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1991-01-02
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-17-90 (21:08) Number: 628
To: ALL Refer#: NONE (Msg #8 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: YES (Thread #1 of 4)
Subj: BUSINESS LINES... Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
You know I was just thinking.. Here in Indiana we were forced to
pay business rates.. It is also forceing us to commit a crime.. we are
not zoned to run a business out of our homes... Now a hobbie is a
different story... The phone co.. says we are a business... they
charge us business rates... But when the lines were installed there was
no question.. To bad we do not have some lawyers in here ...
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-09-90 (03:42) Number: 503
To: BILL BLOMGREN Refer#: NONE (Msg #34 of 200)
From: RON FREIMUTH Read: NO (Thread #1 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BB>Local BBS systems are going to vanish from the face of the earth. Not
>many of us can afford tripling or quadrupling of the phone bill.
>Indiana's PUC threw out the challenge to the new rates from GTE, and
>Bell has already got the thing sitting there, waiting for the decision.
>In MI, there is an area charging not only business rates, but an extra
>$$$$ per month for 'Processing' and line charges.. Special services for
>modem operations... In Texas...boards that take a penny, or have more
>than 3 lines are businesses..
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, what's wrong with that in TX? Three lines and asking for
money is more than a lot of 'non-profit' organizations have, and I
think they pay the commercial rate.
Still, I now get hit with about $11/month for the minium rate on a
*party* line. my $3.50 access charge for LD is more than my LD use
per month.
In Mt. View CA in 1974 I got 'measured service' for, I believe
only >$1.50/ month<. Double that for inflation (though technology has
run costs down since then) and one is still at only $3.00. So, why
do I get hit with $11 here in TX? Well Bill, you know how hokey the
telephone companies are.
And, the excise and sales taxes on the bill add to it. Funny
thing, how it is considered utility commission policy that everyone
needs a phone, even if the minimal users are supposedly subsidized by
others. So, why is there a Federal EXCISE tax on telephone service?
BTW, SW Bell tried to hit me for an increase in monthly charges
for touch tone. I simply told them to dump it. Well, funny thing,
but touch tone still works. Guess they were BLUFFING. Considering
that their system workes better with TT than PULSE I can understand
why they leave it in. I don't even know that they CAN disable TT
signaling.
What is this 'line charge' crap and special services for modem
operations in MI?
---
■ SLMR 1.0 ■ If it isn't borken, don't fix it.
■ ILink: The Blue Flame ■ Dallas ■ Texas ■ 214∙573∙3649 HST
■ QNet 2.04: Cheers! - Southern ILink Regional Host - Memphis, TN
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-10-90 (19:00) Number: 510
To: RON FREIMUTH Refer#: NONE (Msg #37 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #4 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
> Still, I now get hit with about $11/month for the minium rate on a
> *party* line. my $3.50 access charge for LD is more than my LD use
> per month.
It would be 'interesting' running a board on a party line <heh heh heh>
The other parties would never get a word in edge wise! Basic local
service here was $13 15 years ago.. is now "$15" a month. However, the
lowest bill you actually get after they tack on the 'required' billing
items comes in at $28 or thereabouts. The business line here ticks in
at $49 for basic service before long distance. They call that a "$30"
line. <HA!>
> What is this 'line charge' crap and special services for modem
> operations in MI?
I ran into that in the COSUARD conf a while back.. There was a week
worth of discussion about a boards shutting down in one area around
Detroit, where the phone co not only made them businesses, but insisted
that as a data processing service they HAD to buy extra cost services,
including $50 per month per line for 'special handling'. The lines
ended up costing $100 per month, which cropped a couple hundred BBS
lines down to 3-6 in a little over a month. (For Profit BBS's..) The Ram
is a little unrefreshed right now, and I would like to get more info on
that.. One board was doing the reporting, but seemed to vanish rather
abruptly...
---
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-10-90 (19:00) Number: 511
To: VAL SUPRENANT Refer#: NONE (Msg #38 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #5 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
>From a novice in this are. Why are the phone companies getting so hot
>with bb operators trying to call them businesses? Don't they produce a
There are two points that need to be made about the phone companies
here... GTE has decided to get into the "Data distribution and sales"
business. As part of that, they declared that "They would have to deal
with the competition" to make their efforts profitable. Guess who the
competition is? Right.
2) They are looking for new sources of revenue without any additional
installation of equipment. The best way to do that is to find ways of
making lines already installed pay for business rates... Down here they
have done that Retroactively!! (Can you imagine the bill if they went
retroactivelly after my 10 year old board! ARGH!)
---
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-11-90 (00:15) Number: 522
To: RYAN RITENOUR Refer#: NONE (Msg #41 of 200)
From: GIL LEVITCH Read: NO (Thread #8 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
RR>Join the real world. All BBS's here in Elkhart, Indiana are being charged
RR>business rates for their lines. This has been going on now for several
As far as I know, Louisville IS in the REAL WORLD, Ryan, and we are not
being charged business rates by the Bell System, nor do I think that we
will be. Maybe GTE just found a way to make some more money. I can't
believe that you guys are taking it lying down without a fight.
Of course if the BBS's are going subscription, that's one way for a
SysOp to get the cost taken care of and not worry about the
establishment.
RR>And if you think this is and isolated incident, think twice. Once all the
RR>other phone companies get wind of GTE charging higher rates, every tele. co.
RR>going to want to do it too. Eventually this will lead to the modem and fax
RR>user, I`m sure.
Again, I don't believe it will spread nationwide.
...Gil
---
■ DeLuxe² #607s ■
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: The Fifth Dimension, Louisville, Ky (502)423-8654
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-07-90 (23:54) Number: 524
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #43 of 200)
From: GREG ROBERTS Read: NO (Thread #10 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
GL>BBS classified as a residential number. I can't see Ma Bell calling
>every number looking for a SQUEEEEEE either. They don't have the time or
>the manpower to do this....nor does the FCC. They're too busy harrasing
>Radio and TV stations.
Gil, It doesn't take much manpower. We have in use with our microwave
system (private) a scanning frequency selective voltmeter which could be used
for this purpose quite easily. And it is attached to a computer, to
which it logs any hot tones on specified baseband frequencies. (Yeah, I know,
too technical) I get a copy of the output every few days. This would
do the job you describe, just pick up the printer output. Or d/l as a
file which could be compared to the customer database.
greg
---
■ SLMR 1.05 ■ My MoDem speaks PEP. Doesn't talk BBS.
■ ILink: The Data Dimension · Norcross, GA · (404) 921-1186
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-11-90 (16:47) Number: 526
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #45 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #12 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
>Again, I don't believe it will spread nationwide.
Gil.. It is already in 3 states, and if GTE locally figures out a board
has ANY form of compensation (that includes _uploads_) .. the rate goes
to business rates!
Have read that Bell in Indiana is pulling the same trick, and I am not
sure what Bell in AZ is up to, but they were pushing for business rates
for _all_ modem users...even home modem users.
Keep in mind, the phone company thinks that all information is
commercial, and _they_ are the _only_ people that should be allowed to
distribute that information. They had to be sued by the feds many years
because they were claiming that _all broadcasting_ was their territory
as well... (Monopolies like to spread.)
---
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-11-90 (20:40) Number: 540
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #54 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #21 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> As far as I know, Louisville IS in the REAL WORLD, Ryan, and we are
-> not being charged business rates by the Bell System, nor do I think
-> that we will be. Maybe GTE just found a way to make some more money.
-> I can't believe that you guys are taking it lying down without a
-> fight. Of course if the BBS's are going subscription, that's one way
-> for a SysOp to get the cost taken care of and not worry about the
-> establishment.
Gil...
We are in the real world also... We here in Elkhart did not think
that it would happen.. Gte made an attempt to do this before... It was
stopped.. then they had a closed door hearing and bingo.. We went to
business rates.. We did not take it lying down... But we did not have
the money to fight it ... We are talking big bucks here to fight the
phone company... Please don't think it will not happen to your area..
I hope it does not .. But with the phone co.. I wouldn't take bets..
-> Again, I don't believe it will spread nationwide.
Let's hope it does not spread any more.. But I think that is wishfull
thinking...
Tom Battler sysop After Five' BBS...
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-11-90 (22:38) Number: 541
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #55 of 200)
From: RYAN RITENOUR Read: NO (Thread #22 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
GL>will be. Maybe GTE just found a way to make some more money. I can't
GL>believe that you guys are taking it lying down without a fight.
It's been fought to the max of the finances available and nothing was
gained.
GL>Again, I don't believe it will spread nationwide.
It already has. SW Bell in Texas, some in Pennsylvania. I hear one more
each month.
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-11-90 (22:38) Number: 543
To: BILL BLOMGREN Refer#: NONE (Msg #57 of 200)
From: RYAN RITENOUR Read: YES (Thread #24 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BB>Gil.. It is already in 3 states, and if GTE locally figures out a board
BB>has ANY form of compensation (that includes _uploads_) .. the rate goes
BB>to business rates!
It doesn't have to even have any compensation. The 1149 BBS here in Elkhart
never has asked or even implied that he wanted any money from anyone, and
he is being charged business rates. Needless to say, he is having to go
with contributions.
BB>Have read that Bell in Indiana is pulling the same trick, and I am not
And GTE.
BB>Keep in mind, the phone company thinks that all information is
BB>commercial, and _they_ are the _only_ people that should be allowed to
BB>distribute that information. They had to be sued by the feds many years
BB>because they were claiming that _all broadcasting_ was their territory
BB>as well... (Monopolies like to spread.)
You got that right.
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-13-90 (00:17) Number: 557
To: BILL BLOMGREN Refer#: NONE (Msg #60 of 200)
From: GIL LEVITCH Read: YES (Thread #27 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BB>Have read that Bell in Indiana is pulling the same trick, and I am not
BB>sure what Bell in AZ is up to, but they were pushing for business rates
BB>for _all_ modem users...even home modem users.
I think that if South Central Bell decides to do this, I may have to
fight them a bit. Sounds not only illegal, but un-constitutional. We
have several BBS members who are attornies, and I think they could be
persuaded to sue our friendly telephone monopoly, without charge.
...Gil
---
■ DeLuxe² #607s ■
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: The Fifth Dimension, Louisville, Ky (502)423-8654
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-13-90 (03:22) Number: 560
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #62 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: YES (Thread #29 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
>Well, if this is true, then they are really stupid. That could backfire
>in a big way. I can see where 20 nodes coming out of a home could be
>construed as a business, especially if it is a pay board. BUT, for
Very true. However, the phone company is getting into the data sales
and distribution business. They are a monopoly. They think like a
monopoly. WE are looked at as 'Unfair competition'. We are what they
want to eliminate, so that they can have a big, fat, non-regulated
source of INCOME! GTE admitted it in a newspaper article here about a
year ago. I typed a synopsis into the COSUARD echo when it was
published. They were "working on a way to 'handle' the competition."
---
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-13-90 (16:38) Number: 561
To: JEFF FREEMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #63 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #30 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
>with 15 phone lines? In some/maybe most areas I understand it costs the
>local phone co more to provide a residential line than they get back in
>charges. So now asking them to up that by 15X might be pushing your
I wouldn't believe that for a second- for several reasons. There are a
LOT of residential users of phone lines.. Probably 4 or more times the
number of business lines in a given area. GTE and the rest make money
on EVERYTHING they do. Keep in mind that their costs of doing business
are _dropping_ dramatically. The new electronic switches require much
_less_ maintenance, and much more reliable, and provide much more in the
way of features that can be sold. They have cut personnel down
dramatically in this area. (They were sued by the state to reduce rates
since they ripped customers off to the tune of hundreds of millions in
excess profits!) The longer ckts between CO's have dropped in costs
dramatically. I understand that a 500 circuit mile is now almost 1/100
the cost it used to be.
The phone companies have a problem... They are trying to encourage
people to add lines. Just about the only source of growth in the
residential area is people adding lines for modems and fax machines. If
they decide to try to 'make' those all business lines, they are going to
run into a rather unusual wall... Thousands of lines will be dropped
like a hot potato. Because of the problem of costs of litigation, there
is little chance to fight them unless one of the affected people happens
to be a lawyer-sysop. Then there is _hope_... Texas proved that.
Unfortunately, while a lawyer does run a board locally, I don't think he
would be involved in a communications oriented fight.. Will look into it
tonight.
---
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-14-90 (22:40) Number: 593
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #83 of 200)
From: JOSEPH ROSENMAN Read: NO (Thread #50 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
GL┤I think that if South Central Bell decides to do this, I may have to
GL┤fight them a bit. Sounds not only illegal, but un-constitutional. We
I agree, Gil, but based upon everything I've been reading here, it
appears that FCC has given the local phone companies carte blanche. The
only remedy short of intensely fought law suits (which are iffy) is
favorable litigation which FORCES the phone companies to accept the IRS
designation of business versus hobbyist systems--and to charge rates
accordingly. We need friendly legislators to draft and submit the
appropriate legislation, and then we need to start a BBSer letter-
writing campaign that will swamp everyone with requests to support the
"BBS Bill."
──────────── ░▒▓█ ∙ < Joe R > ∙ █▓▒░ ────────────
---
■ EZ 1·29 #309 ■ Sometimes they just grow, and grow, and grow...
■ RNet 1.05M:ILink: Invention Factory, New York, N.Y., 212-431-1194
■ QNet 2.04: Cheers! - Southern ILink Regional Host - Memphis, TN
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-17-90 (00:15) Number: 614
To: BILL BLOMGREN Refer#: NONE (Msg #95 of 200)
From: GIL LEVITCH Read: YES (Thread #62 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BB>Unfortunately, if their underpinnings are as thorough as Genitel's here,
BB>in Texas, and so on, it will be painful. I suspect that JR's suggestion
BB>that LEGISLATION is the only way to go may be true. Our PSC has NO
Well I don't think you'll see any legislation. It's tough on the local
level and that's exactly what it would have to be. Maybe a petition to
the FCC of some sort by all the BBS users in the country would help.
That may be near to impossible to get done, but then who knows.
...Gil
---
■ DeLuxe² #607s ■
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: The Fifth Dimension, Louisville, Ky (502)423-8654
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-17-90 (00:15) Number: 616
To: JOSEPH ROSENMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #97 of 200)
From: GIL LEVITCH Read: NO (Thread #64 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
JR>I agree, Gil, but based upon everything I've been reading here, it
JR>appears that FCC has given the local phone companies carte blanche. The
I think that the right way to go is to get after the FCC. They CAN be
receptive. Maybe we can start a petition of sorts on ILink and see how
it flies.
...Gil
---
■ DeLuxe² #607s ■
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: The Fifth Dimension, Louisville, Ky (502)423-8654
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-19-90 (17:01) Number: 652
To: MATTHEW ACKERMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #116 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #83 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
MA» What I was referring to is that if the USERs of the BBSs banded
│together... well the numbers might just be enough. I'd hate to
│loose a even one good BBS to this...
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
There have been many lost in Indiana already, along with some in Tx,
and if what I read was true, a bunch in Michigan. As telcos discover
that a board is running, they tend to stomp on it. Sad.
---
■ SM 1.00 ----- ■ Bach programs: He uses double precision Multiply
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-18-90 (23:33) Number: 655
To: GIL LEVITCH Refer#: NONE (Msg #117 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #84 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> I thought they cared about anything that could keep them operating.
-> Guess not. What a shame.
Gil.
We thought they would help.. also several other groups ... We did
learn a lot from all this.. Hopefully it will not spread.. But I think
we are kidding ourselves...
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-19-90 (21:43) Number: 671
To: JAY CLARK Refer#: NONE (Msg #125 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #92 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> I am all for "pay boards" paying commercial rates, but I am
-> steadfastly against non-pay and "volentary contribution" boards being
-> forced into commercial lines. And when I think of "measured" local
-> service for users my irritable colon gets a lot more irritable ....
Jay.....
If you are reading this.. That's what has happened... At least in
Elkhart Indiana.... All boards are paying the business...Even the
one's that use to be free.. They are now asking the people using there
boards to help ....
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-21-90 (19:58) Number: 698
To: JEFF FREEMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #135 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #102 of 102)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
JF» What few lines that people dropped would also come with a larger
│drop in useage of equipment. BBS folks tend to use the phone
│equipment more heavily then regular users.
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
That is not true. Most BBS activity is done at night while most of
the equipment is idle. The really BUSY periods are during the day
when a board is sitting still waiting for people. BBS systems tend to
average out the usage of the equipment, rather than have a majority
lumped in during the daytime hours.
JF»│So they aren't generating "extra" income to the phone co.
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Nonsense. In areas around Chicago etc, there is message unit charges
that apply to all calls to a board... That generates a LOT of revenue!
Not only that, but that adds LINES. LOTS OF LINES. Several people
from Bell have said that the only growth in some of the older 'wired'
cities is in additional circuits for computer use. Take away the
boards, and you loose a LOT of extra revenue..
JF»│I don't think it's fair for a bbs that gets 5-6 10 min calls a day
│to pay the same rate as a bbs that stays busy 23.99 hours a day
│with folks robo-dialing it. Local measured service would slow/kill
│alot of bbs's.
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
In short, you would have people with Teenagers pay more for their
lines than people without children. A nice thought.
You must remember when talking about the phone company... Their costs
of doing business are dropping dramatically. Plunging might be the
proper term. Cost per circuit mile is down to 1/100 what it was just
5 years ago. There is a problem with excess capacity that they have
to use for something. In this area, there was rapid growth for a
while, and the phone company built in a way to keep up with it. To
justify their rates, they continued that growth long after the area
stagnated. Now they have capacity that may never be touched. Perhaps
Don Kimberlin will have a comment if he checks in again in the near
future....
---
■ SM 1.00 ----- ■ Gort: Klaatu Borada Nikto.. if you feel like it.
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-13-90 (22:52) Number: 571
To: VICTOR DURA Refer#: NONE (Msg #141 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #2 of 13)
Subj: FCC/PCO. RIP PT.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> OK, so what do we do to try to prevent the local phone companies
-> from strangling the "hobby" BBS? Well, I'm not an expert about the
-> FCC and phone company regulation, but I have an idea. If there is
-> anyone
Victor...
I think in the last 2 messages you have stated the problem very
well.... Also.. getting the people to stand up and fight.. Well
that's another story... Here in Elkhart there were a few... Now that
the ruleing has come to pass... We have heard more about it .. for the
users... I think if we could have gotten the same agreement that the
sysops in Texas did .. We all would have been happy... I just hope
this time people speak up.. If we all stick togother we do have a
chance of winning... I think many of the people around here thought
... That is a problem for the sysop's .. Well it's a problem for all of
us... I hope something can be done before it's to late... Thanks for
careing... I hope others will follow.... Before this great hobbie is
turned into something none of us can afford.....
Tom Battler After Five' BBS
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-15-90 (22:40) Number: 589
To: VICTOR DURA Refer#: NONE (Msg #143 of 200)
From: EARL BOONE Read: NO (Thread #4 of 13)
Subj: FCC/PCO. RIP PT.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> What I am suggesting is that we petition the FCC to declare that
-> a BBS with no more than TWO lines attached to modems, AND
-> which charges not more than $5.00/month 1990 dollars, may
-> not be involuntarily classified as a business user.
COSUARD in Texas got a favorable ruling for three BBS lines although the
charges are limited to ZERO $ per month. I'd like to support your plan
but I'd like to see it adjusted to three lines and perhaps a slightly
lower monthly charge. Is it obvious that I run a 3 node board?
---
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: EBBBS ■ Wilmington ■ DE ■ (302)239-0854
■ QNet 2.04: Cheers! - Southern ILink Regional Host - Memphis, TN
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-18-90 (23:42) Number: 656
To: VICTOR DURA Refer#: NONE (Msg #150 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #11 of 13)
Subj: FCC/PCO. RIP PT.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> Tom, Thanks for the encouraging comments. You're right that the
-> difficult part is getting people to fight. But the fight is not lost
-> yet, even for those in Elkhart. If we can successfully get a FCC
-> rule-making through, the Phone Co. would have to roll-back the
-> business classification of those BBS that do not fit the new rule. I
-> jus hope we can get people
Victor...
If there were more people that would have gotten involved when this
happened.. I think we would have had a fighting chance... I hope what
ever area they hit next the people will band togother and fight... They
have hit a small target area... we did not have the support from the
people in this area.. Now all the boards are going to pay or
contribution systems.... I talked to one sysop here in town .. And he
feels very bad about asking for the support of the users on his system..
But he said it was either they helped or he would have no choice but to
close down his board... It really is a shame to see this happen... I
understand how he feels... Lets hope this will not spread nation wide..
This is a great hobbie.... I would sure hate to see many of the boards
close... We have some very fine ones..
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-21-90 (06:37) Number: 680
To: VICTOR DURA Refer#: NONE (Msg #151 of 200)
From: DON KIMBERLIN Read: NO (Thread #12 of 13)
Subj: FCC/PCo. Rip Pt.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
VD> OK, so what do we do to try to prevent the local phone companies
VD>from strangling the "hobby" BBS? ...... I have an idea.
..And it soounds like something that just *might* work, too!
VD>.... I think what we need to do is petition the FCC for a rule-making
VD> which would, in effect, bar local phone companies from arbitrarily
VD> reclassifying a residential phone line to a business phone line simply
VD> because it is attached to a computer running a BBS.
..You're right that it's a good idea, largely due to another one of those
"trade secrets" of the phone companies...that they are only regulated by
their various state Utility Commissions. In fact, the FCC has been
usurping the authority of State regulators for several years now, but your
local Telco doesn't want you to get smart about that, either.
..How does the FCC do it? On matters exactly like you raise...items that
the various State regulators have never acted on. So *DO* it! Get those
10,000 or 15,000 letters in Washington like the time before when they
wanted to charge premium rates for database services access..and you will
see the FCC ready to take charge...no foolin'!
(One comment..the language of the letter must be very careful...avoiding
such qualifiers as "arbitrarily." Telco lawyers just love that sort of
thing, and will stand up and shout, "But *WE'RE* not arbitrary! We're The
Phone Company, and there's not an arbitrary bone in our bodies. If you
don't believe us, just ask our buddies in the next phone company!"
..Or, "How *DARE* you even suggest we are arbitrary. It takes one phone
company to know another, any only one of us can even *TELL* if another is
being arbitrary...which of course we would never be, anyway."
..If all of this sounds like an 1876 stage play, it really is, because they
still love to wave the ghost of Alexander Graham Bell around on such
topics, and they usually bluster their way into winning.
..Thus my caution about the language.)
..BIT, don't stop! Get some careful, non-pick-apart-able words into a
reasonably short letter and get the FCC flooded. I think you'll find that
*THEY* like the notion. It gives them the sort of thing they want to do
...to do!
We have to be reasonable about this, and remember that
VD>we are trying to save the BBS hobbyist, and not the BBS with 15-lines
VD>who charges a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
VD> What I am suggesting is that we petition the FCC to declare that
VD>a BBS with no more than TWO lines attached to modems, AND which
VD>charges not more than $5.00/month 1990 dollars, may not be
VD>involuntarily classified as a business user.
VD> What I am proposing is that, if this suggestion makes sense to
VD>you folks out there in BBS land, that we draft the guts of a letter to
VD>the FCC and get as many people as possible to to write the FCC asking
VD>for this rule. Are there any legal types out there that can help come
VD>up with a draft letter describing, in FCC legaleze, what we want to
VD>do. If so, please contact me via the ILINK TELECOMM conference, or
VD>via Airwaves BBs (205)757-1348, or via mail: Victor Dura, P.O. Box
VD>509, Rogersville, AL 35652
VD> We beat them once, and we can do it again if we stick together.
VD>Please help by staying tuned, and spreading these messages throughout
VD>BBS land. The text if these messages is contained in PCO-RIP.ZIP
VD>which may be downloaded from the following (feel free to add to this
VD>list) BBS:
VD> AirWaves (205)757-1348
VD> ExecPC (414)789-4210 from Mahoney Collection
VD>Regards from Airwaves! => Florence, AL
VD>---
VD> ■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ Read his lips, they LIED!!
VD> ■ QNet 2.04: ILINK: The AirWaves! - Florence, Alabama - (205)757-1348
---
■ SLMR 1.0 ■ I don't want it now, I want it RIGHT now!
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-21-90 (06:37) Number: 681
To: RON UITZ Refer#: NONE (Msg #152 of 200)
From: DON KIMBERLIN Read: NO (Thread #13 of 13)
Subj: FCC/PCO. RIP PT.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
RU>You've obviously given a great deal of thought to your proposed
RU>letter writing campaign to the FCC to propose a rule barring local
RU>phone companies from classifying bbs lines as business lines, but
RU>you'll find that local phone companies are regulated by state
RU>public utility commissions, not the FCC. Even if it wanted to,
RU>the FCC could not promulgate the rule you propose.
..Au contraire, Monsieur! That is precisely the archaic notion the Telcos
WANT you to remember. However, if you really follow the telecommunications
trade press, you will see that the FCC jumps into every opportunity to set
limits on local Telcos that the states ahven't set.
..Prime example: If your local Telco carries long distance across a LATA
boundary (most of which are WITHIN a state), they must now file tariffs
with the FCC in Washington. ..Another: The FCC is setting price cap limits
on how much any Telco can earn, regardless of what the state regulators
say.
..The way it's done: *ANY* transport of communications of an INTERstate
nature is within the purview of the FCC, and they are snatching stuff based
on that right and left. One general rule of late is that so long as the
contents of any transport method exeeds ten percent INTERstate, it's within
FCC purview. So, just be prepared to prove you have more than ten percent
INTERstate content and you're in the FCC ballpark.
..But, ten Sysops in Indiana can't get the FCC to act unless they can hire
a lawyer. However, 15,000 of us can do it with individual letters to the
FCC where one of their lawyers gets the idea that it's something neat they
can do for the whole nation.
..Local Telcos out of reach of Washington and the FCC? Not any more! (In
fact, if you read the smaller news, you find out that LOCAL Telcos have a
$20 Million lobbying operation going in Washington. That's sure not to
promote things in their state legislatures!)
---
■ SLMR 1.0 ■ What the heck happened here??!!
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-22-90 (00:18) Number: 727
To: JOSEPH ROSENMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #63 of 200)
From: GIL LEVITCH Read: NO (Thread #2 of 62)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
JR>Well, I'd be happy to add my name to the list, but I believe the FCC is
JR>so hopelessly in bed with the telecommunications industry (can I say
JR>that here? ) that it is a vert lost cause. The FCC is NO friend of the
I used to be in Broadcasting (seems like an eternity) and I never found
the FCC to lack understanding if the cause was a good one, but that may
have changed. I think I referenced (in a previous message) that perhaps
the best way to challenge Ma Bell, and her cousin GTE, etc., would be to
go after each individual state's Public Service Commission. I didn't
know until the other day that these commissions control the phone
companies in each state.
...Gil
---
■ DeLuxe² #607s ■
■ QNet 2.04: ILink: The Fifth Dimension, Louisville, Ky (502)423-8654
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-20-90 (07:35) Number: 738
To: JEFF FREEMAN Refer#: NONE (Msg #75 of 200)
From: JAY CLARK Read: NO (Thread #14 of 62)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
JF@Self defeating? Not to the phone co. What few lines that people dropped
@would also come with a larger drop in useage of equipment. BBS folks
@tend to use the phone equipment more heavily then regular users. I'd
@guess most bbs users don't have a second line<like the serious users
@do>. So they aren't generating "extra" income to the phone co. They are
@just upping the number of calls and time used on the same line they've
@had. If the line is flat fee then the phone co gains nothing.
No, no, no .....
Do NOT conceed this point ever, BBSing takes place during evening hours
when the telco plant is otherwise IDLE, why do they have evening rates ?
It is to encourage the use of the system and bring in $$$$ that the
plant would not otherwise generate ....
JF@The method that I see as fair to judge rates would be based on amount
#of time the line was in use. I don't think it's fair for a bbs that
Wash your mouth out with SOAP, local measured service is not a good
idea (IF) it is only applied to BBS systems. In effect the BBSers
would be subsidizing the voice traffic, which would NOT work, and which
WOULD kill off BBSing.
@gets 5-6 10 min calls a day to pay the same rate as a bbs that stays
@busy 23.99 hours a day with folks robo-dialing it. Local measured
#service would slow/kill alot of bbs's.
I have been BBSing for a while now, and folks who are on line (outgoing)
23 hours a day are few and far between. If a line is busy 23 hours a
day in bound, then there are folks at the far end who are paying for
their lines in order to be able to make that call.
I would like to see some stats on just how many 2nd lines are out there
only to support the BBS habit.
Until the ex moved out (and took the board with her) I had three lines,
one voice, one for BBSing and one for the board (DataSpace). I am
waiting now, only until I get another job, to add a second line for
a new board.
I work in the telco industry, and agree that the local BOCs (Bell
Operating Companies) lost a lot of revinue due to the breakup.
But they aint never gonna recover it by charging the poor BBS's more.
If someone is running a board, as a commercial operation, then he should
pay commercial rates. If he is running it as a hobby only (even if he
accepts small donations) he should pay no more that a Bird Watcher who
uses his voice line to call other bird watchers with a "Grackle Alert".
Remember at all times that telco management has raised stupidity to an
art form. They may wake up one morning and think "charging BBS's
for measured service will solve all our problems" and put it into
effect.
Of course it will not solve their problems, but it will KILL the hobby
cause they will never go back ....
---
■ SLMR 1.05 ■ Don't jump on a man unless he's down.
■ ILink ■ Higher Powered BBS ■ Sunnyvale CA ■ 408-737-9447
■ QNet 2.04: Cheers! - Southern ILink Regional Host - Memphis, TN
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-22-90 (09:34) Number: 742
To: RICHARD BERNARD Refer#: NONE (Msg #81 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #20 of 62)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
RB» Sorry to bud in, But what happened in Texas? If you do not mind
│telling.
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Well.. as I understand it, the local Phone Company (Bell?) decided
that EVERYONE with a board was a business. The local sysops got
together and developed an organization called COSUARD.. Coalition of
Sysops and Users against Rate Discrimination. (Say that five times
quickly while drinking a glass of water!). .. COSUARD's membership
included the sysop of 'Olde Bailey', which was a lawyer's board. Well,
they had to sue to get the attention of the phone folk. The PUC in
Texas took a look at the case, and there was significant negotiation.
They got a new hearing examiner around the time that Bell made an
offer: You can have 3 lines, accept NO compensation at all, and keep
your residential rates. If you accept ANY compensation, you are a
business, and will be charged business rates. If you have more than 3
lines, you are a business and will be charged business rates.
That is where it sits now, however, there was a new hearing judge
appointed to the case, and last I heard, he was a BBS USER!! So
there is still a little hope there that all non-commercial BBS systems
might be saved...
---
■ SM 1.00 ----- ■ Slow programmers Prog-crastinate....
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-22-90 (11:22) Number: 745
To: JAY CLARK Refer#: NONE (Msg #87 of 200)
From: BILL BLOMGREN Read: NO (Thread #26 of 62)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
JC» Geez den, and I am confused on how an individual town can be a
│locus. Usualy the PUC, which I think is statewide, would have to
│pass on rate increases.
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
When the change in rates is simply applying a definition already in
the tariff, you are in deep ca ca... The state doesn't get involved
unless you spend a BUNCH of $$$ in legal expenses...
JC»│Gad Zooks and now I am worried, the other operating companies
│gotta be watching this one like hawks ....
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Yep.. and it is spreading. Some areas won't get hit, like Chicago,
where they have measured rate service... In that area, unless you are
an off-line reader, you get hit for $$$ every time you read a message.
---
■ SM 1.00 ----- ■ Support taglings! Let them grow to full 55 char. lines!
■ RNet 1.05J:ILink: ■SPPE■ St Petersburg,FL ■ 813-527-5666 & 525-2326
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-23-90 (01:10) Number: 776
To: JAY CLARK Refer#: NONE (Msg #96 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #35 of 62)
Subj: FCC Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> Gad Zooks and now I am worried, the other operating companies gotta
-> be watching this one like hawks ....
Jay..
Well there are several telephone companies that serve Indiana... The
only attack was the boards in the GTE north calling area... Here in
Elkhart .. There were a few other boards that closed down .. Now a few
miles away in So. Bend several closed.. But they are served by Bell...
We have GTE... The state PSC ruled in favor of GTE and they are being
watched by several other phone companies ... I wonder if anyone knows
about the way General Motors is transmitting there data.. I hear they
will have there own system in place in the very near future to handle
all orders from there dealers... SOunds just like what we need here...
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
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BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-22-90 (17:04) Number: 703
To: DON KIMBERLIN Refer#: 681 (Msg #125 of 200)
From: VICTOR DURA Read: NO (Thread #2 of 10)
Subj: FCC/PCO. RIP PT.2 Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DK>..But, ten Sysops in Indiana can't get the FCC to act unless they can hi
DK>a lawyer. However, 15,000 of us can do it with individual letters to th
DK>FCC where one of their lawyers gets the idea that it's something neat th
DK>can do for the whole nation.
Yes, I agree Don. The FCC (or any politically dominated regulatory
agency for that matter) will side with who ever they're supposed to be
regulating only when it appears to them that the public is indifferent
to a proposal. But when the is a ground swell of PUBLIC sentiment on
an issue, they like to play the role of public guardian and hero. Plus
they always have in the back of their little bureaucratic minds an
acute awareness of who their bosses are and who elects those bosses.
If the FCC was to start receiving thousands of letters asking for a
rule-making which defined a BBS with less than 3-lines and charging
less than $60/year (1990 dollars), as a hobby. I'm sure it would happen.
I would be willing to bet that they would even have their staff lawyers
draft the regulation in proper legalese.
Regards from Airwaves! BBS=>Florence, AL
---
■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ Read his lips, they LIED!!
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-25-90 (22:10) Number: 829
To: VICTOR DURA Refer#: NONE (Msg #184 of 200)
From: TOM BATTLER Read: NO (Thread #4 of 5)
Subj: P.CO.BBS BUSINESS CHARGES Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-> No Tom, I don't have Cosaurd on my local BBS. Actually, I never heard
-> of it until Dennis mentioned it, and still don't know what kind of
-> conference it is.
Victor..
I have it here on After five.. It deals with the problems we now have
with the phone companies... I did receive a message from Dennis that it
is ok to continue this thread here... Hope you and your family had a
Merry Christmas .... Have a good one CUL
Tom
---
* ORIGIN:ILink:After Five BBS * Elkhart,IN * (219) 262-1370
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-27-90 (10:54) Number: 831
To: ALL Refer#: NONE (Msg #186 of 200)
From: VICTOR DURA Read: NO (Thread #1 of 4)
Subj: PhoneCo Rips Home BBSs Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
NOTE: The following text, as well as other pertinent information,
examples and Threads is contained in the file PCORIP.ZIP which can be
found at least on the BBS listed below. If interested, save time and
download. Upload to other BBS where ever you can. Spread the word. We
need all the help we can get!!!!
AirWaves BBS: 205/757-1348
EXEC-PC BBS (Mahoney Collection): 414/789-4210
Compuserve Forums: COCO, CBMCOM, EPSON, IBMBBS, MACCOMM, OS9
The purpose of the letter which we are asking you to write the FCC is to
ask them (the FCC) for a Rule-Making action which would prevent local
phone companies from applying "business" rates to the hobbyist BBS
provided that the BBS is: a) located in a residence, b) has less than
3-phone lines permanently connected to modems, and c) charges less than
$60/year in 1990 dollars.
Already, several local phone companies have applied business rates to
small BBSs, thus causing them to close down. Notice that we are not
trying to prevent "business" rates from being applied to larger BBSs
which are more logically business type operations, even though they
don't make much money. We are trying to protect the "at home"
HOBBYIST with one or two lines, that uses his BBS strictly for
communication with others and exchanging information. We believe that
there is no significant difference in the phone line usage between a
hobby BBS and any other family with a couple of teenagers living in the
household. To apply business rates to lines because their owner chooses
to communicate via computer rather than voice is illogical and unfair.
Please take this opportunity to contact the FCC. They love to let things
slide, and to save something, all it takes is a LOT of people writing
letters like what is provided below. It's been done before for ham
radio -- it can be done here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------ HOW TO WRITE TO THE FCC -------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a do-it-yourself-kit for writing to the FCC regarding a
request for a Rule-Making to prevent local phone companies from applying
business rates to home computer BBS users. Before we get started with
the actual "form letter," let me take this opportunity to make a few
comments regarding letters to the FCC.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T BOTHER WITH THE SAMPLE LETTER STUFF, THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION IS USEFUL AND IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF YOUR LETTER.
1) If you really want to make an impression on the Commissioners, SEND
MORE THAN ONE COPY OF YOUR letter. Send FIVE copies, one to each
Commissioner. Even better, include your Senator and Congressman in
on this. This will be very helpfully because if the politicos smell
some votes in it, they'll keep an eye on the FCC about this. That
will make it much more difficult for the FCC to ignore us.
2) DON'T SEND FORM LETTERS! While we referred to this message as a
"form letter," it really isn't. Form letters are usually not worth
the effort you put into them. Why, you ask? Well, while each form
letter you send gets counted as a vote, it can be rejected later.
If it turns out that we win this issue, it is entirely probable
that OUR OPPONENTS WILL ASK TO GO THROUGH EACH AND EVERY letter. If
they can show that 100 letters are identical (or closely similar)
with the exception of the signature, THEY CAN BE REDUCED TO ONLY
ONE VOTE! Make sure your letter is sufficiently different enough
not to get caught by this.
3) LIMIT YOUR MAIN ARGUMENTS TO ONE PAGE. If you want to go into more
detail, augment your document with additional pages expanding on
your original comments, keying to those original points. Number
your points.
4) Give REASONABLE REASONS why you are asking for this Rule-Making.
You can't just say that you want the rule-making without a sound,
rationale. REMEMBER THAT THE OPPOSITION WILL READ EACH AND EVERY
letter YOU SEND, if they think they can spot a weakness.
5) MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO. How important
you are actually makes a difference. If you have a certain
expertise, or if you have a degree of some sort, TELL THEM THAT. It
counts a lot for what the commissioners think if they know you are
someone who knows what you are talking about. If you run a
service, are an administrator, offer services to the public, etc.,
briefly describe what you do and why.
6) DOUBLE SPACE YOUR DOCUMENT. This can make the difference between
your letter being read or just counted! If your letter is CLEAR,
DOUBLE SPACED, and CONCISE, it will be read and given a better
subjective value.
************** Continued in next message in thread ********************
Regards from Airwaves! BBS=>Florence, AL
---
■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ Read his lips, they LIED!!
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-27-90 (10:54) Number: 832
To: ALL Refer#: NONE (Msg #187 of 200)
From: VICTOR DURA Read: NO (Thread #2 of 4)
Subj: PhoneCo Rips Home BBSs Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD (Read)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
***************** Continued from previous message in Thread **************
7) GET YOUR NEIGHBORS INTO THE ACT. If your friends and/or neighbors
are familiar with your activities and support you and your
activities, ask them to write a letter to the FCC expressing their
concern over how this issue might affect your community. If you
can get local officials to do the same, great! Letterheads and many
copies make the BEST response.
8) MAKE SURE THE DATE IS ON THE LETTER. It is important that the
reader be made aware that this isn't an old letter. Put the date on
your document. And, of course, DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING SUBJECT LINE AND PROPOSAL SECTIONS:
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR RULE-MAKING PREVENTING AND REPEALING THE
APPLICATION OF "BUSINESS" RATES TO HOME-BASED COMPUTER
ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM (BBS) HOBBYIST BY LOCAL
PHONE COMPANIES
PROPOSAL: A Commission instituted Rule-Making that would, in
effect, prohibit and repeal the application of "business"
rates to home-based computer electronic bulletin board
systems (BBSs) used by computer HOBBYIST, provided that
such BBS is a) located in a private residence, b) has
fewer than three telephone lines permanently connected to
it, and c) accepts only voluntary contributions not
exceeding $60 per year (1990 dollars) per member.
These two sections should be the only parts of our letters which
are EXACTLY the same on all letters The Commission receives. Since
our letters do not pertain to an existing FCC Docket, it is
important that the readers of these letters know that they all
apply to the same Rule-Making request. Until a docket number is
assigned to this issue, this is the only way we can do it.
9) Lastly, remember that this is going to be a very important point in
future rule-making efforts. Any time the phone company wins a
battle, whether by apathy or some other means, it is a big step for
them in the future. If the FCC fails to act on this issue, it's
likely that you will see more of the same later on.
Even if you don't bother with this proposal, you have a vested interest
in what happens to it. Eventually, THIS *WILL* AFFECT YOU!
Okay, enough preaching. On to the "form letter." Basically, you will
want to create a letter which has the name of the FCC at the top, AS
WELL AS A CLEAR INDICATION AS TO THE SUBJECT of the letter.
Here's an example first page header:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Request to the │
│ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION │
│ Washington DC 20554 │
│ │
│ SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR RULE-MAKING PREVENTING AND REPEALING THE │
│ APPLICATION OF "BUSINESS" RATES TO HOME-BASED COMPUTER │
│ ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM (BBS) HOBBYIST BY LOCAL │
│ PHONE COMPANIES │
│ │
│ PROPOSAL: A Commission instituted Rule-Making that would, in │
│ effect, prohibit and repeal the application of "business"│
│ rates to home-based computer electronic bulletin board │
│ systems (BBSs) used by computer HOBBYIST, provided that │
│ such BBS is a) located in a private residence, b) has │
│ fewer than three telephone lines permanently connected to│
│ it, and c) accepts only voluntary contributions not │
│ exceeding $60 per year (1990 dollars) per member. │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ TO: The Commission │
│ │
│ COMMENTS OF <your full name>, <any professional titles> │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
After you have created the header, you can begin your text,
DOUBLE-SPACED.
Begin by expressing who you are and any specific titles, duties, or any
responsibilities that might qualify you as someone who has a vested
interest in what the local phone companies are doing. Even only as a
user of this network is suitable. Now is NOT the time to be humble,
however. Just tactfully explain what makes you significant to this
proposal. YOU'RE OUT TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION. DO SO! (Don't be verbose,
however.)
Then, begin listing the reasons (numbered) WHY you support this
request for a Rule-Making. The more reasonable the reason, the better.
BE CONCISE and clear. If you need to go into detail, refer the reader
to attached pages.
********************* Continued in next message in Thread **************
Regards from Airwaves! BBS=>Florence, AL
---
■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ T.H.R.O. them ALL out! Vote an Alternative Party!
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-27-90 (10:54) Number: 833
To: ALL Refer#: NONE (Msg #188 of 200)
From: VICTOR DURA Read: NO (Thread #3 of 4)
Subj: PhoneCo Rips Home BBSs Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
*************** Continued from previous message in Thread **************
Here's an example:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ I am a user of local HOBBYIST BBS Services. I frequently make use │
│ │
│ of such services to obtain information of various types from sources │
│ │
│ that would otherwise be unavailable to me. The information I obtain │
│ │
│ allows me to <something...>. │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
After you've explained who you are, and have shown why you have
an interest in this issue, continue with...
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ I strongly support the proposal that the Commission institute a Rule-│
│ │
│ Making which would prevent local phone companies from applying │
│ │
│ business rates to home HOBBYIST computer BBS for the following │
│ │
│ reasons: │
│ │
│ 1. <reason one> │
│ │
│ 2. <reason two> │
│ │
│ 3. <whatever comments you feel appropriate to your situation> │
│ │
│ I believe that the Commission has authority over this matter, because│
│ │
│ a significant percentage of phone call placed to local BBSs are │
│ │
│ interstate in nature. │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Here are some Example Reasons: (Anybody who wants to add to this list,
please feel free to do so.)
1. Computer BBSing is a form of communication. No different in nature
from voice communication; only more efficient. Charging higher rates
because a computer is used rather than voice makes no sense.
2. A significant portion of calls received by a BBS are interstate, and
therefor this issue is within the jurisdiction of the FCC.
3. Phone line usage by a hobbyist BBS is no more than that used by
a family with a couple of teenagers in the household.
4. The much of the information available to a person using a BBS is not
available in any other way. That small amount of information that
could be obtained by other means, would not be as timely or as as
conveniently obtained.
5. Use of a BBS is the only means of obtaining certain types of
information if you are handicapped or otherwise unable to travel
CONVENIENTLY.
6. Since much or all of the cost of operating a hobbyist BBS is born by
the hobbyist, the additional charges of a "business" line will cause
the closing of many of the sources of information. Areas in which
local phone companies have forced "business" rates on the hobbyist
have lost lost a significant number of hobbyist BBSs within months of
the imposition of those new charges.
Remember, you don't need to be verbose to get your point across. You
want to make sure the reader understands why you feel the way you do.
If you need additional material in order to accomplish this, feel
free to include additional pages, however if you are only interested
in making your feelings known and don't want to get really in-depth,
the simple statements like the ones pictured above are sufficient to
make your point.
Finally, follow up your reasons with a nice suffix like:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Respectfully submitted, │
│ <sign in BLACK INK> │
│ <your spelled-out name and title> │
│ │
│ │
│ <your street address> │
│ <your city, state, and zip code> │
│ <THE DATE> │
│ CC: <name of your U.S. Senator> │
│ <name of your U.S. Congressman> │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Black ink is important when you sign your letter. I don't know why this
is, but bureaucrats like it and have a hard time dealing with other
colors. Also, make sure that you send the original.
******************** Continued in next message in Thread **************
Regards from Airwaves! BBS=>Florence, AL
---
■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ George Bush has the lips of a LIER!!
«
»
BBS: The AirWaves! BBS - North Alabama's ILink Connection 205-757-1348
Date: 12-27-90 (10:54) Number: 834
To: ALL Refer#: NONE (Msg #189 of 200)
From: VICTOR DURA Read: NO (Thread #4 of 4)
Subj: PhoneCo Rips Home BBSs Status: PUBLIC MSG
Conf: TELECOMM (13) Direction: FORWARD
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
*************** Continued from previous message in Thread **************
The key to remember is that you are out to make a feasible point about
the proposal. You don't want to sound like you don't know what you are
talking about, so be sure of your facts. You can best do this by being
concise, clear, correct, and impressive. The impressive part comes to
bear when you consider arrangement and looks of your document as well as
your status in the topic under consideration.
If you have any questions, please contact me! This document was
prepared by Victor Dura, ILINK Telecommunication conference, Dec, 1990
The above suggestions and format were adapted from those written by Kent
Paul Dolan, Old Dominion University, Norfolk Va. regarding an earlier
FCC proposal for surcharges to Enhanced Service Providers.
Here are the names and addresses of the FCC Commissioners to write to:
The Hon. A. C. Sikes,
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
Honorable James H. Quello
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
Honorable S. P. Marshall
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
Honorable A. Barrett
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
Honorable Ervin Duggan,
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
1919 M. Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Regards from Airwaves! BBS=>Florence, AL
---
■ DeLuxe² #7238 ■ Read his lips, they LIED!!
«
