Title:  Does C&C provide a "toll-free" dialin service?

Question:
Is there an "toll-free" service I can use to dial in to the UW modem pool?

Answer:
The C&C Toll-Free Dialin Service allows faculty and staff to reach the C&C
modem pool by dialing an 888 number.  Modem speeds up to 33.6 Kbs are
supported using the service. The service is accessible from most locations
in North America (USA, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Canada), it is not
accessible from outside North America (NOT available in Europe, Asia,
etc.) Usage charges are billed to the individual's 9-digit "UW Direct"
authorization code.

Note that your "UW Direct" authorization code may be related to your
"UWATS" code (may share some digits), but it is a different and separate
code.  You MUST obtain a 9-digit "UW Direct" code to use this service.
Individuals who do not have a "UW Direct" authorization code should
consult with their departmental long distance coordinator, or they may
call ComTech Customer Services at 206-543-0133 for assistance.

The *per minute* usage rate is 10 cents per minute and charges will appear
on the individual's normal UW/UWATS long distance bill.


To use the C&C Toll-Free Dialin Service:

 1.  Dial 1-888-685-5599.
 2.  Wait for dial tone.
 3.  Dial 9-digit "UW Direct" authorization code.

If the individual is using communications software to dial, it is
necessary to program a pause between the 888 number and the authorization
code. Most modems allow the "W" character in the "number" to be dialed to
stand for "wait for dial tone" and a comma to stand for a 2-second pause,
thus, the actual number your modem "dials" may look like:

 1-888-685-5599,W,#9#digit#

(where #9#digit# is replaced by your personal 9-digit UW Direct code)

If the "W" character is not supported by your modem, or doesn't work, it
can be replaced with multiple commas. From most business or residence
telephones, 4-5 commas are sufficient.  Additional commas may be required
when calling from a hotel telephone system. Most hotel phone systems
require you to dial a "prefix" number to get an outside line, some may
require a different prefix for 1-888 calls than local calls.

So, from a hotel, the number your computer dials may look more like:

 9,1-888-685-5599,,,,,,#9#digit#

You can (and should) test the ability of your computer to use this service
from a local (in Seattle) phone.  Still, expect to have to make some minor
adjustments to the phone number "in the field".

If you find you cannot connect to the C&C modem pool you should first try
dialing in using the telephone. This will confirm your ability to get an
outside line, give you an idea of the length of the pause before the 2nd
dial tone, and confirm your UW Direct code is working.

If after trying the above test you still cannot connect or if you experience
problems with your transmission after you have connected to the C&C modem
pool, please consult with C&C Network Operations at 206-543-5128.