Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!seismo!rutgers!labrea!decwrl!decvax!ucbvax!MAINE.BITNET!STEVEG From: STEVEG@MAINE.BITNET ("Steve E. Goldsmith") Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple Subject: (none) Message-ID: <8707111409.aa01148@SMOKE.BRL.ARPA> Date: Sat, 11-Jul-87 08:19:00 EDT Article-I.D.: SMOKE.8707111409.aa01148 Posted: Sat Jul 11 08:19:00 1987 Date-Received: Fri, 24-Jul-87 04:22:04 EDT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Distribution: world Organization: The ARPA Internet Lines: 62 ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- FCC RULE CHANGE The following information is taken from a notice written by VEC 3, concerning the current FCC ruling on "packet switching" services. We want to thank VEC 3 for keeping us apprised on this most important situation which effects all of us. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- On June 10th, 1987, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), by a 4-0 vote, proposed a rule change that would assess an access charge for all computer users accessing "packet switching" services such as Telenet and Tymnet. If this access charging is approved, it would add a minimum of $5.00 per hour to the cost of ANY AND ALL services con- nected to these "switches". Packet switching services include: PLINK, PC-Pursuit, BIX, CompuServe, GEnie etc.. At the present time, the FCC is soliciting Legal Briefs from ONLY those parties whom they have requested comments. Your cards and letters to them will not be recognized or registered! The FCC will be making their final decision on this ruling later this summer or early fall. So what can you do, as a subscriber to one of these packet switching services, to let the FCC know how you feel about being charged extra to get online??? Call Telenet PC-Pursuit at 1-800-TELENET (1-800-835-3638). Tell them that you want to join in the protest against the new FCC ruling effecting packet switching services, (also known as "Interstate Access Charges Exemption for Enhanced Services Provider"- FCC Docket 87-208). They will take your name, address, phone number and which online services you use. When the time is right, they will send you information concerning which FCC members, Congressmen, and Senators to write to. They will also tell you the most advantageous time to write them. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I called Telenet this morning and they are considering setting up a special number for people to call and leave their information. If they do set up a special line, I will post it here in Online News. It is important that the word gets out about this new FCC rule change. Post a notice on every BBS you call or sub- scribe to. This rule change effects all of us! Only by shear force of numbers will our voices be heard.