Operator Connect Diversion

[Chopsy]

We have a range of DID numbers, but want to stop our guests from receiving reverse charge calls. The telco told me that there was a feature called "Operator Connect Diversion" which would divert any operator call (e.g. "do you want to accept this call&quot to a number of our choice (i.e. the switchboard)

The telco have now switched on the feature, but I can still do a reverse charge to DID extensions, and the extension gets the call asking them to accept or deny the reverse charge call.

The telco tell me that if it is not working, then I must need to get the PABX configured. I'm baffled by this, as I would have assumed that all the config would be done at the exchange, rather than at the PABX. The engineer at the telco seems as confused as I am, and the PABX maintainer deny that they need to do anything.

Has anyone any experience with this?

Thanks

Alan

 

[ArchTelecom]

Since 1984 this problem has been difficult to remedy. Depending on the LEC, they may have a feature which does not allow reverse billing. What they described to you does not sound like the correct feature. You will need to talk to your LEC (or CLEC) rep again and describe what you want to stop. Even if you have the correct feature installed you may not have it blocked completely as this can be a function of an IXC which there are more than you can count anymore. Some of the IXC's will recognize and honor a LEC's reverse billing block and some will not. You can contact some of the larger IXC's (AT&T, MCI, Sprint etc..) along with the ones you get billed from and provide them your ranges of DID's, ask them to block reverse billing calls to those ranges and inform them your accounts payable will not pay these charges if they make it through....if this is the case. Of the smaller IXC's you will have to contact them on a case by case basis, if they will talk to you..many are not friendly or cooperative.

You can not stop this with any PBX configuration. By using the term "guests" I am under the impression this is a hospitality service such as a hotel. I would try to do a small PR campaign by putting some sort notification in each room requesting guests not to accept these calls, and, for those that do, a significant charge will be placed on their credit card to recover administrative costs.

Probably not what you wanted to hear.