The Phone Facts

I was disappointed with your recent article, “Phone Firms Feuding Over Local Market” (Nov. 2). Too often the reporting contradicted the facts presented.

The first contradiction was in the lead, which first recites the common allegation by Pacific Bell’s competitors that “little has changed” in local phone service since the passage of the Telecommunications Act two years ago. But then, incredibly, the remainder of article outlines major changes in the industry.

Does Pacific Bell face a lack of competition? A competitor claims that it “strains credibility” to say competition has emerged to the degree we claim. Yet, five paragraphs later, it is noted that 40 new telecommunications companies are competing for customers in Los Angeles, including three major players that opened their doors that week.

Pacific Bell does not want to quibble with the facts in this article. We regret, however, that the report did not present your readers with the whole story.

CARMEN P. NAVA

Regional President

Pacific Bell

Los Angeles