I posted once before about having probs getting my number issued through out side connection added to my hubby's phone list. Well we got pass that part and the number was eventually added through some manuvering on my sweeties part. Now it seems there is a new dilema. It seems that MCI injunction with DOC are blocking the numbers issued by outside connection stating that the customer requested that a block be issued. Now my husband cant call. HELP anyone in the NEw york State area who may have some info that may prove helpful. Also you guys pray for me because I am real distressed right now as the holidays are approaching and I May not get to speak to my sweety. I cant afford MCI. I just got a new car and now have car payments. :(

Willsgrl, is this outside connections or telenet??

Please let me know, I'll check back here soon to find out. If it's telenet, I'll try to make a call for you!

Pam

Call MCI, tell them that you want the block removed from your line, they'll do their best to sell you some long distance and they may go as far as to tell you that you won't be able to recieve calls unless you use them, if they do that, let them know firmly "I know that practice is illegal, it's called Slamming, you're forcing me to use you without my consent". They can be fined in a MAJOR way if they slam you.

If that doesn't work, then please let me know and I'll talk to a friend with the phone company and see if she can hunt down a sup at MCI to help you out.

Well see here is the deal. I am using outside connection wich is nothing more than call forwarding. I still use MCI but istead o being charged as a person who resides out of state I am being charged as a person is lives within New York state. So the rates are a lot cheaper. The problem now is that according to reps at outside connection is that Mci is anry that so many people have dropped thier service to sign with companies that offer cheaper rates. So since MCI has no authority to block the calls through the phone company they are( I don't know how exactly) Making it seem asthough the families are filing complaints and are requesting thier phone be blocked to cover there asses so to say. This way if I or anyone else were to decide hey I want to sue them they would just claim that the family requested the block. It's called a consumer block. I am so ill right now.:(

You need to call MCI Inmate Services department to investigate the block.

The number is 1-800-231-0193 if you cannot get any resolution from the agent that answers, the supervisors name is Elaine and her bosses name is John Croft.

Consumer block? HA! The only way to get a consumer block is to CALL the phone company or put it in writing and say "I want my line blocked"...ask them for documentation! Tell them it's your account and you reserve the right to go as far as to subpeona phone records from them (It has been done!). If they can't show you when you "said" you wanted it blocked, then they lose.

THANK YOU!!!!!! That is precisely what they are calling it. I called the phone comapny I signed up with and they said the block was placed on the phone via the prison and I would have to contact my husbands couselor. So I did but, that got me nowhere. I am not the only one they have done this to either. The company I use phones were ringing off the hook when I called they said they had been getting calls all day from family members of inmates at various prisons wanting to know why tjier lines were blocked. I think it's a strategice move on MCI part. Either way I am going to take your advice. Now do I ask the prison for these records since they instated the block or do I xcall MCI?:argh

Willsgrl here are two other numbers for MCI that I'd try:

1800 937-1048 and 1 800-820-1679 opt. 4

But what I think will help the most since they said to call the prison and it's MCI, call MCI and ask for the Alabama's DOC contracted MCI representative's phone number. You can also get this number through the Alabama Department of Corrections.

All else fails, call 1-877-606-0517 and ask for Joyce or Tom Zardiari. These are the contracted MCI representatives for Virginia, but I'm 'guessing' they would have a phone number for the Alabama office.

I do not think you will get any information from the prison. MCI is the company providing the service and you are paying them, so it is really up to them to investigate this. I'll be curious to hear how things work out!

Pam

I went through 58 days of blocked calls and I called MCI everyday for weeks and weeks and I lost it finally and escalated it to the manager and that was when I finally go resolution...

Update guys. The guy who owns outside connection was in court On Friday with MCI about the blocks. I was told by the rep at the company that offers me this service that if all should go in their (outside connection) favor that MCI would have to remove the blocks imediately. Well I am waiting I would just like to request you guys pray for the guy who is running this company. He is trying to do the right thing by offering us service for a fraction of the cost MCI charges.

Pray for him and his employees. I will update you again soon

I'm sorry for you having to deal with MCI- they are morons. I hope you can get the problem solved. About the only thing i can add is that idf you have MCI and ever wwant to check if they have placed a block on the phone you can call
1-800-COLLECT (265-5328) and type in your number that you are checking. If there is a block on the line it will say that this number does not accept collect calls, if there is no block it will ask you to say your name. Then just hang up.
CJ

Thanks CJ for that info. If I thought I had a block or just wanted to check, I'd just try to dial a long distance phone number. If it goes through, I'm OK, if not well then MCI $#*%&!

Thanks again!

Pam