Telephone pact to alter rates and services; international calls expected to cost less
Article Abstract:
An agreement negotiated under the World Trade Organization and signed by over 60 nations on Feb 15, 1997, would open telecommunication services to foreign competition in many countries. The competition is expected to result in lower prices and better international voice and data services. Global telephone rates could fall by about 15% in four years resulting in a savings of a trillion dollars by consumers worldwide over a period of about ten years. US consumers spent about $14 billion a year in international telecommunications including voice, data, telex and telegraph communications. An average international call from the US costs about 91 cents a minute compared with 16 cents a minute for domestic long-distance calls. The price of international calls is determined by charges made by foreign phone companies for completing the calls in their countries.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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MCI enter the market for phone calls in New York City and its suburbs
Article Abstract:
MCI began offering local phone service to residents of New York City and its suburbs on Aug 8, 1997. MCI is Nynex's first major competitor for the four million customers in the area. Consumer advocates hope that this move by MCI and other similar efforts to move into the metropolitan telecommunications market will result in lower costs for phone service, improved customer service and advances in communications services. MCI is attempting to capitalize on Nynex's reputation for poor customer service by offering prompt and attentive service. To begin its service, MCI is utilizing Nynex's switches, wires and assorted equipment. The company is charging $6.30 a month for basic service, compared to Nynex's rate of $6.60. It is also offering a 10 cents a minute flat rate for regional toll calls.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
MCI enters the market for phone calls in New York City and its suburbs
Article Abstract:
MCI Communications began offering local phone service to residents of New York City and its suburbs on Aug 8, 1997. MCI is the first major competitor Nynex has had for the four million customer in the area. Consumer advocates hope that this move by MCI, as well as other similar efforts to move into the metropolitan telecommunications market will result in lower costs for phone service. MCI is attempting to capitalize on Nynex's reputation for poor customer service by offering prompt and attentive service. To begin its services, MCI is utilizing Nynex's switches, wires and an assortment of other equipment. the company is charging $6.30 a month for basic service, compared to Nynex's rate of $6.60. It is also offering a ten cents a minute flat rate for toll calls.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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