AT&T is certified to provide local phone service in Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 1996--AT&T today passed its first milestone toward being able to offer consumers and businesses local phone service in Ohio when the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved its application to offer local phone service in 83 of Ohio's 88 counties.

"We're very pleased that the PUCO has approved our application, and we look forward to bringing Ohio customers a real choice in local phone service as quickly as possible," said Bonnie Manzi, AT&T vice president of local services. "Local service is a key element of the anytime, anywhere services we'll be bringing Ohio customers."

Earlier this year, AT&T filed its application with the PUCO requesting a certificate to provide local telephone service in areas of the state currently served by Ameritech and GTE. Earlier this month, AT&T asked the PUCO to arbitrate its negotiations with Ameritech and GTE for providing local service in Ohio. Under the terms of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the PUCO has until Nov. 27 to reach a decision in the arbitration case with Ameritech and until Dec. 12 in the case with GTE.

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Mike Pruyn

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