preece@uicsl.UUCP (10/25/83)
#R:ihuxq:-35000:uicsl:5400038:000:1186 uicsl!preece Oct 18 08:27:00 1983 It's also worth noting that the phone companies can easily enforce the data tariff WITHOUT determining whether or not a given line is using a modem. All they have to do is make it impossible for a modem user to use a non-data grade line. They could do this in any number of ways, without any great effort. Obvious ways include generating occasional breaks in the line (not long enough to interfere with conversation), filtering the standard modem carrier frequencies out of the line, and simply frequency shifting the whole conversation slightly. So there's no point in saying 'How will they find out?' -- they don't have to. What you have to do is support efforts to avoid such tariffs in states not already having them and fight for their repeal in states which do. To do that you'd better be able to show that the rates do not reflect real differences in the cost of providing service and that modem use can be a reasonable residential use (a reasonable extension of existing residential uses). Better yet, work for provision of digital service to all users. Then we can get rid of our modems and get more useful speed out of the system. scott preece pur-ee!uiucdcs!uicsl!preece