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CAMPUS

The Norwich Guidon
October 16, 2003

Whether to choose cellular or standard phone option:

Students face phone choice dilemma each semester

By Jeff Dunshee
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Norwich students are facing the dilemma of whether to get a phone plan with Student Telephone Services or a cellular plan. As always, the decision is based largely, but not entirely, on cost.

Student Telephone Services (STS) offers two different plans for Norwich: one is 9.9 cents per minute for long distance, and the second is 7.5 cents per minute long distance.

STS explained that subscribers opting for the cheaper rate must pay their bills online. Subscribers opting for the more expensive rate can pay their bills any way they wish.

Cellular pricing plans vary with carriers and type of plan. On average, Norwich students pay $35 a month for 300 anytime minutes and unlimited night and weekend minutes. If subscribers got the 9.9 cents per minute plan, they would get to use a little more than 350 minutes a month before hitting $35. At the 7.5 cents per minute rate they would get to use about 370 minutes a month before going over $35.

In order to place a call with either option, a student must follow some calling steps. Using the STS option, the user has to first dial *47, then the seven digit personal code, then 8, and finally the number.

When using a cell phone on campus, most people have to leave their building or hang out of a dorm window in order to get a signal.

Money is not the only factor to take into consideration, but it is important, said senior Trevor Roble. "Cell phone is the way to go; it's just much cheaper in every way."

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.