Lloyd Bentsen: “I strongly support H.R. 1291, the Internet Access Charge Prohibition Act. This legislation will ensure that Internet…”

“I strongly support H.R. 1291, the Internet Access Charge Prohibition Act. This legislation will ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not required to pay access charges to connect to the Internet. As a result, consumers will continue to have lower prices for their Internet access. In this Information Age, the number of consumers who use the Internet daily for their work and education continues to grow. This legislation will ensure that Internet access remains reasonable and accessible for all Americans. In 1983, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established rules which require long distance companies to pay ``access charges'' to local telephone companies for connecting a long-distance call to local telephone networks. These access charges are paid to both networks where the call originates and where the call ends. In addition, part of these access charges help to pay for the Universal Service Fund which subsidizes the cost of telephone services to rural and high-cost areas and low-cost individuals. In addition, this Universal Service Fund helps to provide low-cost Internet connections for schools and libraries.”