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Show IN THE BALANCE. A new method of rates for telephone usage is in the making by Moutain Bell. Revolution is a continuing con-tinuing process in the progessive industry. Communications Revolution due in America Experts agree that America is on the verge of a communications revolution. While the days of a single black telephone have long since disappeared, using the telephone for voice communications com-munications only may soon seem just as ancient. For example, in the future, trips to the bank will be replaced by a telephone call. Utilities may be controlled con-trolled by phone. College students will access computers com-puters for information to prepare for exams via telephone. And, your phone may be connected to security systems in your home. Another change may be coming about shortly, an option on how you are charged for your telephone service. Currently, most customers are charged a specific monthly rate - a flat rate - which entitles them to make an unlimited number of calls throughout their calling area. The cost of additional equipment and labor necessary to provide customers with service to fulfill these ever-increasing telephone needs will require a substantial increase in that flat rate, in the future. In order to make the charges more equitable, Measured Service (MS) is being developed by Mountain Moun-tain Bell as a pricing alternative of the future. There will be a hearing before the Public Service Commission in the near future on Measured Service. MS is a system of pricing in which charges for services ser-vices vary, depending on the amount of usage generated by individual customers. Some customers presently have a type of MS based on the number of calls made. In the future, charges for local calling may be based on distance, duration and time of day customers place calls, in addition to frequency - a concept which is similar to long-distance charging. Unlike flat rate service, low and moderate-use customers pay only for what they use. On the other hand, customers who are heavy users should expect to pay more - in line with the additional ad-ditional service they use.- "Measured Service permits customers greater control over their monthly bill," says Bruce Knight, Mountain Bell Rates & Tarrif Manager. "In addition, MS means lower minimum: billing, helps to promote widest availability of service, and gives more positive identification iden-tification of costs with services rendered. "It's fairer to the customer," Knight said. Customers should be able to pay for the amount of service they use. MS gives customers the option to save : when the price of flat rate service rises, Knight explained. ex-plained. Regulatory groups around the country are. looking at the new concept. Some regulators have also seen a need for an alternative to increasing flat rate service. |