The cost of phone service is high enough, further increase is not

necessary, when service is not going to be improved. I have a seasonal

phone at my cottage, for safety reasons, and it will be removed if the

increase goes forth, as it has become to expensive to maintain. I know of

other people who feel as I do that a monolopy in this service, it not in the

best interest of the general public. Any rate increase that is made should

affect all consumers, not just those in the rural areas.

Joan Carpenter

New Glasgow, N.S.