Elke and Frank Jopp
490 Knightville Road
Mount Pisgah, N.B. E4G 2P3
Tel: 1-506-433-5535
fjopp@nbnet.nb.ca
Secretary General
CRTC
Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0N2
Fax: 1-819-953-0795
19/09/2001
Dear Sir,
we are writing this letter in response to the Aliant Telecom Proposal to raise rates for rural telephone services in New Brunswick.
As customers of this company, the one and only who provides basic service in this province, we fail to see the merit of their argument that increasing the rates will ensure competition.
Telephone service in rural New Brunswick is a key element of communications for many people. People living in a rural area have not the same access to services in a town that urban people have. We use the telephone to shop and talk to other people, but also often it is the only means of contact with others, such as in the winter months, when driving is often impossible. If the Aliant company wants us to be on the same level than urban people, they should provide us with the same services. Where we live, we cannot get cable television, our internet connection is very slow and you need an extra line if you want to have VIBE access. Where we live is our choice and it shouldn’t be used as a means of making more money. And what exactly has the basic phone rate in Nova Scotia got to do with what New Brunswickers have to pay?
Speaking of making more money. When we checked out the stock exchange we found out, that Aliant didn’t do to bad at all. In fact, they did very well. Their share earnings went from $1.11 in 1999 to $1.65 in 2000. Their dividends per share went from 83c in 1999 to 90c in 2000. Their website shows a trailing 12 months result increase of 16% in total revenue, a 28.9% increase in profits and a 23.73% increase in earnings per share. When we look at these numbers and ask why this company needs more money from rural customers, the term "corporate greed" comes to mind.
We also like to share an idea. In our opinion residents should have the opportunity to own the infrastructure, especially if it is a monopoly like basic phone service or hydro power. We would like to see a system where residential customers can buy and own a limited number of shares. This move would be beneficial for the customers and the company because it would improve the relationship between the two partners.
We got the notice to customers with our August phone bill, which usually arrives around the 15th of the month. In the same notice it is mentioned that these proceedings have been started in March of 2001. If you want to appear in person to bring your opinions to the CRTC, you only have about a week to do so, a little more if you put your thoughts on paper. That brings up the next issue: why are the hearings held in Quebec, instead of a central place in New Brunswick so that more people could participate in person? Is it possible that the narrow time frame and the location of the hearing is intended to prevent more people from participating? Are the times for the hearings in the evenings and on Saturdays, so that working people can attend?
In closing we would like to ask for a copy of the decision being made by the CRTC and the reasons for the decision. Thank you.
Sincerely
Frank and Elke Jopp
Cc: Aliant Telecom
John Herron MP Fundy Royal
Doug Cosman MLA Kings East