Competition gives headaches to Brazilian phone customers

Article Abstract:

Technical problems and mass confusion resulted after the gradual introduction of competition in Brazil's long-distance telephone services market. Telefonica S.A. of Spain and MCI Worldcom are just two of the companies that bought stakes in the national phone system of Brazil. Since competition started, successful completion of long-distance phone calls has hovered between 25-30%. Brazil's government has been lambasted for its handling of privatizations. Customer anger and the inability of the system infrastructure to handle the load has led the government to fine some of the companies. The competing companies, in turn, have taken to blaming each other for the problems. Overloaded and low-capacity switches have been isolated as the main source of difficulty. Despite the problems, competition has brought installation of millions of phone lines to Brazil and such widespread expansion never runs perfectly smoothly.

Government regulation, Long Distance Telephone Svc, Services introduction, Spain, Brazil, Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications systems, Long distance telephone services, WCOM, Telefonica S.A., Privatization, Privatization (Business), Public relations, Company services, Long-distance telephone service, MCI Inc., Company public relations

---

Exploring the WOW in online-auction feedback

Article Abstract:

The reputation system (or Feedback Forum as it is called on eBay) information elements are investigated by classifying online-auction reputation information as a rating-and-review (RR) type of 'word-of-web' (WOW). The results show that 'bidirectionality' is a characteristic that is unique to online auctions and, in a study of online-auction utilization, found that several 'detailed' reputation-system elements, such as feedback reviews, are processed during consumer/bidder decision making.

Computer and Data Processing Services, Analysis, Computer services industry, Information technology services industry, eBay Inc., Online auctions, Customer relations, Online auction, EBAY

---

The effects of customer service, branding, and price on the perceived value of local telephone service

Article Abstract:

A study investigates the effects of customer service quality, brand-advertising expenditures, and real price competitiveness on customer value among residential local telephone customers. Theoretical and practical implications for the study and management of customer values are discussed.

Telephone Communications, Marketing, Telephone services, Customer service, Company marketing practices, Support services

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Recruitment mode as a factor affecting informant response in organizational research. Computer use and structural control: a study of Australian enterprises
• Abstracts: Competition makes you run faster. Funding postemployment benefits
• Abstracts: Defining the customer. Educational change: a call to action. A conflict of objectives?
• Abstracts: Rival parties agree to share power. Khmer Rouge actions imperil election. Sihanouk seeks Cambodian coalition after U.N.-backed vote
• Abstracts: Let the customer be your guide. Four for the road. Quality begins at home

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.