Conference noted::hackers_v1

510.0. "BOO! HISS!" by ACE::BREWER (John Brewer Component Engr. @ABO) Mon Jul 06 1987 14:13

From:	ACE::LAPIERRE      1-JUL-1987 21:37
To:	BREWER
Subj:	FCC Rule Change (Not Good)

John:

I read the following news article on PEOPLE LINK and thought
it might be of great interest to alot of us. Maybe something
similiar has already been posted to NOTES, but if not maybe
you would know better where to post it.

                             Thanks,

                             -- Mike
--<..........................................................>--


          FCC RULE CHANGE

The following information is taken from
a notice written by VEC 3, concerning the
current FCC ruling on "packet switching"
services. We want to thank VEC 3 for
keeping us apprised on this most import-
ant situation which effects all of us.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

On June 10th, 1987, the Federal Communi-
cation Commission (FCC), by a 4-0 vote,
proposed a rule change that would assess
an access charge for all computer users
accessing "packet switching" services
such as Telenet and Tymnet.

If this access charging is approved, it
would add a minimum of $5.00 per hour to
the cost of ANY AND ALL services con-
nected to these "switches".

Packet switching services include: PLINK,
PC-Pursuit, BIX, CompuServe, GEnie etc..

At the present time, the FCC is soliciting
Legal Briefs from ONLY those parties whom
they have requested comments. Your cards
and letters to them will not be recognized
or registered!

The FCC will be making their final decision
on this ruling later this summer or early
fall.

So what can you do, as a subscriber to one
of these packet switching services, to let
the FCC know how you feel about being
charged extra to get online???

Call Telenet PC-Pursuit at 1-800-TELENET
(1-800-835-3638).  Tell them that you want
to join in the protest against the new FCC
ruling effecting packet switching services,
(also known as "Interstate Access Charges
Exemption for Enhanced Services Provider"-
FCC Docket 87-208).

They will take your name, address, phone
number and which online services you use.
When the time is right, they will send
you information concerning which FCC mem-
bers, Congressmen, and Senators to write
to. They will also tell you the most ad-
vantageous time to write them.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I called Telenet this morning and they
are considering setting up a special
number for people to call and leave
their information. If they do set up a
special line, I will post it here in
Online News.

It is important that the word gets out
about this new FCC rule change. Post a
notice on every BBS you call or sub-
scribe to. This rule change effects all
of us! Only by shear force of numbers
will our voices be heard.

                     Thank you
                     the EDITOR

    I think there are some details wrong, but the gist is right.
    The FCC has decided to classify "enhanced services" (packet nets,
    interstate time-sharing, etc.) in the same bundle as access to long
    distance, so you'd pay the 7-9c/minute to the local telephone company
    when you dial them, same as you do on long distance calls (you think
    AT&T keeps the money?).  The bill, of course, would go to the "enhanced
    service provider" or "voice message system" (called a VMS by the
    FCC) who would add it to their rates.
    
    Lots of lawyers, including ours, are aware of it.
    
    Once the text of the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rule Making is in
    the Federal Register, it will probably be possible for anyone to
    file a comment, using the FCC comment procedure, which I won't mention
    here but is discussed re a different case in KRYSTL::HAMRADIO.
           fred