F.T.C. sets new rules on '900' services

Article Abstract:

The Federal Trade Commission implements an Oct 1992 Congressional law by imposing new regulations on 900-telephone-number advertising and practices. Service providers must now prefix a message divulging the total price of all calls costing $2 or more, and informing callers of their option to hang up within three seconds to avoid the charges. They must also display prices next to their 900 numbers in characters at least half as large in all television and print advertising. The odds of winning 900-number contests must also be disclosed, and alternate entry methods revealed. No advertising aimed at children under 12 years old is permitted, and services that provide information on Federal programs must reveal their lack of government affiliation. With their almost $1 billion in 1992 revenues in rapid decline due to bad press and customers refusing to pay their charges, industry representatives protest the new regulations as too burdensome.

Laws, regulations and rules, United States. Federal Trade Commission, Government Regulation, Advertising (Industry), Telecommunications Service, Pricing Policy, Audiotex, Audiotext services, Pay-per-call services, Pay per call services

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'Baby Bell' to offer TV service; Bell Atlantic plans video by phone line

Article Abstract:

Bell Atlantic Corp is developing a new service that would allow users to dial up movies or television programs over ordinary telephone lines. The technology that will enable Bell Atlantic to offer these services was developed by Bellcore, a research consortium owned by the seven regional Bell companies. Bellcore has found a way to send a single channel of high-quality video over ordinary phone lines. Many analysts have assumed that the telephone industry would need special optical fibers to do the job. If the system is implemented, users will be able to choose exactly what they want to watch. They will not be able to watch a variety of shows at one time, nor will they be able to browse through several different channels.

Management consulting services, Engineering services, Planning, Product development, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Bell Atlantic Corp., BEL, Product introduction, Video recordings, Videophones, Strategic Planning, New Technique, Pay Television, Renting, Video Telephones, Bellcore

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