Equal Access (Long Distance Calling)
1 + Equal Access Dialing
You may access service from as many long-distance companies as you like. However, only one company can provide your long-distance service through the convenience of 1 + dialing. This privilege is known as “equal access” dialing.
Many diferent long distance companies offer their services to Oklahoma Telephone & Telegraph, Inc. If you wish to change your chosen long distance company, you may do so by contacting the long distance company you prefer. There is a charge for changing long distance companies. You must contact the long distance company to establish an account.
A list of long distance companies available may be obtained by contacting our business office. Questions regarding these companies’ rates and services may be obtained by contacting the long distance companies directly. Your long distance company may send you a separate bill for your long distance calls.
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 have been slammed, you can change your service immediately back to your original provder by calling your local telephone company. You may also report the slam by writing or calling the Oklahomna Corporation Commission, Consumer Services Division, P.O. Box 52000-2000, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2000, (405) 521-2331 or toll free (800) 522-8154, website: www.occ.state.ok.us.
Assistance with Direct-Dialing
If you are placing a call and have a problem, refer to the operator assistance instruction provided by the long-distance company you are using.
Operator Assistance
Operator Handled “0 Minus”
Operator handled calls are when you want the operator to enter the number you are calling or if you need assistance placing your call. When you request the assistance of an operator, a charge may apply.
Dial 0 or 00 to reach an operator.
Operator Handled “0 Plus”
You may make operator assisted calls by dialing “0,” plus the area code, plus the number. You will be connected with an operator from your selected long-distance company. Refer to the dialing instructions provided by the long-distance company you are using. The following is a list and description of the types of operator assisted calls you can make.
Collect Call:
A long-distance call in which the person or firm answering the call agrees to pay the charges associated with the call.
Third-Number-Billed Call:
A long distance call placed away from your home or office bus till billed to that phone number, or any other phone number if the party at that number agrees to pay for the call. (The operator may verify the third-number charge before placign your call.)
Person-To-Person Call:
Choose this type of long distance call when you want to speak to only one specific person or extension number. Charges apply only if that person is reached.
Conference Call:
A call that lets you talk with several people in different places, either local or long distance, at the same time.
Calling Card Call:
By providing your calling card number to the Operator, you can charge a local or long distance call to your home or office number
If you are placing a long-distance call from a pay phone, you can use the long-distance company preselected for that phone or you may dial the necessary code to access the company of your choice.
Time and Charges
Customers, when placing calls through an Operator, may request from her the amount of time charged to the call and the cost associated with the call. When the Operator comes on the line, explain to her you want time and charges on the call you are making.
Coin Calls
From coin telephones, see the instruction card on or next to the telephone, or dial “Operator,” before depositing any money.
Directory Assistance
Dialing instruction for directory assistance appear here. Those persons with physical impairments making it impossible to use a telephone directory should contact their long distance carrier for information on how to apply for exemption from directory assistance charges.
International Calls
If you have selected a company to provice your international long-distance service, please follow the dialing instructions they have proviced you.
The instructons listed below are commonly used to complete an international call. To place a direct-dialed international call in areas where 1 + equal access dialing is available:
Dial 011 + Country Code + City Code + Local Number
To place an operator assisted international call:
Dial 01 + Country Code + City Code + Local Number
For additional assistance or information dial “00” to reach an operator for your preselected long distance company.
Tip: After dialing any international call, please allow at least 45 seconds for the ringing to begin.
Procedure for Petitioning the Corporation Commission to examine the reasonableness of proposed local exchange rate change.
Under Oklahoma law inacted during 1986 (17 O.S. 137), this telephone company can raise your local exchange rate up to $2.00 per month every year without the review and approval of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. At least sixty (60) days before the effective date of such a proposed rate change, each subscriber will be notified by the telephone company. Such an increase can be suspended if fifteen percent (15%) of the subscribers petition the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to examine and determine the reasonableness of the proposed local exchange rates.
Every petition shall contain:
- The name, address and telephone number of the telephone subscriber.
- The signature of the telephone subscriber in whose name the telephone number is listed.
- The reason the subscriber opposes the proposed increase. (Optional)
Only the subscriber in whose name the telephone service is listed shall be counted as a petitioner. Petitions should be mailed to:
Director, Public Utility Division
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 52000
Oklahoma City, OK 76152-2000