Central Texas TeleCommunications

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

ALTERNATE OPERATOR SERVICES (AOS) cont. We are seeing a lot of customers with charges for calls that are twice that of other long-distance companies. Customers may not know that they are using an AOS company. As a result, customers are very upset and angry when they get their bill. Before placing a call, you should ask the operator the following questions: • Which operator service company are you with? Depending upon the information that is received, customers may ask the operator to complete the call, or ask to be connected to a different long-distance company. Customers should keep in mind that they can directly access a different long-distance company even if they are using a phone that's serviced by an AOS provider. To reach a different company, customers should dial the access number (for example 1010288 for AT&T, 1010333 for US SPRINT, 1010222 for MCI) followed by 0 and the number they're calling. If customers have questions regarding charges on their bill from AOS companies, they should call the number for the AOS company listed on their bill. Regulations require AOS companies to provide a toll-free number for inquiries. Unfortunately, CTTC does not have any control over these AOS companies. If customers have complaints, they should contact the AOS company. If the customer is not satisfied after contacting the AOS company, they should contact the Texas Public Utilities Commission. • What rates will I be charged? • How will I be billed for the call?

900 NUMBERS The use of 900 numbers has become more and more widespread lately, people are calling 900 numbers to apply for supposedly guaranteed credit cards, to find the "perfect dream date," to enter contests, claim prizes, etc. Many people are confusing 900 numbers with 800 numbers which are generally toll free. 900 numbers are not toll free . Most callers are unaware of the sometimes outrageous charges they are being billed when calling these numbers. The cost can range from 50 cents to more than $50 per minute. Most 900 ads and promotions state that there will be a charge for the calls. These disclaimers, however, are usually so small that they are rarely seen. Often times there is a large minimum charge when a 900 number is reached, regardless of how long one talks. Sometimes a caller is given other 900 numbers to call and some 900 promotions go so far as to encourage small children to call in (with parents' permission of course). While many 900 promotions are legitimate, we urge you to take precautions before calling a 900 number. Make sure you know how much you are being billed per minute and warn your children about calling these numbers. Due to cost and content, some customers may wish to have 900 numbers blocked. For more information about blocking 900 numbers, please call the CTTC business office at 1-800-535 8904 or 325-648-2237.

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