To All: I would echo Joe's comments regarding what is called "10 Triple X" marketing.
First, let me be define that term to those of you who might not have heard of it:
"10 Triple X" refers to the unique 5-digit code (all starting with 10) assigned to each and every LD Carrier:
1. It is also called a CIC code.
2. It can be dialed by a customer from any phone in the USA where the LD Carrier has what are called "Feature Group D" circuits, if the Carrier allows calling without the customer being set-up on its switch(es).
3. The customer who OWNS the phone will be billed for the calls!
4. It is initiated by simply dialing "10009 (TWT's CIC Code) then 1+Area Code+Phone Number." If it is an international call: "10009 + 011 + country code + etc. always ending with a #-sign (to tell the switch when you have entered all digits (some countries have different numbering structures.))"
5. Your billing rate by the Carrier will be its standard rate, ie, no discounts, in full-minute increments, with POSSIBLE monthly fees and minimum usage per call.
6. You will be billed by your local phone company who will print a separate attachment to your bill and inform you as to who the LD Carrier was.
7. You could test the ISGI/TWT network by calling Grandma or Mom utilizing the above instructions... and increase the profitability of your company (ISGI!) BTW, TWT has a 1-minute minimum and NO monthly fees!
8. Bell Core, who assigns these numbers, is running out of them, and is looking at adding at least a couple of digits to the existing five.
9. One more tidbit: Utilizing the "10 Triple X" code, 10009 for TWT, you FORCE the LD call through the TWT network. This means that "INTRA-lata" Calls, or those LD calls within the local phone company's (LEC's) calling area (not local calls, now, but LD calls within the LATA (Local Access Transmission Area) of the LEC) will be billed at the LD Carrier's rate, NOT the LEC's rate.
For LD calls close in to a major city, it is usually less expensive to just let the LEC handle it, ie, dial 1 + A/C + Number, but if the LD call is WITHIN THE LATA and OVER 25 MILES OUTSIDE THE CITY, you might investigate utilizing 10009. Look in the front of your local directory. It should have INTRA-LATA call costs to different cities within the LATA. If the LEC charges more than the Carrier, go "10 Triple X!"
Finally, "10 Triple X" mktg refers to:
The technique of an LD carrier, utilizing their unique LD code, (CIC code), to try and entice customers, both rezy and comm., to by-pass their LEC AND existing LD Carrier and force ALL LD calls through their equipment.
As described above, an unscrupulous Carrier could be uncertified in your state and charge you add-ons such as a 3-minute minimum per call, an extra service fee over and above your calls and some have even been caught inflating the number of minutes you talked at bill-time!
I'm not saying that the company who sent out the mailer does this. I AM saying: Know Thy Carrier!
Fellow Investor,
Bob Lewis
bpli.com |
