To whom it may concern,

Recently in my latest phone statement, I received a copy of Bell's

latest request for increased rates for local service along with a copy

of a 3 million dollar contest .

It astonished me that Bell can propose raising local rates while

acting like it has 3 million dollars it doesn't need and can give it

away if you qualify by calling in!

Also it is very unclear when you read the section about the cost to

consumers. One can read on the surface that Bell would receive no more

than $2. per year until the increased reached $29.65 at the end of the

four year period. OR one may surmise that Bell would collect no more

than than $24. each year x 4 =$96 ,at which time the rate would be

$29.65 per month at the end of the fourth year.

If my understanding is correct there is going to be deregulation in

local service. If this is so , why not let other phone companies

compete for this option.

Bell in it's proposal says that costs for rural and remote areas are

below the cost of providing service. However we have not been told what

the excess in profits might be for high density areas such as Montreal

and Toronto. Do these profits help pay for rural and remote areas ?

Thanks for reading my concerns. Gary Hunt