SBC Clears One Hurdle to Enter Texas Market

SBC Communications Inc., the largest U.S. local phone company, won U.S. Justice Department endorsement to sell long-distance service in Texas after resolving problems that had earlier hindered local phone competition. The Justice Department told the Federal Communications Commission that SBC gives rivals equal access to the lines needed for voice and high-speed Internet connections, called digital subscriber lines, and has repaired most problems in a system used to processes orders from rivals. The department last month said SBC had resolved one problem, though in two strongly worded filings it said earlier this year that SBC’s Texas performance fell below requirements. The FCC has until July 3 to render a decision on SBC’s effort to enter the $6.2-billion Texas market. SBC shares rose $1.19 to close at $48 on the Big Board.