IP: TelCos and Change

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> From: jspira () basex co
> To: farber () cis upenn edu
> Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 23:33:16 -0400
> Subject: IP: TelCos and Change
>
> Dave, good evening
>
> If the Telephone Companies don't seem to know what business they're in
> sometimes, it's no surprise.  Witness the letter I've just received:
>
> "Dear Jonathan Spira:
>
> "We all know change is an inevitable part of life.  [OK.  They've got me
> here.  It's true and predicated on this sentence, I'm set up for some major
> life change, like an area code or something along those lines.]
>
> "Sometimes it's easy.  Sometimes it's hard.  But it's always more desirable
> when you get good value for your money.  [Now they've gotten my curiosity,
> but I was still hard pressed to figure out what they were selling.]
>
> "To that end, we're letting you know about an important change that is
> about to take place to your Unlimited Regional Calling Plan.
>
> "Beginning with your May 1999 bill, our monthly regional calling plan rate
> will increase by $2.00."
>
> The writer, Nancy Wolff Leary, the staff director of consumer calling
> services, took the time to reassure me that my plan would still remain a
> great value.
>
> What might Ms Wolff Leary say if something truly significant were about to
> happen?  Perhaps they might offer counseling (via a 900 number at $2 per
> minute, no doubt).
>
> Best.
>
> /s/ Jonathan
>
> Jonathan B Spira                    E-mail jspira () basex com
> The Basex Group, Inc                URL http://www.basex.com
> 15 E 26th Street                    Tel +1 (212) 725-2600 x113
> New York, NY 10010 USA              Facsimile +1 (212) 532-5406