TELECOM Digest Wed, 26 Jan 94 14:03:00 CST Volume 14 : Issue 44 Inside This Issue: Editor: Patrick A. Townson US Robotics Adds X.25 to Total Control (Ed Brill) DC Pay-Phone Rates Increase to 25 Cents (Michael Rosen) Info Needed on Modems That Provide/Multiplex RS-422/RS-366 (Mike Foltz) Needed: 500mhz-1.2ghz Spectrum Analyzer (Rev. Michael P. Deignan) Call for Action on Australia's Data Highways From ACS (Tom Worthington) International Dialback Long Distance Calling (Mike Beatty via D. Burstein) TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of public service systems and networks including Compuserve and GEnie. Subscriptions are available at no charge to qualified organizations and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify: * telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu * The Digest is compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson Associates of Skokie, Illinois USA. We provide telecom consultation services and long distance resale services including calling cards and 800 numbers. To reach us: Post Office Box 1570, Chicago, IL 60690 or by phone at 708-329-0571 and fax at 708-329-0572. Email: ptownson@townson.com. ** Article submission address only: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu ** Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to use the information service, just ask. TELECOM Digest is gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom. It has no connection with the unmoderated Usenet newsgroup comp.dcom.telecom.tech whose mailing list "Telecom-Tech Digest" shares archives resources at lcs.mit.edu for the convenience of users. Please *DO NOT* cross post articles between the groups. All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages should not be considered any official expression by the organization. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: usr!ebrill@uu3.psi.com (Ed Brill) Subject: US Robotics Adds X.25 to Total Control Organization: U.S. Robotics, Inc. Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:54:46 GMT U.S. ROBOTICS ADDS X.25 TO TOTAL CONTROL INTERNETWORKING PRODUCTS SKOKIE, Ill., -- January 24, 1994 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc., today announced the addition of a full-featured X.25 PAD to its line of Total Control internetworking products. The Total Control Integral X.25 PAD allows asynchronous dial-up to X.25 packet- switched networks without cabling individual modems to an external PAD. The X.25 PAD will be available in March, 1994. Total Control products support multiple protocols and interfaces, integrating complete LAN/WAN connectivity in a single chassis. The X.25 PAD may be added to the Total Control Enterprise Network Hub and Transaction Processing Hub, eliminating external equipment and RS-232 cables to increase performance and reduce per-channel cost. "X.25 allows organizations to optimize their investment in their networks," said Jonathan Zakin, U.S. Robotics executive vice president. "X.25 networks can provide cost advantages over circuit-switched networks, and can also provide an ideal solution for transaction processing applications, where short bursts of data must be transmitted quickly without error." The X.25 protocol is widely used in a variety of applications, including inquiries to corporate databases from remote sites, insurance claims processing, electronic mail, and point-of-sale transaction processing. "X.25 is the standard transmission protocol for the Ameritech Packet Switched Network, and is positioned to be the backbone for data transmission throughout the region," said Bill Fitzpatrick, applications manager for Ameritech. "X.25 is data efficient and customer-friendly, making it easy for the customer to connect to the Ameritech network." The X.25 PAD consists of an Application Card and a dual V.35/RS-232 Interface Card. The Application Card is available in 24- or 60- channel versions. The Interface Card supports two high-speed, software-configurable V.35 or RS-232 ports to connect the PAD to an X.25 network, and supports speeds up to 2.048 Mbps in V.35 mode and 57.6 Kbps in RS-232 mode. Additionally, the product supports several features that dramatically increase the number of calls it can handle. Automatic call routing reduces call setup time by automatically routing incoming calls to their destination via ANI (Automatic Number Identification), DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) or subscriber ID. Automatic channel configuration allows dynamic configuration of all asynchronous channels based on ANI, DNIS or subscriber ID. The product will also support protocol spoofing (VISA 1, VISA 2 and T3POS) to reduce transaction processing times. Like other Total Control Gateway Cards, such as Ethernet, Token Ring and Frame Relay, the X.25 PAD is user-programmable through an API (Applications Programming Interface), which allows users to easily customize the product to handle a wide variety of application-specific features and protocols. The Enterprise Network Hub enables organizations with remote locations, telecommuters and mobile employees to aggregate their dial traffic onto T-1 lines and route it through a packet-switched network to their host computer at a central site. The Transaction Processing Hub reduces verification times for credit card, point-of-sale, and inquiry/response transaction processing applications by interfacing with local exchange carrier services, such as Feature Group B and D. The Enterprise Network Hub and Transaction Processing Hub are logical extensions of the company's Total Control product line; U.S. Robotics' Total Control line of intelligent modem management systems, introduced in 1990, was the company's first entry into this market. Both products use a common architecture, which consists of a 1 Gbps midplane, and circuit and packet-switched buses to minimize processing time. Through downloadable software- defined technology, U.S. Robotics can easily modify and enhance its products to take advantage of new and emerging technologies. U.S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ:USRX), is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of data communications systems and products. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Skokie, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a. in Lille, France and P.N.B. s.a., based in Suresnes, France. The company markets its products to business, industry, government agencies and original equipment manufacturers, and to end-users through the personal computer distribution channel. Please refer inquiries to U.S. Robotics, Inc., at 1-800-USR CORP. These products are also available in Canada; for editorial information, please call U.S. Robotics Public Relations. All products mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Ed Brill KA9TAW E-Mail/Internet Administrator Sales: salesinfo@usr.com ebrill@usr.com U.S. Robotics, Inc. Support: support@usr.com postmaster@usr.com Skokie, Illinois USA Phone: +1-708-982-5010 ------------------------------ From: mrosen@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Michael Rosen) Subject: DC Pay-Phone Rates Increase to 25 Cents Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix at U. of Denver Math/CS dept. Date: Wed, 26 Jan 94 06:03:46 GMT Washington Post, 1/24/94 Getting Connected Gets Costlier As D.C. Pay-Phone Rate Rises By Ruben Castaneda Washington Post Staff Writer It costs 5 cents more to make a pay phone call in the District, but that didn't make a nickel's worth of difference yesterday to several Washington residents. Some, like Anna Toyos, who used a pay phone at Third Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE yesterday to tell her family she was on her way home from work, didn't even realize the increase -- to a quarter -- had taken effect. "I didn't notice that it was 20 cents before," Toyos said. "I don't use them that often. Maybe that's why I didn't notice." Last month, the District government authorized Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. to increase its revenue by $15.8 million by increasing rates this month on business customers, on special services such as call waiting and on pay phone calls. Basic residential rates were not affected by the increases, which were determined by the city's Public Service Commission. C&P [now officially Bell Atlantic - the ads have been airing this week - Mike] had been requesting increased revenue of $35.1 million, and company officials said they would appeal the commission's decision. A consumer advocate also criticized the rate increase, but for the opposite reason, saying it would be costly for phone users. But people using pay phones yesterday didn't mind -- at least not too much. "I think it's fair," said Charles Hackley as he stood near a pay phone that his wife, Pamela, was using on the edge of downtown. Hackley noted that pay phone calls in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland already cost 25 cents. "I think people in the District have been lucky," Hackley said. "Stamps have gone up. It's about time phone calls went up. "I do think they should use the increase to fix a lot of the phones that don't work," he added. Pamela Hackley said she didn't like that rate increase but didn't want the pay phone she had just used to be repaired. "When you make a phone call on it, more money comes back when you finish the call," she said, displaying a handful of quarters. "I was her lookout," her husband joked. [End of article] It's funny, I only recently was reading an article saying how they should once and for all raise the pay phone rates to a quarter. It was mentioned how most people don't bother to get the exact change and plop in a quarter anyway. Michael Rosen mrosen@nyx.cs.du.edu George Washington University Alumni (Fall '92) Tau Epsilon Phi, Tau Theta 381 ------------------------------ From: mike_foltz@sgate.com Subject: Info Needed on Modems That Provide/Multiplex RS-422/RS-366 Date: 26 Jan 1994 17:29:11 GMT Organization: Collins International Services Company I am looking for modems both fiber and copper that provide a RS-422 and a RS-366 interfaces to provide dialing and data information to be multiplexed and transmitted. I have video teleconferencing and Inverse Mux equipment that has both RS-422 and RS-366 interfaces. The 4 building campus has both fiber optic and copper in its distribution system. We would use these modems to remotely connect the interfaces of the above equipment over the distribution system. Thanks in advance, Mike Foltz foltzmik@sgate.com 703-803-8361 ------------------------------ From: kd1hz@anomaly.sbs.com (Rev. Michael P. Deignan) Subject: Needed: 500mhz-1.2ghz Spectrum Analyzer Date: 26 Jan 1994 13:30:23 GMT Organization: Small Business Systems, Inc., Esmond, RI 02917 Reply-To: kd1hz@anomaly.sbs.com I have tried posting this message to various other USENET newsgroups, but their readership isn't as technically advanced as those in CDT, so I know someone here can give me a good lead. I am looking to purchase a used spectrum analyzer, in the 500 to 1200 mhz frequency range. A feature that is needed (but not 100% required) is the ability to interconnect the device to a computer to download data to a PC database. Since I've never shopped for an SA before, I'm about as familiar with what is on the market as I am with the dung beetle of the upper Hymalayas. Therefore, I would appreciate feedback from those "in the know" as to potential models I should shop for, and perhaps a few sources of where I can pick up a decent piece of equipment at a fair price. Naturally, if you have one for sale, let me know. I have a circa 1977 rotary-dial trimline I'd be willing to swap for it! :-) Michael P. Deignan, KD1HZ Internet: kd1hz@anomaly.sbs.com UUCP: ...!uunet!anomaly!kd1hz AT&TNet: 401-273-4669 ------------------------------ From: tomw@ccadfa.cc.adfa.oz.au (Tom Worthington) Subject: Call for Action on Australia's Data Highways From ACS Organization: Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, Australia Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 13:27:49 GMT Australian Computer Society members have had a central role in the creation of Australia's data networks. Many of you have joined me in ACS activities over the Internet network. I ask members to put that experience to work for the benefit of the Australian community. Help connect your neighbours, your community group, your school, company or government department. In June last year the ACS wrote to the Prime Minister of Australia, urging the Government to join our American friends on the electronic frontier. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is now considering this issue, in it's latest IT Strategic Plan. During 1994 the ACS will contribute its expertise to create a national system linking IT professionals. They will be encouraged to transfer this knowledge to their clients, companies and government agencies. The ACS Canberra Branch established a pilot system in 1993 to provide limited network service free, to members. From 1 March 1994 ACS Canberra will provide a full Internet service for a small fee. IT professionals will be asked to showcase Australian products and services, using the global data networks. Members will be encouraged to also use the network to support local cultural and community groups. Almost one hundred years ago Australia's founders created a new nation. It was formed from a common heritage and in part, united by the communications technology of its day. As we approach the year 2001 a new technology is emerging from Australia's universities and research laborites. Just as the telegraph made it possible for Australians in 1901 to receive news across the content, "data highways" will allow all Australians to communicate across the world. As trailblazers on the new electronic frontier, let us dedicate this task to Australia's early pioneers. The goal is that all Australians will have access to the public data network, by the dawn of the new millennia at the centenary of Australia's federation. Tom Worthington , Director of the Community Affairs Board Australian Computer Society Inc. Fax: +61 6 2496419 23 January 1994 ABOUT THE ACS: The Australian Computer Society is the professional association in Australia for those in the computing and information technology fields. Established in 1966, the ACS has over 14,000 members and on a per capita basis is one of the largest computer societies in the world. ACS activities are announced in the Usenet newsgroup "aus.org.acs". ACS information is available via the Internet Gopher at: acs-gopher.mit.csu.edu.au Port=1605 courtesy of Charles Sturt University. ------------------------------ From: dannyb@panix.com (danny burstein) Subject: International Dialback Long Distance Calling Date: 26 Jan 1994 07:45:46 -0500 [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Danny passed along this item which he found in Usenet's misc.consumers newsgroup. The idea is the very same as that used by Telepassport (for whom I am an independent representative). Calls from other countries to the USA are 're-originated' here at a savings in cost to the calling party. Of course, I would *prefer* that if you make a lot of international calls to/from the USA and other countries that you use Telepassport, since your support and use of the service helps the Digest, but none the less, the message which follows will inform you of another such program available. For information on Telepassport, write me and ask for the file; for more information on the service below, write those people instead. PAT] Newsgroups: misc.consumers From: mavihoja@cscns.com (Michael D. Beatty) Subject: International Dialback L.D. Organization: Community_News_Service Date: Sat, 22 Jan 1994 14:04:34 GMT To Fellow Internet Users: I will do my best to describe my need in as concise a manner as I can. I am the marketing Vice President for a relatively new company in the field of telecommunications, namely, the call re-origination phenomena. Some refer to this technology as "dialback", the terminology isn't of any great importance. The technique is as follows. The customer is given an access number in the U.S. in order for him to partake in U.S. system benefits and rates. He calls this number, hangs up after two rings, then the computer, "Fred", calls him back and says, "This is (company name), you are ready to dial." This process saves in percentages that attract callers all over the world, and quite frankly, the business is coming in at rates that are a little cumbersome. The problem, as I see it is that if a firm marketing structure and discipline isn't set down at this healthy juncture, we will pay the price in the future. You can undoubtedly see how this kind of thing could attract the type of individual who always wants to go for the "big deal" before he sets up his primary income stream ... based on regular users. We have had so many requests for one company or individual to apply for exclusive rights for an entire country, that it is really starting to rub me the wrong way. My request is this... Keeping in mind that the competition is quite sparse, meaning that according to our research there are only 3-5 others doing this type of business in any level of effeciency or size, and considering that we have a responsible interest in adhering to a marketing structure that will avoid inherent pitfalls of "network marketing", I would at this time like enlist your input, guidance, ideas, etc. We began the outreach worldwide with the intention of building a "tree" approach, i.e., The agent who signs up a user gets .08/min on any users HE signs up, .04/min on any of his agents users in his immediate downline, .02 in the next, .01, then finally on the 5th level, .01. In all honestly, we don't know if this is the most effecient method to market this product. Let's take an example. I personally got a call from a gentleman in Nigeria, who discovered that by using our service, he could avoid paying the local PTT in Nigeria the $5.00 per minute charge to call the U.S. and instead be charged our rate of $1.35/minute. He immediately expressed an interest in spreading the word about our product around his country. Many folks who are in the similar position ask for exclusivity right up front, and want 10-12% commission. So far, we have the latitude to pretty much cut any "deal" that is requested, or required, but sooner or later the cookie cutter approach is going to become necessary if we are to adhere to consistancy. My levity is to get away from the "shoot from the hip" approach, and formalize the alternatives into a formula for utilization of energies and distributing the opportunities available as fairly as possible. If you need anymore specific explanation of how the actual product works, I will be glad to do that, but at this time I'd like to open the thing up for scrutiny ... what is the most expedient methodology to market such a beast? Discussion would be more than appreciated. And, just for your informational purposes, the following is a file that we use to explain our services to potentially interested parties. The rate of expansion that we are experiencing is explosive and exponential, due to the fact that that system actually DOES save the customer the amounts promised. COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. Substancially reduce cost of calls from almost ALL Countries to U.S. and other destinations ... CSInt'l is a revolutionary way to place INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS AT SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED RATES (30 to 70%)!! By routing all your international calls through the United States, we place the LOWER RATES and COVERAGE of the U.S. phone system right in your hand. And since all your calls are handled by our state-of-the- art computer, all of its special features and advanced abilities are also at your disposal. With CSInt'l you can call FROM any of the 235 countries in the world TO any of those same countries - virtually the entire world. You can start using CSI today WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR PHONE EQUIPMENT OR SERVICE HOOK-UP IN ANY WAY. All you do to use the CSInt'l computer is simply call it. There are no calling cards to get lost or stolen, no billing account digits to enter, In fact, you can place an international call with as few as four digits! All calls are completely automatic - no operator assistance is required. You are billed in 6 second increments instead of whole minutes. BENEFITS % Simple to Use. % No Risk. % Speed Dialing. % No Equipment Modifications Needed. % Keep the Line for as Many Calls as you Need. % Faster, Fully Automatic Dialing. % Eliminate Hotel Surcharges. % 6-second Billing Increments. % Crystal Clear High Quality Digital Transmission. % 48 Hour Activation. % And of course -- LOWER RATES. HOW IT WORKS We assign you a special unlisted U.S. phone number that you will call and then hang up after 1-2 rings. Since you hang up (and we don't answer) there is no charge for the call; however, our computer knows you called and WILL CALL YOU BACK. At this point you simply answer the phone and dial the number you wish to call. That's all there is to it. The CSI phone program does NOT have multiple levels of menus or or long instructions to listen to. All of its functions are accessed from a single familiar place. Nothing could be easier to use in making long distance calls. When you finish talking you can either hang up like you normally do, OR you can press the star key twice (**). The ** hangs up the other end of the call, but keeps you connected to the CSInt'l computer so that you can place another call. You can use the ** as many times as you like. In fact, we deduct another 5% off the per minute rate for all calls you make using this feature. The ** feature is also handy for hanging up on answering machines or voice computers that you don't want to pay to talk to. TOUCH TONE You DO NOT have to live in a touch-tone dialing country to use CSInt'l. However, your phone must be able to produce touch-tones in order for you to use CSInt'l. If you have any question regarding this, we give you a hand held tone dialer that does the tone dialing automatically for you. Most phones have a tone/pulse switch that you simply flip to the tone position when you answer the dialback call. The sooner you get started the sooner you'll begin saving ... Our pricing is the most thorough in the industry. We break the world up into as many areas as possible to bring the best possible rates. WE HAVE A PRICE THAT YOU WILL KNOW IN ADVANCE FOR EVERY POSSIBLE COUNTRY TO COUNTRY CALL. Instead of sending you 600 pages of pricing though, we have all of those prices in an IBM-PC compatible program that you can use to look up any call price in seconds! This program compares all countries prices with all other possible combinations of calling destinations. BILLING Our billing is just like what you are used to. You use the service and we send you a bill. The only thing we ask is that you place an approved credit card on account with us. We accept all standard forms of payments, including all major credit cards. If a credit card isn't available, then we require a $250.00 Security Deposit (to be held in a government insured account) . We assure you, this security deposit is completely refundable upon your request, less any outstanding long distance charges. ! GET STARTED ! To cut your phone bill in half, start using CSInt'l-DIALBACK today by simply filling out the SERVICE INITIATION FORM below and INTERNET or FAX it back to us if you choose credit card billing; otherwise, mail it to the address enclosed. So easy to begin... SERVICE INITIATION FORM Communications Systems International, Inc. (CSI) will establish your service and provide you with a CSI-ACCESS TELEPHONE NUMBER within 2 business days on receipt of THIS form and a credit card number, or the REFUNDABLE security deposit of $250.00 (USD) You will receive instructions by voice or fax as soon as your service is available, and complete information about special features and options by mail. NAME: ______________________________________________________ COMPANY: ___________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________ STATE: __________ COUNTRY: _____________________________________ ZIP: ______ PHONE #: ____________________________ FAX #: ______________ INITIAL DIALBACK TELEPHONE NUMBER: _____________________________. Enter the phone number where the CSI computer is to call you back, You can change this from your location at any time. PAYMENT METHOD: [ ] CREDIT CARD (circle one): VISA AMEX MC DISCOVER ACCOUNT #: __________________________________ Expiration Date: ______________ [ ] CASH, CHECK, or MONEY ORDER enclosed. Your SECURITY DEPOSIT is held in a US government insured account and is available to be refunded, less outstanding charges, at your request within 2 business days. I hereby authorize CSI to bill the above for usage of the CSI system. I understand that a 1.5% per month (18% annual) service charge will be assessed on unpaid amounts over 30 days past due. Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ___/___/_____ RETURN TO: Communications Systems International, Inc. 121 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 226A Colorado Springs, CO 80903 USA Phone: 011-1-719-471-3332 Fax: 1-719-471-2893 or 1-800-950-5033 #10050 And if you're interested in joining our international marketing efforts ... the residual income has staggering possibilities, as you can undoubtedly see. How does 08/min on your efforts sound? How about .04/min on those who join "under" you? How about .02/min on those directly beneath them? And, .01/min on everyone one level under, .01/min all the way to the 5th level? When you're dealing with such a global need, the residual income possibilities here are truly exciting! And yes, we have the latitude to design a specific marketing program for your particular needs. We at Communication Systems International would love to encourage you to request more information of this revolutionary opportunity. But, as we stand ready to fill that request, our primary motivation of this message is to stimulate you into taking action now. Please fill out the signup form and return it to us immediately, as the sooner you do, the sooner you can begin calling at our significantly reduced rates. There really IS nothing to loose, and only savings from which to benefit. Michael D. Beatty 1-719-471-3332 1-800-950-5033 Fax:1-719-471-2893 Mavihoja@cscns.com Vice President of Marketing Communications Systems International ---------------------------------- dannyb@panix.com (or dburstein@mcimail.com) (10288) 0-700-864-3242 [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Danny, thanks very much for passing that along. A couple observations are in order: the two differences between Telepassport (my offering) and the above are the method of billing and their emphasis on MLM (multi-level-marketing) to promote the service. Telepassport does not require an advance deposit. We offer credit card billing or electronic funds transfer with a debit to the checking account of the subscriber. We have no method of or desire for taking cash in advance. We do not do MLM. Every representative is an independent person accountable only to the parent company, US Fibercom. Our rates are quite comparable to the above service I suppose, however we charge a monthly minimum use fee of $25. Use it or lose it. We do not for that reason encourage subscriptions to the service from people whose international long distance is less than $25-30 per month. I do receive a residual from the use of Telepassport by subscribers who have signed up through me and the money thus received is used to help offset the expenses involved in the production of this Digest. Indeed, 'call re-origination' or international dialback as it is sometimes known is a growing industry, and persons in countries outside the USA are finding out that our international rates here are much better than their own. They can re-originate, we can mark up the costs to make a profit for ourselves, and they still wind up paying less than through their own telecom administration. Ask for more details if desired. PAT] ------------------------------ End of TELECOM Digest V14 #44 *****************************