AT&T; Seeks Rate Cuts: Citing competitive pressures,...

AT&T; Seeks Rate Cuts: Citing competitive pressures, AT&T; has asked the California Public Utilities Commission to approve a 19% cut, effective Sept. 1, for WATS--wide area telecommunications service--within California. That would allow heavy users of long-distance service within California to save more on outgoing calls--paying $147 for 15 hours of full-state service a month instead of $174.50. (Under PUC rules, AT&T; can raise or lower prices up to 15% without prior approval by the commission.) AT&T; also will cut rates on its toll-free 800-prefix service Sept. 1 for incoming calls within the state by an average of 9%, saving customers about $197.50 for 15 hours of service a month.