The sun., 1918-12-01
RATES SLASHED FOR
INSTALLING PHONES
Durlcson Issues Order, Effec-
tive To-day, for Maximum
Charge Of $3.50.
OTHER REDUCTIONS MADE
Cessation of Hostilities and q
Survey of Situation Are
Given as Reasons.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3o.--orders were
,,sued by Postmaster General Bur-
isson to-day making n substantial re-
auction in telephone installation
charges made effective several weeks
sgo These charges were the sub
jsct OF widespread complaint in sew
.ral cities, particularly in New York
The new rates are effective to-mor-
row
The general charge for telephone
installation is reduced to $3.50 for
each phone, regardless Of the service
rate. The charge at present in eff
feet il IS for installation where the
service rate Is not more than 50, SO
where the rate is more than 81 and
not more than 81 and Sic where the
service rate is more than $40 q month
other installation services are pro-
portionately reduced. In the future
charge of only $3.50 will be made
for directory. switchboard and other
expenses where person moves into
house or apartment where tele-
phone connections are already in
stalled.
Reasons for Concessions.
The reductions were made possible,
the Postmaster General said, by the
passing Of the war necessity for con-
servation Of materials and as n result
Of the survey and averaging Of costs.
owing TO the cessation OF hostil-
ties" he said. 1.-The necessity for con-
serving labor and material has been
relieved to some extent. Experience
and careful investigation OF the en-
tire subject has demonstrated the fact
that certain service connection charges
covering to some extent the average
cost Of the initial expense OF estab-
rshing service for new subscribers
and Of furnishing additional facilities
10 old subscribers should be paid by
such subscribers and should not be
borne by the entire body Of telephone
users Therefore n uniform schedule
has been prepared which embodies
rates that should not retard telephone
Development in any section and will
place upon subscribers responsible
therefor portion Of the costs incident
n such service connections, leaving
the balance as a charge on the BUSH
ness generally"
Charges for Installations.
The new charges are as follows.
!. For individual and party line
service, $3.50.
?, For each extension station con-
nected with any class Of telephone
service, $3.50.
3. For private branch exchange ser
vice.
a. For each trunk line connecting
the private branch exchange with a
central Office, $3.50.
D. For each telephone connected to
me private branch exchange, except
Operators telephone sets, $3.50.
4. To cover directory, account, cir
cult and switchboard expenses I'm
cases where service is established by
mo use of instrumentalities already
N place In the subscribers premises.
ana no change is made in the type ,r
location OF such Observation-Disclosures
$50.
b. Service connection charges not to
supersede mileage charges or installa-
uon charges and construction charges
nlaoe because OF unusual cost, but TO
apply IN addition to such charges;
however, In cases Of special private
branch exchange systems not estab-
nsned under tariff rates but on a cost
pasls installation charges may be ap-
pnen to stations, and other eduip
ment IN lieu Of the regular service
connection charges prescribed herein
ior the stations connected.
Service connection charges not to
appIy 10 public telephones" or pub
10 pay station" service established
!or the use Of the public on the initia-
I'VE or the wire sarv;cs. The term
public pay station" as herein used Il
hot 10 be construed to cover service
such as semi-public. guaranteed or
rntal pay station.
Rates for Moving TeIeph ones.
charges for changes of location Of
Niephohe equipment or wiring on the
.loscriber's premises on and after De-
eember to be:
For moving a telephone set from
ohe location to another on the same
premises, SO,
for moving any other equipment
wiring from one location to another
VII the same premises a charge based
v" 'he cost OF labor and material.
foF change In type or style OF teIe-
Vnohe Get, n charge Of 81.
for other changes In equipment or
HrIhS a charge based on the cost
iabor and material.
Ihese charges are not to apply II
e cAanges or moves are required
tOr The proper maintenance of the
Nu'pnent or service.
=. "AsHi%GTnH, Nov. s0.--Coopera
uye telephone systems which receive
eyenue only from partners, stock
no'oeFs or members, are not required
comply with orders of the Wire
Sohtrol Administration until other
wise ordered, under a ruling to-day
~, postmaster General Burleson.
mo only requirement as to these
.s'eins is that they be operated mt a
sNh1ard satisfactory TO the Post
.naS''r General. and make no extern
''''s without his approval.