Long-Distance Service Cut by Cable Mishap

A Public Service Electric & Gas Co. crew on Monday accidentally cut American Telephone & Telegraph Co.’s main fiber optic cable in the Northeast, disrupting long-distance service nationwide for hours, AT&T; said.

Many customers trying to dial into or out of the Northeast or place calls within the region got a recorded message that all circuits were busy, a phone company spokesman said. Most service was restored by mid-afternoon.