AT&T Offers Alternative to Standard Technology, High Phone Rates

While on-campus callers can't jump to better long distance rates on their regular direct-dial long distance calls, relief may be in sight for those who are willing to forsake hearing a pin drop in order to keep their dime.

AT&T's new Connect 'N Save Service is a low cost alternative to direct-dialed calls from dorm rooms. AT&T's Web site says they are using the same technology that runs the Internet on their own, private IP network.

Calls handled this way cost AT&T less, and the company claims to pass the savings on to the consumer in the form of a low 7.5 to 8.5 cents per minute domestic calling rate.

AT&T Connect 'N Save also offers a 35 cent rate to Mexico. Other international calls can be made through the service, though the rates are not competitive: AT&T plans to add additional special country rates in the future.

The tradeoff: the sound quality over the Internet isn't quite as high as those of direct-dialed calls.

While the service is available only in selected areas, Boston is one of them and students on the Harvard exchange are eligible. Users must, however, have a credit or debit card to sign up.

To subscribe, users point their Web browsers to http://www.att.com/connectnsave where they can purchase prepaid calling in units of $25, $50, or $100. The only financial catch is a $2 minimum monthly charge.

Once an account is established, calls are placed by dialing a local access number. Callers are prompted to enter their account number and PIN before entering the number they wish to call. At the beginning of each call, the service informs the user of their account balance.