yee aad f f ' pale -2- Unitel wants to see lower prices for long distance without any increase in local rates. What we have proposed is a uniquely Canadian model -- one that protects the current regulatory system while ensuring low local rates. Expert evidence submitted to the CRTC-proves conclusively that Unitel’s entry into’ the long distance market will have no impact whatsoever on local rates. Our opponents have suggested that we want to service only high-traffic corridors and cream skim profits. Again, this is not the case. We demonstrate clearly in our business plan how Unitel will make service available to every Canadian with a telephone from our first day of operation. Our opponents have also suggested that approval of our application will result in unnecessary duplication of the telephone network. Unitel already operates a coast to coast national digital network and our application is a request to interconnect our network to local telephone networks, for which we will pay the telephone companies a fair price. In fact, over half of Unitel’s revenues will be paid to the telephone companies for the use of their local lines as well as to keep local rates at current levels. Canadians support competition in long distance. At the recent CRTC hearings in Vancouver, as well as in hearings across the country, support for competition was overwhelming. At the Vancouver hearing, supporters outnumbered opponents six to one. Canadians want choice, lower prices and better service -- and they believe that a competitive environment is the best way to achieve these benefits. If you have any questions, please call me. I would be pleased to explain our application in more detail. It is important to us that opinion leaders such as yourself are well informed on this important issue. Your interest in this issue is much appreciated and I look forward to discussing it with you - further. : Yours sincerely, Lh Bart Tichelman