With SBC now part of the family, we have more to follow:
Statement of SBC and Ameritech in Response to Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Public Forum
PR Newswire - August 26, 1998 14:15
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, critics of the SBC-Ameritech merger spoke before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Following is a statement the companies issued to address the benefits the merger will provide to their customers:
In Ohio, the merger of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) and Ameritech (NYSE: AIT) will create a national and global competitor that will spur competition, introduce new products and advanced services, maintain outstanding service quality and create new opportunities for employees. We appreciate the support we've received so far in Ohio, especially from the Communications Workers of America, which strongly endorses the merger because of the benefits it will provide to customers and employees. It's important for those interested in the merger to remember several key issues, including:
Commitment to Ameritech. SBC has committed that employment levels at Ameritech will remain the same and will not be reduced because of the merger. Ameritech's operational headquarters in Ohio will remain, and decisions affecting Ohio customers will be made as close to them as possible. The PUCO will retain all current regulatory authority over Ameritech after the merger.
Commitment to Competition. Competitors in SBC's and Ameritech's regions are providing service over more than two million access lines. SBC and Ameritech have pioneered the development of operational support systems (OSS) essential for competitors who use our networks -- many of the systems were created from scratch. SBC provides competitors with the same customer service computer screens that its own representatives use. The chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission recently stated that SBC "may be further along than anybody" and could be "one of the first (Bell) companies" to have its 271 application approved. Nearly 100 companies actively compete with Ameritech, which established its wholesale unit back in 1993.
The California Experience. SBC's merger with Pacific Telesis has benefited California customers, employees and communities, where installation and repair service has significantly improved, nearly 3,000 new jobs have been created, competition has flourished, new high-speed data services have been rolled out and charitable and economic development giving has increased dramatically.
SOURCE Ameritech
/CONTACT: Selim Bingol of SBC, 210-351-3991, or fax, 210-351-2191, or
Email, bingols@corp.sbc.com/
/Web site: ameritech.com |
