Attention: Secretary General, CRTC

Enclosed with our phone bill today was yet another proposal from TELUS to increase local service rates.  We strongly object to this proposal as there is certainly no corresponding increase in service.  TELUS (and I'm sure all the other phone companies) gouge the public with the 'basic' rate and then gouge again with their 'packages' (call waiting, display, etc).  They've obviously learned a lesson from the banks - "fee" people into poverty.  How does TELUS propose that senior citizens and those on fixed income absorb this hit?

TELUS' second submission to extend service to unserved communities and upgrade service in others (in the latter case, to be fully paid for by all customers) is reprehensible.  Why should we, the customer, pay for the company's upgrades so it can increase its profits.  We didn't see any proposal for profit-sharing with the public from the increased revenues brought about by the extended service area......

We propose that the Commission demand that TELUS justify their current rates, including all their add-on fees.  We would also respectfully submit that TELUS pay for its own expansion out of its own pocket.  Deregulation?  Free market?  Doesn't sound like it to us.

We hope this proposal (and the similar ones by the other phone companies nationwide) fails miserably.

Please keep in mind the bulk of Canadians throughout this hearing.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat & Mary Ann Hickey

PO Box 3202

Airdrie AB T4B 2B5