BELL INDUSTRY ADVISORY

Calling Card Swipe Mode Access ("Card Swipe Access")

Bell Canada announces the planned introduction of Calling Card Swipe Mode Access Service ("Card Swipe Access") for Card Platform Providers by IIQ97. A Card Platform Provider is a company that operates one or more platforms that interface with users of either pre-paid or post-paid calling cards.

Card Swipe Access provides the capability for public telephones equipped with magnetic card readers to read a toll-free number (1-800 or 1-888) that is encoded on the magnetic stripe of a calling card and to automatically dial that number. In addition, the public telephone will be able to transmit the card number or other card identifying record that is encoded on the magnetic stripe.

None expected. This is a new interface which does not impact existing interfaces.

This interface is described in Bell document BID-0023 entitled "Calling Card Swipe Mode Access", dated January 1997. The entire document BID­0023 can be obtained as hard copy for $65.00. Electronic versions of BIDs are available for $50 each.  Please note that these prices may be subject to change without notice.

For further information on the service and to order documents, please contact: