Congress agrees on a tough bill to wipe out on-line obscenity

Article Abstract:

The House-Senate conference committee preparing a final version of the telecommunications bill votes 17-to-16 to include a measure that prohibits the transfer of 'indecent' materials and obscenity over computer networks. The agreement in principle represents a rejection of a proposed compromise that would have banned material 'harmful to children,' a phrase that has a more narrow and precise legal definition. The agreement in principle garners immediate criticism from civic rights groups and is a setback for on-line services, which are concerned about the potential for future lawsuits. The conference committee did not agree on the final language that will be included in the bill, but the measure they approved imposes fines up to $100,000 and prison terms as long as five years for those who allow minors to access the indecent materials. On-line services are protected if they make a 'good faith' effort to keep the material from children.

Telegraph & other communications, Specialized Telecom Services, Online services, Internet services, United States. Congress

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F.C.C. plans to attack overseas phone rates

Article Abstract:

The FCC will propose several steps to reduce telephone rates charged by foreign carriers to American long-distance carriers to complete overseas calls. The FCC is targeting inflated settlement rates, payments made between telephone companies for call completions. American carriers now pay $5 billion to foreign carriers, a reflection of the fact that more calls are sent overseas than received. The FCC is expected to lower the settlement rates and to propose measures against foreign carriers who resist the new pricing structure. Analysts anticipate such resistance from foreign governments, which have already objected to the FCC's attempt to regulate overseas telephone calls. Some experts contend that while the FCC's proposals will help consumers, they may damage the telephone markets in developing countries. Others note that competition has already begun to reduce rates.

Long Distance Telephone Svc, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Prices and rates, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Long distance telephone services, Long-distance telephone service, International communication, International communications

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