🚀 go-pugleaf

gregh@zip.com.au (Greg Hope) writes:


>On 09-Aug-96 11:37:31, abeech assaulted me about Timed local calls for Internet
>users...

> a> How many people have heard the rumors that Telstra have applied to the
> a> Government seeking approval to time charge local Internet calls?

>It isnt supposed to be rumour, nor is it JUST internet calls. I think it a is
>a kite flown to see if anyone gets upset, so far but it is supposed to be on
>ALL data calls. To me, a data call is an Internet call, a BBS call and also a
>fax call. None of them are voice, so they HAVE to be data.

From memory, all data calls >9600. This was what I was told early/mid 
last year.

> a> Apparently this story first hit the wire in the Melbourne Age earlier
> a> this week.  I've also heard via my folks that a brief news item about
> a> this issue went to air on 612 4QR on Wednesday.

>Well, if they only got it then, they certainly are slow. It's been out 2 or 3
>weeks that I know about.

This "rumour" has been floating around since at least June 1995. It's 
hardly a new thing.

> a> I strongly suggest that everyone contact their local State and Federal
> a> members of Parliment and voice their objections.  Contact the media and
> a> let them know how you feel.

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

Optus seem to be delaying themselves. I know of people living in suburbs 
that have had the overhead cable [and OptusVision available] for months, 
yet they've been told they cannot have local calls via Optus for a 
further 8 months. 

> a> I'd like to hear from anyone who has any concrete evidence as to what
> a> Telstra is planning in the way of charges per time unit.

>There is nothing CONCRETE as yet. AFAIK, it is still a flyer.

Rubbish. It's inevitable.

D.
--
"In Emptiness, free..."                                      <dth02@uow.edu.au>