Re: UKNM: Free ISPs given all-clear

[ben]

On 10 Mar, Colborne, Giles wrote:

> In case you didn't see it, Oftel's ruling on free ISPs looks set to preserve

> the Freeserve model.

> 

> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_294000/294113.stm 

> 

> Phew!

> 

> -Giles

 

Well actually it does more than that, it allows companies to decide how

much they wish to charge for the call. Hence it will be possible to

charge slightly more than a local rate call (say for direct access to

game servers), the same as a local rate call or (provided you accept

little or no revenue) less than a local rate call. From early next year

it will be possible for ISPs to charge a monthly subscription and offer

a daytime phone charge of 1p a minute and 0.5p at evenings and weekends.


Why this wasn't possible when it was first suggested 3 years ago I'll

never know but it does show one thing. There will never be free

unlimited access across phone lines (unless xstream can afford to

absorb a penny a minute with advertising revenue). For free unlimited

access, ADSL or Cable Modems will be essential. Hopefully they will be

available before the phone network crumbles to a halt.


Ben 

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