LINNIG@eg.ti.COM (Mike Linnig) (06/11/87)
FCC proposes to end exemption of phone access charges for computer services WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission proposed Wednesday to eliminate an exemption from certain telephone access charges for computer-based services and information retrieval systems. The commission allowed the exemption when interstate access rules were established several years ago because of concern that the charges for access to the local telephone networks would hurt such services at a time when they were adjusting to the new rules. But FCC commissioners said the agency made clear the exemption would be temporary and that eventually the access charges would be applied to so-called enhanced-service providers. Other exemptions from interstate access charges have gradually been eliminated, they noted. "It's a matter of equity" that such providers contribute to the cost of the exchange access facilities they use, said Commissioner Mimi Weyforth Dawson. The added cost could be as much as 9 cents per minute, the FCC estimated. The commissioners, on a 4-0 vote, proposed to make the change Jan. 1, 1988.
elg@killer.UUCP (Eric Green) (06/22/87)
in article <KPETERSEN.12310873328.BABYL@SIMTEL20.ARPA>, LINNIG@eg.ti.COM (Mike Linnig) says: > WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission proposed Wednesday > to eliminate an exemption from certain telephone access charges for > computer-based services and information retrieval systems. > The commission allowed the exemption when interstate access rules were > "It's a matter of equity" that such providers contribute to the cost of the > exchange access facilities they use, said Commissioner Mimi Weyforth Dawson. That's fine and dandy. The system that I'm using right now, Telenet (PC Pursuit), isn't using any exchange access facilities, beyond those involved with making a local call. I call over a voice grade line, and allows me to dial out in another city. No Ma Bell involved, just ordinary telephone lines at all four sides (my and my conspirator, who are charged residential rates on our respective modems, Telenet is charged business rates on its modems at either end), and a high speed leased line inbetween. Plus, many businesses connected to Telenet don't even go through an exchange... leased high-speed line, straight to the nearest Telenet node. No exchange involved at all. I can understand charging AT&T and MCI to help defray costs of equal-access facilities, but we're talking about a horse of a different color now -- the day when I dial out with modem and am automatically connected to my destination via equal access facilities that include Telenet, THEN I'll be willing to pay a surcharge for use of exchange access facilities. Eric Green {ihnp4,cbosgd}!killer!elg, elg@usl.CSNET