TELECOM Digest Fri, 28 Oct 94 01:38:00 CDT Volume 14 : Issue 404 Inside This Issue: Editor: Patrick A. Townson New Area Code for Georgia (Atlanta Constitution via Michael King) Services Available For a Small Fee :-) (Jonathan A. Solomon) LAA Operator Reference Data Base (Carl A. Wright) NPTN Policy on Free-Net/Commercial Conflicts (Monty Solomon) Duplicate Post-Split NXXes in Toronto (Dave Leibold) Wierd Experience With Payphone (John W. Barrus) FCC Rulemaking on Wireless E911 (Joe Hersey) Cellular Phone Fraud Operator Arrested (Washington Times via Paul Robinson) 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 America On Line. It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'. 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 edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax or phone at: 9457-D Niles Center Road Skokie, IL USA 60076 Phone: 708-329-0571 Fax: 708-329-0572 ** 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 partially funded by a grant from the * * International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland * * under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES) * * project. Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent-* * ing views of the ITU. * ********************************************************************** *** Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help is important and appreciated. 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: an904@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael King) Subject: New Area Code for Georgia Date: 27 Oct 1994 17:57:42 GMT Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA) According to a recent article in the {Atlanta Constitution}, Southern Bell has announced that area code 770 will be assigned to the Atlanta metropolitan area in October 1995. The article indicates that Southern Bell/Bell South has not decided the specific area for the new code yet ... there are three proposals: 1> Split 404/770 geographically with either one of the new codes taking up one side of the area or with the older 404 AC being relegated to the area inside the Perimeter (I-285) or 404 as the city of Atlanta proper. 2> Flat-out overlay 770 on top of 404 so that two houses next to each other could concievably have two different area codes (!?) 3> Use 770 as a cellular overlay much in the same fashion as other metropolitan areas around the US. (this is the form that is preferred by Southern Bell) The article indicates that the method of the split along with the boundaries of the split-area will be announced early next year. Michael King -- General Manager WIGO/AM - Atlanta Morning Talk Show Host & Chief Cook & Bottle Washer ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 17:57:07 -0400 From: jsol@world.std.com (Jonathan A. Solomon) Subject: Services Available For a Small Fee :-) I offer help in setting up computers, fax machines, copiers, and also support in ordering residence and business telephone service including extra services and centrex/PBX service, and private telephone networks. Public and Private computer networks, as well. If you are interested in my services, you can send me mail as JSOL@WORLD.STD.COM. You will get a response even if you can't afford it. Say whether or not you will be able to pay before asking the questions ... your ability to pay will influence my ability to serve you. The fee is optional, if you can afford it, you can pay me. If you can't afford it, then it is free. I would say about $25.00/hour, but again that is optional. Cheers, JSol [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Jon Solomon was the founding moderator and editor of TELECOM Digest; he started this e-journal back in 1981 and maintained it for a few years prior to it being passed on to me in 1988. Like myself, Jon has seen his share of problems over the past few years and I would highly recommend his work to persons or firms seeking a highly qualified expert on telephone systems/networks and/or Unix computer systems. In fact, Jon arranged for me to get my first internet account many, many years ago. Please, don't anyone else ask me for a raw promotional plug like this, but in Jon's case he really does deserve it. PAT] ------------------------------ From: wright@LAA.COM Subject: LAA Operator Reference Data Base Date: 27 Oct 1994 23:39:56 GMT Organization: Lynn-Arthur Associates, Ann Arbor, MI Reply-To: wright@LAA.COM Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc. (LAA) announces its Operator Reference Data Base (ORDB) for the A.T.& T. 5ESS(R) telephone switch. The ORDB provides on-line access to a suite of databases used by telephone operators to answer caller questions and to handle emergency situations. The ORDB connects to the specialized telephone operator workstations through the A.T.& T. 5ESS(R). The ORDB will be delivered by year end to three telephone companies, Minnesota Equal Access Network Services (Plymouth, MN), Compania Dominicana de Telefonos (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), and Brazoria Telephone Company (Brazoria, TX). Minnesota Equal Access is a network services company owned by more than sixty small telephone companies in Minnesota. Compania Dominicana de Telefonos is a GTE owned wireline telephone company which serves the entire Dominican Republic. Brazoria Telephone Company is a small family-run company located an hour's drive from Houston, TX. The ORDB is implemented in Objective-C in the NextStep operating system using distributed objects. It is available to run on Intel and Hewlett- Packard computers. The ORDB is a high-demand mission-critical applic- ation delivered on two redundant computer systems. The A.T.& T. 5ESS(R) switch is connected to the ORDB over a number of X.25 digital links. The number of links is dependent on the number of operators and expected transaction loads. LAA delivers the ORDB as a turn-key solution of hardware, software, tariff database, training, and installation support. Delivery takes approximately six weeks from contract signing. ORDB consists of five major software components. Three of these components run on NextStep and the fourth and fifth run in the DOS/Windows environment. 1. The "Operator Service" component receives all the queries from the operators connected to the 5ESS switch, processes them, and answers the transactions. All knowledge of the 5ESS switch is within. 2. The "TeleRate(tm) Rating" component performs all pricing of telephone services. All knowledge of telephone services, their costs, and the database of tariffs is within. This service provides rate information for customer queries. 3. The "ORDB Control" component is an application which communicates with the real-time process to stop, start, monitor, and modify the mission-critical ORDB application. 4. The "ORDB Data Control" is a Windows application for the operator service data clerks who control the data on which operator services are based. 5. The "RTRS Data Control" is a DOS/Windows suite of applications for the tariff analysts who control the data on which pricing is based. "TeleRate(tm) Rating" and "RTRS Data Control" components are used in our real-time rating product and act as servers when more than one applica- tion which use them is running. For more information, contact Mr. Carl Wright at +1 313 995-5590 or at "wright@laa.com". Mailing address: Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc. 2350 Green Road, Suite 160 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Fax phone: +1 313 995-5989 Immediate availability 5ESS(R) is a trademark of A.T.& T. Carl A. Wright Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc. +1 313 995 5590 wright@laa.com Operations Support Systems +1 313 995 5989 (fax) 2350 Green Road Suite 160 Ann Arbor, MI, 48105 USA ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 13:08:04 -0400 From: Monty Solomon Subject: NPTN Policy on Free-Net/Commercial Conflicts Passed along to the Digest FYI: Date: Mon, 17 Oct 1994 18:22:01 -0400 From: pfh@nptn.org (peter f. harter) To: action@eff.org (action mailing list) Subject: Policy <<< PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO RE-PRINT OR RE-POST THE FOLLOWING TO ANY MEDIUM, PROVIDED THE CONTENT IS IN NO WAY ALTERED. >>> NPTN POLICY ON POTENTIAL FREE-NET/COMMERCIAL CONFLICTS Recently several incidents have come up which have focused attention on the relationship between NPTN community computer systems and commercial providers. Rather than answer a zillion individual e.mail messages, I thought I'd outline our position in one official policy statement. THE FREE-NET MODEL There are a variety of approaches to community networking, the "Free-Net(R) model" being one of them. Under our model we see no conflict between the operation of our systems and ANY commercial provider. Indeed, it is quite the reverse. A Free-Net, properly run, is first and foremost a local system, run by local people, using local resources, to meet local needs. Our Internet connections are incidental to our primary mission and our net effect is to INCREASE the pool of telecomputing literate people to whom commercial services could eventually be sold. A Free-Net, properly run, does NOT simply dump people onto the Internet. We believe in building community networks that are locally-oriented "electronic cities," not simply "electronic bus stations." We believe that "cyberdumping" people--especially K-12 students--onto the raw Internet will NOT accomplish the goal of bringing this nation into the information age with equity. We believe what is needed is a national network not just for the people who are already on it, but for the people who are maybe two or three waves back -- factory workers, farmers, blue collar people and others. This will not be accomplished by offering them access to the card catalog at the University of Paris. It MIGHT be accomplished if we can create systems that allow them to find out what's going on at their kids school, or what's happening with the latest flu-bug going around town, or what's going on with their local pro sports team or, for that matter, their own local bowling league. This does not conflict with any reasonable commercial interest; and THIS is the heart and soul of Free-Netting. With regard to commercial providers who DO see a problem with our work, there are two ways we can approach a resolution. We can do it via conflict; or we can do it via cooperation. THE CONFLICT APPROACH Recently several small IP providers have threatened to bring legal action against a number of community networks including at least one of our organizing committees. Let me be absolutely clear on NPTN's position with regard to this: If anyone so much as touches one of our affiliates or organizing committees with this kind of action -- we will jump in with both feet. We have full-time legal council on staff; we have the money; we have the time; and most importantly we have the WILL to fight this kind of BS. NPTN will simply not put up with it -- not with OUR systems -- not now, not ever. We are not trying to be adversarial in taking this position. But this kind of thing is one of the reasons why it is so important that there BE an NPTN and why it's important for community networks to affiliate. Standing alone you can be picked-off and harassed into submission on any number of fronts -- not because you are in the wrong but because you simply do not have the resources to defend yourself. There is indeed something to be said for the notion of "strength in numbers" and NPTN represents that strength. THE COOPERATIVE MODEL In many ways all this is reminiscent of a hundred years ago when the free public library movement was gaining momentum. The people who were most in opposition were a handful of commercial bookstore operators. They argued that they would be "ruined" if public libraries were allowed to take hold, and that spending governmental funds represented unfair competition with them. Who would ever BUY a book, they argued, if you could get it from the library for FREE? I suspect everyone reading this document knows what actually happened -- a synergy formed. Public libraries introduced books, reading, and in some cases literacy itself to whole classes of people who would otherwise not have been exposed. These people then became customers of commercial bookstores, which made for a very healthy publishing industry, which allowed the libraries to offer an incredibly rich and diverse mixture of materials to their patrons, who then went out and purchased even more books. It is EXACTLY that kind of synergy we would like to see form between commercial providers of Internet and information-based services, and the Free-Nets. We seek a cooperative model, not a conflict-based one. How can this occur? In many ways, the answer to this question is limited only by the creativity of the people involved. To cite some current examples: * In some areas commercial companies are, in whole or in part, funding the development of local Free-Net systems -- because they understand the importance of systematically developing a customer-base for the future. * In other areas, commercial systems are purchasing NPTN cybercasting services which not only provides their system with some of the finest online content available anywhere in the world, but helps to support the work of NPTN in developing further systems. * We are currently actively working with several commercial companies on models which provide both free local Free-Net services and "on-ramp" services for which a fee could be charged. The Free-Net provides a critical mass of potential customers, the on-ramp provides the revenue stream necessary to operate the Free-Net in perpetuity. As mentioned above, our goal is cooperation with the commercial world and we think that can be attained. But we will not tolerate ANY of our affiliates or organizing committees being legally harassed by anyone. NPTN was there long before most of the commercial world knew there was a "there" there. We believe that calls for cooperation and support -- not conflict. Tom Grundner President, NPTN 10/17/94 Tom Grundner President, National Public Telecomputing Network Office Address: 34555 Chagrin Blvd. Moreland Hills, Ohio 44022 Mail Address: P.O. Box 1987 Cleveland, Ohio 44106 Peter F. Harter, Executive Director & General Counsel National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN) P.O. Box 1987, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-0187 E-mail: pfh@nptn.org Voice: 216/247-5800 Fax: 216/247-3328 *** "Free-Net" is a servicemark of NPTN registered in the U.S. and Canada. [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I have wanted, for such a long time, to see a FreeNet started in the Chicago area. If ever there was a need to be connected, it would be in the Chicago public schools and the Chicago Public Library system. Both have extremely urgent needs. I'd like to be able to install network access for every child and young person living in the ghettos here known as the Chicago Housing Authority. What is stopping me? Pure and simple, a lack of resources and funding; a lack of anyone willing to *feed and clothe me and my family* while I work to bring this medium to the masses of people who need it in our community. From: barrus@merl.com (John W. Barrus) Subject: Wierd Experience With Payphone Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 08:11:22 -0400 Organization: Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs When I was in Salt Lake City last month, I tried (at a payphone) to dial 102880 to use a calling card and when I dialed, I noticed that the 8's sounded different. I hung up and tried dialing 12222 or some similar sequence of numbers and noticed that the phone always gives out the same sequence of DTMF tones through the earpiece, even when different numbers are being dialed. Finally I got an operator and had her put the call through for me with my calling card number because none of the normal 800 or 10xxx0 access numbers would work. Is this typical for payphones now? I had the same trouble in a hotel where I could not use my 800 access number and finally dialed direct, only to find a $1 per minute charge on my hotel bill the next morning. I couldn't get them to take the charge off. What should I do in those circumstances? Any suggestions? John Barrus Research Scientist Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. voice 1.617.621.7535 201 Broadway fax 1.617.621.7550 Cambridge, MA 02139 barrus@merl.com ------------------------------ From: gttm@cais2.cais.com (USCG TELECOMMS) Subject: FCC Rulemaking on Wireless E911 Date: 28 Oct 1994 00:32:51 GMT Organization: Capital Area Internet Service info@cais.com The FCC, at the request of the State of Texas and others (including the Coast Guard), has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on requiring new wireless services (PCS, AMSC Regional Satellites, big LEO's etc) to provide similar emergency calling capability as wireline services. Although the ability of cellular users to call 911 has been a big benefit, there are problems which will worsen as more cellular-type systems become available. For example, the identity and location information Enhanced 911 centers receive from wireline calls are unavailable from cellular. Worse, you may be unabale to make a 911 call from a satellite provider (calls from portable Inmarsat terminals work like an overseas call to the U.S ... you simply cannot call 911). We are also interested in Caller ID capability ... most telephone calls to a Coast Guard rescue center go directly to the center, not through a 911 provider. Comments to the FCC are due January 9th. CC Docket 94-102 applies. We are interested in any comments you have in this matter, particularly those concerning system limitations from providing Caller ID and E911 capability, and the use of wireless (including cellular) for making distress calls from boats. JoeHersey COAST GUARD COMMUNICATIONS Telephone: (202) 267-2860 U.S. Coast Guard (G-TTM) Fax: (202) 267-4106 Washington DC 20593 Internet: CGComms/g-t07@cgsmtp.comdt.uscg.mil ------------------------------ e.Mail: tmg@nptn.org Telephone: 216-247-5800 Fax: 216-247-3328 Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 20:37:55 EST Organization: Tansin A. Darcos & Company, Silver Spring, MD USA From: Paul Robinson Subject: Cellular Phone Fraud Operator Arrested {Washington (DC) Times} 19 Oct 1994 Front Page High-Tech sleuthing busts cellular phone fraud ring By Doug Abrahms, The Washington Times A Jesse James of the cellular telephone industry was nabbed this week in California in the latest episode of the high-tech war between cops and robbers being fought with electronics. Secret Service officials in San Jose arrested Clinton Watson and two other persons on Monday, charging them with a scheme in which they built counterfeit cellular phones and sent the bills to unsuspecting owners. In a raid on Mr. Watson's house, authorities seized 30 bogus phones, 16 altered memory chips and about 600 mobile phone identification numbers used to fool the phone companies' billing systems, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in San Jose. The phone bandits employed integrated circuits, scanners that pick up cellular information and sophisticated software to build counterfeit phones that never received bills. These "lifetime" phones sold for $1,200 to $1,500 apiece and have been discovered all over the continent, said Ron Nessen, vice president of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). Police and cellular companies have fought back with vans and helicopters with customized electronics to track illegal cellular signals. They also are testing a voiceprinting system that will match people's unique voice prints with their calling numbers. "This is the high tech crime of the 1990s," Mr. Nessen said, who estimates that phone fraud costs the nation about $1 million a day. "Every solution we come up with in our labs get attacked by the hackers." In many cases, cellular pirates stand outside parking lots, tunnels, and airports with scanning equipment that picks up the ID numbers of cellular users, Mr. Nessen said. Those ID numbers then can be programmed into other phone handsets for calls that get charged to the original customers, he said. Mr. Watson went one step further and installed up to a dozen ID numbers into one handset so the user wouldn't alert authorities that a barrage of calls was emanating from one phone number, said Michael Houghton, the CTIA's research director. Mr. Watson's phones would allow users to program in new numbers periodically so the phones could be used indefinitely, he said. "If he spreads them around, he can make a phone that doesn't create a calling pattern," he said. "This type of cloning is the next generation." The CTIA estimates Mr. Watson was responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cellular fraud. He fases a $50,000 fine and 15 years in jail for each of the three counts against him, Mr. Nessen said. Mr. Watson was a computer programmer who created his own software and had ties to the criminal underground, he said. The cellular industry has been fighting phone bandits such as Mr. Watson, especially after last month's report that New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Police Commissioner William Bratton each had their cellular phone numbers stolen six times this year. Nynex Mobile Communications in New York assigns personal identification numbers that must be entered before each call, said Kim Ancin, a spokeswoman. Other cellular companies analyze calling patterns and investigate major changes in users' phone behavior. TRW Wireless Communications of Santa Clara developed a system that records and stores a customer's voice print, which is as unique as a fingerprint, said Lynn Fisher, a TRW spokeswoman. On every call, the company's computer checks the ID number and caller's voice print against the customer's file and cuts off any call when they don't match, she said. [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It must be remembered that in the United States, our constitution requires that Mr. Watson and his alleged associates be presumed innocent of the charges lodged against them until their guilt is proven by the government in a court of law before a judge and/or jury. PAT] ------------------------------ End of TELECOM Digest V14 #404 ******************************