John Higdon <john@zygot.ati.com> (05/23/91)
A southern California long distance reseller has snagged some press
lately through its unorthodox handling of "hackers". From an
unidentified industry rag:
"By simply turning a tariff into a product, Anaheim, California-based
Thrifty Tel has been raking in the dough, while collecting about a ton
of computer equipment to boot. 'All you have to do is detail in your
filing with your state public utility commission what your needs are,'
says Vice President Rebecca Bigley. 'And once its approved, it becomes
an indisputable receivable.'"
The tariffs call for charging "hackers" $2,880 per code or line per
day; a $3,000 set up fee per line, plus some unspecified labor costs.
In essence, Thrifty Tel makes more money off "hackers" than of
legitimate customers. Does this all seem a little shady to you?
Well, if so, readers in the Los Angeles area might want to tune in KFI
(640 AM) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM next Tuesday, May 28. Ms. Bigley will
be the guest. What Ms. Bigley does not know yet is that yours truly
has been invited as an in-studio guest to make sure that not too much
BS flows from her about her efforts. I have read her tariff filing and
have a number of questions about her motives.
I promise not to flame her too badly. But I would urge anyone
interested to listen and call in if so moved (it IS a call-in show).
But now I need to book a flight to LA -- yuuch....
John Higdon | P. O. Box 7648 | +1 408 723 1395
john@zygot.ati.com | San Jose, CA 95150 | M o o !
[Moderator's Note: Please John! I strongly urge you to make a tape of
the show and transcribe some excerpts for us here. It should make a
very fascinating issue. Won't you please consider it? Thanks. PAT]