Hi again Aleksej,

>>>> We all use VoIP. Optical lines are forever.
>>> Wait until you see Internet shut down or filtered.

>> Are they still talking about charging more $$ for telephone lines in
>> Russia? I'd heard from some Russian points that have been connected
>> here for a long time that this is a real possibility.

> It seems that they've shut up about that in Moscow.

That must be a relief for some people..

> They've also said that modems usage is free (I didn't ever hear that it was
> free - maybe, because it's not for profit to say so), but the control for
> "illegal" free usage of caller number detectors is hardened
now. That damn
> stupid system of them - you can use a number detector, but if you do, you
> should pay for it - i.e., if you send a 500Hz signal into the line when you
> take the phone, you must pay.

I think I understand what you mean.  Is the number detector like our
"caller-id" where it indentifies the calling party's number?  We
also have to pay "extra" for that service here :(

>> As far as seeing the Internet shut down, well, that's not going to
>> happen.  It is already to embedded in normal workplaces here in the

> That's for those who don't believe it can be filtered. ;) Like now Microsoft
> helps doing in China - they filter out words like "freedom of
speech" and
> "democracy". ;) If that's not true, good.

That part is simple :)  Don't trust Microsoft :)

You see, most western companies are in business to make money, and that is
it. They have no "ideals", so to speak.  MS has to filter those
words out of the Chinese News Agency site or they will not be paid...

Take care,
Janis

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