SBC Seeks Long-Distance Approval For Missouri, Arkansas - Company Business and Marketing - Brief Article

SBC Communications [SBC] filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday to offer long-distance telephone service in Missouri and Arkansas.

It marks the second time SBC has sought approval in Missouri. In June, the company pulled its bid to offer the service in Missouri after the FCC said it had concerns SBC's pricing structure and operations support systems.

SBC senior vice president Priscilla Hill-Ardoin said the company has addressed the FCC's concerns and that she is confident the applications would be approved this time.

Bell companies and other incumbent local carriers must pass a 14-point federal checklist proving their local networks are open to competitors before they can offer consumers long-distance service in their home states.