LETTERS: WHO ARE PHONE COMPANIES KIDDING?

To the editor:

Your recent article, "PSC studies SW Bell request," prompted me to write. The article as well as many recent television commercials lists Show Me Competition as being opposed to Southwestern Bell's entry into the long-distance market. The representation as a group dedicated to local telephone competition in Missouri was, to say the least, misleading. I saw the news where the KFVS-TV reporter investigated them. I was shocked to learn who sponsors this not-for-profit coalition. Among its members are AT&T, Comptel and MCI, the very telecommunications companies that compete with Southwestern Bell and have a financial interest in keeping them out of the long-distance market.

The commercials and quotes from this group try to lead the public to focus on the lack of local competition. Why? To keep Southwestern Bell out of their long-distance market. Many of the very companies supporting this effort have the right to provide local service in Missouri today. The question we should be asking is why are they not here now?

Customers should not have to wait for companies to make up their minds when and if they are going to provide local service. I believe when the long-distance doors are open to our local provider, Southwestern Bell, we will finally see other companies interested in our market. I want to be able to make the decision as to whether I select Southwestern Bell as my long-distance company. Because a company can provide long distance does not mean everyone will choose that company, but it should be my right to choose. My local service is good, reliable and reasonably priced. It would be very nice to make up my own mind as to whether I use Southwestern Bell.

SHIRLEY YOUNG

Scott City