TELEPHONE CHARGES.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2727, 23 March 1916, Page 7

TELEPHONE CHARGES.

Sir; —There is no doubt that the subject) of charges for telephones, mow being discussed by the Chamber of Commerce, is one that deserves very careful consideration. Ido not understand why the present system .'of charging ever came into force. To my mind there is no reason why a subscriber resident in the suburbs should be charged any moro than ono resident in fho City. The nioro comprehensive the syetcm the grenter ■ the inducement to become a subscriber. ■ It is therefore quite clear that .suburban residents should be' encouraged to become subscribers.: 1 ask why should suburban residents be charged more for connection with the City than the City i'or connection with the suburbs? It ueems to me that the present system of charging is obsolete, and that it actually prevents natural expansion. On the other hand, it would he equally absurd to charge a company in* great demand by subscribers a higher rate than pivate residents, when such company by becoming a subscriber could be considered no inconsiderable inducement to others to become subscribers. I respectfully suggest that the authorities reconsider the whole system of charges, and that they formulate a. comprehensive scheme of connecting u[> all the suburbs, with the object of extending and generally improving the whole telephone system of this City, by encouraging subscribers generally. A uniform charge to all subscribers, that would cover a sinking fund for the purpose of liquidating the co3t, could he made.—l am, etc.,' CITY RESIDENT. March .21, 1916.