Previously published in Network World, April 24, 1995.
Copyright (c) 1995 Douglas E. Welch
dewelch@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~dewelch/
The SLC is used by the regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) to help defray the costs of providing services to rural telephone users without charging these users for the extra maintence required for the longer runs of telephone wire. All phone users pay the SLC into a pool to insure that rural users don't have to pay exhoribitant fees to establish their phone service.
ISDN technology has been lanquishing for years without a business focus to drive its use. Today, with the growing Internet and telecommuting needs of all businesses ISDN is finally being recognized as a viable alternative to dial-up modem lines or expensive dedicated T-1 or Frame Relay circuits. Telecommunications companies are just starting to learn how to provide these services, businesses are just learning how to make the best use of them and the FCC wants to bring even this slow progress to a painful halt.
In the past one physical telephone line could only carry one logical telephone connection and was therefore assessed one subscriber line charge (SLC). ISDN can carry up to 2 logical connections on the same line. Despite the fact that the physical telephone line has not changed and ISDN actually makes better use of the telephone line, the FCC sees 2 logical connections and wants to charge for both. It is time for the FCC to join the 20th Century and realize the capabilities and realities of digital communications. There is no need for another SLC charge since there are no extra physical connections being used. ISDN is already more expensive than standard POTS telephone service. Shouldn't this be enough?
This increase in the ISDN rates is sure to cripple the use of ISDN for everyone. Telephone companies are just now providing widespread capabilty for ISDN for most urban areas in response to the pent up demand for an inexpensive way to connect branch offices, telecommuting sites and employees home offices to the corporate LAN and the Internet. In some cases, the FCC ruling will double the cost of an ISDN line. These companies have made a commitment to ISDN equipment and services. If these services are under-utilized they will have to charge even higher rates to insure a return on their invcestment. How are telecommunications companies expected to pay for this investment in new technology when the government suddenly makes the use of ISDN less attractive? How are Internet service companies suppossed to drive the growth of the Internet? How are companies supposed to comply with growing anti-pollution legislation when the FCC seems intent on removing the one relatively inexpensive option they have?
When is the federal goverment going to start assisting the online services industry, one of the fastest growing industries in America and maybe even the world, instead of hampering it with punative rulings and legislation that is both outdated and poorly formed? While new technology calls for new legislation it is important that the federal government doesn't apply outdated reasoning to cutting edge technology. The FCC should protect the promise of ISDN and charge one SLC for one physical telephone line connection. ISDN has had a difficult time coming to fruition and it certainly doesn't need any more enemies now.
If you want to be a friend of ISDN and other emerging technologies, get involved in the Federal Government's decisions today. You can write or fax directly to the FCC (The Honorable Reed Hundt, 1919 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20554) or fill out one of the many petitions available via email or World Wide Web sites. Our representatives need guidance in navigating the rocky waters of the technological future. Make your opinions known. The technology you save may be your own.