Pacific Bell Still Plugged Into O.C.

* Your article describing Pacific Bell’s decision to redirect its “information highway” construction program was factually accurate but the headline was misleading (“PacBell Pulls the Plug on Vaunted High-Tech Plan,” Jan. 26).

Yes, conditions have caused Pacific Bell to suspend its broadband construction schedule in Los Angeles, but Orange County telecommunications customers (as well as those in San Diego and San Jose) will be among the first in the state to enjoy “the opportunity for our community to be in the forefront of new media services,” as one of your sources put it. Contrary to the tone of your headline, Pacific Bell will spend more on broadband construction in Orange County this year than last.

Construction of the fiber-optic and coaxial cable network will continue in Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Orange, Stanton and Villa Park. Other Orange County cities will be added thereafter.

The pace of advancement in telecommunications technology is disorienting, except to those who consciously seek to understand and use it. Those cities in Orange County that have granted permits to Pacific Bell for the construction of broadband facilities soon will enjoy substantial advantage in the municipal competition for up-to-date telephone and online services.

RANDY J. JOHNSON

Area vice president, public affairs

Southern Counties, Pacific Bell