DID YOU KNOW . . .
Facts about the Division of Communications:

• Established in 1967 and was one of the first states to centralize telecommunications.
• Consists of five areas -- 1) Voice Communications Services 2) Data Communications Services 3) Radio Communications Services 4) Field Services 5) Customer Services.
• Bills approximately 1.5 Million minutes of long distance per month.
• Offers service to local and federal governments.
• Participates in the disaster response for NEMA.
• All 93 county seats are connected through data communications.
• Has more than 12,000 data devices connected through 18 telephone companies.
• Provides the State law Enforcement Network with the State Patrol.
• Holds the Internet address domains for K-12 schools and state colleges (over 500 addresses for schools).
• Provides wire and cable installation.
• Responsible for Closed Circuit TV (CCTV).
• Coordinates statewide telecommunications billing.
• Provides agencies with customized billing options.
• Has more than 5,000 calling cards issued.
• Processes more than 2.5 Million records per month.
• Has 600+ customer accounts and 200+ vendor accounts.
• Average more than 600 hours a month in Video Conferencing.
• Has 22 employees.

1998 TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES

The 1998 Nebraska State Government Directory has gone to print-thank you to everyone for their last minute updates and clarifications. In addition to OfficeVision addresses, we have also included Internet addresses of those that were made available to us. OfficeVision addresses have been included again this year for those employees in the Health and Human Services System. You will notice that many agencies also chose to include their Web Site Address. Each agency should receive their new directories by mid-February. You will also be receiving information related to the recycling of the 1997 directories.

RFP FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE

The Division of Communications issued an RFP through State Purchasing for Long Distance, 800/888, Calling Card. These services are currently on different contracts which all expire on June 30, 1998. The services are now being combined into one contract. Four bids were received and are being evaluated. We will continue to provide you with economical, efficient and reliable service but hopefully at a lower cost in the future.

Demand for 800 numbers continues to increase leading to the release of a third toll free 800 number. The new prefix 877 will be implemented April 4, 1998. It will work just like the 800 and 888 toll free numbers.

COMMONLY ASKED BILLING QUESTIONS

Q: Is there a way to store frequently called numbers on my Motorola model cellular telephone?
A: To store a number, enter the number you wish to save and press Sto. Then within six seconds, enter the two digit location number (01-30) of where you would like the number stored. To call the stored number, press Rcl and the two digit memory location. The stored number will be displayed. Press Snd to dial the number. If you have any questions regarding your state cellular telephone, contact your agency's communication coordinator or Norma at 402/471-6391.

Q: Can I view the ivory pages (the pages that include the addresses of the agencies) of the 1998 State Government directory on the Internet?
A: This information is now available on the Internet. The address is http://www.das.state.ne.us. Then select the Division of Communications followed by Nebraska State Government Directory.

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Free mini Aliant telephone directories are now available to State cellular customers in Omaha and Lincoln. To receive your directory, either contact Norma at 402/471-6391 or present your state cellular telephone number to an Aliant representative.

CALLING CARD FRAUD

Just a reminder . . . when using your calling card, be aware of your surroundings and who is able to watch you enter your calling card number. Look to make sure that no one is standing behind you before speaking or dialing your card number into the telephone. Whenever possible, look for a public phone with a card swipe that magnetically reads your card. As a precaution, the Division of Communications has placed a block on State AT&T calling cards to prevent calls to international numbers. Employees need to contact their Agency communications coordinator and in turn the Division of Communications when a card is either lost or stolen or if you notice any fraudulent calls on your monthly telephone bill. This is the only way that AT&T can issue a credit to us. If there are employees in your agency that have a need to place international calls, contact Bill at 402/471-3720 and the block will be removed from their card.

THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING ALL OF THE STATE'S CELLULAR TELEPHONE ACCOUNTS TO ENSURE THAT EACH IS ON THE MOST ECONOMICAL RATE PLAN BASED ON THEIR LEVEL OF USAGE. NEW RATES FOR STATE CELLULAR TELEPHONE CUSTOMERS HAVE ALSO RECENTLY BECOME AVAILABLE LEADING TO RATE PLAN CHANGES FOR SOME EMPLOYEES. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A STATE EMPLOYEE'S MONTHLY USAGE IS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE OR LESS THAN THE FREE MINUTES PROVIDED IN THEIR CURRENT PLAN, THE PLAN WILL BE CHANGED TO ONE THAT IS MORE APPROPRIATE BASED ON THAT EMPLOYEE'S USAGE. THIS WILL REQUIRE MOVING SOME STATE EMPLOYEES FROM THEIR CURRENT LOCAL PLAN TO A STATEWIDE PLAN, WHICH WILL ALSO REQUIRE DIALING THE 402 AREA CODE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE WITHIN THE LOCAL COVERAGE AREA. THIS MAY BE AN ADDED INCONVENIENCE TO OUR CUSTOMERS, BUT THE CHANGES WILL HELP KEEP THE COST OF USING YOUR CELLULAR TELEPHONE LOWER.

DIRECTORY LISTING CLOSING DATES:

The following commercial telephone directories close their listings in the near future. If you have any offices listed in the local directories for these towns, please review your listings and contact LaDonna at 402-471-4701 or Brenda at 402-471-3717 if you have any changes.