An administrative law judge for the Public...

An administrative law judge for the Public Utilities Commission has proposed allowing AT&T; to raise or lower its California rates by as much as 15% on its own. The recommendation would free American Telephone & Telegraph Co.’s in-state subsidiary from PUC review of some of its rate changes. AT&T; says it needs the flexibility because of increased competition since the breakup of the Bell System in 1984. AT&T; is currently seeking a penny-a-minute increase for long-distance calls.