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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>
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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.