January 26, 2005

Net telephone fees have users fuming | CNET News.com

What a wonderful turn of events. I think it's hilarious when VoIP phone company customers think they've found a way to avoid the surcharges levied by regulators for the 'public good.' Spelling out the details of charges, taxes and surcharges is the best way for watchdogs to figure out how to change the way the way telephony works to supply funds for all sorts of programs.

Governments have social goals to attend to and they like to do it with surcharges, preferably hidden in the bills. Users of VoIP have a "Great Awakening" to deal with as the details become known. Regulators and lawmakers also have to come to grips with the gravy train they have built on the backs of the former monopoly's customers.

Social programs should be funded by taxes, not hidden charges on captive customers.

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