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Telecommunications updates services


A new contract has been awarded to BTI for the completion of operator-assisted calls and calling card calls over their network. All calls originating from University Centrex lines by dialing 9 + 0 or 9 + 00 now route to BTI. When dialing either 9 + 0 or 9 + 00, callers will be greeted with an automated prompt providing instructions needed to complete the call or to reach an operator.

BTI will accept calling cards issued by most local telephone companies in addition to BTI travel cards, Visa and MasterCard as a means of paying for operator assisted calls. However, customers who use calling cards issued by most long distance carriers (including AT&T) and other pre-paid calling cards will need to dial the carrier's designated 800 access number in order to use these cards. The 800-access number should be clearly printed on the back of each card.

Significant reductions in international long distance rates were implemented on July 1, 2000 for calls made from University Centrex lines. Rate reductions vary from country to country, but may be as much as a 50 percent reduction from previous rates. For a summary of international rates by country, go to http://www.telecom.unc.edu and select the quick link designated as "New !!! International Rates."

The Telecommunications Office is offering prepaid calling cards for sale to any University faculty, staff, student, department or organization. These cards offer prepaid calling service at an attractive rate of 10.9 cents per minute for domestic calls. There are no requirements for a minimum number of minutes per call, no additional fees for the initial minute or other gimmicks. The only additional costs are a 50-cent surcharge for each call originated from a payphone and a $1 surcharge for each international call. Departments may order the prepaid card by submitting a requisition to the Telecommunications Office, CB# 1830. Faculty, staff, and students may purchase cards for their personal use from the Telecommunications Cashier in room 111 of the Giles F. Horney Building.

Centrex authorization codes allow departments to restrict long distance calling to only authorized personnel and to identify charges for each long distance call to a specified user. Use of authorization codes requires callers to dial a seven digit personal code following the desired long distance telephone number. Detailed information for each long distance call is summarized for each person assigned an authorization on a monthly long distance statement. There is no charge for use of authorization codes. For more information about the use of codes, call Telecommunications at 2-8353.


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