bill@pro-mars.cts.com (01/21/89)
"On April 1, 1988, Pacific [Bell] filed Application No. 88-04-004 wherein it
requested that the [Ca Public Utilities] Commission authorize Pacific to offer
a new service, Information Calling Services (900 ICS)."
- Ammendment to Application, filed Jun 2, 88
Selected extracts from this filing:
9.5.4.A.1 Three selective blocking options are available to the residential
customer:
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
-------- -------- --------
976 976 900-303
900-844 900-505
900-505 900-303
900-303
900-844 is general audience - "Resource Network" programs
900-505 is general audience - "Open Forum" [talk] programs
900-303 is adult services with both "Open Forum" and "Resource
Network" programs.
9.5.3.D.1.c Transport and billing of service to IP/Sponsor
(1) Billing, per call: $.05
1st Min Addl Mins
(2) Transport - Resource Network ------- ---------
per call, day period (8-5) $.20 $.09
per call, night period $.19 $.06
(3) Transport - Open Forum, per call $.20 $.09
9.5.3.A.2 Definitions
FREE TRIAL OPTION - A period not to exceed 30 days during which no
Information Charges for a selected Resource Network Program will be
billed to a Subscriber. [an IP may have up to four "Free Trials"
during one calenday year]
NON-PEAK INFORMATION CHARGE - Resource Network IP's may establish
non-peak charges. If this option is selected, non-peak Information
Charges will apply to the lower of two IP selected rate periods,
Monday-Friday, and to weekends and Utility holidays.
Lotsa goodies, too many to list, and they make me drool. I wish I could
switch my 976 program to 900; but the CPUC is allowing every/any-body state
their druthers, especially those nauseating "consumer advocate" groups. The
proposed 900 service is superior (from an IP's viewpoint) to that currently
offered by AT&T, Telesphere, et. al. But my grandchildren may be old men
before Pac*Bell is allowed to offer it (surprise! the Pac*Bell network is
already routing 900 calls; call one of the 3 prefixes and note the disconnect
recording comes from the same c.o. that switches 976 calls!)
Get a copy of the application: dial 811-4976 (in Ca only; folks outside of Ca
just wish they weren't 8-) )
-- Bill
ARPA: crash!pro-mars!bill@nosc.mil (as seen on TV)edell%garnet.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Richard Edell) (01/27/89)
One aspect not mentioned by the previous poster of interest to consumers is:
9.5.3.A.2. Definitions
Delayed Timing of Information Charge
A product feature which delays commencement of billing of Information
Charges to a Caller. The purpose of the delayed timing option is to
allow time for the Caller to hang up prior to connection to the program
without being billed an Information Charge.
9.5.3.C.1.a.3 Regulations; Utility Obligations; General
The Utility will provide a period of 18 seconds for Delayed Timing of
Information Charges. If this period is exceeded, a Caller will be
billed the Information Charge from the time of initial connection and
the Transport Charges will be billed to the Information Provider
and/or Sponsor from the time of initial connection. If a Caller hangs
up within this 18 second period, no Information Charge will be billed
to the Subscriber and no Charges will be billed to the Information
Provider and/or Sponsor for that call.
Further, the tariff specifically states that the Utility will disconnect
the Information Provider/Sponsor for violating the rules/regulations
of the tariff. (Such as: program content matching the prefix of the
service's telephone number, proper disclosure of price, etc.)
The first disconnection would last at least one week, the second
disconnection would last two weeks, and the third disconnection would
be permanent. Also, the reconnection charge (for first and second
violations) is $2,000. Hopefully this section of the tariff addresses
the First Amendment rights problems Pacific Bell has faced when it tried
to disconnect "adult" services.
I should state that my business is a real estate loan referral program
offered through Pacific Bell's 976 service.
-Richard Edell (UCB Student)