FYI, AT&T Bypasses FCC
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Rusty Weiss Published on March 22, 2007 |
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 Cingular Wireless is staging a protest over ‘termination fees’ by blocking calls to local phone companies in Iowa. These local companies are involved in lawsuits with its parent company, AT&T.The problem appears to arise from an underhanded technique used by businesses which offer free teleconferencing, to exploit a loophole in the way FCC charges network connect fees. Because of this, AT&T claims, they are losing money.
But according to Attorney Jonathan E. Canis, the law in the area clearly states that, “Carriers cannot block traffic as a way to settle disputes."
Seems to be a pretty straightforward law. But wait…
Cingular has a clause in their service agreement which states:
[Cingular] may block access to certain categories of numbers (e.g. 976, 900 and certain international destinations) or certain web sites if, in our sole discretion, we are experiencing excessive billing, collection, fraud problems or other misuse of our network.
And so, the debate rages on. Which business will find a way to jump through the most hoops to make a greater profit?
[Via ePluribus Media]
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