THE EDITOR, Sir:
FOR YEARS I have been plagued by this burning question: "On what basis are customers of a telephone service provider charged line rental?" So today I decided to do a bit of linguistic research on the subject. Microsoft Encarta, among the several definitions of "rent" provided, subscribes the following, which, to me, came closest to providing an answer:
"Non-real estate rent is a fee paid for the temporary use of machines and commercial equipment or for certain consumer goods, such as automobiles, appliances, and furniture. This type of leasing for a specified period of time can save the user costs in comparison to the purchase price of the item."
Second question: Is it not a reality that the electricity company does not charge line rental because it is impossible to distribute the utility without lines? Third question: Is it possible for a telephone service provider to offer line service without lines? Fourth question: Do phone lines qualify as commercial equipment and if so by whom are they being used? Fifth question: How much does a subscriber save on phone line rental and does he have an option to purchase one?
I have come to what I think is a logical conclusion. But what is yours?
I am, etc.,
LIONEL G. HENRY
P.O. Box
Ewarton
St. Catherine
