SBC Gets Texas Nod for Long Distance

SBC Communications Inc., the nation’s largest local telephone company, won approval by Texas regulators to offer long-distance service in the state. Texas Public Utility Commission’s 3-0 endorsement will be considered by the Federal Communications Commission, which will make a final decision after SBC files an application expected early next year. Analysts expect the recommendation to carry substantial weight because the Texas agency is seen as among the toughest in the country. SBC and the regional phone companies are in a race to be first to break into the $90- billion-a-year long-distance business as customers increasingly demand one provider for all services.