On 13 Apr 98 01:17pm, MARK LEWIS wrote to TERRY MAY:
 ML> because the per-minute charges would be levied on internet 
 ML> connections not bbs'... the callers would "rebel" against the 
 ML> charges and so not call/connect to the internet... instead they 
 ML> would (most likely) (re)start calling the bbs systems...
I really think this thread's off-topic for this echo, but there's
this point to ponder:
The individual bbs _could_ be adversely affected IF a per-minute
incoming call fee is imposed on "data communications providers"
AND (like the "business" service definition) the definition of
what's one is broad enough to include a "hobby" bbs AND the local
phone companies choose to impose the fee on a "hobby" bbs (or they
don't have a choice).  The danger to the true "hobby" bbs sysop (and
bbs) is that the bbs share of the market is now so relatively small
that it doesn't have the political "clout" it had when local phone
companies tried to charge business rates for bbs lines, which is to
say it won't be able to get any "special" treatment to assure its
survival.
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