USPS Electronic Computer Originated Mail - may it RIP.
In 1982, the USPS started an ECOM service due to their concern that email would erode and destroy first class mail. The idea was that the USPS would guarantee a hard copy delivery anywhere in the 48 contiguous states within 2 days.
The way it was supposed to work was a client would use USPS supplied software to send an email to one of 25 "serving Post Offices." The email would be printed by the post office, placed in an official ECOM envelope and send via regular mail to the recepient's mailbox.
There was a steep initial fee in addition to the regular postal rate, plus there was a 200 minimum on each message. If a piece was undeliverable, it was returned to you by regular mail. Someplace I read that it cost the USPS around $5.00 to process a 26-cent letter. A big problem was that due to pending antitrust case, very few signed up for the service.
Due to sustaining huge losses, in 1984, the USPS recommended a rate of 52 cents for the first page and 15 cents for additional pages of an ECOM message. Wisely the Postal Service governors rejected that. So the USPS tried to palm off the ECOM by selling to a private firm. Having no takers, the ECOM service was abandoned in 1985.
The only item I have from this exciting era in USPS history is this envelope.
Posted 10/13/2011 11:11 am
