🚀 go-pugleaf

behlert@nyx.cs.du.edu (Brian Ehlert) writes:
  +
  +From:     mail>LARUET%ETSU.BITNET
  +Subject:  INTERNET FREE ACCESS THREATENED
  +To:       ehlert
  +Cc:
  +Sent:     06/04/93
  +Received: 06/04/93
  
  [letter protesting supposed "subject" deleted]

Folks, 

Forgive the intrusion, but I expect that this note is bogus
and along the lines of the FCC modem tax urban legend.  I
enclose the following:

------------------ begin including stuff -------------------

Date: Mon, 07 Jun 93 07:45:48 EDT
From: Stephen Wolff <steve@cise.cise.nsf.gov>
Subject: panic in the streets...

Someone has evidently papered the world with "INTERNET FREE ACCESS
THREATENED" messages.  This is my response to the first one I saw.  -s


> Most of you are probably aware of a plan to limit free use of
> INTERNET to "scientists" transmitting huge files and to start
> charging for e-mail.  Apparently, this is the result of private
> telecommunications interests putting pressure on the National
> Science Foundation.
>
> If this plan is realized, it will mean that the majority of the
> approximately 15 million users of INTERNET will be cut off.
> Sadly, this is occurring just when the potential of this network
> was starting to be realized.
>
> Something must be DONE.  We can not let private interests deprive
> us of access to INTERNET.
>
> I suggest that all concerned users register their protest/concern
> directly with Clinton and Gore via e-mail.  Their e-mail address
> have recently been posted and they are:
>
> Clinton= PRESIDENT@WHITEHOUSE.GOV
> Gore = VICE.PRESIDENT@WHITEHOUSE.GOV
>
> In addition, I also suggest that we identify the office in the
> NSF which is responsible for INTERNET and register electronic
> protests with them.
>
> Any help or suggestions would be appreciated, especially in
> locating the e-mail address for the office in the NSF.

This is the responsible office in the NSF, and I am the responsible person.

There is no "plan to limit free use of INTERNET..."

In the first place, there is no such thing as "free use of INTERNET".  Each
and every institution with Internet access pays a service provider real money
every year for the institution's connection.  Most institutions do not
however trickle those charges down to users, but pay for them out of general
operating funds.

Service providers, most of whom serve a limited geographical area, attain
national and international coverage via the NSFNET BackBone Service, which
has hitherto been centrally funded by an award to Merit, Inc. and provided
to the regional service providers at no charge.

Since the beginning of the current NSFNET Backbone Service in 1987, a lively
and competitive commercial market in Internet carriage has emerged, with
multiple vendors offering robust, nationwide, commodity-level services.
Continued centralized funding of a Backbone Service by the Foundation is no
longer justified, as it would place the Federal government in direct
competition with the private sector.

Awards made under the currently active solicitation will include awards to
regional networks to purchase backbone service on the open market.  That is,
the NSF will switch from supplier funding to user funding.

The NSF is committed to continuity of network service to the research and
education community; we will take whatever steps are necessary to assure it.

- -s

--------------------- end ----------------------

My apologies for the intrusion.

Terry Chan
--
Energy and Environment Division   | Internet:  TWChan@lbl.gov
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory      | 
Berkeley, California  USA  94720  |  Don't worry, I'm loaded.