Etex

TELEPHONE INFO AND COMMUNITY PAGES

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ETEX TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE INC.

ETEX TELEPHONE “Serving East Texas Since 1952” BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL 903-797-2711 or call 903-797-4357 (HELP)

REPAIR OFFICES 903-797-2717 OR CALL 903-968-8621 BUSINESS OFFICE 903-968-8611 Harleton – Ore City – Mims Ore City Office - 203 E Main 903-797-2711 Gilmer - Bettie - Pine Acres Pritchett – Rosewood Gilmer Office – 1013 Hwy 155 N 877-482-3839

• Custom Call Features • Selective Call Forwarding • Class Call Features • Caller ID-Call Return • Repeat Dialing • Teen Service • Priority Calling • ETEX Long Distance • Voice Mail

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ETEX TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE INC SINCE 1952

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Cover Page .................................................................................................................. 1 Identity Page............................................................................................................... 2 Table of Contents/Customer Guide ........................................................................3-4 Extended Area Service Calls ....................................................................................... 5 Phone Equipment ....................................................................................................6-7 Calling Features Intro ................................................................................................. 8 Custom Calling Services......................................................................................... 9-17 Long Distance Calling ............................................................................................... 18 Your Rights As A Customer.................................................................................. 19-24 Telephone Solicitations............................................................................................. 25 Billing Rights ............................................................................................................. 26 Customer Solutions.............................................................................................. 27-31 Preferred Telephone Company Freeze..................................................................... 32 Local ZIP Codes / Radio & TV Stations..................................................................... 33 Area Schools.............................................................................................................. 34 Calendar .................................................................................................................... 35 Nation-Wide Area Codes .......................................................................................... 36 Area Codes ........................................................................................................... 37-38 The Area We Service ................................................................................................. 39 Ore City ..................................................................................................................... 40 City Of Gilmer ........................................................................................................... 41 Government Pages ..............................................................................................42-47 ETEX Telephone Cooperative ................................................................................... 48

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COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP

Membership Means Ownership

At ETEX Telephone, we never forget the fact that we are something more than a company. We are a cooperative. We operate on a non-profit basis, so we share our success with the people who support us.

That makes you something more than a customer. You are a member of our cooperative - an investor in our success. You are, in fact, one of our co-owners. As such, you share in a rich heritage of independent service.

That heritage dates back over 70 years. In 1949, the U.S. Congress created the Rural Electrification Administration, which authorized low-cost loans to assist in the formation of rural telephone systems like ours. In 1952, ETEX Telephone was founded by a group of East Texas residents with a clear mission: to provide reliable telecommunications in a region that was not being served by profit-oriented telephone companies. Over the years, we have worked diligently to fulfill our mission. We have introduced state-of-the-art technology, ranging from features like Caller ID to services like Internet access. Above all, we have maintained our independent identity. With your ongoing support, we can equal – and even surpass – the larger telephone companies. We are proud to provide our community with quality service and advanced technology. As a cooperative member, you deserve to share our pride. Working together, we will continue to play a major role in East Texas.

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ETEX Telephone Business Office

1013 Highway 155 North Gilmer, Texas 75644 (877) 482-3839 (Toll Free)

(903) 797-2711 (Pine Acres Exchange) (903) 968-8611 (Ore City Exchange)

ETEX Telephone Repair Service

(903) 797-2717 (Pine Acres Exchange) (903) 968-8621 (Ore City Exchange) (877) 690-2072 (Toll Free)

Public Utility Commission of Texas

P.O. Box 13326 1701 N. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78711-3326 78711-3326

(512) 936-7120 1-888-782-8477 (Toll Free)

Numbers of interest that show state agencies and elected officials can be found starting on page 46 of the blue pag es or by calling 512-463-4630.

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EXTENDED AREA SERVICE CALLS

EXTENDED AREA SERVICE CALLS (EAS) provides toll free calling between some exchanges. Such calls can be completed by dialing the desired number as listed in this directory. EAS is presently provided, as follows:

FROM:

TO:

FROM:

TO:

ORE CITY

BETTIE HARLETON GILMER LONGVIEW MIMS LONE STAR MARSHALL PRITCHETT ROSEWOOD LONGVIEW PRITCHETT ROSEWOOD GLADEWATER HARLETON MIMS ORE CITY BETTIE GILMER PINE ACRES ROSEWOOD BIG SANDY GLADEWATER HARLETON TYLER BETTIE BIG SANDY GILMER HARLETON MIMS ORE CITY PINE ACRES PRITCHETT HAWKINS LONGVIEW PITTSBURG WINNSBORO BETTIE GILMER LONGVIEW MIMS ORE CITY

BETTIE

GILMER LONGVIEW PINE ACRES PRITCHETT ROSEWOOD ORE CITY PITTSBURG MT. PLEASANT TYLER

PINE ACRES

HARLETON

MARSHALL MIMS LONGVIEW ORE CITY GILMER HALLSVILLE JEFFERSON

MIMS

AVINGER HARLETON HUGHES SPRINGS

PRITCHETT

JEFFERSON LONGVIEW LONE STAR MARSHALL ORE CITY

INCORRECT DIRECTORY LISTINGS The vast majority of all directory listings are correct. But, as with any job of this size, some errors are bound to occur. If your listing in the directory is incorrect, it cannot be changed until the next edition of the directory is issued. In the meantime, we can make sure the listing is correct in Direc tory Assistance records. In some cases it is possible for calls to an incorrect number to be rerouted to the correct number. To arrange this, call your telephone business office, as listed above. WARNING The law of the state of Texas makes it unlawful to obtain telecommunications service with the intent to defraud any individual, corporation or other person of the lawful charges, in whole or in part, therefore, through the use of false or unauthorized or fictitious telephone numbers or credit card numbers or a code or prearranged scheme or by any other trick, false representation, or means: and declaring an emergency.

ROSEWOOD

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MEMBER PROVIDED EQUIPMENT

MEMBER PROVIDED EQUIPMENT: Under the Federal Communications Commission’s registration program, you may supply your own telephone or other terminal equipment and connect it directly to the nationwide telephone network. The equipment must be approved by the FCC and you are responsible for its proper connection, maintenance and repair. FCC rules also require that you notify the Cooperative before connecting your equipment. Your equipment may not be connected to coin telephone service and party lines.

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR CUSTOMER-OWNED EQUIPMENT* SHOULD YOU INCUR TELEPHONE TROUBLE, TRY THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE BEFORE CALLING THE TELEPHONE COMPANY. THIS COULD SAVE YOU A TRIP CHARGE. * This procedure could also apply to company-provided sets. The results would aid the telephone company in restoring your service.

TYPE OF TROUBLE

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SOLUTION

1. No Dial Tone on One Set

Loose Wiring

Physically inspect set, wiring, connections and jacks. Reinsert loose plugs or tighten loose wiring.

Defective Set, Wiring, or Jack

Try a different set in the same jack as the non working set. If:

1. New set works – original set is defective.

2. New set does not work – try original set in a different jack; there may be trouble in the wiring or jack.

First, make a physical inspection of all sets and wiring/jacks for loose connections or receiver off hook. Next, disconnect all sets. Plug in (connect) and test each set individually for dial tone. Unplug (disconnect) the set after testing before testing the next set. If one set does not work, then test as stated in Item 1. Inspect the wiring inside and outside of the house. If loose, cut, or frayed wiring is found, report the findings to your telephone company repair service. If you have the ETEX Maintenance Plan, there will be no charge for repairs.

2. No Dial Tone on All Sets

One Bad Set or Receiver Off Hook

Defective Wiring

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CUSTOMER-OWNED EQUIPMENT

TYPE OF TROUBLE

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SOLUTION

Loose Wiring

Follow same steps for “loose wiring” in Item 1. Try a different set in the same jack as the non working set. If:

3. Noisy Line

Bad Cord, Set, or Jack

If the trouble occurs when a cord is moved, the cord should be replaced. Is the trouble in:

1. One set: Try a different set in this jack. If this clears the trouble, the original set is defective.

2. All sets: Disconnect all sets, plug in and test as in Item 2. If the trouble occurs during this process, the set being tested is causing the trouble. This set should be checked for loose connections. If this fails to eliminate the trouble, the set needs other service.

Follow same steps for “loose wiring” in Item 1.

Shorted Wiring, Loose Wiring or Defective Jack

4. Cannot Break Dial Tone or Reaching Wrong Numbers

Follow same steps for “bad cord or set” in Item 3.

Bad Cord or Set

Check the volume control on the bottom or base of the set. Try a different set, which is known to ring properly, in the same jack.

Improper Bell Adjustment

5. One Set Does Not Ring

Bad Set or Improper Wiring

1 . New set rings – original set is defective.

2. New set does not ring – the trouble is in the wiring or company’s network.

If more than one set stops ringing, call your local telephone company repair service.

6. All Sets Do Not Ring (But do have dial tone)

If the above procedures have not cleared or located your trouble, you should call your local telephone company re pair service. Be sure to give the representative the results of your testing. Remember, there may be a trip charge if a set you own is causing trouble.

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CALLING FEATURES

CALLING FEATURES BRING VARIETY When you think about rural telecommunications, you may assume that cooperative members have limited choices. Just the opposite is true, however, for the people served by ETEX Telephone. As part of our commitment to full-service communications, we offer a wide range of calling features.

Some features are included in your basic service package. For instance, all ETEX subscribers receive Call Waiting at no additional charge. This feature alerts you to an incoming call when you’re already on the line.

Other calling features are optional. When you select one or more of these options, you customize your telephone service to meet your individual needs. After all, things like convenience and privacy are just as important in a rural community as they are in a big city. For more information, call us at (903) 797-2711 or (903) 968-8611. Our calling features include the following (in alphabetical order):

Account Code Billing Allows customers to control Long Distance charges by acquiring a code before any long distance calls can be completed. Anonymous Call Rejection Rejects calls from numbers that are blocked from Caller ID

Hot Line Alert Automatically dials a preprogrammed number when the receiver is off the hook for more than 30 seconds Priority Call Rejects all calls except those from preprogrammed numbers Remote Access to Call Forwarding Allows you to program Call Forwarding from a remote location Select Call Forwarding Allows you to program the numbers that you want to have forwarded Speed Calling 8 Lets you program as many as eight phone numbers - which you can then dial by entering one digit Speed Calling 30 Lets you program as many as 30 numbers - which you can then dial by entering one or two digits Teen Service Assigns another telephone number - with a distinctive ring - to your current line Repeat Dialing Keeps calling a busy line until the call goes through

Call Block Rejects calls from preprogrammed numbers

Call Forwarding Allows you to forward your calls to a preprogrammed number Caller ID (Calling Number Delivery) Shows you the number of the person calling (Display device sold separately) Caller ID on Call Waiting This feature will show you the name and number of an incoming call while you’re on the phone without disconnecting you from the call you’re already on Caller ID Block Prohibits your telephone number and/or name from being displayed on caller ID units.

Call Return Dials the last number that called your line

Three-Way Calling Lets you hold a conference call with two other parties

Cancel Call Waiting Lets you disable Call Waiting - temporarily - before you make a call

Voice Mail Retrieve your messages from any phone at any time. You can save any message. Lets you know that you’re getting your messages directly

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CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

Custom Calling Services are offered to individual line customers at a monthly charge. These services can be used with all styles of Rotary Dial and Pushbutton telephones. Check with the business office to order Custom Calling Services. CALL FORWARDING

Call Forwarding lets you transfer your incoming calls to any other local telephone number or long distance telephone number.

To Forward Calls: From a Pushbutton phone, *72. You will hear a second dial tone.

If you have a Rotary Dial phone, dial 1172. After a four-second pause, you will hear a second dial tone.

•

Dial the local or long distance (1 + Area Code + Phone Number) number you want your calls forwarded to. When the other phone is answered, Call Forwarding is in effect. Tell the person answering that your calls are being forwarded to that number. If forwarded to a long distance number, the long distance call will be charged to your local phone.

•

If the called telephone is busy or doesn’t answer, hang up, immediately repeat step one and dial the number where you want your calls forwarded. When you hear two short tones, hang up. The service is in effect.

•

To verify this, dial your own number. If you hear a ringing, the service is working.

•

Your phone can still be used to place outgoing calls. While Call Forwarding is in effect, your phone will ring once when someone calls you. However, calls can only be answered at the phone where they’re being forwarded.

•

To return to normal service, *73. You’ll hear two short tones, followed by a dial tone. This indicates that forwarding is no longer in effect. If you have a Rotary Dial phone, dial 1173. After a four-second pause, you will hear two short tones, followed by a dial tone.

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CALL WAITING

A soft tone at ten second intervals signals you that someone else is trying to call you while you are on the telephone. Only you will hear this signal. The party calling you will hear the usual ringing signal.

To answer the second call, depress the switchhook for one second to place the first call on “hold” and answer the second call.

•

Return to the first call by depressing the switchhook again for one second. This leaves the second call on “hold.” Alternate between the two calls by depressing the switchhook as often as you like. To end either call, ask one person to hang up. Then depress the switchhook to return to the other call. If a third caller tries to reach you while two calls are connected, the third caller will get a busy signal.

•

•

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

THREE WAY CALLING

Three-Way Calling lets you add a third party, local or long distance, to an existing conversation.

•

Depress the switchhook for one second. This places the original call on “hold”.

•

Listen for three rapid tones followed by a dial tone.

•

Dial the number of the person you want to add to your conversation. When that person answers, you can talk privately before bringing the original call back on the line.

•

To add the original call, depress the switchhook for one second. This establishes the Three-Way Call.

•

If you try to add a third person and the phone is busy or doesn’t answer, cancel that call by depressing the switchhook twice, releasing immediately each time. This will return you to the original call. To remove either call from your three-way conversation, ask one of them to hang up. You can continue to talk with the remaining person.

•

SPEED CALLING Speed Calling lets you program your phone to dial often-called numbers using one-digit Speed Calling codes of 2 thru 9 for up to 8 telephone numbers. You can dial both local and long distance calls with Speed Calling.

•

To use Speed Calling, dial the Speed Calling code, using any one of the numbers 2 thru 9. If you have a pushbutton phone, depress the Speed Calling code then the # symbol.

•

To enter or change a number on your Speed Calling List: 1. Listen for the dial tone and dial *74 or rotary dial 1174. 2. Listen for second dial tone and dial the Speed Calling Code. 3. Dial the complete local or long distance number you are assigning to that code. 4. Listen for two spurts of tone to confirm your entry.

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

VOICE MAIL

Voice Mail stores your messages and allows you to retrieve them from any phone at any time. Set up information provided at sign up or may be found at www.ETEX.net

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

REMOTE ACCESS TO CALL FORWARDING

Remote Access to Call Forwarding can be used to turn on, turn off or change the number your calls are forwarded to from any touch tone phone.

How to activate Remote Access to Call Forwarding:

•

Call the access number you were provided when you ordered the service (if you don’t remember the number, call the business office or repair center) and listen for the tone burst.

•

Enter your phone number and your Personal Identification Number.

•

Listen for second dial tone.

•

Press *72 (on rotary phone dial 1172) to turn Call Forwarding on. Enter the number you want your calls forwarded to. (You will be charged for any calls forwarded to a long distance number.) You will hear two short tone burst to confirm that your number was forwarded.

How to cancel Remote Access to Call Forwarding:

•

Repeat steps 1 thru 3 above.

•

Press *73 (on Rotary phone dial 1173) and listen for one tone burst to confirm that Remote Access to Call Forwarding was cancelled.

CANCEL CALL WAITING

Cancel Call Waiting temporarily turns off Call Waiting for uninterrupted calls. This is beneficial when making long distance calls or using your computer.

How to use Cancel Call Waiting:

•

Before making your call, press *70 (on a Rotary Phone dial 1170); don’t hang up.

•

Wait for the dial tone, and make your call. Cancel Call Waiting is in effect for that call only.

•

Call Waiting is on again after you hang up.

TEEN SERVICE Teen Service provides a second residential local exchange access line to a premises and enables a customer to receive calls at another telephone number without installing a second line.

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

How Teen Service Works:

•

Incoming calls to the primary number are identified by normal ringing, while incoming calls to the Teen Service number are identified by a distinctive ring.* Call Waiting tones are applied in single burst to identify an incoming call to the primary number and double bursts to identify incoming calls to the Teen Service Number.

•

*

The distinctive ringing for both Teen Service and Priority Call is not distinguishable.

SPEED CALL 30 CODE Speed Calling dials local or long distance numbers with just one or two buttons. It provides quick calling at your fingertips.

How to set up Speed Call 30 Code:

•

Write down the name and phone number of each person you want to set up for speed calling. Choose a separate Speed Calling Code (from 20 to 49) for each phone number.

•

Dial *75. Customers without Touch-tone service should dial 1175 and wait four seconds.

•

Wait for the dial tone, enter a Speed Calling Code (from 20 to 49).

•

Now, enter the phone number for that Speed Calling Code (include a 1 if it’s for a long distance number). Several short tones will confirm your entry.

•

Hang up, then repeat steps 2 thru 4 for each new number.

How to use Speed Calling:

• •

Simply pick up the phone and enter the Speed Calling Code and then press the # key. To reprogram a Speed Calling Code, follow steps 1 thru 4 for each code changed.

CALL RETURN Allows you to automatically dial the number of your last incoming call, whether you answered it or not.

How to use Call Return: • • • Pick up the handset and listen for a normal dial tone. Press *69. (On a Rotary Phone, dial 1169.) You will hear the number of the last incoming call. To place the call, press 1.

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

CALL RETURN (CONTINUED)

It the line is busy:

Hang up. Your phone will keep trying the line for up to 30 minutes.

•

A special callback (long-short) ring alerts you if the line becomes free.

•

Pick up the handset to automatically place the call.

•

To cancel:

•

Press *89. (On a Rotary Phone, dial 1189.)

Please Note:

Call Return does not work on 800 numbers, 900 numbers, numbers outside the specified service area, or lines using Call Forward and some other Call Services.

•

You may still place and receive calls while waiting for a busy line to become free.

•

REPEAT DIALING Repeat Dialing calls back the last number that you called, whether you received a busy signal or need to re-contact that person. If the line is busy, Repeat Dialing keeps trying for up to 30 minutes. When the line is free, Repeat Dialing signals you with a special ring (some telephone sets are capable only of providing a standard ring) and places the call for you. You can place or receive other calls while Repeat Dialing is at work. And you can have Repeat Dialing calling back more than one number at a time.

To use Repeat Dialing:

•

Pick up the phone, listen for a dial tone and press *66 (on a Rotary Phone, dial 1166).

•

The number of the last call you placed or tried to place will be called back and you will hear it ringing or you will hear an announcement telling you the number is busy.

If the number is busy:

•

Hang up after receiving the busy announcement. Repeat Dialing will keep trying the number for up to 30 minutes.

•

When the number is no longer busy, you will hear a special ring (long-short). (Some telephone sets are capable only of providing a standard ring.) Pick up your phone and the number you are calling will ring. If you don’t pick up the phone, the special ring will repeat every few minutes up to 30 minutes.

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

REPEAT DIALING (CONTINUED)

To turn off Repeat Dialing:

• • •

Pick up the phone and listen for the dial tone. Press *86. (On a Rotary Phone dial 1186.) A recording will confirm that all your Repeat Dialing requests have been canceled.

CALLER ID / CALLER ID BLOCK Caller ID identifies the information of most incoming direct dialed local calls and some long distance calls before you answer your phone. Subscription to Caller ID requires a display telephone or an add-on display unit. Information includes the number, the name, or the name and number. Caller ID Block prohibits your telephone number and/or name from being displayed on caller ID units. The block can be added to your calling features.

How to use Caller ID: • •

When you receive a call, wait until your telephone completes the first ringing signal. The telephone number, or name and number, of the person calling you will automatically appear on your display screen. If you choose to answer the call, the number will remain on the screen until you or the caller hangs up. If “anonymous” or “private” appears on your screen, the caller may have blocked the display of their number by pressing 67 (on a Rotary Phone dial 1167) before placing the call. If “out of area” or “unknown number” appears, the caller is in an area that does not support Caller ID services.

• •

•

PRIORITY CALL

Priority Call identifies important callers (or those you want to screen) with a distinctive ring or tone. When you receive calls from one of up to eight selected numbers, your phone will signal you with a special ring (short-short).* You can then decide how or whether to answer the phone.

How to use Priority Call: •

To turn on Priority Call - To establish a Priority Call list of numbers - To add numbers to the list -To remove numbers from the list. Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone. Press *61 (On a Rotary Phone dial 1161) and follow the instructions.

• •

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

PRIORITY CALL (CONTINUED)

To turn off Priority Call:

•

Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone.

•

Press *61 (on a Rotary Phone dial 1161) and follow the instructions.

*Some telephone sets are capable of providing a standard ring.

*The distinctive ringing for both Teen Service and Priority Call is not distinguishable.

ANONYMOUS CALLER REJECTION

Anonymous Caller Rejection allows you to reject calls from callers who have blocked their number/name, either through the use of per line blocking or per call blocking. You do not have to subscribe to Calling Number Delivery to have ACR nor is a display unit necessary.

To activate Anonymous Caller Rejection:

•

Pick up the phone and dial *77. (On a Rotary Phone dial 1177.)

•

Listen for the tone burst for confirmation.

•

Your telephone will not ring if the person calling you has “blocked” their number through per line blocking or per call blocking.

To turn off Anonymous Caller Rejection:

•

Pick up the phone and dial *87. (On a Rotary Phone dial 1187.)

•

You will now be able to receive all calls.

It is important to remember that both per-call and per-line blocking will not block your billing telephone number to Emergency 9-1-1, nor will it currently prevent your number from being transmitted on 700, 800, or 900 calls. Also, calls from a pay phone cannot be blocked.

CALL BLOCK

Call Block rejects calls from up to eight specific numbers. The last number that called you (a private entry) can be put on your list to prevent that number from reaching you again. Calls from numbers on your list hear a recorded message saying you are not accepting calls. Your phone doesn’t even ring. Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

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ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

To use Call Block:

•

To turn on Call Block - To establish a Call Block list of numbers -To add numbers to the list (known and private) – To remove known numbers from the list. Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone. Press *60 (on a Rotary Phone dial 1160) and follow the instructions.

• •

To turn off Call Block:

• • •

Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone. Press *60 (on a Rotary Phone dial 1160) and follow the instructions. To turn off the service but save the list, hang up.

Please Note: This feature only works with numbers that can be identified by caller-ID. The number must be entered immediately upon receiving the call.

SELECTIVE CALL FORWARDING

Selective Call Forwarding forwards calls from up to eight numbers that you select. You can forward your calls to a local or long-distance number.*

To use Selective Call Forwarding:

•

To turn on Selective Call Forwarding - To establish a Selective Call Forwarding list of the numbers you want forwarded - To add numbers to the list - To remove numbers from the list. Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone. Press *63 (On a Rotary Phone dial 1163) and follow the instructions.

• •

To turn off Selective Call Forwarding: • • • Pick up the phone and listen for dial tone. Press *63 (On a Rotary Phone dial 1163) and follow the instructions. To turn off the service but save the list, hang up.

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services.

16

ENHANCED CUSTOM CALLING SERVICES

Please Note:

•

You must have at least one number on your list in order for calls to be forwarded.

•

You may have a total of eight numbers on your list.

•

You may add and remove numbers as often as you like.

•

You will be billed for any calls forwarded to a long-distance number.

CUSTOMER ORIGINATED TRACE

Customer Originated Trace initiates a trace of the last call you receive. The number from which threatening or obscene calls are made will be provided to the authorities if you wish to file a complaint.*

How to use Customer Originated Trace:

•

After receiving a threatening, obscene, or hang-up call, hang up the phone.

• Remember, the system traces the last incoming call. This includes the number associated with any Call Waiting tones received. Pick up your phone and listen for dial tone. Press *57 (On a Rotary Phone dial 1157) and follow the instructions. If you decide to have the trace acted upon, contact the ETEX Telephone Business Office. We will discuss the matter with you. If a complaint is filed with local authorities, we will turn the trace details over to them. •

•

If the number cannot be traced, an error announcement will be received.

•

There is a charge for each successful Customer Originated Trace.

CALLER ID ON CALL WAITING

Some customer premises equipment may not be able to produce a distinctive signal, ring or tone. The Cooperative accepts no liability for customer premises equipment that is not compatible with some of these services. TUSF The Texas Universal Service Fund was created by the State of Texas to help pay for low income customers and customers in high cost rural areas and to serve customers with disabilities. This charge is approximately 3.60 percent of your bill. If you have any questions about this charge or how it is calculated, please call ETEX. (PUC Order 12/1/99) This feature shows the name and number of incoming calls when you are on the phone without you having to disconnect your current call. Caller ID is required. No activation needed. ACCOUNT CODE BILLING This feature is used to control or track long distance calls. Customers are allowed up to 5 codes. A code must be entered before a long distance call can be completed. Itemized calls by code are provided on the monthly statement. Activation is done at sign up. Privacy for 800-900 Numbers 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 available to that Company’s service representative before your call is answered. 26.121(e)

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LONG DISTANCE CALLING

HOW TO DIAL

STATION-TO-STATION CALLS .................................................................. Dial 1 + Area Code + Phone Number

PERSON-TO-PERSON, COLLECT, CALLING CARDS ON ROTARY PHONE ..... Dial 0 + Area Code + Phone Number When the operator comes on the line, tell her what kind of call you’ve dialed, She will ask the necessary information while the call is speeding on its way.

CALLING CARD ON PUSH BUTTON PHONE ............................................... Dial 0 + Area Code + Phone Number After dialing the number, you will hear a distinctive tone. Immediately key in your calling card number.

ALL OTHER CALLS ............................................................................................................................... Dial “0”

TYPES OF CALLS

STATION-CUSTOMER COMPLETED Discounts are available on calls you dial direct. Just dial 1 + Area Code + Phone Number. If a wrong number is reached, dial the Operator. We’ll see that you are not charged for the call. STATION-OPERATOR COMPLETED Call station-to-station if you will talk with anyone who answers. Operator service charges are lower than person-to person calls. PERSON-OPERATOR COMPLETED Call person-to-person when you must talk to a particular person or extension telephone. Operator service charges are higher than station-to-station calls. Charging begins when the called person or extension answers.

TOLL FREE You can call toll free to telephone numbers that have the Area Code 800. Dial 1 + 800 + Phone Number.

RATE PERIODS & DISCOUNTS FOR CALLS WITHIN TEXAS

CUSTOMER-COMPLETED CALLS: The minimum initial period charge for Customer Dialed Station-to-Station Calls is one minute.

OPERATOR-COMPLETED CALLS: The minimum initial period charge for Operator Completed Calls is one minute. Discounts do not apply to service Charges. Service Charges apply in addition to the Dial Station Charge, as appropriate.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

YOUR CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION RIGHTS “In the normal course of providing your telephone service, the Company maintains certain information about your account. This information, when matched to your name, address and calling or originating billing telephone number, is known as your customer-specific “Customer Proprietary Network Information;’ or CPNI for short. Examples include the type of line you have, technical characteristics, class of service, current telephone charges, long-distance and local service billing records, directory assistance charges, usage date, and calling patterns. The Company may use your CPNI to market our services to you. However, the PUC of Texas has adopted rules stating that the Company may not use your CPNI to market certain telephone services or features to you if you have requested that your CPNI be considered restricted for this purpose. If you wish to have your CPNI considered “restricted”, call the business office at 903-797-2711 and tell us of your preference to have restricted CPNI. This restriction will remain in effect until you notify the business office otherwise. While this restriction is effective, the Company may still have some marketing contacts with you not based upon your CPNI. Please call for further information. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Statement that Company services are provided without discrimination as to customer’s race, color, sex, nationality, religion, marital status, income level, source of income, or from unreasonable discrimination on the basis of geographic location.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER A copy of this information in Spanish may be obtained by writing to ETEX Telephone Cooperative at P.O. Box 130, Gilmer, Texas 75644, or from the Cooperative’s business office at Highway 155 North, Gilmer, Texas telephone number (903) 797-2711

Se puede obtener una copia de esta enformacion en espanol escribendoles a ETEX Telephone Cooperative P.O. Box 130, Gilmer, Texas 75644, o de la oficina en Highway 155 North, Gilmer, Texas numero del telefon (903)797-2711.

ETEX Telephone Cooperative, Inc. recognizes its members as users of telephone services. The following information is to acquaint you with your right as a customer and with the Cooperative’s rules regarding application for service, billing and payment, deposits and other rules and practices.

ETEX Telephone Cooperative provides telecommunications services without discrimination as to the customer’s race, religion, nationality, age, sex, color, disability, or marital status.

YOUR RIGHTS TO INSPECT AND OBTAIN COPIES OF THE COOPERATIVE’S TARIFFS AND RULES The data contained in the Cooperative’s tariffs is a matter of public records. The Cooperative’s tariffs are available to the public at its business office. Upon request, the Cooperative will assist you if you wish to examine any of its tariffs. The Cooperative will provide copies upon request of any portion of the tariffs at a reasonable cost for reproduction.

CREDIT HISTORY FOR NEW MEMBERS

Every applicant for telephone service with the Cooperative must establish satisfactory credit. You will not be required to pay a deposit if: 1. You have been a residential customer of a telephone company within the last two (2) years, and you are not delinquent in payment of your account for service. (You are encouraged to obtain a letter of credit from your previous telephone company.) 2. You furnish satisfactory credit rating by appropriate means, including, but not limited to, the production of generally acceptable credit cards, letters of reference, or the names of credit references which may be quickly and inexpensively contacted by the Telephone Cooperative.

3. You furnish in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure payment of bills for your telephone service.

4. You are an applicant for residential service who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and do not have an outstanding balance with any telephone company for residential service which accrued within the last two (2) years.

The Cooperative will apply your credit history and that of your former spouse who shared the service equally for a reasonable period of time.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS If you cannot provide satisfactory credit references or do not have a good payment record or cannot provide a guarantee satisfactory to the Cooperative, you may be required to make an initial deposit equivalent to one-sixth (1/6) of your estimated annual billings, including charges for long distance service where the Cooperative’s tariffs provide for billing for the long distance company. During the first twelve (12) months of service, the Cooperative may require an additional deposit if your actual usage is three (3) times your estimated usage. INTEREST ON DEPOSITS The Cooperative will pay interest on all deposits made by its customers at an annual rate as set for each calendar year by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Payment of the interest on the deposit shall be made annually if requested by you, or sooner if your service is discontinued. RETURN OF DEPOSITS If a residential customer has paid bills for service for twelve (12) months consecutive billings without having service disconnected for nonpayment of a bill and without having more than two (2) occasions in which a bill was delinquent, and is not delinquent in payment of current billing, the Cooperative will automatically refund the deposit plus accrued interest. If you have a guarantee for payment of your account, the Cooperative will void and return the guarantee to the guarantor. TIME ALLOWED TO PAY OUTSTANDING BILLS Your bill for local, toll and miscellaneous services is issued monthly and is due and payable at the Cooperative’s office on or before the due date, which is sixteen (16) days after issuance. Your bill for telephone service will become delinquent if unpaid by the due date. If the due date falls on a holiday or weekend, the due date for payment purposes shall be the next working date after the due date. If your bill has not been paid within the sixteen (16) days allowed for payment, a TERMINATION NOTICE will be sent to you at least ten (10) days prior to a stated date of disconnection. If the cutoff day falls on a weekend or holiday, the cutoff will be made on the next working day after the tenth day or twenty-six (26) days from the date of issuance.

To avoid disconnection of your local service, you must pay the total amount due for local service. Your long distance may be subject to toll blocking until full payment of your long distance charges is received.

RESOLVING BILLING DISPUTES In the event of a dispute between you and the Telephone Cooperative regarding any bill for telephone service, the Cooperative will investigate the particular case, and report the results to you. Your service will not be subject to disconnection for not paying that portion of a bill under dispute pending the determination of the dispute.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

RESOLVING BILLING DISPUTES (CONTINUED) Should any disputes not be resolved within sixty (60) days, your complaint may be directed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas in writing to the following address: (60) days, your complaint may be directed to the Public Utility dress:

Consumer Protection Division Public Utility Commission of Texas 1701 N. Congress Ave. P.O. Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326 email: consumer@puc.texas.gov

Or By Calling the:

Consumer Protection Division Public Utility Commission of Texas 512-936-7120 512-936-7003 Fax 1-888-782-8477 Toll Free 1-800-736-2988 teletypewriter for the deaf

DEFERRED PAYMENT PLANS You have the right to request a Deferred Payment Plan as a residential customer if you have not been issued more than two (2) Disconnection Notices at any time during the preceding twelve (12) months by the Cooperative. Under the Cooperative’s Deferred Payment Plan, you will be required to pay current bills and a reasonable Installment on the outstanding bill. If you do not fulfill the terms of the Deferred Payment Plan, the Cooperative will have the right to disconnect your service upon issuance of a Disconnection Notice to you, indicating that you have not met the terms of the plan. GROUNDS FOR DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE WITHOUT NOTICE The Cooperative can disconnect a member’s service without providing advance notice when one of the following conditions exists: 1. If a known dangerous condition exists that would cause harm to the telecommunications network, to you as a customer, or to employees of the Cooperative for as long as this condition exists. 2. When service is connected without authority by a person who has not made application for service or who has reconnected service without authority following termination of service for nonpayment, or in cases of tampering with or bypassing the Cooperative’s equipment. RECONNECTION OF SERVICE If your service has been discontinued for failure to pay an additional deposit or a regular bill for service, you must pay your bill or enter into a Deferred Payment Plan and meet the Cooperative’s deposit requirements before service will be restored. There will be a charge to reconnect service. If your check for payment is returned because of insufficient funds or other reasons, the Cooperative may consider it necessary to request that you pay in cash, money order or cashier’s check.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

DIRECTORY NOTICE

Selecting a Telephone Company -- 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 associated with returning you to your original telephone company.

2. Provide all billing records to your original telephone company within ten 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 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. If you have been slammed, you can change your service immediately back to your original provider by calling your authorized telecommunications provider (your original provider) and advising the company that you have been switched from its service without appropriate authorization. You should also report the slam by writing or calling the PUCT Consumer Protection Division, 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: consumer@puc.texas.gov. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals may contact the commission through Relay Texas. You can prevent slamming by requesting a preferred telephone company freeze from your current service provider. 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 Utility Commission of Texas can give you more information about freezes and your rights as a customer.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A CUSTOMER

CHARGES ON YOUR TELEPHONE BILL

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 telephone bill. If you believe you were “crammed,” you should contact the telephone 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 unauthorized product or services

• Remove any unauthorized charge from your bill

• Refund or credit all money to you that you have paid for an unauthorized 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.

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