Xref: utzoo comp.misc:3985 alt.bbs:197
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From: learn@igloo.UUCP (william vajk)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,alt.bbs
Subject: Re: Houston bbs's vs SW Bell - more
Message-ID: <1087@igloo.UUCP>
Date: 30 Oct 88 15:44:19 GMT
References: <4252@moray.UUCP> <1933@uokmax.UUCP> <3940@homxc.UUCP>
Distribution: usa
Organization: igloo, Northbrook, IL
Lines: 46

In article <3940@homxc.UUCP>, halle@homxc.UUCP (J.HALLE) writes:
 
< And I hope it does not.  SWBell is really only doing what it must.  Why do you
< think they charge more for "commercial" lines than residential?  Not because
< of ability to pay, but because those lines cost more to provide than
< residential lines.  The cost of providing a line is significantly affected by
< the amount of use the line gets, both incoming and outgoing. 

When setting the rate structures for outgoing calls, it is alleged that the
cost of the entire call, from point of origin, through all the switches, and
on through the destination are borne by the originating caller.

When setting the rates for phone lines, it is alleged that the monthly basic
fees cover the costs of a line which is idle 100.00% of the time.

The incoming use is covered, the outgoing use is covered. These rates,
including "fair profit" are negotiated with the Public Utilities Commission
in every state.

< Let me offer an alternative.  How about if all lines are charged based on the
< amount of time the line is busy, i.e. you get billed during incoming and
< outgoing calls, but not when the phone is on hook.  How would you feel then?
 
The costs borne at this time by the originating caller would have to be
reduced in order to maintain the "fair profit" levels agreed to by the
operating companies. As matters stand, the "fair profit" levels for the
telephony monopolies are in keeping with the agreements made with the
various states.

< I could go on, but I've made my point.  I see nothing unfair about what the
< phone company is trying to do, and in fact they are giving the BBSs a break
< by not doing what they really ought to do if they were able.

An opinion, yes. Realistic, no.

< (Side issue.  The reporter who wrote the original article cannot be called a
< reporter in any real sense of the word.  He editorialized unmercifully, and
< made a number of unfounded and totally off-the-wall insinuations.  Yellow
< journalism at its best.)
 
< J. C. Halle

And I suppose we'll hear that you have absolutely no bias regarding phone 
rates. Can you say "knee jerk ?"  I knew you could.

Bill Vajk                                                      learn@igloo