Competition Means Customers Can Save on Local Toll
Calls
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 25, 1999 -
MCI WorldCom is striking up competition in Oklahoma's local toll
calling market. Beginning March 25, Oklahoma consumers in Southwestern
Bell territory will be able to choose their local toll carrier like
they choose their long-distance provider.
For the first time, consumers who live in areas of the state where
Southwestern Bell provides local phone service will be able to select a
company other than Southwestern Bell to automatically carry their local
toll calls. Previously, in order to choose another carrier, consumers
had to dial a cumbersome access code before placing these calls.
Competition Brings Lower Rates
"More choices in the local toll market means greater savings
for consumers," said Joyce Dorris, MCI WorldCom director of brand
marketing. "Beginning March 25, MCI One Savings residential
long-distance customers who live in Oklahoma can enjoy a low rate of
just 12 cents per minute on their local toll calls during evenings and
weekends -- a 39% savings over Southwestern Bell's basic
rates."
Local toll calls, also referred to as local long-distance calls, are
calls placed within a Local Access Transport Area (LATA), yet outside
the local calling area. For example, a call from Oklahoma City to
Lawton is a local toll call. Charges for these calls are not included
in a customer's monthly charge for local phone service. These types
of calls generally are itemized on phone bills as local long-distance
or local toll calls.
Consumers interested in learning more about local toll rates or who
would like to sign up for local toll service with MCI WorldCom are
invited to call 1-800-754-3002.
A Long Time Coming
Historically, local toll calls were handled solely by local
telephone monopolies, but competition has gradually increased with the
entry of companies like MCI WorldCom into this market. With the advent
of choice, consumers are seeing lower prices and the other benefits of
competition, such as better customer service.
While Oklahoma consumers are reaping the benefits of local toll
competition, thanks to the pro-competitive actions of the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission, consumers in its neighboring states of Texas,
Missouri and Arkansas must continue to dial the access code 10-10-222
to enjoy MCI WorldCom's competitive rates.
MCI WorldCom
MCI WorldCom is a global communications company with revenue of more
than $30 billion and established operations in over 65 countries
encompassing the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. MCI
WorldCom is a premier provider of facilities-based and fully integrated
local, long distance, international and Internet services. MCI
WorldCom's global networks, including its state-of-the-art
pan-European network and transoceanic cable systems, provide end-to-end
high-capacity connectivity to more than 40,000 buildings worldwide. For
more information on MCI WorldCom, visit the World Wide Web at
www.wcom.com
