Bill gains for overhaul of telecommunications

The Senate Commerce Committee approved legislation to dramatically restructure the telecommunications industry by opening to competition every aspect except basic telephone service. It was the first time such legislation has made it out of committee.

The bill would let the American Telephone & Telegraph Company move into lucrative fields such as computers and data processing, from which it is now barred. It would also deregulate key portions of the telephone industry, including manufacture and supply of phone equipment and certa in long-distance services.