FCC bars telecoms from call-blocking |
|
|
|
Published
:
Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:10
|
WASHINGTON (AP) - Long-distance phone companies cannot block customers from dialing free chat lines to avoid incurring charges imposed by local carriers that connect these calls, federal regulators said Tuesday.The Federal Communications Commission said the ruling removes any doubt about whether long-distance companies may use such call blocking tactics to avoid per-minute charges levied by local carriers. It said no carriers 'may block, choke, reduce or restrict traffic in any way.'Several carriers -- including Sprint Nextel Corp., Qwest Communications International Inc., and AT&T Inc. -- have filed lawsuits against rural phone companies that impose higher per-minute rates to long-distance companies for connecting their calls with the local network.The telecom giants have alleged that rural carriers are making illegal deals with conference and chat line services to drive up traffic and revenue.Rural rates range from 2 cents up to 10 cents whereas the major telecoms get paid closer to half a cent per minute when they connect one of their own local customers to a long-distance call from another provider.In its ruling, the agency said the companies should use other means to address alleged unreasonable charges, such as tariff investigations and informal and formal complaints.The agency said several local carriers and consumers were concerned about the call-blocking practice, while long-distance companies have asked the FCC to address the higher charges.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
N.H. bans smoking in bars, restaurants 