Pacific Bell Asks $1.3 Billion to Provide Universal Service.(Originated from Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif.)

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, April, 1996 by Avalos, George

Apr. 25--Pacific Bell, already seeking a $3.7 billion reimbursement for its phone network investments, said Wednesday it also has asked state officials for more money: $1.3 billion to ensure everyone can get basic, affordable phone service.

Phone customers have a big stake in the issues because their resolutions could increase phone rates for residential and business customers over the next several years. The $3.7 billion proposal alone could raise phone rates $3 to $5 a month over the next five years.

Universal phone service, in all, will cost about $1.7 billion a year throughout California, according to Pacific Bell's filing with the Public Utilities Commission. About $1.3 billion annually is needed to provide service for all within the Pacific Bell...

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