ANSWER:The least expensive way would be to unplug your telephone instrument at the jack or flip the bell sound switch to off or the lowest setting before you go to sleep. Depending on your family and possible emergencies, that may not be an option.
MCI says there are ways to block operator-assisted collect calls, but you make arrangements with your local company.
GTE Hawaiian Tel offers several options, said Calvin Tadaki, spokesman. The options vary according to equipment in the area, and both the start-up charge and the monthly service fee vary.
For example, a call block service allows some single-party customers to block unwanted calls or crank calls. When a crank call comes in, the customer presses a code (the star button and two digits) and the equipment automatically bars future calls from that number. That call block service costs $14 to start and and there is $3 monthly fee.
There's also a number screening service that can be used to block all collect calls, all third-party billed calls or both. The cost is $8.50 to initiate and $2 per month.
Many prisons allow inmates to make outgoing telephone calls only through an operator and collect call service. The intent is to protect victims, law enforcement workers and others from receiving threatening or harassing calls by allowing that person to simply say no to the telephone operator.
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