From: yung[SMTP:shaoyung@home.com]
Sent: September 17, 2001 12:57 PM
To: procedure@crtc.gc.ca
Cc: regulatory.affairs@telus.com
Subject: Subsidy to unserved and underserved communities
I want to register my opposition to any subsidy to unserved and underserved
communities to a maximum of $25,000 per household and to underserved
communities for the full amount of $26,000 per household.
It is presumed that this will be raised by levying a monthly increase in
local rates from $3 to $35 per month on current users.
My objection specifically is based on four points.
1. Unserved and underserved communities have access to cell
phones. Infrastructure facilities for cell phones are either currently in
place or their establishment cost less than line facilities.
2. Imposition of an increase in local rates from $3 to $35/m in perpetuity
is a windfall profit to Telus without any sound rationale.
3. The Local service provider is a monopoly. There is no competition,
resulting in high cost but no competitive increase in efficiency.
4. Subsidies to areas or industries are by their nature
anti-competitive. In international trade, it invites counter vailing
duties. In this instance, it does not deserve support.