Thursday, April 06, 2006

In early March, several large phone carriers including SBC announced their plan to block the usage of toll free dial up access numbers for several smaller dialup providers.  On March 5, 2006 SBC and these phone carriers signed an agreement that stipulated no action would be taken until August 21, 2006.

As our customer experienced, on March 30, 2006 SBC began blocking usage of the toll free dial up number.

Cherry Capital Connection, LLC and TxLink have secured on April 5, 2006 the returned usage of the toll free number.  Please notify us immediately, if it appears the toll free number is no longer in service.

We sincerely apologize to all consumers, particularly those customers who were without a local number.

This inconvenience and potential expense reveals the importance of submitting a 475 General complaint to the FCC, specifically referencing Docket 01-92.  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

Please remember to include with all complaints the following information:

·   Your name, address and the telephone number or numbers involved with your complaint; (if telephone related)

The toll free number they are attempting to block is 866-663-3679.  It will be important to include your personal information, particularly if a local number dialup access number is not available.

·         A telephone number where you can be reached during the business day;

·         Specific information about your complaint, including the names of all companies involved with your complaint;

Cherry Capital Connection, LLC is your ISP, who works with TxLink.  We are working together to file a complaint against Qwest, AT&T, SBC, Verizon, etc.

·         Names and telephone numbers of the company representatives that you contacted, the dates that you spoke with these representatives, and any other information that would help process your complaint;

Please reference Docket 01-92.

·         What type of resolution are you seeking?

We are seeking the continued ability to provide affordable dialup access to the internet for all consumers.  We expect the FCC to prevent ILECs (incumbent local exchange carriers) from blocking the usage of our toll free access number.  Without the FCC intervention, dialup consumers will be forced to pay large fees for long distance usage.  Thank you for your assistance in securing low cost dial up for all customers.

We need your assistance in ensuring the Federal Communications Commission understands that all companies have the right to offer low cost dialup with toll free access to consumers in both Rural and Metropolitan areas.