From: Jim MacKenzie[SMTP:jamesm@aebc.com]
Sent: September 26, 2001 1:45 PM
To: procedure@crtc.gc.ca
Cc: regulatory.affairs@telus.com
Subject: Proposed rate increases by telus
CRTC Hearings
Re: Proposed Rate increase asked for by Telus
I would like to go on record as being opposed to this request. Telus has
been at the trough too many times since they had to allow competition on
long distance service.
Now they are asking you to allow them to increase rates by another $3.00 per
year to a maximum rate of $35.00
They are asking for this to provide service into unserved areas or to
improve service into under served areas.
The thing is this. If you multiply the $3.00 per month by the number of
customers that makes millions of dollars. Them multiply that by 12 months
then add another rate increase on top of that and multiply that by their
customer base then 12 months again it starts to make a huge pile of money
for Telus.
I didn't see any proposal to drop the increase after the improvements are
paid for so they just go on collecting it forever. Don't fall for this. We
can only afford to pay so much.
Also I am concerned that they will be back for yet more increases for other
improvements that they will claim were not covered by this request. What do
they mean by a maximum monthly rate of $35.00? Does this mean our phone
bills will never go beyond $35.00 a month for basic service? Has the CRTC
ever audited their books? Do we really know what their bottom line is?
I also feel that being requested to send a copy of this to Telus is not in
the consumers best interest. It gives them time to formulate a reply in
their favor - manipulate figures to justify this request. They have been
before you before and know how to best attain their desired increase.
It seems to me the CRTC is working for the industry first and not the people
who live in Canada. The CRTC is controlling and defining Canada's
culture - a roll for which they were never intended. Sorry - I am straying
off topic. We are talking Telephones here not Television
Thanks for listening!
Jim MacKenzie
6022 45th Ave
Delta, BC V4K 3W7
copy sent to regulatory.affairs@telus.com