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New "UMass Minutes" Calling Plan is in the Cards

[Creation Date: 15-Mar-04]

AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts Amherst residence hall students are using low-rate, pre-paid calling cards for the spring semester, which will work in conjunction with the existing AT&T ACUS long distance plan.

"We looked around at all the options, and found that this plan had the best value for the money," said Randy Sailer, Telecommunication Services Director. "Students can use UMass Minutes all over the country, and get the same great rates."

The "UMass Minutes" calling card offers discounted domestic and international rates. Calls within the United States are a flat 2.9 cents-per-minute, with no additional fees or charges. And the toll-free access number works from any domestic location. International rates vary by country, and are competitive. For example, calls to China, France, and the United Kingdom are about 2 cents-per-minute; calls to Belgium, Germany and Spain are about 3 cents-per-minute.

"It's a rewarding feeling to offer our students an affordable way to call home," said Pat Bonafilia, Residential Telecommunications Coordinator. "Parents will be happy with no surprise long distance bills."

The cards were distributed to UMass residence halls prior to the start of the spring semester, and included 10 free minutes of long distance calling.

"We wanted to let the students try before they buy," said Telecom Publications Coordinator Jason Vosu. "If they like using the card, they have a couple of really easy options to recharge it."

The cards can be recharged with more minutes via the Telecom Web site or a toll-free telephone number, using a debit or credit card.

UMass Minutes is a collaboration between UMass Telecom and Supply Guys, Inc., a Hadley vendor. UMass Telecom requested proposals for a long distance calling plan for the residence halls, and Supply Guys was one of the winning bidders.

For more information about UMass Minutes, including rates, log onto http://telecom.oit.umass.edu/students/. You can also call Telecom at 545-2103. ###