The U.S. Postal Service is now into a different type of business in helping people communicate.
Americans are accustomed to going to the Post Office for stamps, packaging materials, stamp collecting kits and other items. But now they can buy something new - the FirstClass Phonecard - which officials hope will attract more customers nationwide.The new pre-paid phone card available at 67 of the larger Utah post offices, including all Salt Lake facilities, is rechargeable and replaceable if lost or stolen.
"We view this as an opportunity to bring our customers added value while they visit our post offices," said Salt Lake Postmaster Ralph Hamilton.
One of the unique features of the card, available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, is its replaceability. Unlike most other prepaid phone cards, the FirstClass Phonecard is replaceable if lost or stolen.
To use the card, one need only punch in a number (listed on back of card) on a touch-tone phone, followed by the number they want to call. The cost of the call is deducted from the amount of the card, said Beverly Burge, customer relations coordinator at the Salt Lake Post Office.
If lost or stolen, card holders may call a 24-hour toll-free number. Service resumes immediately with the issuance of a new access code and caller-identification code.
Bearing collectible postal holiday stamp and other stamp art and backed through technical arrangements handled by American Express Telecom Inc., the phone card is also rechargeable through any major credit or charge card. That makes it even more convenient to purchase and use, Burge said.
Consumers need not have had a previous relationship with a long-distance carrier to receive benefits from the calling card. Postal officials say the small cards are ideal Christmas stocking stuffers, for travelers and college students.
The phone card has advantages over a regular telephone card. It may be used by someone who doesn't have a telephone credit card or a small business that wants a way to itemize expenses. Customers can request a usage record for all phone calls.
"For many calls, the cards are less expensive than conventional calling cards and will allow for easier budgeting because, customers will always know what they're spending," Burge said.
The Phonecard, which has been sold for some time at European and Australia post offices, will be tested in the Salt Lake postal district and seven other cities over the next 18 months to determine if the service will be continued. They are Columbus, Ohio; Miami, Fla.; Albuquerque, N.M.; San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Providence, R.I.; and San Diego, Calif.
The Postal Service does not rely on taxpayer funds and is supported solely by ratepayer revenue, including the sale of stamps and other postal products. More information about the cards is available by calling 1-800-297-POST.