Pacific Bell Tightens Dial-a-Porn Service Rules

Pacific Bell announced plans Wednesday to disconnect “dial-a-porn” messages unless providers of the service require callers to prove in advance they are at least 18 years old.

“We’d prefer to simply disconnect all dial-a-porn,” said company spokesman Jim Herold. “But until we have legal authority to do that, requiring subscription is the next best means to assure that children don’t have access to sexually explicit messages.”

The company’s proposal, offered to the California Public Utilities Commission, would give the agency a means of ensuring compliance with a new state law.

That measure requires providers of messages containing “harmful matter” to offer the programs only to adults who subscribe in advance.

The legislation, authored by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles), did not specify how the commission would enforce the law.

Pacific Bell filed a lawsuit in March, asking a federal court to confirm the company’s right to refuse 976 service to dial-a-porn companies because they are damaging its reputation. The suit is still pending.

The company also asked Wednesday for permission to disconnect any dial-a-porn messages that don’t meet the same terms on its proposed 900 service.

Pacific Bell’s 900 service, which is pending before the commission, would provide information on subjects like mortgage rates, investments, traffic and entertainment and recreation.

Under the plan, messages intended for adults, including dating services and sexually oriented programs, would be segregated on a separate telephone prefix.