BellSouth launches in-region LD service

BellSouth today launched in-region long distance service in Georgia and Louisiana under Section 271 of the Telecom Act. The FCC had approved the carrier’s 271 application on May 15.

Rex Adams, president of BellSouth Long Distance, said during a press conference this morning the carrier’s offerings for businesses would be marked by “straightforward plans with no hidden fees.” Adams added that BellSouth placed an emphasis on creating a wide range of plans in order to meet the specific needs of all of its business customers, regardless of size or orientation.

“One of our advantages is that we have a superior understanding of our customers’ needs,” Adams said.

Accordingly, BellSouth business customers will be able to choose from seven plans. Among these, the Business Preferred Rate plan adjusts the per-minute rate each month based on usage, while the Fixed Rate plan provides a flat rate of 7.5 cents per minute for all domestic direct-dial calls. The Business Volume Discount plan provides stepped discounts based on the call volume generated by the customer, with a minimum monthly charge of $30.

Valencia Adams, chief operating officer for BellSouth Consumer Services, said the company is putting extra effort into making the transition to the carrier’s long distance service simple and easy. While call center telemarketers are placing calls, customers also have the option of signing up for service via BellSouth’s Web site. Those that do can provide basic information on their calling patterns, which BellSouth will use to make an immediate recommendation as to which of five plans best suit the customer’s needs.

“Simplicity, convenience and value will attract and retain customers to BellSouth long distance,” she said, adding that sign-ups have been going “pretty much as we expected. We’re off to a good start.”

The residential plans include Talk 60, which provides customers with 60 long distance minutes per month for the flat rate of $5.95. Additional minutes would be billed at 10 cents per minute. Talk 300 provides 300 minutes at a flat rate of $19.95 per month, with additional minutes billed at 7 cents per minute.

BellSouth also is offering international calling plans that provide country-specific rates that remain the same on a 24/7 basis.