People this is in response to something that came across the list a few days back from: > From: genhelp@worldnet.att.net My friend Winter and I keep our eyes open for the answers to these things as they come up. Here's what she found in response to the phone charge nonsense that is being spread. Below is the FCC response and an address where you can check for yourselves. In addition to that below the FCC response is the communication fron Genhelp. So everybody is on the same page. > I just stumbled across the answer to this one so I figured I'd respond, not that you were up sleepless nights wondering. I copied the following from the FCC web site: >>>In December 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested public comment on issues relating to the charges that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and similar companies pay to local telephone companies. On May 7, 1997, the FCC decided to leave the existing rate structure in place. In other words, the FCC decided not to allow local telephone companies to impose per-minute access charged on ISPs. Please Note: There is no open comment period in this proceeding. If you have recently seen a message on the Internet stating that in response to a request from local telephone companies, the FCC is requesting comments to <isp@fcc.gov> by February 1998, be aware that this information is inaccurate. For the full story go to http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Factsheets/ispfact.html It includes background info explaining what per minute usage fees and interstate access charges are. >> In a message dated 98-01-10 15:42:33 EST, you write: << Subj: Re: STOP ADDITIONAL PHONE CHARGES Date: 98-01-10 15:42:33 EST From: Winterfae To: LeisaJ1, Ariandra 1 In a message dated 98-01-03 17:23:42 EST, you write: > Have you heard anything about this? > ----------------- > Forwarded Message: > Subj: STOP ADDITIONAL PHONE CHARGES > Date: 98-01-01 17:18:09 EST > From: genhelp@worldnet.att.net > To: LUCAS-L@rootsweb.com > > >I am writing you this to inform you of a very important matter > >currently under review by the FCC. Your local telephone company has > >filed a proposal with the FCC to impose per minute charges for your > >internet service. They contend that your usage has or will hinder the > >operation of the telephone network. I just stumbled across the answer to this one so I figured I'd respond, not that you were up sleepless nights wondering. I copied the following from the FCC web site: >>>In December 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested public comment on issues relating to the charges that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and similar companies pay to local telephone companies. On May 7, 1997, the FCC decided to leave the existing rate structure in place. In other words, the FCC decided not to allow local telephone companies to impose per-minute access charged on ISPs. Please Note: There is no open comment period in this proceeding. If you have recently seen a message on the Internet stating that in response to a request from local telephone companies, the FCC is requesting comments to <isp@fcc.gov> by February 1998, be aware that this information is inaccurate. For the full story go to http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Factsheets/ispfact.html It includes background info explaining what per minute usage fees and interstate access charges are. >>