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From: goldstein@delni.DEC.COM.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Packet access charges -- FCC re-proposes gouging
Message-ID: <8706111427.AA27300@decwrl.dec.com>
Date: Thu, 11-Jun-87 13:21:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: decwrl.8706111427.AA27300
Posted: Thu Jun 11 13:21:00 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Jun-87 11:00:05 EDT
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Noticed on Dow Jones News/Retrieval 6/10/87:
(paraphrased for copyright reasons)
The FCC has proposed levying access charges of about $5/hour on computer
telecommunications services such as Tymnet and Telenet.  Previously,
these services have been exempt from such charges.

Well, this was fought and won last year, but I suppose the circuit-switch
networks are back trying to put packet out of business once and for all.
I won't go into how this will simply kill ISDN packet (whose D-channel
access mode will have NO explicit circuit connections TO the network,
hence almost no per-minute cost of usage time).  I won't go into how this
is MORE THAN 100% TAX LEVEL on most Tymnet and Telenet activity (since
their hourly rate is below $5/hour).  I won't go into how this will
pretty much make BOC packet networks die abornin', since they must be
a lot cheaper than that to interwork profitably with long-haul packet
nets.  I won't go into the effect on services like PC Pursuit, since
that's been beaten to death in this forum.

I just wanted to warn you all that it's time to fight again.  Maybe
Dennis Patrick is trying to flex his muscles and tell all them lily-livered
libberals who hang out on computer nets that he won't be cowed!  (Got any
better explanations?  Don't post them here.)
     fred