Number, Please

Site of the First Telephone Exchange

On this date in History: January 28, 1878, the first telephone switchboard built for commercial use was put into operation in New Haven, CT. It was owned and operated by the District Telephone Company of New Haven.

Operations began with only 21 subscribers, although the switchboard was built to connect as many as 64 subscribers. The operator needed to make 6 connections for each call, and the board could only handle 2 simultaneous calls.

George W. Coy built the switchboard and started the telephone company after attending a lecture by Alexander Graham Bell at the Skiff Opera House on April 27, 1877.

The building that housed the telephone company has been torn down. I haven't found out what happened to the switchboard. If it still exists, it belongs in a museum somewhere. Do you know where it is? If so, please leave a comment below.

Who Stole Your Identity?

Study: Most Identity Theft Occurs Offline

Has your identity been stolen? Has someone made unauthorized charges on your credit cards? Written a check on your account? Given your name to the police instead of their own? Did you know the person? Yeah, I thought so.

Many identity thefts are committed by family and friends, and I use the word friends loosely under the circumstances. It was your lazy brother, your son or daughter who refuses to grow up and be responsible for their own expenses, maybe it was even your mother who stole your credit card or opened an account using your name. Other times the identity thief found your lost wallet or maybe actively stole it from you.

What is far less likely to have happened is that someone stole your identity online. According to a study by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research, only 12 percent of identity theft was computer crime. And do you know how half of that happened? Spyware that came along when you downloaded screensavers, amusing cursors etc. onto your computer or from just clicking the highlighted button on any pop up warning without knowing where it came from or what it will do.

Dear readers, please educate yourselves on protecting your data. Know where your credit cards and checkbook are at all times. Don't lend them to anyone. If you find someone close to you has stolen from you, including stealing your identity, call the police and prosecute their little fannies! These are not the kind of people you want in your life, so don't be afraid of alienating them.

Protect your computer and the data on it. Never click the button on a warning box that you don't understand. If it says something weird or wants you to click it before you can see a website, click the red "X" in the corner to close it instead. Whenever you download anything onto your computer, especially any free things like screensavers, cursors, weather or time applications that offer to put information on your desktop, etc., make sure you trust the source and read, read and read the Terms and Conditions. Don't just blindly agree and click OK because it is written in legalese. That's where you'll find out that you are agreeing to have other products downloaded.

Download and run a free anti-spyware catcher such as Spybot Search and Destroy or Ad-Aware from a reputable source. Alternatively, or for a second form of protection, download the Yahoo toolbar and use the pop up blocker and the Anti-Spy tool it offers. These tools will alert you to spyware on your computer and give you the option to remove it automatically. You need to run these regularly to ensure that your computer remains free of spyware.

You also need anti-virus protection that automatically downloads updates and scans your computer. My personal choice is Norton Anti-Virus, but any reputable product is better than none. Grisoft Freeweb: AVG Free Edition is a free anti-virus program that comes highly recommended by Elizabeth Boston, who offers an excellent, free newsletter at her website, The Computer Lady - Tips & Troubleshooting For Computer Problems. Norton automatically downloads updates on my computer at least once a week, more if there is an urgent threat. I have also scheduled an automatic scan once per week. If it finds a problem, it quarantines the virus so it cannot do any damage.

Cablevision sells VOOM to Dish Network Parent EchoStar

MSNBC - Cablevision sells satellite unit to EchoStar

Cablevision Systems Corp. has announce that it has sold its unprofitable satellite broadcasting division to EchoStar Communications Corp for $200 million. EchoStar is the parent company of Dish Network.

The high definition satellite offering, known as VOOM, will continue to provide service during the transition. EchoStar is considering how best to use the service to enhance its own satellite offerings through Dish Network.

Dish Network is the fastest growing direct broadcast satellite television service in the US, with the capacity to offer over 500 channels. Their largest authorized distributor, VMC Satellite, currently offers free installation of up to 4 receivers. This can include up to 2 HDTV receivers, and free local channels where available. Best yet, all equipment comes with a lifetime warranty.

Important Customer Service News - Please Read

UPDATE - Wednesday, January 26th. Our new server has been installed, so we are running faster than ever before. Come and shop for great phone service and place your order online anytime, day or night. If you have questions on any of our services, please submit your inquiry using our online customer support pages. Thank you for your patience, and I hope to hear from you soon!

********************************************
January 25th.

I'm sad to report that we have had a server and hard disk crash that is causing problems for our websites,
http://www.LongDistanceRateFinder.com/ and http://LDRF.com/ While we are doing our best to keep the sites available for you, I'm having a problem accessing your inquiries.

Your questions are important to me, and I always strive to answer them as promptly as possible and with care. Until further notice, rather than using the customer service form for any of our services, please write me directly at ToT (at) Callbird.com You know how to handle the (at) don't you? Just replace it with @. Please be sure to tell me specifically what product/service you are asking about.

Thank you for your patience with our website. We hope to have everything running at full speed in a couple of days.

Setting Sail with Your Cell

Deck chairs, midnight buffets and dining at the Captain's table, the stuff of a great cruise. Time for a relaxing vacation, time to put work aside for a few days, peace and quiet with no outside distractions.

All that is starting to change. Sure the deck chairs and fabulous food are still there, but the relaxation and no outside distractions are about to change. Cruise ships are beginning to add cellular access, even while at sea. You will now be able to use your cell phone longer than those last few minutes as the ship pulls out of the harbor. Of course, that also means that other passengers will be walking around on deck and in the corridors conducting business or just chattering to who knows who at full volume, disturbing your vacation.

OK, OK, there are polite cell phone users too. You're one of them, aren't you? You would only use your cell phone on a cruise ship to briefly check in back home and try not to bother other passengers. After all, you came on the cruise to get away from work, and why chat on the phone with people back home when you could be meeting new people on your ship? The great advantage of being able to use your cell phone when needed is that it is so much cheaper than the satellite phones currently available online. The rates will vary, depending on your cellular provider's plan, usually the international roaming rate for the area where you are sailing. For example, AT&T's roaming rate in the Caribbean is currently $1.69 per minute, while Norwegian Cruise Lines typically charges $7 per minute for a satellite call.

Initially, the technology supports cell phones using GSM technology, but a system that will work with CDMA is currently being tested. Also, it will be some time before all ships are outfitted with the necessary hardware. If you'll be cruising soon, check with your cruise line and your cellular provider for availability and compatibility of service. You may also need to activate international roaming on your cellular account.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell Announces Resignation

FCC Chairman Michael Powell Stepping Down

Michael K. Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commisssion, has informed President Bush that he is resigning and will leave his post in March. The FCC regulates telephone and other communications technologies as well as broadcast services. He may be best remembered for his role in handling the issue of broadcast indecency, especially the Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" incident and the fines against Howard Stern and other "shock jocks."

Powell supported expansion of communications technologies that we all use, including local number portability when you change cell phone plans. He also encouraged affordable, accessible broadband services for everyone by 2007.

There is no immediate word on a successor.

Snow Birds Need Phones, Part 2

Last week in Snow Birds Need Phones we looked at using fixed wireless phone service as a local service option that can travel with you. Today I want to talk a bit about broadband phone, otherwise known as VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol.

Broadband phone or VoIP uses your high speed Internet line to provide phone service. High speed Internet service is available through DSL or your cable company. The VoIP provider supplies an interface box that routes your calls over the Internet to save money. You will also need a router so you can use your computer and your phone at the same time.

How does this relate to snow birds and vacation homes? Well, broadband access is available in more locations than ever before. Many hotels, condo developments, motor home parks and campgrounds now offer high speed Internet access. With VoIP, you can take your phone and adapter with you when you travel. Just plug your equipment into any broadband connection and you are ready to make and receive calls just like at home. In fact, anyone who calls you will not know that you are not at home unless you tell them. That's a great security feature!

We offer unlimited residential plans for just $19.95 per month, and small business plans begin at $34.95 per month. Yes, you can take your business on the road too! These plans are offered by Packet8, a leader in the broadband phone industry.

This is no skimpy, bare bones service either. You will have call waiting/disable, call forwarding, caller ID and blocking, *69 call return, personalized voicemail, do not disturb and anonymous call blocking and more. That's more features at no cost than most local providers offer for extra fees.

VoIP is a great way to save on your phone bill at home as well as a service that goes on the road with you. Even better, since you can take your home phone to your vacation home, you aren't paying for a second service that goes unused at home. No installation fee for something that you are only using for a couple of months either.

For more information on broadband phone(VoIP) come to Broadband Phone - Save on Internet Telephony Plans for DSL and Cable Internet Access

It's 10:00 pm, who has your messages?

Hacker Breaks Into T-Mobile Network

For those of you who use your cell phones for email, file transfer and sharing a variety of sensitive information but won't use a credit card on the Internet because you think some hacker will steal your card number and go shopping on your nickel or worse, SURPRISE! You've got it backwards.

A 21 year has been charged with breaking into T-Mobile's network and stealing the names, Social Security numbers, passwords for email and voice mail as well as reading email and computer files of 400 customers. The good news is that this is a tiny fraction of their 16.3 million customers in the US, credit card information was never revealed and all customers whose information was compromised have received written notice of the breach. Also, T-Mobile immediately took action to deny further access to their system.

A Secret Service agent who specializes in tracking hackers, and was investigating this break-in, also happened to be a T-Mobile customer and victim in this case. So if you were among the 400, you're in good company.

This is a good time for a reminder to change your passwords and be careful of what you send in an email. Email is not secure. There is no encryption in email, and anyone who has admin access to your account, steals your password or even has access to your computer can read your files. Also, slip and change one character in an email address, and you've just sent your message to a complete stranger. Let's not even discuss people who forward your messages without your consent.

The same problems apply to text messaging. One wrong keystroke will send your message to the wrong person. And who hasn't called a wrong number or heard a message on your voicemail that was meant for someone else?

On the other hand, T-Mobile kept their customers' credit card information secure. They deserve credit for keeping financial information away from this hacker. I have great respect for them, and they still deserve their customers' trust.

Please understand the difference between using online shopping and email. When ordering online, make sure that you are using a secure order form that will be submitted with encryption. The URL of the form should begin with https: The "s" means secure. Also, look for a closed padlock on the status bar when using Internet Explorer. When you see these, your information will be encrypted and transmitted in so many small packets that no hacker has yet found, decoded and reassembled anyone's credit card number or Social Security number.

Shopping online with reputable merchants is very safe. Sending sensitive information by email or discussing personal matters on your cell phone is not. Any questions? Leave a comment below.

iWon - Entertainment Buzz

iWon - Entertainment Buzz

Just a quick tip o' the hat and thanks to Patrick Holland, keeper of the iWon Buzz List, for mentioning Talk on Talk in his most excellent column today. We're not worthy!

By the way, I'm not sure you can cram 13.1 channels onto your cell phone! ;)

Snow Birds Need Phones

Here in Northern Illinois, we've received 8+ inches of snow this week. The streets are slushy wherever they aren't icy, and my back hurts just thinking about shoveling. Some people may be happy, but this was NOT on my Christmas list! It makes me want to put the laptop in the car and head south for the next couple of months. How about you?

Many folks will do just that, and either hook up the travel trailer or pack up the motorhome and drive to a campground, maybe one they visit every year. Others will rent a condo, or maybe they even own a second home somewhere warm. What all you lucky people have in common is that you will need a telephone in your new location.

Of course, the first option that comes to mind is to call the local phone company and have a line installed. The problem is that it can take weeks to get an appointment for installation, and you really only need the line for a few weeks or months. Even if you want to use a competitive phone company, the local company has to do the installation, and then you can transfer to the other carrier. When you are only staying for a few months, this just isn't practical.

Fortunately, I have a couple of alternative ideas that make more sense for the snow bird lifestyle. Right now, I'd like to talk about something called "Fixed Wireless" phone service. Fixed Wireless is a way to use a standard home phone with a cellular signal. It blends the best of both types of service. Like a regular phone line, you can plug any corded or cordless phone into the fixed wireless terminal box. You can use a multi-phone system, answering machine or even a fax machine. The terminal is a box that can sit on your kitchen counter, end table or desk or mount on a wall, plugs into an electrical outlet and converts a cellular signal into the analog signal that will work with your phones.

Like regular cellular service, fixed wireless is mobile, and you don't have to hire someone to run phone line to wherever you need a new phone line. This makes it perfect for taking along to a second home, adding an additional line to an older home or an upstairs home office. You can also use fixed wireless service to add a phone line to an outbuilding, such as a garage, barn or studio.

Service plans begin at $29.99 per month, which includes 300 minutes of peak time calling plus 50 hours(that's 3000 minutes) of night and weekend calling. There's no contract, and you will have your choice of online or paper billing.

Come to LDRF to learn more about the service plans and to sign up online.

P.S. Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll share how you can take broadband phone with you to a second home or vacation spot.

Toll Free Numbers for Everyone

We're used to seeing toll free numbers on TV ads, in magazines and catalogs. They're a standard tool that larger companies use for taking orders and providing customer service. It might be nice to have a toll free number for a home business or private use, but the cost has got to be out of sight, right?

Well, not any more. Like most special telecom services, toll free numbers were once a luxury that only major corporations found worth the cost. Now the costs of having a toll free number assigned for your exclusive use can be little or no more than what you pay to make standard long distance calls. You can also get toll free numbers that call your cell phone, fax machine, or pager. Some even give you the ability to switch them from phone to phone at will.

Here are some examples. PowerNet Global offers inbound toll free service starting at just 3.9 cents a minute. That's the per minute rate you pay when someone calls your toll free number. The caller doesn't pay to call a toll free number, the person receiving the call does. There are so many people and businesses that want toll free numbers now that there are four prefixes being used: 800, 866, 877 and 888. Note that the first number is always an 8.

Another interesting service is offered by Kall8. You can sign up online, pick one of the available toll free numbers and have it instantly available to you. Using the online control panel, you tell the number which phone to ring to. Some business people on the go set it ring on their office phone or cell phone during the day and then reset it to ring to their home phone at night. The caller doesn't know the difference.

One ambitious entrepreneur hands out flyers at flea markets for his low cost health insurance. People are encouraged to call for quotes because they don't have to pay for the call. He's ready to do business at a moment's notice because the toll free number rings his cell phone, perhaps before he even gets back to his car.

Kall8's service is really useful for running a business because you also get voice mail messages and faxes sent to your email from your toll free number. This is great when you don't have a separate line available for a fax machine or want to be able to pick up your faxes while you're taking a break at a wireless hotspot. You can read the fax on your computer screen and then decide if you want to print it or just file it away.

The cost for this service? As little as $2 for activation, as low as $2 a month for use of the number and just 6.9 cents a minute for incoming calls. There are various classes of numbers with the easier to remember ones costing a bit more per month.

Here's a way families can make good use of toll free numbers. Say you have a student away at college who is reluctant to call home because they don't want to use up their cell minutes or spend a fortune to make long distance calls on the school phone system. Set up a toll free number for your home phone. They'll call and talk all they want for "free" to them. You won't be paying much if any more than you would if you called them. The same trick works for older relatives who are on a budget and might be hesitant to call for fear of running up their phone bill. Let them know they can call your toll free number anytime and it won't cost them anything because it's part of your "phone plan."

There are a lot of ways to get your own toll free number. The PowerNet Global and Kall8 services I mentioned are called "stand alone" services because they are completely separate from your regular local and long distance service. Other companies bundle long distance and inbound toll free or let you add a toll free number to your local and long distance bundle.

Broadband Video Phones Make Video Conferencing Cheap and Easy

There are two things we were promised in the future and never got: flying cars and video telephones. Well, it's still going to be awhile before your Subaru soars. The good news is that the videophone is finally here and practical for everybody.

Yeah, I know. Video conferencing has been around for years. The type we're used to is a huge and grotesquely expensive "professional grade" system found in corporate conference rooms. Many times all you get are fuzzy pictures with jerky movements. At the low end, you can buy a webcam that looks (and works) like an eyeball. Plug it into your PC, load the conferencing software, fiddle with it awhile, and you're video conferencing while you're online. Neat, but too inconvenient for most of us.

What I'm talking about is something brand new. This is a regular looking phone with a five inch color flat screen monitor. You just dial someone who has the same type of phone and up pops picture and sound at both ends of the call. Finally, something so simple that grandma can call up and see the kids any time the notion strikes. It's good quality too. Full motion video at 30 frames a second that's almost good enough to make you think you're on TV. Oh, yeah, you do have the option to turn off the camera if you get one of those awkward early calls when you still have your scary morning look.

What's finally made video phones practical is technology borrowed from the camcorder industry combined with home broadband Internet service. Forget dial-up. Earlier attempts at sending video over dial-up Internet or regular telephone lines never went anywhere because there just isn't enough bandwidth on those lines to carry quality video. Now that almost a third of us have DSL or Cable Internet, home and small business videoconferencing's time has come.

Think of all the neat ways you could use one of these phones. New baby in the family? Call up your folks and friends and show them the new arrival. Plug your video camera or VCR in the back of the phone and you can play tapes you recorded earlier. Same goes for birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, holidays and other occasions. This is about as close to being there in person as you can get right now. On a business trip? No problem. Take the videophone along and plug it into the hotel room's broadband. You can see what's happening at home and you won't be paying those outrageous hotel telephone rates either. When you call videophone to videophone with the same service via broadband Internet there are no charges beyond the regular monthly service fee.

So, it's expensive service, right? Nope. The service is $29.95 a month from Packet8 plus a one time $29.95 activation fee. That lets you make all the voice and video calls you want in the USA and Canada, and to other Packet8 subscribers worldwide with no extra charges. This includes all your regular telephone calls, not just video. The Packet8 Videophone is a VoIP telephone with added video capability that you can turn on and off whenever you like. If you make regular dial telephone calls to locations outside the USA and Canada there are additional per minute charges, but they're probably a lot less that you are paying now.

You'll also need to buy one or two Packet8 Videophones. They're $500 each, but there is a $250 limited time rebate running right now. Oh, be nice. Buy grandma one of these videophones and get another for yourself. She'll think you're the greatest son or daughter a mother could have. It'll also make up for not being able to jet on over in your flying flivver!

Calling card rates: USA to areas affected by Tsunamis

For anyone who needs to call to countries affected by the tsunamis, please check with your long distance service provider before just picking up the phone and dialing. Rates vary widely among providers, and there is no reason to pay outrageously high rates when just a little groundwork can save you as much as 90% on your call. Yes, some service providers have terribly high international rates, and I have actually seen as much as 90% savings with our services.

Today, I would like to tell you about a calling card that offers excellent international rates. CogniCall is not prepaid, it is a billable card that just bills your credit card each month when you have used the service. There are no activation or monthly fees, and there is no charge in months when you don't use the card. Even better, your new account can be activated within hours during the business week, and all of your account information, rates and access numbers are available in your online account.

Here are some sample rates from the US to areas in Southeast Asia:

• India 25 cents per minute
• Indonesia 24.9 cents per minute
• Malaysia 9.4 cents per minute
• Sri Lanka 56.2 cents per minute
• Thailand 21.9 cents per minute

If you have a need for such a calling card, come to LDRF Phone Services You can also check rates on our calling cards for any needs with our rate calculator on the right side of that page.