DW>> but that doesnt stop people, I know several rather prominent Sysops
 DW>> using non approved modems on their BBS lines.. 

 BL>   We were arguing about the specific time (1987-88?) when Telecom was
 BL> challenged by importers. Until then, they claimed the right to vet all
 BL> equipment connected to Telecom lines, and were using it to prevent
 BL> competition. They lost the court case.

I know they did vet people, when i was on viatel, one of the SIGOPS had his
site closed down because he was using non approved modems on viatels own
system 

It had the desired effect of scaring people into doing the percieved right thing.

 BL>   If you look through an old catalogue in that era, you'll find that
 BL> some phones and modems are "Telkecom Authorised" and
others are not. 
 BL> The Communications Act had to be rewritten.

I know, I used to pour over catalogues wanting a faster modem, one of them
new fangled straight 1200 ones.


warm fuzzies,
              teddy


... running wildly in all directions, simultaneously.

--- Spot 1.3a #1394