Czech Internet Access a Bit Cheaper, At Last

After four months of turbulent discussions among Czech Internet users, monopoly telephone company SPT Telecom and ISPs, a tentative solution to the Internet access pricing struggle has emerged.

The "Internet 99" calls that SPT Telecom proposed for cheaper Internet access rates had independent ISPs upset, because in order to provide the service the ISPs must provide two sets of lines and modems--one for normal calls and one for the discounted "Internet 99" calls.

Several rounds of talks between ISPs and SPT Telecom have taken place, with the result being a very slight adjustment of the rules. "Internet 99" is now cheaper than normal voice service in more cases than it used to be, and ISPs can choose not to take part in the program.

On March 11, ISPs promised to start with implementation of "Internet 99" immediately. They emphasized that they were doing so only as a favor for their customers, not as a settlement with SPT Telecom. Instead, they are filing a suit to the Czech Antimonopoly Authority.

"SPT Telecom is unable to deny that it is using money collected from higher phone rates to fund its own ISP service, Internet On Line," said Boris Belousov, spokesman for the group of ISPs.