SBC Nearing OK for Texas Long-Distance

A majority of the Federal Communications Commission has approved SBC Communications Inc.’s request to offer long-distance service in Texas, a lawmaker said, citing the head of the agency. Rep. Gene Green, a Texas Democrat, said FCC Chairman William Kennard told him two of the five commissioners had yet to cast their votes on the SBC application, but a majority had voted in favor. Once formally approved, the San Antonio-based company, which also is the parent of Pacific Bell, would become the second local telephone company to receive the FCC’s blessing to sell long-distance service to its customers. Federal law prohibits local telephone companies from offering long-distance service in their core regions until they open their local networks to competitors.