Private companies offer a variety of informational programs using phone numbers that begin with "976" or "900". There is usually a charge for calls to these numbers. Charges for "976" calls appear on your monthly telephone bill; calls are billed separately. "900" calls appear on the Inter-exchange Carrier page of your bill. These calls may also include a long-distance charge. Calls for which the charge is one dollar or more must contain an introductory disclosure message specifying types of charges, time necessary to complete the call, and an option to disconnect without charge at the end of the introductory message.

If you do use 900 pay-per-call services, you have rights we'd like you to know about:

• Voluntary blocking of access to "900" services is available upon request from Mid-Rivers at no charge.
• You have 60 days after receiving a bill to dispute "900" pay-per-call errors. While the errors are in review, you have the right to withhold payment for the disputed charges, and no collection activity will be brought against you for those charges. (If the charges are found legitimate, the long distance carrier may start a collection process against your account.)
• Your local and/or long distance service cannot be disconnected if you fail to pay your "900" charges. (If you do not pay legitimate "900" charges, the carrier has the right to block your "900" access.) You should not be billed for pay-per-call services that do not comply with federal laws and regulations.

How To Block Calls to 900 Numbers

Mid-Rivers Communications will assist you in blocking calls to "976" and "900" numbers. There is no charge for this service. For more information on this service, contact the Customer Services Department at 1-800-452-2288 or click on the link below, complete the form and return to Mid-Rivers Communications, Attn: Customer Services, P.O. Box 280, Circle, MT 59215.

Billed Number Screening