it may simply be a convenient mailing address for
the persons working pre-registration.  The actual event may be held
anywhere.

And it looks especially silly for an event teaching about "WORLDWIDE
Internet Connections" to be parochial and assume that only locals will
read the announcement.


Steven King <[e-mail]> -- Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group

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

From: [e-mail] (Judith Oppenheimer)
Subject: Re: Worldwide Telecom Information
Date: 3 May 1994 14:51:57 -0400
Organization: The Pipeline


The Telecommunications Library in CompuServe seems to be pretty
thorough.  I'd be surprised if you didn't find at least *some* of what
you were looking for there.

> I am looking for information about the current telephony
> infrastructure in each country around the world. Is there such a
> source anywhere?


Oppenheimer [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 14:28:35 +0600
Subject: Re: Worldwide Telecom Information
Organization: AT&T Network Systems


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Ion
Publishing Systems) writes:

> I am looking for information about the current telephony
> infrastructure in each country around the world. Is there such a
> source anywhere?

   Dataquest is a Dunn-Bradstreet company that has a subscription
service for a newletter/multi-volume-binder set of information on
Telephone Services, markets, vendors, etc.  Their address/phone is
probably easily found in any large library's reference section.

   They are not cheap.

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

From: [e-mail] (Barry Margolin)
Subject: Re: What is Infopath?
Date: 3 May 1994 22:48:16 GMT
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Gayton
Osgood) writes:

> My local library has put their card catalog on line but in order to
> access it they say you must have a NYNEX Infopath account and to
> contact the phone company to open one. I don't know wnhat an Infopath
> account is or how much it costs. I am reluctant to pay NYNEX ant more
> than I already do. If anyone has one of these accounts could you tell
> me a little about it.

Infopath is NYNEX's public X.25 data network.  It's basically a
regional analogue of the international networks Tymnet and SprintNet
(formerly Telenet).  You can call a local number, enter your user name
and password, and then connect to the server system.  I think rates
are around $5-10/hour, depending on the time of day; there may also be
monthly subscriber charges.


Barry Margolin     System Manager, Thinking Machines Corp.
[e-mail]      {uunet,harvard}!think!barmar

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 22:54 EDT
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Re: What is Infopath?
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


Infopath is the intra-LATA X.25 network operated by NYNEX.  It is
indeed used by many suburban libraries to link to a shared on-line
catalog.  For more info on Infopath, call a NYNEX business office.
It's really stupid that they don't have any dial-ins at all -- for
casual use it's a lot easier to pay for a few 50 cent toll calls than
to get set up on Infopath.

I have heard rumors that there's an Internet link to the suburban
libraries catalog but I haven't been able to pin it down.

There's a similar network of urban libraries (Cambridge, Somerville,
etc.)  and I don't know whether they're dialable, Internettable or
not.

Online public library catalogs are wonderful things.  The library near
my beach cottage in New Jersey is part of the Ocean County library
which added dial-in service (regular 2400 POTS, no X.25 nonsense) to
their catalog last year, thoughtfully providing three local numbers,
one per LATA, so it's a local call from anywhere in the county.  You
can look for books, check whether copies are checked in or out, put
yourself on the hold list for a popular book, and ask for books in
other branches to be fetched to your local library.  It's great -- I
dial in from home in the morning, tell it to get the book I want, and
I usually get a call from the library the next afternoon so I hop on
my bike and go down and get it.  For some really popular books, e.g.
new Sue Grafton mysteries, they have 100 copies but there are 300
people on the waiting list, so I can call in from home and put myself
on the hold list a few weeks before I go down so my turn comes up
while I'm still there to get the book.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Carl Oppedahl)
Subject: Re: What is Infopath?
Date: 3 May 1994 00:32:55 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC


In <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Gayton Osgood)
writes:

> My local library has put their card catalog on line but in order to
> access it they say you must have a NYNEX Infopath account and to
> contact the phone company to open one. I don't know wnhat an Infopath
> account is or how much it costs. I am reluctant to pay NYNEX ant more
> than I already do. If anyone has one of these accounts could you tell
> me a little about it.

I have never understood Nynex's babble-names for digital services.  I
assume one of them is switched-56, another must be ISDN, another must
be a fancy name for a T1 line.

Why not ask the library to introduce you to one or two people who
actually have access to the card catalog?  They could tell you how
they do it.

Here in New York City there is a number that you can call with a
"regular" modem (a V.32 or V.32bis modem) and then you dial a number,
and end up calling infopath destinations.  I always assumed it must
simply be an ISDN gateway.  It's 212-385-2551.  Perhaps someone can
explain what that number really is.


Carl Oppedahl AA2KW    Oppedahl & Larson (patent lawyers)
Yorktown Heights, NY   voice 212-777-1330

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #198
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa11234;
          4 May 94 3:44 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06932; Wed, 4 May 94 00:20:17 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA06922; Wed, 4 May 94 00:20:15 CDT
Date: Wed, 4 May 94 00:20:15 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #199

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 4 May 94 00:20:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 199

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone (John Lundgren)
    Re: Internet Access in Kenya (John Lundgren)
    Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature" (David H. Close)
    Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works! (David H. Close)
    Re: Motorola "Advisor" Pager Information Wanted (Thomas Baird)
    Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Cmdr (Hans-Gabriel Ridder)
    Re: Any Modem Decode DTMF? ([e-mail])
    Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead (Supak Lailert)
    Re: Government Regulates Number of Modem Redial Atttempts? (Dave Niebuhr)
    Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed up? (Alan Leon Varney)
    Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet (John Anderson)
    Re: Equal Access in Canada (Tony Harminc)
    Re: Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition (Carl Moore)
    Re: Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition (Gregory P. Monti)
    Re: Fight A*vertising! Petition! No, Don't. (John R. Levine)
    Re: CO's and Disasters (Tom Board)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: Question About Digital Telephony and Delayed Dial Tone
Date: 03 May 94 18:22:01 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


My understanding was at this time, if you have ISDN, or 2B+D, you have
a full channel all the way to the CO.  That goes for POTS too, even if
your pots line runs into a SLIC channel bank at the corner.  You still
get a dedicated 'bit in the bitstream'.  It seems obvious to me that
this can't continue when the home gets a coax to the nearest 'muxer',
and then the muxer talks to the central office using fiber optics.
But still, if the telco expects to offer the mythical 500 channels and
all the other stuff too, then the bandwidth of all the links to the
CO, and beyond will have to be increased.  To offer T1 to the home,
where the home already has ISDN, would mean an increase in bandwidth
of appx. 12.  That doesn't sound unreasonable, and could be done by
the telco.

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

From: [e-mail] (John Lundgren)
Subject: Re: Internet Access in Kenya
Date: 03 May 94 18:51:12 GMT
Organization: Pacific Bell Knowledge Network


Elmar Bob ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I am posting this for a friend who will be going to Kenya very soon and
> would like to find out whether she can gain access to the internet somehow
> over there.

My ex-boss's wife is in Kenya.  They have a FIDO Net setup, according
to what info I can find.  She says that the last few miles of phone
lines is so bad that it's difficult to do anything serious by modem.
I think the name of the city/town/place/oasis/water hole she's in is
Athi River.  Best of success ...

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

From: [e-mail] (David H. Close)
Subject: Re: Unwelcome AT&T "Feature"
Date: 3 May 1994 05:27:10 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena


Re the cut off of unanswered calls: my answering machine is designed
to be able to turn itself on, if I forget to, upon receiving rings for
a long time. (I don't remember the time but my experience is that it
takes about 12 rings. I then have to enter my code to complete the
activation.)  Seems to me that AT&T's feature would make this nice
feature unusable.


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa     [e-mail]
[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: No, not at all. Your machine turns itself
on after 12 rings, or approximatly one minute. AT&T is letting calls
ring for at least two or three minutes before cutting them off. Anyway,
how often would it be the case that you forgot to turn your machine on
and an out-of-town call was the first one to arrive thereafrer (instead
of say, a local call, or your own call checking for messages, etc?)  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (David H. Close)
Subject: Re: NPA Optional in 818 - it Works!
Date: 3 May 1994 05:30:56 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena


[e-mail] (Fred Heald) writes:

> My phone is in 818 (but I'm travelling all over LA, 213, 909, 310,
> 714, 805, 619, and all.  Not 524 yet, but soon I'm sure.  So I tend to
> always dial the entire number (1-NPA-NXX-XXXX) first, and get the
> ridiculous message "We are sorry, it is not necesary to dial one and
> the area code for this call".  Well, this morning (in fact, calling
> Netcom) I accidentally dialed the 1-818, and the call went through!

I just tried it in 714 and it worked for me. I think this is great!


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa      [e-mail]
[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Thomas Baird)
Subject: Re: Motorola "Advisor" Pager Information Wanted
Organization: AT&T GIS (San Diego, CA)
Date: Tue, 3 May 94 16:51:00 GMT


[e-mail] wrote:

> Does anyone have technical info on the Motorola "Advisor" alphanumeric
> pager?  Specifically, any sort of configuration or status report
> modes, and/or what one can do with the serial port that seems to be on
> the bottom of the unit.

Also has Motorola published the interface information for accessing
the "advisor" from an IBM PC? I talked to a salesman and his only
knowledge was it could be accesed from a PC and the maximum message
size was 2000 characters per message.


Tom

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

From: [e-mail] (Hans)
Subject: Re: Help: Programming Motorola 550 and Fujitsu Commander
Date: 3 May 1994 17:35:13 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - DECwest Engineering


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (puma) writes:

> In article <[e-mail]>, Lance Ware <[e-mail]>
> wrote:

>> I need help with programming these two cell phones. Specifically I
>> need to program the phone numbers, and get the ESN so that I may have
>> them both put on the same phone number.

>> This is legitimate, I am not interested in going to jail for many
>> years!

> You may consider it legitimate, but it's a violation of federal
> regulations and also contrary to your contract with the service
> provider.

[...]

> The ESN's are supposed to be a permanent part of the phone, and not
> changeable without replacing the ROM.

I don't know what the regulations or contracts say, but I can read.
Note that Mr. Ware asks only how to "get" the ESN, not "change" it.  I
don't believe merely *knowing* the ESN violates any federal law.  It's
also hard for me to believe that changing the phone number is illegal
(although his phone may cease to function.)

Please don't overreact to people simply wanting information about the
programming of their phone.  No doubt Mr. Ware should be talking to
his service provider to arrange the phones the way he wants.


Hans-Gabriel Ridder <[e-mail]>
DECwest Engineering, Bellevue, Washington, USA

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

From: [e-mail] (puma)
Subject: Re: Any Modem Decode DTMF?
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 18:31:49 GMT


In article <[e-mail]>, mark boylan <boylanm@iia.
org> wrote:

> Is there a modem that can accept and decode DTMF tones after it's
> answered an incoming call?  And also, how can I send the output of a
> SoundBlaster card over the same phone line?  I'm trying to write an
> app that will allow a caller to select a .WAV file from just a phone,
> and then listen to it.

There are several modems that will do that, mostly the better (read,
higher priced) ones.  The USR dual standard will, with the following
commands ...

    ATH1%T

The H1 takes the modem off-hook, the %T reads the touchtone.  Sending
a character or dropping DTR will hang up the line.


[e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Supak Lailert "spk")
Subject: Re: AT&T Public Phone 2000 Probably Dead
Date: 3 May 1994 18:40:44 GMT
Organization: San Diego State University Computing Services


Hans ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I was in the Alaska Airlines terminal at the Seattle-Tacoma airport
> two weeks ago, and saw a couple of Public Phone 2000's *with
> keyboard*.  I didn't have time to check them out ... I assume they
> were working since after the tariff problems all the keyboards seem to
> have been removed.

Yes, keyboard is there but it won't work as data terminal. It works
only as a TDD device. 8-(


Supak Lailert -- MBA (Information System) Program, San Diego State University
[e-mail]     [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 14:53:54 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Dave Niebuhr)
Subject: Re: Government Regulates Number of Modem Redial Attempts?


In TELECOM Digest V14 #195 [e-mail] (Tim D.
Gilman) wrote:

> I was trying out new modem software yesterday, and under the option
> where one can specify the number of redial attempts before giving up,
> something like the following reads: "Governement regulations may limit
> you to 10 redials maximum."  I had never heard anything about this.
> Out of simple curiosity, could someone enlighten myself (or others as
> well) on this matter?

and the TELECOM Digest Editor noted:

> That has been the case in Canada for quite
> a few years and I think it is true here in the USA also now. The reason is
> a modem has no way of knowing it is dialing a wrong number and being
> offensive to the human victim at the other end ... and some owners of
> modems could care less :

Text deleted for brevity.

> But the way they have it now with limits on the redial attempts is
> the next best solution.  PAT]

With my modem, which has a ten memory location, I could easily
misoprogram the unit and not know it unless I caught it during a
dialing sequence.  Looking away or being otherwise occupied during the
dialing, I would not be aware of a misdail and just call up the
number's location.

Granted, there are problems with these types of calls.  I sure
wouldn't want to be the recipient of them and hopefully won't in the
future.


Dave Niebuhr      Internet: [e-mail] (preferred)
                            [e-mail] / Bitnet: niebuhr@bnl
Senior Technical Specialist, Scientific Computing Facility
Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973  1+[phone]
                                          FAX   1+[phone]

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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 14:27:49 +0600
Subject: Re: DID Loophole or I'm Screwed up?
Organization: AT&T Network Systems


In article <[e-mail]> Jonathan <[e-mail]>
responded to TELECOM Digest Editor:

>> TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Not only asked to correct the problem,
>> but in some instances if telco really wants to get tough about it they
>> may choose to back-bill an estimated amount lost on completed calls
>> which went unsupervised. Illinois Bell found a company here in Chicago
>> deliberatly playing games like that and back-billed them a
>> half-million dollars covering calls over a five year period. The
>> company protested of course, but all the facts pointed to them doing
>> it on purpose as toll-avoidance; they were slow to answer their phones
>> because they did not want to hire the help needed to do so promptly
>> and they were playing a tape recorded music on hold 'all positions
>> busy please wait for an available agent' message to their callers for
>> five or ten minutes at a time. Their customers squawked about the cost
>> of *their* calls as a result so the company gerry-rigged the system to
>> not supervise until they got ready to handle the call.
>> ....  Telco did not get all they asked for, but they collected a nice
>> chunk of it. So be careful about playing games with supervision. If
>> telco wants to do so, they'll work you over good to show who is boss.

> Sounds pretty ingenious to me.  I would like to note a few things:

> 1.  No meaningful conversation occurred until after the company turned
> supervision on.

   Per FCC Part 68 and TELCo tariffs, anything other than audible ring
and busy tone (with some exceptions) is "meaningful" -- and the call
must be supervised (answered).  This includes calls routed to
TELCo-operated Voice Mail systems, which have been known to forget ...

> 2.  The telephone company could have been nicer about the whole thing.
> Instead of waiting for five years and then billing for half a million
> dollars, why not send a warning to the company within one month and
> then bill them shortly thereafter?  There must be a way for the
> telephone company to automatically detect this kind of stunt.

   Nope.  Nothing automatic until a bunch of PBXs started playing this
game several years ago, probably as the result of a "PBX underground"
passing the word.  But the tariffs are usually very clear about when
supervision must be returned.  There have been arguments about the
"glitch" in busy tone during call forwarding to voice mail, etc.  I
don't know if supervision must be returned at the time of forwarding
or not -- but certainly anything beyond busy/audible ring REQUIRES
supervision.

   TELCos today would not take five years to find the culprit.  Nor
would they be likely be nice enough to accept less than the full
settlement.  Maybe they would throw in a little extra for the
investigation's costs.  Just waving around the tariff and talking
"fraud" with the CEO and the DAs office will usually get the matter
resolved quickly.


Al Varney

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

From: [e-mail] (John Anderson)
Subject: Re: Let Your Fingers do the Walking on the Internet
Date: 3 May 94 20:08:38 GMT
Organization: Motorola Cellulsr Infrastructure Group


[e-mail] (John Anderson) writes:

> Here's an example of how to get a list of all users named "anderson":

> mail [e-mail]
> Subject:
> send usenet-addresses/anderson

I have learned that to use the above service, it is preferable to mail
to:
     "[e-mail]"


Regards,

John D. Anderson, M.S.          Motorola, Inc.
Internet: [e-mail] 1475 W. Shure Drive
          [e-mail]  Arlington Heights, IL, USA 60004
Phone:    [phone]       Mail Stop: IL75-1C5


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Just my curiosity -- why is it better or
preferable to write to the one address instead of the other?   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 18:45:55 EDT
From: Tony Harminc <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Equal Access in Canada


Carl Moore <[e-mail]> wrote:

> Back in January, I went to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. before turning
> around back into the U.S.  I got to a pay phone on 705-759 there, and
> 10288 didn't work (I then omitted it, got the "boing" for Bell Canada,
> then punched in my AT&T card number and the call, going to the U.S.,
> went through).  The call didn't make it to my phone bill until March,
> and it was in the AT&T part of the bill.  So there are no 10xxx codes
> currently useable in Canada?

Right now - no.  They are coming on 1st July.  But see below.

> The Orange Card did work from there.  That went through as being from
> "800" as happens in many places in the U.S.

The proprietors of the Orange Card have chosen to allow their 800
number to be reached from Canadian points.  Once the call is in their
system they can do what they like with it.  They are doubtless paying
fairly outrageous rates to (currently) the local monopoly 800 carrier
in whatever part of Canada you call from.  Whether their charge to you
reflects this is an interesting question.

Moderator's note to a following post:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I have been told it will by and large
> follow the USA numbering scheme; i.e. 10288 for Mother, 10222 for MCI,
> etc. with Canadian-only carriers getting a few numbers as well.   PAT]

Well I'm not so sure.  The national and regional Canadian carriers
will have their own 10xxxs, but it's not clear to me that US (or any
other foreign) carriers will suddenly find that their 10xxx codes work
 from Canada.  Are all these US carriers really going to install
facilities at all the access tandems across the country?  Who in
Canada is going to dial those US 10xxxs?  It seems an unlikely
investment just to keep US visitors like Carl happy when they use a
payphone on their trip.  And it seems highly unlikely that US carriers
are going to pull fibre across the country just for this.  So presumably
if they do want a point of presence they'll lease capacity from the exist-
ing carriers in Canada.

I'm sure the 10xxx (or should we be saying 10xxxx?) numbers will not
clash across the border, but I wouldn't bet on your favourite US
carrier magically starting service on 1st July.


Tony Harminc

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 16:44:41 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition


How would local telephone directories' lists of prefixes, calling
areas, etc. be affected?  (I now live in Maryland, but away from the
DC area.)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'll tell you what is done here in Chicago
although technically it is not 'competition' and there is no overlapping
of territory. Centel has Park Ridge/Des Plaines, IL along with a very
tiny section of Chicago. Their Chicago subscribers are listed in the
Illinois Bell directory for Chicago (it is transparent, just the address
and phone number like any other listing which is actually IBT) but in
addition, Centel has their own directory entitled "Chicago-Newcastle".
Their switching equipment for Chicago customers is in the Newcastle CO
on Miner Street. And while they have one set of tariffs for their sub-
scribers in Park Ridge and Des Plaines, they have a different tariff
for their Chicago subscribers which closely parallels that of IBT.   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 19:18:01 EDT
From: Gregory P. Monti <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Bell Atlantic Gets Maryland Competition


On Mon, 2 May 1994, Carl Moore wrote:

> How would local telephone directories' lists of prefixes, calling
> areas, etc. be affected?

This is one of many issues that were not mentioned in the story I
summarized.  I suspect there are a host of them.  For example, if MFS
elects to use a smaller number of central offices than Bell Atlantic,
but covers a larger land area with each one, what does that do to
local calling areas?

It could be that a call in one direction from one company to another
will be local, but it would be toll in the other direction.

This is not unlike cellular.  My cell phone is 'databased' to
Bethesda, Maryland, but has an enormous local (airtime charges only)
calling area consisting of the entire Washington and Baltimore LATAs
approximately.  A call from the Bethesda cellular to Aberdeen, MD, is
local.  But a call from a landline phone in Aberdeen to Bethesda
(about 75 miles) is toll.

Same issue if a cable operator installs a telephony CO in his
head-end.  Arlington is served by six telco COs (which are not all in
the same rate zone) but only one cable head-end.

I guess we're going to have to learn a whole new mess of rules.


Greg Monti   Arlington, Virginia, USA

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

Date: Tue, 3 May 94 17:09 EDT
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Re: Fight A*vertising! Petition! No, Don't.
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


> I support legislation against advertising on the internet.

Oh, Lord.  One bozo bombs the net with tacky advertising, and now we
want to start passing laws.

Before we do that, it would be nice to decide what's the Internet
(Usenet?  That includes large amounts of UUCP, Fido, etc. directly
connected Internet?  E-mail? Who knows?)

And for that matter, what's advertising?  If I post a message in a
telecom group about some used phone equipment I'm selling, is that an
ad?  What if I have a Gopher or WWW server that returns such info on
demand?

I'm as cheezed as anyone about Canter's junk news bombing, but the
solution is for Internet providers to get more sophisticated about
regulating their users (as Internet Direct has now done), and perhaps
some technical fixes so that we can decline to receive news and mail
from known antisocial sites.

Incidentally, if we can figure out to deal with Canter, we can deal
with anyone.  Someone recently posted a note reporting that he was
effectively disbarred in Florida (actually, resigned before they
disbarred him) due to unethical and possibly illegal dealings with
immigration clients.  He can fairly be described as a slimeball.

> We must stop happenings like this with legislation so that the 'infor-
> mation highway' ... doesn't become expensive and riddled with a*vertisi*g.

Expensive?  Advertising generally makes media cheaper -- newspapers
are delivered for far below the cost of production, and TV is delivered
free courtesy of ads.  There are cogent arguments to be made about adver-
tising on Usenet and Internet, but cost to the users isn't one of them.

I note that the primary backbone Internet carriers are now Sprint,
MCI, and AT&T, roughly in that order, so I expect that the Information
Supercollider will end up fused with the phone system more than with
the TV biz.  This suggests that it won't be advertiser sponsored.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Tom Board)
Subject: Re: CO's and Disasters
Date: 4 May 1994 00:36:07 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University


In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Tom
Watson) wrote:

> ......  This load-leveling (there is a snazzy term for it, but I
> don't remember) usually relates to the priorities in getting dial
> tone.

In the DMS-100 central office switch, this feature is called Line Load
Control (LLC).  It is assigned to a line like any other feature (e.g.,
call waiting).  During an emergency, when the CO switch is having
difficulty completing calls or delivering dialtone, the controlling
technician can force the switch into Line Load Control mode via a
console command.  At that point, the switch will not recognize
off-hook events unless the line has the LLC feature programmed.  This
has the effect to reducing demand on the switch and stabilizing
service to those lines with the feature attached.


Tom Board    [e-mail]

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #199
******************************


Received: from delta.eecs.nwu.edu by MINTAKA.LCS.MIT.EDU id aa11867;
          4 May 94 5:16 EDT
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08031; Wed, 4 May 94 01:51:36 CDT
Return-Path: <telecom>
Received: by delta.eecs.nwu.edu (4.1/SMI-4.0-proxy)
    id AA08022; Wed, 4 May 94 01:51:34 CDT
Date: Wed, 4 May 94 01:51:34 CDT
From: [e-mail] (TELECOM Moderator)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: TELECOM Digest V14 #200

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 4 May 94 01:51:00 CDT    Volume 14 : Issue 200

Inside This Issue:                          Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Design Tricks Manual - Free Book For Digest Readers (Jeffrey Race)
    Re: Answering Machines: What Use? (Don B. Cameron)
    Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging? (Ray Normandeau)
    Phone 'Zines Wanted (Jeremy Brandt)
    Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted (Ken Hoehn)
    Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted (Gene Gretske)
    Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted ([e-mail])
    Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links (Lynne Gregg)
    Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do? (Y. Eisenstadter)
    CallerID With Serial Port - Where? (John Landwehr)
    Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls (Leonard Erickson)
    Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access? (Steve Brack)
    Re: Incident Management Call Boxes (John R Levine)
    Re: Getting Phone Bills Over The Internet (Robin Fairbairns)
    Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary? (William J. Rehm)
    Cellular Call Forwarding (Bruce Mchollan)
    Re: Videocrypt Pirating (Robert Shaw)
    Re: Lucy Waits for Call (Jim Derdzinski)
    Re: Lucy Waits For Call (Eric Ziemer)
    Re: Lucy Waits For Call (David C. Tuttle)
    Ricky Finds Old Phone (Carl Moore)
    Teaser (Carl Moore)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations
and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify:

                 * [e-mail] *

The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick
Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax
or phone at:
                    9457-D Niles Center Road
                     Skokie, IL USA   60076
                       Phone: [phone]
                        Fax: [phone]
  ** Article submission address only: [e-mail] **

Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using
anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email
information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to
use the information service, just ask.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the              *
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland    *
* under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES)   *
* project.  Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-*
* ing views of the ITU.                                                 *
*************************************************************************

Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such
as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wu/O=JEFFREY_RACE/DD.ELN=[e-mail]
Date: 4 May 94 01:24:56 GMT
Subject: Black Magic! Telecom Design Tricks - Free Book For Digest Readers


Release of "Telecom Design Tricks" Engineering Manual

     Cambridge Electronics Laboratories announces the release of
"BLACK MAGIC!  Telecom Design Tricks," a manual for hardware engineers
concerned with telecom power, ringing or ISDN circuits.  The
thirty-five page text may save careful readers time and grief since it
assembles technical arcana resulting from ten years of mistakes, false
hunches and failed designs of Cambridge Electronics Laboratories and
its many customers around the world, some of whom survived.  The
manual also includes twenty "cookbook" schematics as well as
appendices detailing sundry traps for the unwary engineer, further
technical references, and dozens of vendors of unusual or little-known
components utilized in the included schematics.

     The manual is free upon request to readers of TELECOM Digest.
Generous-spirited readers are requested to provide suggestions for
corrections or improvements to subsequent revisions of the manual.
Any who make it to the last page and still want more such paper in
their in-baskets from possible survivors of future design projects are
respectfully encouraged to submit the form at the rear of the manual
for future technical mailings (if we survive this one).


Cambridge Electronics Laboratories        Telephone:     [phone]
20 Chester Street                         Telefax:       [phone]
Somerville MA  02144-3005                 Telex:       948580 RACE SOMV UD
USA                                       Internet:  [e-mail]
Point  of contact concerning this announcement is Dr. Jeffrey Race who  may
be reached as above.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: When you write to Dr. Race to request your
free copy of the manual, please mention reading about it in TELECOM Digest.
Thanks.  PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 10:31:43 EST
From: Don B. Cameron <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Answering Machines: What Use?


> Short Discussion on ANSWERING MACHINES, comments are welcome!

>- Answering machines save time since they allow
>  asynchronous communication.

I disagree.  Unless you play back the message at a faster rate or
speak faster onto the tape the amount of information conveyed in the
message is fixed in time and doesn't change by nature of being
asynchronous.

>- Answering machines are impersonal. I don't like to talk
>  to machines!

The richness of life is enhanced by human contact.  I agree, BUT, this
is sometimes the only way to get a hold of people who screen calls.

>- With answering machines one can answer calls in a "bulk"
>  and is therefore less disturbed while working.

Sounds like an "impersaonal approach" to answering the phone.  Imagine
answering the phone by mistake then saying, sorry, no time, please
call back and talk to my machine.

>- Many callers hesitate talking on to the tape.

This can be a problem especially when your tape cuts them off while
they decide to talk or not.  Perhaps the time out can be delayed on
future machines.

>- While absent, it is possible to obtain messages.
>  This can be important if upon one's return the caller himself is absent.

I think this is confusing.  If what you mean is that if both caller
and receiver have machines then communication can happen via tape
delay, then the I agree, this has value.

>- Callers never know whether the called party is absent or just
   happily listens to them.

Truely one of the great values of machines.  My girlfriend uses this
method to let me through, and her salesmen out. (I think!)

>- Call screening is possible: only calls that are welcome are answered.

A more effective way to prevent un-welcome calls is to get an unlisted
number.  Sure, lots of you TELECOM folks know how to find these out no
doubt, but since getting one I get only random dialing sales calls and
many fewer hangups on my machine.

>- An answering machine causes additional costs:
>  electricity and phone charges.

Many a phone message has saved me time and effort and gas etc.  So the
cost is well balanced by the benefits.

> Which positive and negative experiences have you had with answering
> machines?

I use my answering machine as a message center at times when I am in
transit to friends.  They leave messages there, and I pick them up.
This answering machine acts as my "voice mail" if needed.  I have gone
to some really cool parties and dinners as a result.  I have had a bad
experience recently.  My Mom keeps forgetting to put her machine on,
so if I call and she is not in and I can't leave a message, she calls
and says "You never call".  So lack of machines can be a problem too!

> What is the major benefit of answering machines?

It allows you flexibility to be or not be in touch.  The almost inborn
urge people develop to answer a ringing phone can be kept in check
with an answering machine.

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

Subject: Re: Answering Machine With Voice Mail and Paging?
From: [e-mail] (Ray Normandeau)
Date: 03 May 94 21:20:00 GMT
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Ray Normandeau)


> With an eye to the future, when I can afford full time office
> help, I am getting my own business line in June. I would like to be
> able to capture the calls on an answering machine which would
> automatically ring my pager(preferrably alphanumeric) upon receipt of
> each call. Are there answering machines available with this
> capability? Is software available to do this via modem?

I have such a set-up.  A Panasonic KX-T2710 Only one disadvantage, it
only calls my pager one time for each message.  If I am in a basement
or a subway I may not get my page.

I would prefer to be paged every 30 minutes till I call in.

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

From: [e-mail] (Jeremy Brandt)
Subject: Phone 'Zines Wanted
Date: 4 May 1994 05:31:15 GMT
Organization: CompuTech, Spokane WA


I was wondering if there is any way to subscribe to the newsletters/
magazines that each phone company puts out?  i.e. {Telephony}.  If so
could someone E-mail me with the addresses to write to, or a telephone
number to call?  thanks.


[e-mail]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: {Telephony} is a privately owned and
published magazine. It is not published by any telephone companies.
Ditto with {Teleconnect}, the magazine which has stolen a lot of
{Telephony}'s readers in recent years. The latter is published by
the Telecom Library in New York City. The public relations stuff
put out by telcos themselves is usually free for the asking. Just
write the various telcos and ask to be put on their mailing list.  PAT]

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

From: [e-mail] (Ken Hoehn)
Subject: Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted
Date: 03 May 1994 22:30:04 -0400
Organization: The w8hd Group


Per your request for comments:

The breakup of AT&T, from the Justice Department's point of view, was
not unlike a mother telling a child that she must punish him, and
asking him what the punishment shall be.

Naturally, the child will pick the punishment of eating cookies and
watching TV.

Judge Green's group really did not understand the technology involved
(does ANYONE really?), and looked to AT&T for a breakup plan.  They
considered and later acted on the opportunity to offload the higher
cost, less efficient local operating groups, and concentrate on LD.

They knew full well, or at least anticipated the new technologies
coming today (like PCS, ESMR and direct satellite projects like
Iridium), recognized that local service would become an expensive
dinosaur, and made the best move.

We are at an advantage from a long-distance point of view ... it costs
less in real dollars TODAY to call California than it did 13 years ago
in the dollars then.  That's impressive.

We are at a DISadvantage from a local point of view ... local service
is getting poorer, less well designed and maintained, more poorly
staffed, and overall more expensive.

Offhand, I would say it is *just* about a wash.  When they finally
manage to pull off measured local service, it will swing the equation
into the red from the consumer's point of view.


[e-mail]
Ken Hoehn - Teletech, Inc.         Compuserve: 70007,2374
N8NYO       P.O.Box 924            FAX: [phone]
            Dearborn, MI  48121    VOICE: [phone]


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: 'They' already have pulled off measured
service in many parts of the USA. We have had it here for several years
now.   PAT]

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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted
Date: Wed, 04 May 94 05:15:52 GMT
Organization: Delphi ([e-mail] email, 800-695-4005 voice)


Megan-

There is a wealth of literature about the effects of the break-up on
our telecommunications network, Wall Street, etc., etc.  But I think
that there is a real human side to this.  Having experienced it from
the inside, I saw lifetime relationships, friendships, and marriages
impacted.  I have never seen anyone address this from the "grassroots"
perspective of the nearly one million employees and their lives.


Gene

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

From: [e-mail] (THanna)
Subject: Re: AT&T Divestiture Comments Wanted
Date: 03 May 1994 16:57:02 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)


The breakup of AT&T (after over 100 years of monopolistic practices)
did create competition in the market place. If you count all the big
profitable companies today that do justice to the consumer i.e.
advances in technology etc ... then I would bet it was a good thing
Judge Greene broke it up. What about the so called McCaw/AT&T merger
that is on hold?

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

From: Lynne Gregg <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Direct Modem / Cellular Links
Date: Tue, 03 May 94 15:50:00 PDT


[e-mail] (Daniel Goemans) wrote:

> With that link, does anyone know if you then need an MNP-10 standard
> modem *in addition* to the link (to package data) ... or does the link
> package the data accordingly on its own?

Daniel is speaking of the Spectrum/Axcell interface, I believe.  My
experience has shown that MNP10 is not required, but it sure does
help.  Without this EDAC enhancement, you are liable to see some
garbled data coming across your screen.  Despite the inbound garbles,
however, I've found that outbound data transmission is quite reliable.
If you're doing data communication on cellular (regular ol' analog), I
highly recommend a modem that incorporates MNP10.


Regards,

Lynne

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

From: [e-mail] (Yoram Eisenstadter)
Subject: Re: What Does the Serial Port on NT Meridian Phones Do?
Date: 03 May 1994 21:03:59 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Unix, NYC


In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (David
Gingold) writes:

> I've got a Northern Telecom Meridian phone on my desk.  It has a DB-25
> connector on the back, which I suspect is a serial port.

> Is this a serial port?  Does anyone know how to talk to it and what I
> can do with it?  In particular, I'd like to program my workstation to
> dial the phone.

It is indeed a serial port.  At my workplace, the serial ports provide
access to a pool of modems that must be used for dialing out, since it
is impossible to directly connect a normal modem to the PBX lines (the
line voltages, ring signals, impedances, etc. are all non-standard).

I don't think the port can be used to control the phone itself.


Y

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

From: [e-mail] (John Landwehr)
Date: Tue, 03 May 94 16:21:40 -0500
Subject: CallerID With Serial Port - Where?


Although several TELECOM Digest articles have mentioned caller ID
boxes with serial ports, I have never seen a reference to a model
number, manufacturer or distributor.  I think most of us would agree
that buying a modem for such a purpose is a waste.

So the question remains: Where can I purchase a caller ID box with
serial port?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: In the electronics department at Venture
they had one from BellSouth I believe. I don't think buying a modem
for 'such a purpose' would necessarily be a waste. If the modem had
Caller-ID built into it and all you needed was to get that data over
to your computer for whatever reason, then such a modem would be a
fine investment. Who else sells CID boxes with serial ports?   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 13:33:21 PST
From: [e-mail] (Leonard Erickson)
Subject: Re: Using Call Forwarding to Avoid Tolls


In v14 #184, TELECOM Digest Editor noted:

> TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Generally, using the *regular, residential
> variety* of call forwarding will NOT save money where toll charges are
> concerned unless you are able to link two or three large toll free calling
> areas together. Generally, two or more short calls linked together cost
> more than a single long-haul call covering the same points.

This is only true where measured service is mandatory. On the west coast
it is generally optional (here in Oregon, we passed an initiative
*forbidding* mandatory measured service).

This makes a huge difference. As an example, up until a couple of
years ago, calls to between Portland and it's suburbs were local. But
calls between suburbs on opposite sides of Portland were long
distance.

So BBS operators in the suburbs would get a friend in the "core" area
to set up a number with call forwarding to their BBS. That way the
folks who could call Portland for free, but not call that suburb for
free had a way to access them via a free call.

Note that since call forwarding doesn't interfere with *outgoing*
calls, anyone with a line they only used for outgoing calls (such as
calling BBSes) could just add call forwarding and keep using their
line normally.

I was the call forwarder for one BBS, and it worked out fine. One
local Unix site offered forwarding for a *lot* of BBSes by letting
them use his outgoing lines. That way they got a call forwarding
number, and he got lines that would *never* be troubled by incoming
calls. :-)


uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!51!Leonard.Erickson
Internet: [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Steve Brack)
Subject: Re: Local Charges for 950 and 800 Access?
Organization: University of Toledo
Date: Wed, 04 May 1994 02:08:27 GMT


Here in Ohio Bell (well, Ameritech) territory, I haven't encountered
any payphones that charge for 800 numbers.

    My boyfriend's MCI card works off of a 700 number which
requires the deposit of a quarter to reach it, but returns the coin
after you hang up.


Steven S. Brack          [e-mail]
Toledo, OH  43613-1605   [e-mail]
MY OWN OPINIONS          [e-mail]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 17:57 EDT
From: [e-mail] (John R Levine)
Subject: Re: Incident Management Call Boxes
Organization: I.E.C.C., Cambridge, Mass.


> [re cellular roadside call boxes that call 911]
> The writer from Texas pointed out that "the system does not allow
> calls to anywhere else."  It was at this point that I mentioned the
> incident in Southern California where one call-box unit was either
> stolen or monitored to get its identification code, which was used to
> cause tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent cellular calls.

Seems to be it'd be easier to work with the cellular company to fix
their switches to give a special class of service to the roadside
boxes that only permits 911, no other numbers, and no roaming.


Regards,

John Levine, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

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

From: [e-mail] (Robin Fairbairns)
Subject: Re: Getting Phone Bills Over the Internet
Date: 03 May 1994 11:51:54 GMT
Organization: University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The original message in this thread
appeared in the telecom newsgroup in the UK; it did not appear here
but the thread seems interesting enough.  PAT]

In article <[e-mail]>, John Lines <[e-mail].
uk> wrote:

> I would like to be able to receive my phone (and other bills) over
> the Internet. As I pay them by Direct Debit in any case their function
> is to inform me what I have spent the money on. It would be cheaper
> for my phone company (who would not have to print and mail a bill, and
> save time for me.

It would be nice, wouldn't it?

> The actual itemised bill section would just have the number dialed,
the time and date, the duration, number of units and cost; one per
line, separated by tab characters. It would be easy to write a program
to digest such a bill, and it would benefit many.For example small
businesses, such as lawyers who re- charge phone costs to clients,
would be saved from having to re- key data from a paper bill. Students
living in shared housed and splitting the phone bills could save some
time each quarter.  Anyone does some a mixture of business and private
calls on the same phone line and wants to be able to split them for
tax purposes would be saved a great deal of time.

Of course, here you identify the major problem with this proposal of
yours: anything that transmitted could contain sensitive business
information.  Since the internet is inherently insecure, that means
that the bill as transmitted would need (at the least) to be
encrypted; authentication information (e.g., digital signatures)
wouldn't come amiss either.

Now, we observe that you're posting from a UK address.  This means
that security software available to you is either:

 1. Illegally exported from the USA
 2. Academically produced (or otherwise free)
 3. Bloody expensive

It's inconceivable that a serious telco is going to accept software in
categories 1 or 2, so you're lumbered with 3.  Where are the cost
savings going...?

I agree with you that electronic billing is highly desirable.  I
disagree with the assertion that it's presently doable.


Robin (Campaign for Real Radio 3) Fairbairns       [e-mail]
U of Cambridge Computer Lab, Pembroke St, Cambridge  CB2 3QG, UK

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

From: [e-mail] (William J Rehm)
Subject: Re: ZMODEM - Proprietary?
Date: 03 May 94 13:33:10 GMT


On 4 Apr 94 18:16:45 GMT, Matt Silveira wrote:

> With regard to ZMODEM, it is not proprietary and there are many
> "shareware" programs available for Macs, PCs, and UNIX boxes, check a
> "mirrored" INTERNET site or sumex.aim at Stanford for Macs.

As I understand the situation, zmodem is indeed a proprietary
protocol.  It's use on hosts is only free under certain restricted
contexts, academic use being one of them. Clients, on the other hand,
are free to incorporate zmodem protocols, since a host is required to
use them.

I have admittedly limited knowledge of this situation, but this is how
it was explained to me when I contacted the author's company.


Bill Rehm    [e-mail]

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

Subject: Cellular Call Forwarding
From: [e-mail] (Bruce Mchollan)
Date: Tue, 03 May 94 21:12:00 -0500
Organization: Communications World
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Bruce Mchollan)


A person I work with has a cellular phone with call forwarding.  When
he forwards his calls to another number and then calls his own
cellular number he is not charged for the call ($0!).  This works even
when he forwards his calls to a number within our LATA that would
invoke toll charges if dialed by land line.  He takes advantage to
save the toll charges.  Is this legal?

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

Date: 03 May 1994 11:23:38 CET
From: SHAW [phone] <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Videocrypt Pirating


Stewart Fist <[e-mail]> wrote:

I know several shops here in Geneva (which has a huge English-
speaking expat community) that are selling fake Videocrypt cards that
give full access to the English Sky Multi-Channel package.  In many
cases, they give these cards away free to sell dish/receiver packages.
The fake cards have flourished in Geneva because Sky does not sell
subscriptions to its services

Outside the UK (I guess because they only have purchased broadcast
rights in that area).  I heard the down side is that Sky somehow
manages to change their encryption every few months so that you need
to go back to the shop for an updated PROM for which the shop charges
$30.00.  There are thousands of dishes

In this area pointing to Astra and receiving Sky via these fake cards
or by supplying friends/relatives addresses in the UK.  I don't know
if it is actually illegal in Switzerland or not.

Reminds me of a story I heard.  It seems that a person here who became
a Sky subscriber by supplying his mother's UK address had a phone call
to the number listed on his subscription form.  When they asked to
speak with him, she replied "oh no, he lives out in Switzerland".  I
heard Sky disabled his subscriber card remotely that night.


Robert Shaw    International Telecommunication Union

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

Date: 03 May 94 22:37:00 EDT
From: Jim Derdzinski <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Lucy Waits for Call


> I have seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy gets a party line
> cleared of a long conversation by claiming it's an emergency.  (She

I saw this episode, and the way she finally cleared the line was
hysterically classic Lucy (she breaks in and says something like
"gotta go dear, I just hear the doorbell" in which both ladies in the
conversation say goodbye and hang up").

> In the same episode, neighbor Ethel Mertz (played by Vivian Vance)
> brings her phone to Lucy's apartment.  Ethel's phone had a very long
> cord, and she said "don't tell the phone company, but every time
> someone moves, Fred gets a cord".  Fred Mertz was played by William
> Frawley.

This reminds me of when I was living in Indiana in the '70's.  I knew
this woman whose job was to clean and prepare vacant apartments in a
local complex.  Back then, as the telephones belonged to Bell, people
would leave them when they moved.

Well, to sum it up, this woman had about 50 or so Western Electric
telephones of various designs and configurations that she would swipe
while cleaning and painting the apartments (she was good with 42A
blocks).  I lost track of her, and my folks and I still joke about her
being sent up the river by Indiana Bell.  With all the crap on the
store shelves that passes for telephone equipment these days, I wish I
still had access to that "collection".

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

From: [e-mail] (Eric Ziemer)
Subject: Re: Lucy Waits For Call
Date: 26 Apr 1994 18:19:02 -0500
Organization: Another MCSNet Subscriber, Chgo's First Public-Access Internet!


Carl Moore ([e-mail]) wrote:

> I have seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy gets a party line
> cleared of a long conversation by claiming it's an emergency.  (She
> was waiting for a call from a random drawing.  Party line calls should
> be kept short out of courtesy, but I was concerned that this fictitious
> incident would run afoul of laws making it an offense to get use of a
> line by false claim of emergency.)

  Sure.  Just get her telephone number and file a complaint!


Eric R. Ziemer    [e-mail]
[e-mail]    Chicago, IL

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

From: [e-mail] (David C. Tuttle)
Subject: Re: Lucy Waits For Call
Date: Tue, 03 May 1994 13:56:33 -0600
Organization: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center


In article <[e-mail]>, Carl Moore <cmoore@BRL.
MIL> wrote:

> I have seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy gets a party line
> cleared of a long conversation by claiming it's an emergency...

The "I Love Lucy" episode I remember doesn't go quite that way (these
may be different episodes...).  The party line is being used, and Lucy
wants to clear it.  Lucy announces that it's an emergency, but the
people ignore her -- she's pulled that trick one too many times.  (And
while it's a crime to falsely state an emergency, it's also one not to
yield the line when an emergency is announced.)

So Lucy stays on the line and waits for a lull in the conversation,
then says (with a Brooklyn accent) "Oh, there's the door, I've got to
call you back."  Both parties think the other person said it, so they
both hastily say "goodbye" and hang up.

Jeez, why do people like me bother to remember these things? :-)


David C. Tuttle, Biomathematics   ----> [e-mail] <----
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center        [phone]
Mail Stop 237, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX  77030-4096    USA


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Columbia Video Club (that's the reincar-
nation of the old Columbia Record Club/Columbia House operation) down
in Terre Haute, IN has a whole series of the old "I Love Lucy" shows on
videotape taken from the original masters. There are several dozen
videotapes in the entire collection if anyone is interested.   PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 22:48:32 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Ricky Finds Old Phone


In the famous birth episode of "I Love Lucy", Ricky Ricardo seeks to
make a call from the waiting room and finds a telephone with a
cup-shaped ear piece and no dial.  Ricky (played by Desi Arnaz) asks
about the lack of a dial and is told to give the girl (the operator)
the number.  (Reminds you of the recent incident of someone not
knowing how to use a rotary phone.)  He asks the operator for CIrcle
1-xxxx.  If this supposedly happens in New York City, I find there was
a CH1 in zone 7 (Brooklyn).  When did the suggestion about 555-xxxx
come in?  (Also, on this early TV program, I fail to see the
disclaimer that the persons and events shown are fictitious.)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This episode is another one available
in the series from Columbia Video. Lucille Ball once noted that even
had her child been a girl (in those days, pre-birth sex detirmination
had not been developed as a medical technique) they had decided to go
ahead with a boy on the show. The airing of that show was timed in
such a way that Ms. Ball gave birth an hour or so before the pre-recorded
show (usually "Lucy" was done live, before an audience, but not that
night) was aired. Red Skelton's comedy show came on CBS right after
"Lucy" each week, and that night as the show started, Skelton announced
that Ms. Ball had successfully given birth about two hours earlier.

Desilu Productions took a gamble and wrote a boy into the script,
which is how it turned out. They debated back-pedaling and changing
the newborn into a girl in future shows had it been one but eventually
decided to stick with a boy in future shows regardless of the actual
outcome in Ms. Ball's personal life. There is/was a CIrcle exchange in
New York. CIrcle-5-1500 was the number for the Diners Club switchboard
when that credit card processing office was located in NYC on Circle
Plaza (Park?).  PAT]

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

Date: Tue, 03 May 94 22:42:58 EDT
From: Carl Moore <[e-mail]>
Subject: Teaser


April 1994 phone bill in Md. said "You'll never have to write another
check payable to C&P Telephone".  The catch is that you'd write checks
to Bell Atlantic-MD instead.

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

End of TELECOM Digest V14 #200
******************************