Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!uunet!world!iecc!johnl
From: johnl@iecc.cambridge.ma.us (John R. Levine)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Re: Big Brother charging for modem use?
Summary: don't send a card to Craig, either
Message-ID: <1991Mar03.064829.6967@iecc.cambridge.ma.us>
Date: 3 Mar 91 06:48:29 GMT
References: <7X9kw3w163w@bluemoon.uucp> <1991Mar2.023716.13851@csn.org>
Organization: I.E.C.C.
Lines: 34

In article <7X9kw3w163w@bluemoon.uucp> cmcurtin@bluemoon.uucp (Matthew Curtin) writes:
>I've been hearing roumors about the FCC charging us EXTRA for using modems 
>(as opposed to just using voice).

This is a persistent false rumor that appears to get restarted every few
months when people come across old files on BBSes.  It is true that several
years ago, the FCC proposed to change the way that packet switched networks
such as Sprintnet and Tymnet were regulated.  In effect, the networks would
be treated as long-distance carriers rather than as end users.  These changes
would have had the effect of charging the networks and presumably their users
several cents per minute for dial-in and dial-out connect time.

This proposal was completely abandoned due to objections from the networks,
their users, and many congress members.  The FCC has in recent years stated
in writing that they have no intention of changing the treatment of packet
networks.

If someone has evidence of an actual FCC proposal to change the treatment of
modem users, including an FCC docket number that would allow us to get copies
of it and comment on it, we'd all be very interested to hear about it.  I do
not believe that there is any such proposal, and would appreciate it if people
would be more careful about spreading false alarming rumors.  There are enough
true alarming rumors around that we don't need any false ones.

A continuing situation of concern to modem users is that in some states,
local phone companies are trying to charge the owners of hobby BBS systems
business rather than residential phone rates.  This has nothing whatsoever
to do with the FCC, which only regulates interstate telephony.  The newsgroup
alt.cosuard contains considerable material on this topic.

-- 
John R. Levine, IECC, POB 349, Cambridge MA 02238, +1 617 864 9650
johnl@iecc.cambridge.ma.us, {ima|spdcc|world}!iecc!johnl
Cheap oil is an oxymoron.