Date:  Fri, 21 Dec 2001 15:47:28 -0400
  
Dear valued Chebucto member,

In an effort to keep up with the changing times the Chebucto Community Net
Society is currently considering upgrading the dial-up system to 56.6K
modems for Chebucto Plus users. This should allow faster downloads and
(due to the switch to digital lines) more reliable connections for
Chebucto users. 

This would, over a period of a few months, replace the 33.6K modem pool
currently in use by Chebucto Plus members.

The cost of this upgrade is substantial. It is estimated that the hardware
changeover will cost on the order of $15,000. In addition to this we will
face additional recurring costs for new digital phone lines required to
support incoming high-speed dialup connections.

It is the Board's wish to first gauge the impact that this upgrade will
have on Chebucto Plus users, since we will have to examine the possibility
of a membership fee increase to cover the rise in costs.

It has been proposed that Chebucto Community Net increase the annual
membership fee for Chebucto Plus from $100 to $120 per year, with the hope
of instituting a payment system which permits quarterly instalments.

If you have any questions or comments, or just wish to express your
opinion, please reply to this e-mail.

The proposed membership fee increase will be on the agenda at the next
Chebucto annual general meeting in April, but this is your chance to get
in on the process early. 

Please send us your thoughts and ideas about the proposed changes, or any
recommendations of alternate revenue sources for the day-to-day upkeep of
Chebucto. We value your opinion and hope to hear from you soon.

- CCN Board of Directors.