TELECOMMUNICATIONS

PUC Acts on Cellular Matters: The California Public Utilities Commission said it will apply to the Federal Communications Commission to continue its regulatory authority over the cellular telephone business. In a victory for cellular resellers, who buy circuits in bulk from the major carriers such as McCaw Cellular and AirTouch Communications and resell them to customers, the commission also ruled that the carriers must now resell bulk circuits with less onerous conditions. The resellers said the two related decisions could cut cellular rates by up to 30%, but the major carriers say continued regulation of the cellular industry will ultimately stifle competition and keep prices higher.