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A Comparison of CostsA graphic picture of the high costof doing business is shown by therise in a long list of commodity pricesduring the past five strenuous years.By the exercise of unparalleledeconomies, telephone rates have beenkept almost unchanged.The fact is, the increase in the costof commodities has resulted in whatis equal to a decrease in telephonerates. In other words: The dollarwhich was spent for the telephonehas bought more than twice as muchas the dollar spent for the commodity.The activities of reconstructionwhich are now upon the nation haveput a great burden upon the telephone.This condition has made necessary anadvance in telephone rates.This advance does not exceed anaverage of eight percent; almost negligibleas compared with the advancesin other lines of industry, yet enoughto cover the increase in the cost ofoperation.Only through adequate revenue canthere be assured the maintenance ofa high standard of telephone service.American Telephone and Telegraph CompanyAnd Associated CompaniesOne Policy One System Universal Service47