Gateway Videotex Expanding Its Market

Gateway Videotex said it will expand its service into Los Angeles County by the end of the year and estimated there are about 160,000 personal computer users there who could utilize the Santa Ana-based company’s services.

Gateway provides users with electronic access to numerous data bases, including news, stock prices, games and an encyclopedia. Last year, Security Pacific Bank began a home banking service using the system.

Separately, the unit of Times Mirror Co. said it signed four major new advertisers: AT&T;, Glendale Federal Savings & Loan, Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories and The Talbots, a women’s clothing catalog retailer.

Gateway began operation in October 1984 from headquarters in Santa Ana but hasn’t disclosed its current subscriber base. The service is owned and operated by Times Mirror, which publishes the Times and has interests in television broadcasting and paper products.