Siltek Telecoms to distribute WorldCom's international phone cards

Specialist telecommunications distributor, Siltek Telecoms, has signed a nation-wide agreement with MCI WorldCom to distribute their international phone cards through PacTel vending machines.

"The MCI WorldCom international calling card makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family overseas, whether from the office, home, or while travelling," says Michael Aitken, MD of Siltek Telecoms. Aitken explains that the advantage of the international calling plan is that calls can be made using an MCI WorldCom Card from any phone. Collect calls can also be received at home from anyone overseas using an WorldCom operator.

MCI Worldcom Card holders can use the cards for convenient and cost-effective access to office ISP's while travelling abroad by merely obtaining:

• The dial up number, user ID and password for the network or ISP.

• The toll-free WorldPhone access number for the country that is been called from.

• The MCI WorldCom card number and 4 digit pin Other benefits include the Travellers' Assist, which is a service cardholders can benefit from at no extra charge except that of the call. With operators being available in 19 languages emergency and travel aid can be given for:

• Lost luggage

• Lost airline tickets

• Sending emergency messages to relatives, friends or business associates even if they don't answer the phone.

• Emergency medical and prescription referrals

• Legal Aid referrals

• Passport, foreign visa and inoculation requirements for different countries

• Currency exchange rates

• Value added tax (VAT) regulations

• Weather Information

• Assistance finding cultural, sporting, and other entertainment events

MCI Worldcom's customer service is available in 19 languages, and offers to change account services and answer questions regarding bills. Furthermore PacTel, a principle force in the supply and distribution of mobile phones, accessories and prepaid cellular products in South Africa, will distribute the international phone cards through their vending machines. PacTel's comprehensive infrastructure in all major centres and cities nation-wide ensure an efficient network of service, supply and distribution.

"There is an excellent opportunity for retailers to use international phone cards as promotional items. Within a retail environment, the cards can increase store traffic, create customer loyalty, build awareness of the products sold and encourage the purchase of products at the location," says Barry McGuire, director of MCI Worldcom's representative office in South Africa.

McGuire concludes that the cards are ideal for individuals with friends and relatives overseas as well as business people who travel frequently. "MCI WorldCom enables its users to stay in touch easily and cost effectively," he says.