GTE -- be careful not to abuse customers

GET Hawaiian Tel customers statewide are suffering a jolting price revolution.

Patrons of the GTE Internet Service Provider (ISP) at one time has unlimited access at about $20 per month, but now face limitations on how many online hours they are allowed.

Payphone calls are now 35 cents, and it has become apparent that GTE phone utility customers have been paying for equipment the company isn't using anymore.

The equipment, which originally made the transition from analog to digital telephone systems, is not longer needed, but customers are still being charged for maintenance.

It is understandable that GTE is under competitive pressure from other local telephone business, but they must remember that they still hold a quasi-monopoly as the only local phone service provider.

Since customers cannot choose a separate provider, new price regulations are forced upon the general public, providing GTE with an unfair advantage over customers.

GTE should consider this advantage in dealing with its customers, and take precautions to avoid applying economic pressure of this sort.