The Online World resources handbook

Cheaper and better communication http://home.eunet.no/~presno/bok/13.html
Thank you for using CompuServe!
Off at 10:11 EST 24 Nov 87
Connect time = 0:15
CLR PAD (00) 00:00:14:55 537 75
The last line were from Datapak. It tells that I had received 537 segments and sent 75.
The "Segment" is Datapak's volume measure. Their segments contained up to
sixty four characters and/or carriage returns. The price is calculated accordingly.
At today's prices, Datapak is no longer my cheapest alternative even when calling
CompuServe for chats. It is much cheaper to use the Internet telnet command through a
local access provider. Then, the lack of speed matters less as I do not have to pay for
volume.
The slower your modem speed, the more attractive is Datapak compared with direct
calls.
To get access to a national PDN, you must have a user identification and a
password. Getting temporary access to PDN services while traveling abroad is often hard
and expensive. You're better off using some of the other global networks as your
"roaming" service.
Note: If you have access to a national PDN, but need information about
PDNs in other countries, try Hostess, the Global Network Service's
information service from British Telecom in England. The NUA is 02342
1920101013 (02342 is the Data Network Identifier Code section of the
address.) User name or password is not required to use this service.
Outdial services
SprintNet used to let American users call bulletin boards in North America at lower rates
through their PC Pursuit service. For a modest subscription rate they could call a local
access number. Once connected, they entered an electronic phone number to connect to
a so called 'outdial modem' in another city. Once connected to the outdial modem, they
could enter dialing commands and have it call any local number. They could use PC
Pursuit to call an online service in the area, or the private modem of a friend.
We call such services for Outdial service. They normally offer lower rates for access
to remote bulletin boards than what it costs to call by long distance. Besides, they reduce
the chances for noise on the line.
With the start of the Internet, outdial services have lost most of their appeal. PC
Pursuit is no longer available. Most others are also dead.
Cheaper access to CompuServe
Wherever CompuServe has local access points, you will probably be better off using
these. No special agreement is required. Your CompuServe ID is all you need. The cost
of using these services will appear on your CompuServe bill.
If you have access to Internet's telnet command, then this is an option well worth
checking out.
CompuServe has special deals with a list of network services, like InfoNet, Istel,
FALNET, FENICS, CompuPass, LATA Networks, Tymnet/Sprintnet. Enter the
command GO PHONES on CompuServe for access information, and GO RATES for
rates.
I have used CompuPass from Japan, CompuServe's own network in Brazil, Europe
and the United States, Istel, InfoNet, and PDN services throughout Europe. Most of the
time my application is Internet mail.
You can forward your Internet mail to CompuServe by entering the
following command at your access provider's Unix prompt:
echo "70000.0000@compuserve.com" >~/.forward
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