In regards to our recent discussions of the FCC and Internet access, an
article appeared in NewsWeek last week. As it contained information that
appeared contrary to what was decided by the FCC in a prior question, I
e-mailed NewsWeek to determine the sources in the article, and received
the following response.
Perhaps we should continue contacting the FCC?
--------- Begin forwarded message ----------
From: "Scott, Robert" <rscott@nwnet.newsweek.com>
We appreciated your note regarding our story about online access fees
("Offline?" Cyberscope, Jan. 26, 1998). Our statement that the FCC is
"deciding whether to allow local phone companies to charge for every
minute you spend online" was not based on the FCC's 1996-97 Access Reform
proceeding. Rather, our reporting found that the FCC could potentially
recommend -- in its upcoming Report to Congress on Universal Service
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 [*] that the classification of
Internet Service Providers be changed from "enhanced service providers"
to "telecommunications services." If such a recommendation were acted on
by Congress, it would in effect remove the exempt status of ISPs and
leave them open to local access charges. It is this possibility that
concerns Dave McClure, of the Association of Online Professionals, who we
quoted in our story. Thank you for contacting us.
Sincerely,
Robb Scott
Letters
rscott@nwnet.newsweek.com
251 W. 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
*
(http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/1998/da980002.html)
--------- End forwarded message ----------
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