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Published on 06/01/1998 All articles from this issue

Get frequent-flyer miles by switching phone companies

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By Clyde Noel

A Side of Clyde

Last March 31, Pacific Bell filed with the California Public Utility Commission to provide long distance service through its affiliate Pacific Bell Communications. Pacific Bell is one of 116 companies that provides local service and now wants to run with the big dogs.

Randy Okamura, director of external affairs for Pac Bell told the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee June 1, Pacific Bell Communications may provide long distance rate service 20 percent below any competitor for "one stop shopping" telephone service.

That's a good deal, because we have been using AT&T service for years. We call Toronto several times a week, and my monthly bill is usually more than $100.

However, last month, when I turned on my computer to get on the Internet, America Online was offering long distance telephone service for 9 cents a minute. All AOL wanted was a credit card and permission to make the switch, so I said go ahead. What I didn't know was my telephone number was put in play and other long distance companies also wanted my business.

The following week AT&T called and asked if service was satisfactory and wanted me back. If I came back they would pay my next month's long distance bill, and there wouldn't be any charge for the switch back.

Then MCI called and said they wanted my business. If I would switch, they would give me 5,000 frequent-flyer miles. They, too, would pay for the switching charge and put a mint on my pillow every evening for the first month under MCI.

When word got around I was making a change in my long distance telephone service, Sprint called and offered me 7,500 frequent-flyer miles, to switch me free, pay part of next month's bill and include a month's subscription to the Wall Street Journal.

I kidded the Sprint rep, and said I just made a switch to MCI (which I didn't) the day before. Sprint said you only have to stay with a long distance company for 24 hours before you can switch again.

I called GTE and explained I was considering a change in my telephone service and what would they give me to make the switch.

GTE offered me 10,000 free frequent-flyer miles if I made the switch, and they would make the crossover free.

Two weeks went by and AT&T called and asked if I was happy with AOL. I told them I was in heated discussion with Sprint because they offered me frequent flyer miles, cheap rates plus they would carry my grocery bags out to the car.

I'm undecided because I have offers from MCI, AT&T, Sprint, GTE, 10-321 and AOL competing for my long distance business. Now Pacific Bell wants it.

Since I only have to stay with a long distance telephone company for 24 hours, I'm figuring on switching companies once a week. By the end of the year, my wife and I could fly around the world about 10 times. In fact we wouldn't be home to use the phone.

Excuse me. There goes my phone.