Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: $Revision: 1.6.2.16 $; site ea.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!cbosgd!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!ea!mwm From: mwm@ea.UUCP Newsgroups: net.followup Subject: Re: new twist on computer "crime" and la Message-ID: <4300008@ea.UUCP> Date: Thu, 27-Sep-84 15:17:00 EDT Article-I.D.: ea.4300008 Posted: Thu Sep 27 15:17:00 1984 Date-Received: Mon, 1-Oct-84 03:42:14 EDT References: <3716@decwrl.UUCP> Lines: 30 Nf-ID: #R:decwrl:-371600:ea:4300008:000:1465 Nf-From: ea!mwm Sep 27 14:17:00 1984 /***** ea:net.general / decwrl!falcone / 12:25 am Sep 25, 1984 */ Quite a while ago, some of the local telephone companies were proposing changes to the tariffs which would consider any line used for data transmission (modems) a BUSINESS line and therefore subject to the business rate schedule. For most of us, this would result in rather stiff rate increases. After an initial flurry of messages on the net about this, I haven't heard a thing. Anyone following this? Joe Falcone /* ---------- */ Much of that came from cases here in Oklahoma. A BBS had his phone rate tripled, with no additional service, because the existing laws made any store&forward device some sort of "information terminal." After hassling the guy (Robert Braver, by name. His BBS is the USEMC, phone number 405/360-3020), the phone company backed off. Something to do with the new tariff associated with the divestiture on Jan. 1, 1984. Currently, Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma will charge you a high rate if you hook up a modem and plan on both incoming and outgoing calls through the computer. If you are going to do just one or the other, they only charge you the standard residential rate. My understanding was that Oklahoma was a test case for Southwestern Bell, and they were going to extend the high charge practice to other states if it worked. Since they aren't charging all modem users a high rate ($54/mo, as opposed to $10/mo), I suspect that they've given up.