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Hal , Just received this info back from my service.
Connie and all of the DeNevillette SP's.
[email protected]
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Dear Connie,
Thanks for your email. The phone company proposal is indeed a serious a
borderline sneaky one.
Here's the latest information on it:
The FCC recently reviewed a petition by the RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating
Companies, i.e. Pacific Bell, Nynex, Southern Bell, etc.) to force ISPs to pay
access charges for using their local loops. The request was denied, but will be
appealed, and appealed, and appealed, and appealed...
In addition:
1) There is more than one computer/internet industry coalition (one is the DATA
group) fighting this RBOC proposal.
2) The Clinton adiminstration appears determined to maintain a favorable
business environment for development of the internet.
3) The RBOCs and IXCs are increasingly encroaching on each other's local and
long distance businesses, and local loop access charges will be declining
dramatically (by regulatory decree).
Hopefully the FCC will help promote the Internet rather than help build telco
infrastructure. Both sides are pulling pretty hard.
Many of the details in the rumor are true: The FCC is considering this issue,
we are currently in a comment period, the address for comments is [email protected],
and the comment period does end on Feb. 13. But the FCC has already tentatively
concluded that per-minute fees shouldn'tbe imposed on ISPs. The details are
available at http://www.fcc.gov/isp.html.
Once again, thanks for your question. If can I be of any further assistance
please call or email.
Ian
WebTV Customer Care
1-800-GOWEBTV
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