TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Ameritech to Take $2.3-Billion Charge in Quarter: The company said it will take the charge against earnings for an accounting change, which will reduce per-share earnings by $4.08. The move comes as the seven Baby Bells grapple to set their own depreciation schedules for the equipment they use. The government had set longer schedules than the phone companies think appropriate for a competitive marketplace. Ameritech Corp. said the charge represents an increase in its depreciation reserve to reflect the lower value of its fixed assets in a competitive market. Ameritech said it expects no material change in its 1995 depreciation expense from 1994. The company also said it will reduce certain asset values, mainly for real estate.