I am opposed to increased rates for local telephone service. This is

basically a necessity of life now, and it is something that every

household requires and should be able to purchase. In fact, I would

support imposing an obligation to provide subsidized rates if people

legitimately cannot afford basic telephone service. People who are so

poor that they cannot afford telephone service are probably more

dependent on it than others in times of emergency, bcause they probably

have no means of transportation. Old people, people with disabilities,

parents at home alone with young children need to be able to call for

help if necessary.

Vicki Trerise

745 Clark Drive,

Vancouver, B.C.

V5L 3J3

604-688-6042