14 May Ameritech Corp., of Chicago, Illinois, and Qwest Communications announce a marketing agreement similar to that between US West and Qwest. 22 May Regulators in Texas decline to support an application by SBC Communications to the FCC for long-distance authorization in the state. The state regulators told SBC that prospective competitors still did not have adequate access to SBC local network facilities. The FCC has decided to let the RBOCs levy monthly charges on customers who want to switch operators while holding onto their old numbers. The fees, which can be imposed for up to five years after the changeover, will enable the Baby Bells to finance the installation of back-office systems needed to handle number portability.
Systems are now in place in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia.
US West is collaborating with BEST Consulting, a software development company, to deliver critical Year 2000 business and technical solutions to US West customers. BEST will provide the RBOC's customers with business and technical experts who will implement any changes necessary to maintain smooth data and revenue flow up to and after the turn of the century. BellSouth Wireless Data, a division of BellSouth Enterprises, provides services to companies that have workforces which need to access data remotely. For editorial comment, contact the Editor. All copyright 1998 Emap Business Publications.