Issue Position: Technology/Telecommunications - Internet Access Charges

Issue Position

A false rumor concerning the United States Postal Service (USPS) is being circulated on Internet e-mail. The rumors allege that the USPS intends to implement a surcharge on e-mail to compensate for losses due to the Internet. One rendition claims that a 'Congressman Schnell' has introduced 'Bill 602P' allowing the federal government to impose a 5-cent surcharge on each e-mail message delivered over the Internet to be collected by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and then turned over to the Postal Service. No such legislation exists. In fact, no 'Congressman Schnell' exists. Moreover, "Bill 602P" is not even a proper label for proposed legislation in the House. The U.S. Postal Service has no authority to surcharge e-mail messages sent over the Internet, nor would it support such legislation.

Another rumor alleges Congress will be voting on legislation to impose fees on Internet e-mail. This rumor apparently stems from a 1997 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal, which was overwhelmingly rejected. The proposal sought to require ISPs to pay local telephone companies for their equipment and facilities when providing Internet service. While the FCC requested public comment on this issue in December 1996, the FCC is not pursuing any action to impose per-minute usage charges on consumer access to ISPs. The FCC has decided to leave the existing rate structure in place and not establish rules allowing local telephone companies to impose per-minute charges on ISPs.

Such rumors about legislative and administrative proposals being considered by the US government are false. I am concerned with the negative impact any type of charges would have on the ability of Americans to communicate and access valuable information. In a rural state like Idaho, access to the Internet ensures that people are able to secure information in a cost-effective manner. I strongly oppose imposing surcharges or adding taxes for using e-mail or the Internet and will continue to oppose any regulations that seek to change the way customers obtain and pay for Internet services.

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