W8SDZ@SIMTEL20.ARPA (Keith Petersen) (12/01/87)
This file was just uploaded to my BBS. If your congressperson has not
signed this letter, tell them about it. Time is getting short.
--Keith Petersen
Arpa: W8SDZ@SIMTEL20.ARPA
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GEnie: W8SDZ
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U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Committee on Energy and Committee
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Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance
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Washington, D.C. 20515
October 30, 1987
The Honorable Dennis R. Patrick
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Chairman Patrick:
We are writing with regard to the Federal Communications Commission's
(FCC) plan, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking No. 87-215, to expand the existing
access charge to include enhanced service providers (ESPs).
After reviewing the record of the recent Subcommittee on
Telecommunications and Finance hearing and many of the comments filed with
the Commission, we oppose the imposition of an access charge on ESPs for the
following reasons.
First, the dramatic increase in cost, up to 450%, would stifle
development of this still emerging industry and adversely affect the U.S.
Economy. Residential and non-profit users would be especially hard hit by
this proposal. University officials, health professionals, and librarians,
among others, have all stated that the increase in costs would significantly
impair their access to educational, health, and other on line data bases.
This proposal would significantly postpone widespread use of this exciting
technology.
Second, the access charge will be difficult or impossible to implement
at this time. Local exchange carriers indicate the mix of intra and inter-
state data traffic will impede the correct imposition and measurement of the
access charge on ESPs.
Third, ESPs are unique users of the network. The FCC recognized this
in its Computer III ruling by holding that ESPs are not to be regulated as
common carriers. Further, the NPRM fails to recognize that ESPs only make
use of the less expensive line side of the network.
Fourth, the expansion of access charges to include ESPs is contrary
U.S. trade interests. The National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA), the Reagan administration's telecommunications policy
arm, recognizes this in its filing in opposition to the FCC proposal. NTIA
contends that this FCC proposal would send out a signal contrary to its
policy urging foreign governments to open their information services markets
to foreign providers.
Fifth, the Commission has yet to determine the additional contribution
the access charge would make to the non-traffic sensitive pool. Regardless,
the Commission has said that any funds collected would not be used to reduce
local phone rates or subscriber line chargers. Further, many contend it
will result in ESP bypass.
It is clear, at this time, that the FCC access charge proposal is
inappropriate. It could destroy growth in a vital industry, force non-
profit users out of the market, hurt U.S. trade relations, and would be
virtually impossible to implement. We urge the Commission not to expand
access charges to include ESPs.
Sincerely,
EDWARD J. MARKEY AL SWIFT
CHAIRMAN MEMBER OF CONGRESS
MIKE SYNAR BILLY TAUZIN
MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS
JIM SLATTERY JOHN BRYANT
MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS
RALPH M. HALL DENNIS E. ECKART
MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS
BILL RICHARDSON RICK BOUCHER
MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS
JIM COOPER MICKEY LELAND
MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS
CARDISS COLLINS
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
cc: Commissioner Mimi Weyforth Dawson
Commissioner James H. Quello
Commissioner Patricia Diaz Dennis
ron@topaz.rutgers.edu.UUCP (12/02/87)
By the way, CompuServe has added a feature (originally for this issue, but now is a permanent feature) allowing you to send mailgrams to Congress. It costs a dollar per message, and I think they waive the normal connect time charge while you are editing the message. For those who are familiar with CompuServe, type "GO EASY" and select the congressgram item from the menu. -Ron