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From: dgp0@bunny.gte.com (Dennis Pratt)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Massachusetts Enhanced 911 Payment Scheme
Message-ID: <16341@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 22 Jan 91 20:10:58 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 60, Message 1 of 10


In article <16189@accuvax.nwu.edu> Wes.Williams@f39.n382.z1.
fidonet.org (Wes Williams) writes:

> For those of you unaware, MA has recently passed a State law to bring
> this into active state wide use over the next few years, where only
> some cities have been previously served by nonenhanced 911.

I have found it interesting that there has been little discussion of
NYNEX's political success pushing the payment of Enhanced 911 onto
Directories Assistance users.

Enhanced 911 is an important system; it allows police to identify
where the call is coming from and it allows correct routing of the
call to the emergency unit most able geographically to respond.

Where I have a bone to pick is the proposed method of charging for
E-911.  Instead of charging the 911 caller, (allowing users of the
system to directly pay for the increased functionality), NYNEX has
convinced the politicians to have non-users of 911, specifically 411
users, pay for this system.

I haven't heard what happens if the revenues generated by
over-charging 411 users is greater than the costs of E-911.  My guess
is that NYNEX has adequate accounting proceedures to ensure there will
be no excess.  I further fear this is simply a wedge with which NYNEX
can add on additional charges to Directory Assistance (basically
rewarding them for keeping their White Pages out-of-date.)

If an E-911 call cost $5 - $10, I do not believe that would stop
people from using the system. I'm not clear why the politicians want
to hide the costs of this service.  Other alternative payment schemes
are possible.  Take directly out of taxes.  Take up a state-wide
collection for this worthwhile charity.  Provide "income assistance"
for those who use E-911 but who cannot pay the higher price of the
enhanced service.  But why tax Directory users to transfer the money
to E-911 users?

What I do not like is the separation of the user and the payment.  I
guess I do not trust either NYNEX or MA politicians.  But given recent
history, should I?


Dennis Pratt

Disclaimer: My company doesn't know anything about this.