More queries are getting quicker replies as '411' business undergoes big changes
Article Abstract:
Telephone companies and their competitors market electronic telephone directories on CD-ROM to large companies desiring to establish internal directory assistance services. Nynex Corp is marketing a product containing white-pages listings for all of New England. AT&T is working in partnership with Nynex, Pacific Telesis Group, Southwestern Bell Corp and US West Inc to bring to market a nationwide white pages product. PhoneDisc USA and RR Donnelley & Sons also publish electronic phone listings. Companies desire internal directory assistance services to provide customized information and cut costs. In addition to standard telephone information, vendors provide demographic data about listees. Some observers fear that too much personal information, including unlisted phone numbers, will become widely available. Pricing structures for the products vary widely, from outright purchases with monthly updates in the $9,000 range to a one time set-up fee of approximately $4,000 and a per-search charge of fifteen cents. Additionally, PhoneDisc is making its product available to low-budget public libraries for $99. Many vendors plan to eventually market electronic yellow pages as well.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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Baby Bells seen reporting gains for 1st quarter
Article Abstract:
Earnings for the Bell Regional Holding Companies in 1st qtr 1992 are expected to show a modest financial improvement over 1991, though some regions will do better than others. Due to the recession, all of the companies had poor earnings in 1991, and their current rate of recovery is closely linked to the general economic recovery of the area that they serve. Nynex Corp had earnings of $1.49 per share, as compared with $1.34 in 1991. The gain is due to restructuring and work force reductions, as the Northeast economy is still depressed. Pacific Telesis Group is also facing a tough economy, with earnings of 72 cents, a four cent increase over 1991. Ameritech Corp and Southwestern Bell seem to be benefiting from the Midwest's economic recovery, and show per share earnings of $1.14 and 80 cents, respectively.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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