Date:  4 May 1982 1116-EDT
From: Charles B. Weinstock <Weinstock at CMU-20C>
Subject: MCI
To: Klahr at CMU-10A
Via:     CMU-20C; 4 May 1982 1117-EDT

I have been using SPRINT (from SP Communications) since December, and Tartan
has been using it since February.  Except for the pain of all of those numbers
to key in, it is reasonable.  Line quality varies a lot, but it certainly is
cost effective.

I chose SPRINT over MCI for one reason (only): with MCI's home service you can
only access it from your home city.  If you want to access MCI from another
city when you travel you have to make special arrangements and pay extra.
SPRINT allows you to access the network anywhere they go (though for security
reasons they give you a modified authorization code for away from home).  This
could all have changed over the last few months, and also note that the FCC is
allowing AT&T to charge more for the alternative phone systems connections to
the local phone network, so the cost advantage may change.

I have only once had trouble getting a line, and that was for a short time
during the day.  I tend to call during business hours (on Tartan) and evening
(on me).

Chuck Weinstock
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