On Internet, playing fair may mean paying up

Article Abstract:

The FCC's proposal to charge network access fees against some companies that provide long-distance telephone service over the Internet has drawn some criticism from the Clinton Administration and Internet advocates, but there is another way to consider the Apr 1998 recommendation. All users of a public communications network such as the Internet should share its costs. The FCC move apparently closes a loophole that allows companies to route telephone calls over the Internet at a lower fee than over the conventional telephone network. Internet phone service presently is not required to participate in the Government's cost-sharing system of the long-distance industry. Disagreements between the FCC and the Clinton Administration stretch beyond Internet freedom. The Clinton Administration seeks to regulate the Internet for what it is, while the FCC wants to regulate the Internet for what it does.

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F.C.C. urges policy changes in cyberspace; Internet phone service would be fee-based

Article Abstract:

The FCC recommended regulating some Internet telephone service, proposing that certain companies would pay the same as long-distance phone carriers. These fees would only apply a small number of companies that are routing conversations over the Internet. A new generation of firms have been undercutting their larger competitors by avoiding numerous Federal charges on traditional carriers. Nearly all US phone companies are required to contribute approximately 4% of their income to a universal service pool, as well as pay per-minute 'access fees' to local phone companies for starting and ending long-distance calls. The first-ever FCC proposal on Internet long-distance company charges represents a conflict with the Clinton Administration 'hands-off' cyberspace policy.

Internet service providers, Internet service provider

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Standoff in cyberspace gulch

Article Abstract:

The debate over Internet security is becoming more heated as users cling to their privacy and law enforcement, in an effort to protect users, attempts to impose rules of engagement. Most users agree that better Internet security is necessary to protect financial information and monitor pornographic material. The real issue is not, however, being addressed. Concerns over security simply highlight the lack of absolute privacy on the Internet. Given absolute privacy, users could effectively control the information and entertainment they access. Further, users would be more likely to reveal preferences and personal information in a completely private environment. Although decency, commercialism and security are all priorities, privacy must remain paramount

Privacy issue, Privacy

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