OTTAWA-HULL — In a move that will enhance telephone competition in Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications has lowered the cost of doing business for long distance telephone service providers. Specifically, the CRTC approved a 56% reduction in the rate long distance providers pay to use the local networks, with no offsetting increase in local rates for subscribers.

This means that, as of today, the per-minute, per-end direct connection rate of 0.7˘ will drop to 0.3˘. The 0.3˘ rate reflects reductions in the telephone companies' costs. Today's decision will result in significant savings for long distance providers.

Reference Document: Letter decision - 9 March 2000

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Copies of today's documents are available through our Internet site (http://www.crtc.gc.ca) or by contacting the public examination room of any CRTC office. These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

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