I am sorry to report the original file on this topic was somehow lost
and is no longer available (unless someone finds a copy and donates
it back to the archives.)

The file dated from about 1989 and discussed a category of phone
service called 'enterprise numbers'. These were the old-fashioned
equivilent of '800 numbers' which we have had since the middle 1960's,
although 'enterprise numbers' operated concurrently with 800 for
several years. There may even still be a few around, although I have
not seen them in years.

In long ago times -- as noted above up until during the 1970's or
so when 800 service largely replaced it -- business people wanting to
get calls on an automatic reverse charge (or collect) basis were
assigned a number of the form 'Enterprise XXXX' in most places,
although 'Zenith XXXX' was used by some phone companies. The XXXX was
whatever four digits were assigned. 

To place such a call, the user called the long distance operator and
asked for Enterprise (or Zenith) XXXX. The operator would check a
flip-chart at her side to find the translation number, and would
complete the call to the actual number, but reversing the charge to
the called party without asking for an okay. These numbers worked just
like 800 numbers do today; the call went through with the called party
paying for it on his regular line. The only difference was the call
had to be placed through the long distance operator.

If you wanted an Enterprise number back then (just as if you want
an 800 number now) you went to the phone company (back then there
was only AT&T as a long distance carrier) and the number was assigned.
It was circulated to all the various telephone companies so that
operators everywhere knew what number to actually connect you with
when you asked for Enterprise XXXX. They had all the very common
Enterprise/Zenith numbers (such as airline reservation systems and
hotel reservation systems) in their flip chart of frequent numbers.
If it was a less common Enterprise/Zenith number, then your long
distance operator made an inquiry from the 'Rate and Route Bureau'
in Morris, IL. 

By the way, the Rate and Route Bureau was reached by the operator
only, who dialed 312 + 161 from her console.

If anyone has a copy of the original messages in this series (there
were a few of them) PLEASE send them to me for inclusion here.


Patrick Townson
TELECOM Moderator