Just like the big boys: small businesses finally get some respect from telecommunications companies

Article Abstract:

Small businesses are getting attention from telecommunications companies with long-distance calling plans that put them on a more comparable footing with large companies, who traditionally have benefited from telephone discounts. MCI Communications Corp, Sprint Corp and AT and T each have implemented services for small businesses for long-distance discounts and telephone management. Sprint provides a simple price and billing structure and combined location and conference call discounts. MCI sends one bill for all its services, but provides a coding system to track calls to their source within a company. AT and T offers lower facsimile transmission rates and language translation services. Competition among telephone companies for small businesses has escalated, making telecommunications discounts one of the few benefits of the economic recession. Service is not the only issue, however, as businesses shop for the best quality transmission, dependability and product offerings. New technologies are also lowering the cost of services drastically, as computers link more readily with telephone systems. Less expensive products and services are making videoconferencing a more viable alternative.

Electronic computers, Telegraph & other communications, T, Small business, Long distance telephone services, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Customer service, Videoconferencing, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Products, Telecommunications, Recession, Future Technologies, Competition, Cost of Communications, Long-Distance Telephone Service, Support Services

---

Here's one 900 line that's likely to receive the blessing of parents

Article Abstract:

AT&T plans to carry a '900' line created by Global Telecomm Ltd, which will feature Pope John Paul the II giving his daily message in English. The message lasts about two minutes and will cost callers $1.95 per minute. A similar service had been set up by the Vatican in cooperation with the Italian telephone company, but the service, which requires the use of international phone lines, has not been successful. Global Telecomm calculates that if only one percent of the five million Roman Catholics in the US call once a week, the line can make about two million dollars weekly. Out of that estimated profit, AT&T receives 40 percent of the cut and Global receives about 25 percent, so that about $600,000 to $700,000 of the two million dollars would go to the Vatican.

Business services, not elsewhere classified, Information services, Business planning, John Paul II, Pope, Speeches, lectures and essays, Catholic Church, Popes, Outlook, Estimation, Telecommunications Service, Donation, Pay-per-call services, Pay per call services, Global Telecomm Ltd.

---

United Telecom plans to curtail '900' phone lines

Article Abstract:

United Telecommunications Inc will cut back on its '900' telephone-service offerings consequent to initiation of a grand jury investigation of United Telecom's Sprint Telemedia subsidiary, which provides the services. The US attorney in Des Moines, IA, is said to be preparing fraud charges against one of Telemedia's vendors, a credit-card provider. United Telecom believes it is not liable for crimes that might have been committed by its 900-line customers. Nevertheless, United Telecom will curtail providing billing services for horoscope, game and celebrity services because such services are difficult to police and because consumers have complained about them. Telesphere Communications Inc recently stopped providing 900-line services for similar reasons.

Investigations, Fraud, UT, Billing/Invoicing, Telecommunications Services Industry, Investigation, Sprint TeleMedia

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: AT&T, Cable & Wireless suspend talks on global telecommunications alliance. AT&T's computer business is planning to build sales partnerships in Europe
• Abstracts: Japan to unveil economic reform plan; telecommunications market will open. U.S. suspends negotiations with Japan over satellite trade, U.S. official says
• Abstracts: Playing politics: Soviet deal shows pitfalls and potential of international telecommunications business
• Abstracts: Cornell team's laser boasts high capacity; device is not the fastest, but advances microwave communications efforts
• Abstracts: Sony is close to U.S. debut for home PCs. IBM to launch two PC units in new markets

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.