The Navy Exchange Service Command has announced a lower rate, effective Nov. 15, on its
AT&T Direct Ocean Service to $.50 per minute, down from $1 per minute. This 50 percent
price cut was made possible through the cooperative efforts of NEXCOM, AT&T Direct Ocean
Service, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Commander, Navy Installations
Command. “We identified five cost reduction initiatives that allowed us to reduce the
overall program’s expenses,” said Rear Adm. Robert E. Cowley III, NEXCOM commander.
“This 50 percent cost reduction will represent a $5.1 million savings to our Sailors and
Marines in 2005.” AT&T Global Prepaid Ship-To-Shore phone cards can be purchased in any
ship’s store in $20 through $40 denominations. Profits stay aboard ship to support
shipboard quality of life programs, said a NEXCOM official.