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)