SHORT HILLS,NJ: AT&T recently said callers who prefer operator assistance in Urdu and six languages other than English can get it by simply dialing “star” (*) followed by a special access code immediately after they dial “00” or ,if not at an AT & Phone, “102880.” This is the first time any long-distance company has offered such automatic access to consumers in need of operator assistance. In the past, people dialing “OO” or “102880,” to place their calls had to ask the AT&T English-speaking operator who answered for help in their preferred language. The lapse in time it took to obtain an interpreter could be time consuming and, for some consumers confusing. Now, by dialing “star” (*) plus a special access code, within seconds callers are connected with an AT&T operator who speaks the preferred language.
For example, callers reach an AT&T Urdu speaking operator by dialing *114.
The operator who answers helps callers place collect, calling card, and third party and operator assisted paid calls.
“Providing direct and automatic access to an Urdu speaking operator demonstrates AT&T’s commitment to continuously improving customer service” said Patti Billiard, product manager for AT&T’s Multilanguage operator services group. [P.L.11/24/95].
Article extracted from this publication >> December 1, 1995
