Internet Access Charge . . .

For the past several months, two “chainemail” messages have been circulating about per minute charges forInternet service. After researching this issue, Family Watch has determined that these “chain email” messages ARE COMPLETELY FALSE!

One of the messages states: PHONE COMPANIES FILE TO CHARGE PER MINUTE FOR INTERNET SERVICE. “Your local telephone company has filed a proposal with the FCC to impose per minute charges for your Internet service. They contend that your usage has or will hinder the operation of the telephone network. Internet usage will diminish if users are required to pay additional per minute charges. The FCC has created an email box for your comments, responses must be received by Feb. 13, 1999. Send your comments to isp@fcc.gov and tell them what you think. Every phone company is in on this one, and they are trying to sneak it in just under the wire for litigation. Let everyone you know hear about this.”

BACKGROUND ON MESSAGE #1:

The email address given in this "chain email" alert, isp@fcc.gov, was set up in 1997 as an automated response for a proceeding on this matter. However, in May of 1997, the FCC decided NOT to allow imposition of Interstate access charges on Internet service providers.

The current confusion about Internet charges has been further complicated by the fact that the FCC has decided to consider changes to the "reciprocal compensation" payments made between phone companies. The FCC decision, when it is resolved, will only affect what telephone companies pay one another. It will not affect consumer Internet charges or consumer phone bills.

In response to this FALSE "chain email" message, the FCC has issued a fact-sheet rebutting the allegations. The fact-sheet can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/html. This site explains "reciprocal compensation" and provides additional information about this issue. In addition, the Department of Computer Incident Advisory Capability, a branch of the US Department of Energy that monitors the Internet, has added this internet access charge "chain email" message to its site of Internet hoaxes. This site can be found at : http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACHoaxes.html. This site is a great way to keep track of other Internet hoaxes.

The second email message states:
LOOKS LIKE CONGRESS HAS FOUND ANOTHER WAY TO TAX US.
“There is a new bill in the US Congress that will be affecting all Internet users. You might want to read this and pass it on. CNN stated that the government would in two weeks time decide to allow or not allow a charge to your phone bill each time you access the Internet. Please visit the following URL and fill out the necessary form! The address is http://www.house. gov/writerep. If each one of us forward this message on to others in a hurry, we may be able to prevent this from happening! (Maybe we CAN fight the phone company!)”

BACKGROUND ON MESSAGE #2:

There HAS NOT been a bill introduced in Congress this session (106th Congress) or last session (105th Congress).
BEWARE! BOTH OF THESE EMAIL MESSAGES ARE FALSE. DO NOT RESPOND!

Caution About Responding to Alerts!
1. The alert should include the name of a credible organization – call to verify the information on the alert.
2. If the alert mentions legislation, make sure a bill number is provided. Check federal bills at http://thomas.loc.gov.
3. If you have questions about an alert, call one of the many pro-family groups in your state (Family Watch, Eagle Forum, CWA, Christian Coalition, Right to Life, etc.) and ask them to research the issue for you.

Missouri Home School Update . . .