I found this in USENET and I think it is important.
I apologize if it is inappropriate for the mailling list.
But I would hate to see the FCC approve these charges.

--Cloudshape / Larry Meyer
[my protest letter is attached to the end of this message.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
A very important matter currently under review by the FCC. 

  Local telephone companies have filed a proposal with the FCC to
     impose PER MINUTE CHARGES for your Internet service.

They contend that your usage has or will hinder the operation of the
telephone network. It is my belief that Internet usage will diminish if
users were REQUIRED TO PAY ADDITIONAL PER MINUTE CHARGES. 

The FCC has created an email box for your comments, responses MUST BE
RECEIVED by February 13, 1997.

                             Send your comments to

                                 isp@fcc.gov 

                         and tell them what you think.

----------

From: Cloudshape <darklite@west.net>
To: isp@fcc.gov
Cc: Larry Meyer <darklite@west.net>
Subject: Charges for per minute use of the Internet, i.e. WWW.
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 1997 2:35 AM

To whom it may concern, isp@fcc.gov,
RE: Charges for per minute use of the Internet, i.e. WWW.

The internet is an open stream for the transefer of ideas and culture. To
charge a per minute fee would be deliterious and hurtful to many
individuals.  The internet web of people and business that are in place
have a neighborhood of friendship and interaction that needs to be open

to

expression and to usage. To harm or hinder this net of freedom would harm
and hinder the people themselves.

I implore you to NOT PASS ANY PROCLAMATION TO SET ANY FEE FOR PER MINUTE
USE of the internet.

Thank you for listening,

Larry  Meyer