🚀 go-pugleaf

On 13-Aug-96 09:23:18, abeech assaulted me about Re: Timed local calls for
Internet users...

 a>:  a> How many people have heard the rumors that Telstra have applied to
 a>:  the a> Government seeking approval to time charge local Internet calls?
 a>:
 a>: It isnt supposed to be rumour, nor is it JUST internet calls. I think it
 a>: a is a kite flown to see if anyone gets upset, so far but it is supposed
 a>: to be on ALL data calls. To me, a data call is an Internet call, a BBS
 a>: call and also a fax call. None of them are voice, so they HAVE to be
 a>: data.

 a> I called it ``rumors'' as I didn't cite the original Melbourne Age article
 a> nor did I hear the 612-4QR news item.  The information I have had has been
 a> largely third hand.

 a> You are quite right about data = Internet || BBS || FAX.

Unfortunately, it seems so. ;-{ Still, when the businesses get their teeth into
this, arent THEY going to spew, too? ;-}


 a>:  a> Apparently this story first hit the wire in the Melbourne Age earlier
 a>:  a> this week.  I've also heard via my folks that a brief news item about
 a>:  a> this issue went to air on 612 4QR on Wednesday.
 a>:
 a>: Well, if they only got it then, they certainly are slow. It's been out 2
 a>: or 3 weeks that I know about.

 a> It must have been a slow news day!

More likely Melbourne was clsoed that month! <GRIN>


 a>: Here's something better for you. I have contacted Optus and at this
 a>: stage, they have no plans on timed local calls as Telstra is trying to do
 a>: and will allow any Austel approved modem (meaning your current one) to be
 a>: able to attach to their network. Do what I will do when they make it and
 a>: change to Optus! Also threaten to sue your local council if they delay
 a>: Optus!

 a> Did Optus give any indication as to how long they will go with a static
 a> local call charge structure?  Wil this be a case of sucking the people
 a> in and then chewing 'em up?

Only time will tell. I asked them what THEIR plans are on timed local calls and
the guy replied that they have no such plans on the board or even RUMOURED for
now but was quick to add that this is NOW. He said "I cant tell you what might
happen a year from now" and that was fair enough, too.


 a>:  a> BTW, there is no need to get hot headed and abusive when talking with
 a>:  a> Telstra staff.  They are only doing their jobs.  Such matters arise
 a>:
 a>: You might even find they know nothing about it. ;-}

 a> Yeap found that out !!!

Ask them what day it is, sometime. The only reason they know the time is because
it is recorded! ;-}


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| Greg Hope, Sysop of Amiga's Sci-Fi BBS   gregh@zip.com.au              |
|Are you old when you enjoy a good headbanger record with others over 40?|
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