Brazoria2021Telco

BRAZORIA, TEXAS 77422 AREA CODE 979 JANUARY 2021 069482

BRAZORIA COUNTY REGIONALTELEPHONE DIRECTORY

JANUARY 2021

INCLUDING LISTINGS FOR & DISTRIBUTION TO:

ANGLETON | BAILEY’S PRAIRIE | BRAZORIA | CHURCHILL | CLUTE | COLUMBIA LAKES | DANBURY | DANCIGER EAST COLUMBIA | FREEPORT | JONES CREEK | LAKE JACKSON | OLD OCEAN | OYSTER CREEK RICHWOOD | SURFSIDE | SWEENY | WEST COLUMBIA | WILD PEACH

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF PROVIDING SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

OUR BUSINESS IS HELPING YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

We provide small businesses digital marketing strategies and services, so they can thrive in today’s digitally-focused world.

RESPONSIVE WEBSITES

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REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

SOCIAL MEDIA DASHBOARD

DIGITAL ADVERTISING

PRINT ADVERTISING

LOCALIZED SEARCH

Visit dpsmedia.com for a FREE Snapshot Report of your business’s online marketing performance.

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866-221-4300 dpsmedia.com

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

In Case of EMERGENCY Please Dial

FIRE

POLICE

911 Non-Emergency Numbers Poison Information – 1-800-222-1222

AMBULANCE

For Deaf, Hearing/Speech Impaired Callers, tapping a few TDD/TTY keys may result in a faster answer at the 9-1-1 center.

SHERIFF

POISON

Location

FIRE SHERIFF Non-Emergency Non-Emergency Non-Emergency Non-Emergency POLICE AMBULANCE

Angleton

388-2392 388-2392 864-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392

849-2383 388-2392 798-2277 265-6194 864-2392 922-1176 864-2392 233-1142 345-5121 239-1211 233-3851 415-2700 388-2392 233-2630 265-2222 964-4454 388-2392 388-2392 345-3416 388-2392

849-2383 388-2392 798-2195 265-6194 864-2392 922-1551 864-2392 864-2392 239-1211 233-3091 415-2700 388-2392 233-8481 265-2222

Bailey’s Prairie

Brazoria

Clute

265-6194 864-2392 922-1176 864-2392 345-2390 239-1211 239-1211 415-2700 388-2392 239-1211 265-2222

Columbia Lakes

Danbury Danciger

Demi-John

East Columbia

Freeport

Jones Creek Lake Jackson

Old Ocean

Oyster Creek

Richwood

River’s End Volunteer Fire Dept.

Surfside Sweeny

388-2392 388-2392 345-5121 388-2392

388-2392 388-2392 345-2390 388-2392

388-2392 388-2392 388-2392 388-2392

West Columbia

Wild Peach

Police____________________________________ Fire ______________________________________ Sheriff ___________________________________

Write in Local Numbers Here: Doctor ___________________________________ Hospital__________________________________

DPS Media, Inc. 2630 Hwy 109, Wildwood, MO 63040

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OTHER EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Jackson Electric (Bay City) . . . . . . . . . . . 979-245-3029 Edna Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361-771-4400 Texas-New Mexico Power . . . . . . . . . 1-888-866-7456

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) Long Distance Dial ‘1’ & Then . . . . . . . . 713-693-5000

CRIME STOPPERS Angleton Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 849-TIPS (8477) Brazoria County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-460-2222 City Of Brazoria Information Line . . . . . . . 798-8002

AREA HOSPITALS CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport. . . . . . . . . 297-4411 Sweeny Community Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 548-1500 UTMB Health Angleton Danbury . . . . . . . . . 849-7721

ELECTRIC COMPANIES Centerpoint Energy

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-207-2222 Toll Free. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-332-7143

NOTICE Cellular 9-1-1 Calls ...When calling 9-1-1 on a cellular phone, be prepared to provide the following information: your name, cellular phone number, nature of the emergency, and the location of the incident. Please note: Your call may be answered by a telephone company operator or a 9-1-1 dispatcher outside your area. Privacy Considerations… The 9-1-1 (nine-one-one) emergency telephone number has been developed to quickly summon emergency service in a crisis situation. Callers should realize that when reporting an emergency by dialing 9-1-1, their telephone number (including non-published numbers) and their address may be automatically displayed on a viewing screen located at the 9-1-1 answering centers and that this call may also be recorded. This display of the calling number and address enables the emergency agency to quickly locate the caller even if the call is disrupted by the crisis. Callers who do not wish to have their telephone number displayed on the view- ing screen should report an emergency by dialing the seven-digit telephone number of the appropriate emergency agency.

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ABOUT OUR COMPANY

BTEL – Home Service, Worldwide Connections This phone book has been provided to you by BTEL. We have provided local service in Brazoria, Churchill, and Wild Peach since 1946. A locally owned, independent company, BTEL is committed to bringing the latest technology to our customers and surrounding neighbors. With state-of-the-art facilities and family and employee dedication, BTEL is anxious to continue its role of leadership and service to our wonderful customers as we provide for their communications needs presently and in the future. BTEL Board of Directors

Back row (left to right): Kenneth Goolsby (Vice President), Wade Aucoin (Vice President of Integrated Services), Robert Pewitt, John H. Greenberg (CEO and Chairman of the Board), Charles H. Greenberg (President), and Gilbert R. Rasco (Vice President of Operations).

Front row (left to right): Kathy Goolsby, Pam Chatagnier, Gail Greenberg (Business Office Manager), Lisa Goolsby and Gail Rogers.

Your Complete Communications Company Your Local Leader in Communications Technology for the Last 71 Years! www.btel.com

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SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

BTEL – Brazoria Heritage Foundation BTEL made a $20,000 donation to the Brazoria Heritage Foundation! We are proud to support a great organization that works hard to preserve the history of Brazoria. Thank you to the Brazoria Heritage Foundation for all you do! BTEL - Supporting Local Businesses BTEL supported three of the restaurants in Brazoria by purchasing gift cards for all of the employees during Covid-19.

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History of Brazoria Telephone Company

.com telephone industry beginning as a 17-year old girl and took a job as an operator in Atlanta, Texas. This was the continuation of a family tradition, as her mother had been an operator in the 1890s and early 1900s. After meeting and marrying Mr. Hendrix in Atlanta, Boo and Mr. Charley continued their partnership in both life and the telephone industry, with Mrs. Hendrix serving in many capacities within the company, including office manager, personnel manager, and often serving as operator as well. She remained active in the company throughout her 44 years with Brazoria Telephone Company. John H. Greenberg, grandson of Charles and Beulah Hendrix, became president in 1983. After becoming President, John continued the legacy of his Grandfather, witnessing: the change to digital equipment in 1983; the installation of fiber to Angleton, Sweeny, and Old Ocean in 1986; a large, buried cable project started in 1987; remodeling of the Brazoria Central Office and construction of a new Service Center in 1988; and the construction of a 600-foot tower in 1989. John passed day-to-day leadership of Btel to his son, Charlie Greenberg, who became president in August, 2013. Btel plans to continually improve and expand its services now and in the future. The current innovation is deploying fiber to the homes and businesses within the Btel serving area. Btel’s customer assistance and quality of service are now, and always will be, Btel’s primary focus. Brazoria Telephone Company was bought by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hendrix and their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Pewitt in 1946, and remains in the Hendrix family to the present. In 1946 the telephone company consisted of 100 magneto telephones with grounded lines. The company progressed through the years by adding digital trunking cable and building two new central office buildings in 1981. In 1985 Mr. Charley was honored by being inducted into the Texas Independent Pioneer Association Hall of Fame. Not to be forgotten is the contribution of Mrs. Beulah Hendrix, “Boo”, as her friends call her. She spent most of her 82 years in the

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REMEMBER WHEN

MOVIE FAVORITES MUSIC FAVORITES

THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (ACADEMY AWARD WINNER) , NOTORIOUS, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, SONG OF THE SOUTH, THE BIG SLEEP & IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

THE OLD LAMPLIGHTER (SAMMY KAYE) , OLE BUTTERMILK SKY (KAY KYSER) , PERSONALITY (JOHNNY MERCER) , RUMORS ARE FLYING (FRANKIE CARLE) , PRISONER OF LOVE (PERRY COMO) , SURRENDER (PERRY COMO) , SYMPHONY (FREDDY MARTIN) , TO EACH HIS OWN (INK SPOTS) , THE GYPSY (DINAH SHORE) , I’M A BIG GIRL NOW (SAMMY KAYE) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: HARRY TRUMAN PULITZER PRIZE WINNER: A PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION WAS NOT AWARDED IN 1946. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS: EMILY GREENE BALCH AND JOHN RALEIGH MOTT MISS AMERICA: MARILYN BUFERD (LOS ANGELES, CA) SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: SAM T. RAYBURN (D) LIFE EXPECTANCY: 62.9 YEARS

INTERESTING FACTS

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE KING THERE WAS NO VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1946.

COST OF LIVING

NEW HOUSE: $5,600 AVERAGE INCOME: $2,500 PER YEAR NEW CAR: $1,125 AVERAGE RENT: $65 PER MONTH TUITION TO HARVARD UNIVERSITY: $420 PER YEAR MOVIE TICKET: 55¢ EACH GASOLINE: 15¢ PER GALLON FIRST-CLASS POSTAGE STAMP: 3¢ EACH

APR.

JUN.

FEB.

ROAD TO UTOPIA PREMIERES IN NYC; IT STARS BOB HOPE AND BING CROSBY.

THE U.S. NAVY REVEALS THE 8,000-HORSE POWER ROCKET ENGINE.

THE CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP ACT IS ENACTED; IT WILL TAKE EFFECT NEXT YEAR.

JAN.

MAR.

MAY

THE FIRST RADAR CONTACT WITH THE MOON IS MADE BY THE U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS.

THE FIRST AMERICAN-BUILT ROCKET LEAVING EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE REACHES AN ALTITUDE OF 50 MILES.

FIVE DIE IN A TWO-DAY RIOT AT ALCATRAZ PRISON IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY.

COST OF FOOD

GRANULATED SUGAR: 75¢ FOR 10 LBS VITAMIN D MILK: 70¢ PER GALLON GROUND COFFEE: 50¢ PER GALLON BACON: 47¢ PER POUND EGGS: 22¢ PER DOZEN FRESH GROUND HAMBURGER: 40¢ PER POUND FRESH BAKED BREAD: 10¢ PER LOAF

WORLD NEWS

▷ EUROPE AND JAPAN BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REBUILDING. ▷ WINSTON CHURCHILL GIVES HIS “IRON CURTAIN” SPEECH. ▷ THE 1ST CANADA SAVINGS BONDS ARE CREATED. ▷ THE UNITED NATIONS HOLDS ITS FIRST SESSION. ▷ THE BIKINI SWIMSUIT, NAMED AFTER BIKINI ATOLL AND THE ATOMIC EXPLOSIONS CONDUCTED THERE, DEBUTS IN PARIS. ▷ THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA IS ESTABLISHED. ▷ CANNES FILM FESTIVAL DEBUTS IN FRANCE.

NATIONAL NEWS

▷ PRESIDENT TRUMAN SIGNS THE MCMAHON/ATOMIC ENERGY ACT, CREATING THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, A CIVILIAN GROUP. ▷ WWII VETERANS, MAKING USE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE G.I. BILL OF RIGHTS, HEAD TO COLLEGE IN RECORD NUMBERS. ▷ BIRTHRATES JUMP TO OVER 1.4 MILLION IN ONE YEAR WITH THE RETURN OF WWII VETERANS. ▷ THE UNITED STATES GIVES THE PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE. ▷ AT&T ANNOUNCES THE FIRST CAR PHONES. ▷ ALASKANS VOTE IN FAVOR OF STATEHOOD. ▷ THE U.S. ARMY MAKES RADAR CONTACT WITH THE MOON FOR THE FIRST TIME.

SPORTS NEWS

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS U.S. OPEN GOLF WINNER: LLOYD MANGRUM PRO FOOTBALL CHAMPION: CHICAGO BEARS INDIANAPOLIS 500 WINNER: GEORGE ROBSON/114.820 MPH STANLEY CUP WINNER: MONTREAL CANADIENS NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPION: OKLAHOMA A&M COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPION: NOTRE DAME HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER: GLENN DAVIS FROM ARMY CANADIAN GREY CUP CHAMPION: TORONTO ARGONAUTS

MEL OTT OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS BECOMES THE FIRST MANAGER TO BE THROWN OUT OF BOTH GAMES OF A DOUBLEHEADER. THE GIANTS LOSE BOTH GAMES TO THE PIRATES, 2-1 AND 5-1.

AUG.

OCT.

DEC.

SIMMONS DEVELOPS THE FIRST ELECTRIC BLANKET.

THE FLAMINGO HOTEL OPENS IN LAS VEGAS, MARKING THE BEGINNING OF AN ERA.

H.G. WELLS, AUTHOR OF WAR OF THE WORLDS, PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 79.

JUL.

SEP.

NOV.

18 NATIONS ARE REPRESENTED AT THE 1ST CANNES FILM FESTIVAL.

WALT DISNEY’S SONG OF THE SOUTH PREMIERES IN ATLANTA, GA.

MOTHER FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI IS CANONIZED AS THE FIRST AMERICAN SAINT.

brazoriacountyyp.com BRAZORIA ONLINE DIRECTORY

FAST, EASY & POWERFUL The Online Directory That Is

See for Yourself at brazoriacountyyp.com

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brazoriacountyyp.com BRAZORIA ONLINE DIRECTORY

UNLIMITED ACCESS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

SEARCHING FOR BUSINESSES From the main screen, simply enter the type of business or the name of the business that you are looking for in the “FIND” box. You will be directed to a page containing all of the businesses that match your search, as well as a map indicating where each business is located (if an address was provided) . By clicking on any advertiser’s address, you can get an exact location of the business on the map, as well as the option of obtaining driving directions from your own location! From the listing information on the right, you can also access a business’s ad as it appears in the Yellow Pages, access their website or send them a quick email (if the advertiser has chosen these options) .

SEARCHING FOR PEOPLE From the main screen, click on “SEARCH PEOPLE” and simply enter the name of the person or people you are looking for in the “FIND” box. You will be directed to a page containing all of the people that match your search, as well as a map indicating where each person is located (if an address was provided). REVERSE PHONE NUMBER SEARCH You can search for residences and businesses by telephone number by clicking on the “SEARCH PEOPLE” tab from the main screen and entering telephone number into the “FIND” box. You will be directed to a page showing any person or business with the phone number that matches your search, as well as a map indicating the location (if an address was provided ). Please note: Results will not contain cell phone numbers.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

Visit brazoriacountyyp.com on your mobile device and check out our online directory!

MISSED THE PRINTED DIRECTORY? Want to enhance the way your business’ information appears in the online directory? Please contact DPS Media, Inc. at (866) 221-4300 if you wish to be contacted by a Sales Representative anytime during the year!

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CUSTOMER INFORMATION

BTEL at Your Service www.btel.com

Local Directory There is an allowance of 3 calls per month at no charge. For all calls above the allowance there is a charge of $1.25 per call. International Calls To reach an AT&T Directory Assistance Operator dial 10102880. The customer will be charged an AT&T tariffed rate for the service.

BTEL serves the exchanges of 798 , 799 and 964 . If your phone num- ber has any of these prefixes, the following information pages will pertain to you and your telephone service. Business Hours Mon. thru Fri. 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

24 Hour Night Drop Our Location

Bill Payment Options Automatic Bank Draft

No need to send a check! With our convenient Auto Pay Option, your phone bill will be automatically drafted from your checking or savings account each month. Call our office to enroll. Internet Pay online with your checking account or credit card with SmartHub at www.btel.com . Look for the Silver SmartHub Logo in the upper right; this secure method of payment saves you time and allows you to view your bills online. You may also make payments using your bank or other bill payment service. Paperless We can also offer a paperless billing option where you can access your account info online – no longer a need for a physical statement to be mailed. Call our office & we’d be glad to set you up. Pay by Phone Use your check, credit card or check card to make a payment by phone. Call our office at (979) 798-2121 or 1-800-396-2910 option 1 or use our automated service by calling Secure Pay at 1-844-849-1514. By Mail A return envelope will be included in your monthly bill statement or you can address your payment to:

To pay bills, order new service, move or change service, or for information regard- ing your bill: 314 WEST TEXAS STREET Our Number 798-2121 or 1-800-396-2910 Repair Number

798-4102 - BTEL 798-4638 - INET 798-5465 - VIDEO Time & Temperature 798-1212 Directory Assistance LOCAL INFORMATION - From the Following Numbers for the Following Numbers FROM 798, 799 AND 964 NUMBERS ONLY . . . . . . . . . . 411 LONG DISTANCE – Or Calls Outside Local Exchanges WITHIN 979 AREA CODE DIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 + 979 + 555-1212 LONG DISTANCE OUTSIDE 979 AREA CODE DIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 + AREA CODE + 555-1212 Operator Services ASSISTANCE ON A CALL FROM 798, 799 AND 964 NUMBERS ONLY DIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

BTEL P.O. Box 2008 Brazoria, TX 77422

Remember to include the bill payment stub and write your name on the check. In Person You may pay your bill in our office located at 314 West Texas Street in Brazoria, Texas. Our business office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Directory Assistance Charges LATA Directory, Texas Directory & Outside Texas Directory (See LATA Map Page 28)

Directory Assistance charges may vary between local telephone companies and long distance providers. We suggest that you contact your local company as well as your long distance provider to ascertain the rates for directory assistance within the LATA, in Texas, and for directory assistance outside the state.

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CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Miscellaneous Information 900 Call Blocking

Use of Residence Telephones for Business Purposes

Residence telephones are installed with the understanding that they will be used for normal social or domestic purposes. Residence telephone service will be changed to business service if used primarily or substantially for business purposes, or if the residence telephone number is advertised in connection with the sale of products or services. Telephone Safety The telephone is one of the safest appliances in your home or office. There are, however, a few situations where a telephone user needs to be cautious. Use of the Telephone Near Water The telephone should not be used while you are in the bathtub, show- er or pool. Immersion of the telephone or handset in water could cause electrical shock. Use of the Telephone During an Electrical Storm You should avoid using the telephone during an electrical storm in your immediate areas; calls of an urgent nature should be brief. There is a remote risk of a dangerous electric shock from lightning when using the telephone during a nearby electrical storm. Use of the Telephone to Report a Gas Leak If you think you have found a gas leak, you should not use a telephone in the vicinity of the leak until the leak is repaired. The telephone con- tains electrical contacts that could generate a tiny spark when you lift the handset and dial. While unlikely, it may be possible for this spark to trigger an explosion if the gas concentration is high enough. Repair Service 798, 799 & 964 Prefixes Only Line and Wire Trouble The line up to the protector on the customer’s house is the responsi- bility of BTEL. We will repair and keep that line in good working order at no charge to the customer. The telephone company is no longer responsible for repair of wiring and jacks beyond the protector on your home or business. This was by order of the Federal Communications Commission effective January 1, 1987. You now have the option to obtain these services from BTEL, the vendor of your choice or perform the work yourself. BTEL does offer a maintenance policy called Simple Inside Wire Maintenance (SIWM). SIWM covers repairs of defective wiring and jacks within your home or business. If you do not purchase SIWM, BTEL will still fix your problem but you will be charged on a time and material basis. For further information or to subscribe to the SIWM plan, contact the telephone company commercial office.

BTEL offers its customers 900 Call Blocking at no charge for the first request. There would be a non-recurring charge for any subsequent blocking requests. 900 blocking would prevent the connection of 1 + 900 calls being made from your number. About the Company BTEL is a SERVICE INSTITUTION. It is the purpose of its officers and employees to render a dependable and satisfactory service. To that end we employ numerous trained people, any one and all of whom will thankfully receive suggestions calculated to aid in the fulfillment of that purpose. About the Directory Even though every effort is made to compile this directory accurately, errors sometimes occur. BTEL assumes no responsibility or liability for damages arising from errors or omissions in printing. If your listing is incorrect or omitted from this directory, please contact BTEL at 979-798-2121. All persons are cautioned against attaching any unau- thorized advertising in this directory or any device that will obscure or interfere with any authorized advertisement in the directory or on the cover. About Responsibility for Toll Subscribers are responsible for all toll calls originating at their tele- phone, whether made by themselves, their clerks or guests, and BTEL does not obligate itself to have calls okayed by the subscriber. If ser- vice on a call is not satisfactory, notify the toll operator immediately, otherwise, no refund will be allowed.

Solutions for Home, Work, Life

About Service BTEL does not guarantee the uninterrupted working of the line or instrument. No attachment of any character is to be made to the tele- phone or line without consent of an authorized representative of BTEL, and BTEL will not consent to any illegal use of its lines or instruments as a means of communicating by anyone.

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CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Telephone Abuse Annoyance Calls

Customer Owned Phone Trouble Call 798-4102

Section 42.07 of the Texas Penal Code provides that a per- son commits an offense if he intentionally communicates by telephone in a vulgar, profane, obscene or indecent language, in a coarse and offensive manner or threatening language and by this action intentionally, knowingly or reck- lessly annoys or alarms or intends to alarm the recipient; or places one or more telephone calls anonymously, at an unreasonable hour, in an offensive and repetitious manner, or without legitimate purpose and by this action intention- ally, knowingly or recklessly annoys or alarms the recipient or intends to do so. A person places a telephone call as soon as he dials a complete telephone number, whether or not a conversation ensues. Violation of this law is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days. Wiretapping State and federal law prohibit unlawful wiretapping. A line may only be intercepted under court orders by authorized law enforce- ment. Violation under federal law is punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or 2 to 20 years imprisonment . 8 1 1

If You Are Using Customer Owned Equipment, Please Read The Following Information Before Calling The Repair Department. If a BTEL repairman has to visit a subscriber’s premises to check on reported trouble, and the repairman has determined the trouble is caused by Customer Owned Equipment and not by BTEL facilities, a restoration charge may apply. Checking Customer Owned Equipment Modular telephones can be easily checked by unplugging the tele- phone set with which you are expecting trouble and plugging a sec- ond telephone (if available) into the same jack to determine if a prob- lem still exists. This is a simple test to determine whether the problem is in the customer’s equipment. In most cases you may also test the inside wiring in your house by plugging in your telephone at the connector box. If you have determined the trouble to be in Customer Owned Equipment, please follow the warranty instructions or return the set to the place of purchase. If you are unable to determine if the problem is in Customer Owned Equipment, inside wiring or in the telephone company’s network, please call BTEL Repair Department, and we will be happy to help you pin-point the problem. BTEL is responsible for providing local service, dial tone and transmis- sion facilities. Repair of local service, as well as repair of any equip- ment you lease from BTEL, will be handled by the Repair Department. Lease Phone Trouble Call 798-4102 Telephones leased from BTEL will be repaired or replaced by the telephone company. If a repairman is at the customer’s premises, they may pick up the phone in question or the customer may bring it in to the commercial office.

Fraudulent Calls Texas Law states that it is unlawful to intentionally avoid payment for services, or for calls made by deception. Upon conviction this offense is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and 20 years imprisonment. Privacy When Using 800-900 and Per-Line or Per-Call Blocking The Public Utilities Commission’s Substantive Rule 26.12 (d) requires that BTEL inform their customers of the following: “Per-line or per-call blocking does not prevent transmission of your telephone number when you call a company using an 800, 888 or 900 number. Therefore, your number may be avail- able to that company’s service representative before your call is answered.”

Don’t make an expensive mistake! Buried telephone cable or conduit could be in the area where you plan to dig. Before you dig on private property or public lands, call Lone Star Notification Center at 811 for a free utility line locate. Make the call at least 48 hours before you excavate. You could save yourself the cost of a major line repair and prevent serious inconvenience to yourself and your neighbors.

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CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES

Call Waiting – Easy To Use! Alerts you to an incoming call while you’re on the phone. 1. Press the receiver button once to put your call on hold and take the second call. 2. Repeat to go back to the first call. Call Waiting Caller ID – Screen Your Calls! Allows you to see an incoming caller name and/or number while on another call. This will be displayed on your Caller ID Call Waiting equipment. Then you can decide whether to answer the call by press- ing the receiver button as with regular call waiting. Cancel Call Waiting – No Incoming Calls! Place a call and don’t worry about being interrupted with an incoming call. Before placing a call, dial *70 (1170 on rotary phone) and listen for dial tone. 1. Place your call. During a call, press receiver button, listen for dial tone, dial *70 (1170 on rotary phone). 1. Automatically reconnects you to existing call. Hang up and Call Waiting is reactivated. Distinctive Alert/Call Waiting – Don’t Miss Important Calls! Announces important callers with a special ring or call wait tone. 1. Press *61 (1161 on rotary phone) and follow instructions to add or remove up to 6 telephone numbers. Multi-Distinctive Ringing – Know Who a Call is For By Its Ring! Up to four telephone numbers can be assigned to a single line and each will have a special ringing tone. Call Hold – Hold That Call! Allows you to put any call in progress on hold. 1. Press the receiver button for ½ second and release to put your call on hold. Music On Hold – Don’t Make Them Sit in Silence! Let your callers listen to music provided by BTEL while on Call Wait, Call Hold or Three-Way. To Activate Music on Hold For Call Waiting: 1. Press the receiver button when notified of Call Waiting and your party on hold will hear “hold” music instead of silence. To Activate Music On Hold For Call Hold: 1. While on an active call, depress the receiver button for ½ second and release. You will hear three tones followed by a dial tone. The calling party will hear music instead of silence. 2. Press *24 (1124 on rotary phone). You will again hear three tones followed by a dial tone. The other party is now on hold. 3. Hang up the receiver. 4. To retrieve the held call, simply pick up the receiver.

To Activate Music On Hold For Three-Way Calling: 1. Establish your first call. Someone can call you or you can call them. 2. Depress the receiver button for ½ second and release. The first party will now be on hold and will hear music. You will hear three ring tones followed by a dial tone. 3. Dial the third party’s telephone number. 4. When the third party answers, depress the receiver button for ½ a second to complete the three-way call. 5. If you do not get an answer, depress the receiver button twice, each time for ½ second to return to your first call. Call Forwarding – Take Your Calls With You! Forward your calls to another number. You may still use your telephone to make outgoing calls but cannot answer incoming calls. Call forwarding must be set up and cancelled from your own telephone. To Set Up: 1. Press *72 (72 on rotary phone) and wait for second dial tone. 2. Dial the number where calls are to be forwarded. Forwarding is set up if the ringing telephone is answered. If no one answers or if the phone is busy, hang up and repeat steps to set up Call Forwarding automatically. 3. If you forward calls to a long-distance number, you, (not the caller) will be billed the long distance charges. To Cancel: 1. Press *73 (73 on rotary phone). Call Forwarding (No Answer/Busy) – Manage Your Calls! Automatically forwards your calls to another number. 1. You need to request a designated number to forward your calls, which will be established in the central office switch of the tele- phone company. This service will then be automatic. Selective Call Forwarding – Never Miss a Call! Allows you to select which calls you want to forward. Designate up to 6 “selected” phone numbers. 1. Press *63 (1163 on rotary phone) and follow instructions to set up or cancel call forward. Remote Call Forwarding! Activate: 1. Dial 979-799-2301 and enter your 10 digit phone number plus #. 2. Enter your 4 digit pin number. 3. Dial *72 to activate call forwarding. 4. Wait for dial tone, enter your 10 digit number to forward call to. De-activate: 1. Dial 979-799-2301 and enter your 10 digit phone number plus #. 2. Enter your 4 digit pin number. 3. Dial *73 to de-activate call forwarding.

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CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES

Three-Way Calling – Great For Families! Adds a third person to your phone conversation. 1. Press receiver button to place the first call on hold. 2. When you hear a special tone, dial third person.

4. When both lines are free, you will hear a distinctive ring to let you know. If you are available, the distinctive ring will alert you 2 times. 5. Press *89 (1189 on rotary phone) to deactivate the service. Note: • If you use Automatic Callback to call back a long distance number, you will be charged long distance rates for the call. • Once you have activated Automatic Callback, you can still make and receive calls. • If you have Call Waiting and receive a Call Waiting tone during a call, the second incoming call is considered the last call received. Call Intercept – Need Some Peace and Quiet? Blocks all calls from reaching you. Callers receive a ringing signal or recorded message. 1. To Set Up, press 76# (76 and wait 4-5 seconds on rotary phone). Will hear two short tones. 2. To Cancel, press 77# (77 and wait 4-5 seconds on rotary phone). Will hear three short tones. Selective Call Rejection – Avoid Unwanted Calls! Allows you to create a list of 6 telephone numbers from which you do not wish to receive calls. Those callers hear a recording when their call is rejected: “The party you have dialed is not accepting your call at this time.” 1. Press *60 (1160 on rotary phone) and follow instructions to add or remove numbers. Selective Call Acceptance – Choose Your Friends! Only allow select people to call you. Everyone else hears the recording: “The party you have dialed is not accepting your call at this time.” 1. Press *64 (1164 on rotary phones) and follow instructions to add, change, remove or turn service off. Anonymous Call Rejection – Show Me Your Number!

3. When the third person answers, you may speak privately and then press receiver button to complete the Three-Way Call. If no one answers, press receiver button twice to get back to first call. Speed Calling – Fast Action Dialing! Dials local or long distance numbers with just one button. To set up, add or change numbers: 1. Press 74# (74 on rotary phone). 2. Press any code number from 2 to 9. 3. Dial the telephone number and wait for confirmation tones. 4. Hang up and repeat steps to enter additional numbers. Call Recall – Never Miss An Appointment Again! Provides a reminder to make a call, keep an appointment or for wake-up convenience. 1. Dial the number pre-assigned by business office 2. Press * , enter pass code (default pass code to set up is 1234) 3. Press 8 , user options 6. Press 2 , change wake-up call time, and then enter three to four digit number for time to be called. Press 2 for A.M. and Press 7 .for P.M. Automatic Redial – A Time Saver! Automatically redials a busy number. 1. Press *66 (1166 on rotary phone). If line is free, it will begin ringing immediately. 2. If line is busy, hang up. Auto redial will keep trying for 30 minutes and alert you with a distinctive ring when that number and your line are both free. To Cancel Automatic Redial 1. Press *76 (1176 on rotary phone) and wait for deactivation announcement. Hang up. Automatic Callback – Catch the Calls You Just Missed! Return the last incoming call (whether you answered or missed the call). 1. Lift the receiver and press *69 (1169 on rotary phone) to hear recorded announcement telling you the date, time and phone number that called your line last. 2. Dial 1 to return the call. If you choose not to return the call, hang up the receiver. 3. You will hear ringing if the line you are calling is available. If it is busy, listen for an announcement that Automatic Callback will con- tinue to recall the number for 30 minutes. 4. Press 2, call schedule options 5. Press 2 , automatic wake up

Rejects anonymous or private number calls. 1. Press *77 (1177 on rotary phone) to activate. 2. Press *87 (1187 on rotary phone) to deactivate. Per-Call Blocking – Keep Your Privacy!

Press *67 before calling anyone to block your number from appear- ing on their Caller ID Service. Calls are blocked on a per-call basis. Service is free and is on everyone’s line. It is important to remember that even if you have a non-published number, your number will appear on Caller ID Service unless you choose to block on a Per-Call or Per-Line basis.

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CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES

From the phone number associated to your mailbox number, dial 799- 2300 to activate/initialize your mailbox. Your default pin to initialize your mailbox is 7981234. Once you have entered initialization, you will be prompted to change your pin and other personal options. After your mailbox has been set up, you can access your voicemails by dialing 799-2300 and entering your pin if dialing from the associ- ated mailbox phone number - or refer to Remote Voicemail Access if trying to access from any other number. Remote Voicemail Access In order to use Remote Voicemail Access, you must complete the initial mailbox setup from the phone number associated with your mailbox. Dial 799-2300 and follow the voice prompts. The pin from this menu is the same pin that you set up in the Initial Mailbox Setup. Toll Restriction With Authorization Code Override – Budget Your Calls! Limits access to long distance calling. Feature works on a per-call basis. Must enter authorization code with each long distance call. Allows Toll Restriction to be overridden by entering the appropriate authorization code before making a long distance call. Toll Restriction prevents the origination of unauthorized toll calls from your telephone by means of blocking at the central office to deny termination of all outgoing calls starting with “1” or “0.” This feature will not block all toll calls a customer might make or receive, such as collect calls. Customers will select a four digit authorization code to be entered into the central office switch at the time they apply for this service. One authorization code is allotted to a single line. Multiline customers may purchase additional authorization codes. To change the authorization code, the customer must contact the telephone company. 1. Press *83 and listen for three short tones followed by dial tone. 2. Dial your four digit authorization code and listen for dial tone. 3. Dial the long distance number you desire.

Per-Line Blocking – Privacy Every Time! Subscribe to Per-Line Blocking and every call placed from your line will be displayed as “anonymous” or “private” on Caller ID. This ser- vice is free of charge, but must be subscribed to from BTEL. Press *82 before dialing a telephone number to turn the feature off on a per call basis. As a result, Caller ID Subscribers will receive your number. Calling Name and/or Number Delivery – Know Who is Calling! Shows the name and number of a caller before picking up the phone. Request this service from the telephone company and the caller’s name will appear on your call display phone or unit. Note: Some calls may not be available when name and number information is not delivered. Customer Originated Call Trace – Protect Yourself! Traces calls for law enforcement. 1. Call BTEL to subscribe to this service. Call Trace is billed on a per-trace basis and results are only furnished to a law enforce- ment agency. 2. Immediately after receiving an offensive call, hang up the receiver. 3. Before receiving another call, lift receiver and Press *57 (1157 on rotary phone). Listen for recording to indicate if call could be traced. 4. Write date and time of trace and give to BTEL during normal business hours. Voicemail – Initial Mailbox Setup For security reasons, you may only initialize your mailbox from the associated phone number. If you do not have access to that phone number, then please contact BTEL at 798-2121.

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TELEPHONE SOLICITATION

There will be a charge of $2.25 to register via telephone or standard mail for each residential or wireless phone number(s) to be included in the Texas No-Call List. Your registered telephone number(s) will remain on the list for three years from the date your residential or wireless telephone number is first published on the list. Texas consumers may want to consider registering with the national Do-Not-Call Registry since it covers national telemarketers and the Texas No-Call affects only telemarketers operating in Texas. The national and the Texas No-Call lists do not prevent all telemar- keting calls from being received once a consumer is registered. Both Registries contain exemptions on who can continue to telemarket to consumers. Do-Not-Call Solicitor Notification As you are likely aware, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have established a National Do-Not-Call Registry. As part of the Do-Not-Call initiative, the FCC requires us to notify customers who use our service for making telephone solicitations (telemarketing calls) regarding the National Do-Not-Call rules and regulations. We recognize that few of our cus- tomers use our services for telemarketing; however, because we do not have records indicating which customers may do telemarketing, we are contacting all business customers.

Explanation of Residential Telephone No-Call Lists

The Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers that the National Do-Not-Call Registry has accepted personal cell phone and home phone number registrations since it opened for consumer registrations in June 2003. There is no deadline to register a home or cell phone number on the Registry. To register a telephone number on the National Do-Not-Call Registry, or to file a complaint, consumers should visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).Consumers registering a phone number online will be asked to provide a valid e-mail address to which a confirmation of the registration will be sent. A registration is not complete until the consumer clicks on the link in this e-mail. Consumers registering by phone must call from the phone number they wish to register. The National Do-Not-Call Registry is a free ser- vice to consumers. Consumers in Texas may also register with Texas No-Call, which prevents telephone solicitations to residential and wireless phone numbers from all telemarketers operating in Texas. Consumers may register for the Texas No-Call list in three ways: 1. Online at http:/www.texasnocall.com for instant registration. Utilize this easy, automated method to speed your registration. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Online registration is free. 2. Call toll-free 1-866-TXNOCAL(L) (1-866-896-6225) to obtain an application or to register. 3. Send a written request for an application to:

TEXAS NO CALL P. O. Box 314 E. Walpole, MA 02032

www.texasnocall.com

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TELEPHONE SOLICITATION

Exceptions The requirements above do not apply to telephone solicitations made at your request, or solicitations made in connection with an existing debt or contract, or calls from a telephone solicitor with whom you have a prior or existing business relationship. If you use a credit card to purchase a good or a service from a tele- phone solicitor other than a public charity (an organization exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code, 501©(3)), the seller must: • offer a full refund for the return of undamaged and unused goods within seven days after you receive the goods or service (the seller must process the refund within 30 days after you return the merchandise or cancel your order for undelivered goods or service); or • provide you with a written contract fully describing the goods or service being offered, the total price charged, the name, address, and business phone of the seller, and any terms and conditions affecting the sale. Complaints The Attorney General of Texas investigates complaints relating to a violation of this law, which is found at the Business and Commerce Code Chapter 37. If you have a complaint about a telephone solicitor whom you believe has violated this law, contact: Consumer Protection Division, Office of the Attorney General of Texas, P.O. Box 12548, Austin, Texas 78711; hotline 1-800-621-0508 or 512-463-2070. Be advised that you may have additional rights under federal law. Please contact the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Communications Commission for further information on these addi- tional rights.

If you are a company, individual, or other entity that makes telemar- keting calls, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the operations of the National Do-Not-Call Registry and the rules requiring checking of the National Do-Not-Call Registry as part of making tele- marketing calls. Unless you fall under one of the exceptions estab- lished in the FCC/FTC rules (such as the exception for telemarketing by charitable organizations or for prior business relationships), you may not make telemarketing calls to numbers included in the National Do-Not-Call Registry. Before you rely on one of the exceptions, you should consult the rules. For information about the regulations, you may visit the National Do-Not-Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov . You can find the FCC and FTC rules governing telemarketing and telephone solicitation, at 47 C.F.R. § 64.1200 and 16 C.F.R. Part 310, respectively. Texas law provides certain protections for a person who receives a telephone solicitation at a residence. A telephone solicitor must: • identify himself or herself by name; • identify the business on whose behalf he or she is calling; • identify the purpose of the call; and • identify the telephone number at which the person, company, or organization making the call can be reached. A telephone solicitor may not call a residence before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on a weekday or Saturday or before noon or after 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. If a telephone solicitor uses an automatic dialing/announcing device, the machine must disconnect from your line within 30 seconds after termination of the call.

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CHARGES ON YOUR TELEPHONE BILL

Slamming – Your Rights as a Customer Telephone companies are prohibited by law from switching you from one telephone service provider to another without your permission, a practice commonly known as “slamming.” If you are slammed, Texas law requires the telephone company that slammed you to do the following: 1. Pay, within five business days of your request, all charges asso- ciated with returning you to your original telephone company. 2. Provide all billing records to your original telephone company within 10 business days of your request. 3. Pay, within 30 days, your original telephone company the amount you would have paid if you had not been slammed. 4. Refund to you, within 30 business days, any amount you paid for charges during the first 30 days after the slam and any amount

more than what you would have paid your original telephone company for charges after the first 30 days following the slam. Your original telephone company is required by law to provide you with all the benefits, such as frequent flyer miles, you would have normally received for your telephone use during the period in which you were slammed.

Cramming – Your Rights as a Customer Placing charges on your phone bill for products or services without your authorization is known as “cramming” and is prohibited by law. Your telephone company may be providing billing services for other companies, so other companies’ charges may appear on your tele- phone bill. If you believe that you were “crammed,” you should contact the tele- phone company that bills you for your telephone service and request that it take corrective action. The Public Utility Commission of Texas requires the billing telephone company to do the following within 45 days of when it learns of the unauthorized charge: • Notify the service provider to cease charging you for the unau- thorized product or service; • remove any unauthorized charge from your bill; • refund or credit all money to you that you have paid for unautho- rized charge; and • on your request, provide you with all billing records related to any unauthorized charge within 15 business days after the charge is removed from your telephone bill. If the company fails to resolve your request, or if you would like to file a complaint, please write or call the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, (512) 936-7120 or toll-free in Texas at (888) 782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at 1-800-735-2988. Your phone service cannot be disconnected for disputing or refusing to pay unauthorized charges. You may have additional rights under state and federal law. Please contact the Federal Communications Commission, the Attorney General of Texas, or the Public Utility Commission of Texas if you would like further information about possible additional rights.

If you have been slammed, you can change your service immediately back to your origi- nal provider by calling the alleged unauthorized telecommunications provider . You should also report the slam by writing or calling the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas

78711-3326, (512) 936-7120 or in Texas (toll free) 1 (888) 782- 8477, fax: (512) 936-7003, e-mail address: customer@puc.state. tx.us . Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at 1-(512)-936-7136. You can prevent slamming by requesting a preferred telephone com- pany freeze from BTEL. With a freeze in place, you must give formal consent to “lift” the freeze before your phone service can be changed. A freeze may apply to local toll service, long distance service, or both. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas can give you more informa- tion about freezes and your rights as a customer.

For more information, you may contact the business office at 979-798-2121

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PREPAID LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE

BTEL offers Prepaid Local Telephone Service, or PLTS, which gives eligible customers an opportunity to manage outstanding telephone balances. PLTS is available as a one-time option for eligible custom- ers. If you are a residential customer whose service has been sus- pended or disconnected for non-payment of charges, and you have never received PLTS from BTEL, you can subscribe to PLTS. PLTS customers receive flat rate basic local telephone service with touch tone, access to 911, access to the company’s repair and busi- ness services offices, a white pages directory listing or non-published service if requested, and toll blocking. The charges for these services will be at the company’s tariffed rates. Applicable surcharges or fees must also be paid. Normal service connection and restoral fees may apply. PLTS customers must make an advance payment for up to two months of PLTS service and any applicable service charges. Subsequent payments are billed one month in advance, and must be paid by the due date. PLTS does not include long distance calling, collect calling, access to directory assistance, or access to usage sensitive services such as call return, call trace, and auto redial. Other services provided by the company are not available to PLTS customers. PLTS service will be disconnected immediately without notice for vio- lation of the PLTS requirements and the customer will not be eligible for PLTS service again with the company. A PLTS customer can return to basic telephone service when the customer has a zero balance on the PLTS account and has paid all outstanding debt owed to BTEL, including toll charges.

Eligible customers may subscribe to PLTS or obtain further information by contact- ing BTEL Business Office at (979) 798- 2121 during normal business hours. A customer has the right to receive basic local telephone ser- vice without entering PLTS if the cus- tomer does not owe for basic local telephone charges.

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