Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9503030020
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY N. MARTIN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The change was prompted by a customer petition filed with the State Corporation Commission. The convenience of the long-awaited expanded local-service area comes at a price, however - an additional $8.75 a month. But 85 percent of the 911 Fincastle residents polled agreed to pay the increased service charge. The service will come at no additional cost to Roanoke customers.
Toll-free dialing is also being considered for calls between Salem and Troutville.
Bell Atlantic is conducting a cost study of Salem's telephone service to determine if customers will incur additional costs to extend local service to the Troutville area. A cost analysis of Troutville has been completed, revealing that toll-free dialing to Salem will cost Troutville customers an additional $3.50 a month . However, it is a cost residents are willing to bear. They voted 51 percent in favor of the expanded local service and rate increase.
Results from the Salem rate study should be available by the end of March, a Bell Atlantic spokesperson said.
In accordance with law, if it's found that customers will have more than a 5 percent increase in their rates, the phone company will be required to survey its customers before putting toll-free dialing in place.
950216 STORY toll free w7 TOPIC phone servic KEYWORDK AUTHOR:kimberlyn.02/16/95 7
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