FCC takes steps to ease confusion by consumers over use of pay phones

Article Abstract:

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposes regulations that will make the pay-telephone industry more responsive to user needs. The agency has proposed a plan that will route collect long-distance calls to the long-distance carrier designated by the receiver. Currently, callers must enter an access code to use their long distance carrier of choice, or use a card issued by their local telephone company. Commissioner Sherrie Marshall cites consumer frustration as the main reason for the proposed change. In a related action, the FCC is working to develop a plan that would simplify the procedure for consumers to choose their long distance carrier when using pay-telephones. Since deregulation of the industry, a number of long distance carriers have entered the market, some of them charging much higher rates than AT&T, Sprint Corp or MCI Communications Corp. The FCC requires carriers to disclose their rates, and allow customers to dial access codes that connect them with their regular long-distance carriers, but problems still persist. Additionally, the FCC is requesting public comment on solutions to AT&T's proprietary calling card, which works only with phones subscribed to AT&T.

Long distance telephone services, End users, User Need, Billing/Invoicing, Long-Distance Telephone Service

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TV Answer ad about lottery upsets FCC

Article Abstract:

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expresses concern about a recent advertising campaign launched by TV Answer Inc. The advertisement urges potential entrepreneurs to become involved in a lottery that will see the award of licenses to operate interactive cable television systems in 734 service areas throughout the US. FCC Chmn Alfred Sikes expressed the concern that the ad resembles a lottery scam, and fails to point out to potential investors that the odds of winning a license are slim. Sikes has directed the FCC's legal staff to investigate the ad's propriety. TV Answer Inc COO Rich Miller counters the FCC complaint by stating that his firm is not taking any money from the prospective applicants, and only wishes to disseminate the message that the licenses are available to the general public. Interactive television would facilitate viewer participation in game shows, public opinion polls and other applications.

Television broadcasting stations, Commercial physical research, Planning, Advertising, Ethics, Licenses, Licensing, Government Regulation, Advertising (Industry), Interactive Cable, TV Answer Inc.

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Nynex Corp. seeks FCC approval to test digital connections for home telephones

Article Abstract:

NYNEX Corp wants to test the use of digital radio communications equipment for local telephone links for the first time. It requests an experimental license from the FCC for the testing program it hopes to conduct in 1991. The FCC usually grants requests for experimental tests as long as existing service is not compromised. This would be the first test of a wireless digital system would be used for conventional residential service in a 'local loop.' NYNEX plans to conduct the test in the areas of New York City; Boston; and White Plains, NY, through New York Telephone Co. The experiment is designed to test two digital radio products: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). While the bands necessary for the test may be available, their availability for permanent use is more problematic.

Radiotelephone communications, Wireless LANs, Testing, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Tests, Digital communications, Digital Communication, NYNEX Corp., Bell Regional Holding Companies, NYN, Wireless Network

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