Baby Bells square off against AT&T on calling cards, US West agreement

Article Abstract:

SBC Communications, a regional phone company, disputes a deal between US West and the Justice Department that would allow US West to sell long-distance services outside of its 14-state territory. SBC claims that the current agreement offers AT&T special protection since it requires US West to offer long-distance services over its own facilities and in conjunction with local services. US West accepted the terms as a means of entering the lucrative long-distance market. AT&T announced plans to stop allowing people with AT&T calling cards to use them to make calls on Bell networks. Bell customers will now be required to use Bell cards to make calls, though AT&T calls can be placed with these cards. AT&T claims that the move aims to ensure AT&T customers have a uniform calling experience, but it will also generate additional revenues for AT&T by getting customers accustomed to using AT&T for toll as well as regular long distance calls.

Planning, Cases, Telecommunications regulations, United States. Department of Justice, Long distance telephone services, AT&T Inc., U S WEST Inc., SBC, USW, Government communications regulation, Long-distance telephone service

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House calls; AT&T tests its mettle as a local phone firm on Pacific Bell's turf; Mrs. Daskarolis signs up for cable-based service, hoping to reap savings; TCI logo 'shook me up.'(Jaci Daskarolis, Fremont CA)(Company Business and Marketing)

Article Abstract:

AT&T is rolling out local phone service in selected major U.S. cities. The services uses the recently-acquired TCI cable network. The company claims about a 20% success rate from direct mailing and other promotion. It hopes consumer will like its complete bundle of local and long distance phone, Internet, E-mail, cable TV services. A possible problem is the cable network itself: assembled over the years from 5 different systems, some parts need upgrading. AT&T is in a hurry, because soon local phone companies will enter the long distance market.

United States, Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Marketing, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Company service introduction, Service introduction

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