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Article #368

Voicemail 4.95/mo per Metro?

#368
From: Ellen Sasse
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 00:00
59 lines
3398 bytes
There's an ad for voicemail at 4.95/month that's been in the Metro ever since
I've noticed.  Has anyone used this service, or know if it's on the level?  
Are there are hidden costs or issues involved in voicemail that a first-time 
user like myself would be unaware of?  I have a few specific questions:

If an ad for a voicemail service gives a list of area codes, does that apply
to what area code *you* must be in to be a subscriber, or does it mean that
the box only accepts *calls from* those area codes?  If they don't say anything
about length of your message, or the messages incoming for you, or the maximum
number of messages, what are the usual limitations, if there is "a usual"?  
Is there any danger of soaring long distance costs or anything, if a voicemail
service is run by an apparently "cellular" company? (Excuse my ignorance;-()

Also, do voicemail services share the propensity of some businesses to
collect and share/sell information on their subscribers' name/phone/address
info?  Part of the reason I want voicemail is to have a number I can safely
give out to people, but I don't want my personal info coming to unknown
people/business's attention if I can help it.  

There is another ad in the Metro for a cheaper service, but they only have
an 800-number and don't list a name or an address so I'd rather not risk them.

The 4.95 one gives a name of who apparently runs it, and an address in an area
I know a bit which I could check out, and sounds like it might be OK(?).  I
know PacBell offers personal voicemail for under 10$/month or thereabouts, but
it rings through on your home number, which I don't want.  PacBell also offers
a voicemail service that doesn't ring through, but it's their business service,
and it's minimum 40$/month - 20$ per month for the voicemail service, plus
an additional 20$/month for each mailbox you want (I verified with the gyu 
that this didn't refer just to *additional* mailboxes, but *each* mailbox).  

Here's the ad I'm hoping is on the level.  Hit N now if you want to avoid it.
(Nothing but the ad follows).  The format looks a little weird, since the
ooriginal ad is in a column and comes across oddly here.  Thanks -es


Voice Mail
 Telephone number
Perfect for students and business
Superior quality
Only $4.95 per month
408, 415, 510 area codes 

Price includes:
 * 24 hr. Private Phone Number answered by your voice
 * Confidential
 * Instant # Activation
 * No Hidden Charges

Peninsula Cellular
408-379-6684
800-680-PAGE

1775-A Winchester Blvd  Campbell  95008

And it says "Since 1978" and has a logo that looks like it has Better Business
Bureau(?) (a BBB set in a torch), as kind of the top of a circle that has 
the word, "CARE" inset written across it.  
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From: sasse@netcom.com (Ellen Sasse)
Subject: Voicemail 4.95/mo per Metro?
Date: 1996/08/12
Message-ID: <sasseDw0By2.E6I@netcom.com>
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organization: Netcom
newsgroups: alt.dcom.telecom,misc.consumers,ba.consumers