But their assumptions were wrong. Most consumers get phone service from the Bells, while many ISPs have switched to competitive companies. So the Bells have had to pay billions of dollars to the competitive companies that complete the millions of calls that consumers make to ISPs when they go online. If Congress approves HR 4445 and ends the reciprocal compensation system, competitive phone companies will lose a significant source of cash flow and will be forced to charge ISPs more for phone service. Millions of Americans are using the Internet today because the cost of dial-up service is affordable.
Price competition is so intense, in fact, that some ISPs offer service for free.
This is an important factor in bringing technology to low income and rural communities, and bridging the digital divide. A list of Commerce Committee members is included below. HR 4445 is a threat to affordable Internet service. It will lead to higher costs for ISPs, and higher Internet access charges for consumers. HR 4445 is a threat to the availability of Internet service in rural and low-income areas.