MCI Trims Rates: MCI Communications said it...

MCI Trims Rates: MCI Communications said it would cut long-distance prices by $200 million a year beginning next week, thus following the example of market leader AT&T;, which earlier announced a rate cut to offset savings from reduced fees it pays local phone companies to complete its calls. The Federal Communications Commission required AT&T; to pass on those savings to its customers, and its smaller competitors were expected to maintain competitive pricing. On the other hand, local phone customers will see their monthly fixed charges increase 30 cents as the FCC-imposed “subscriber line charge” increases a final increment to total $3.50, effective April 1.