Telephone Bills Advance In Congress

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TELEPHONE BILLS ADVANCE IN CONGRESS

The House of Representatives passed two bills on June 28 that could reshape the telecommunications industry. However, the measures face tough going in the Senate. One of the bills would allow local telephone and cable companies to compete head-on, while the other lets the Bells make telephone equipment and sell long-distance service. In the Senate, a measure dealing with similar issues should come from committee in July. Proponents hope for passage by August. But the Bells, who call the bill inadequate, have vowed to kill the measure.EDITED BY KEITH H. HAMMONDS