LINNIG@eg.ti.COM.UUCP (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.