TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Pac Bell, GTE California Plan to Link Local Networks: The deal would allow each to compete in the other’s local markets in California. The companies said they agreed to pay 1.2 cents a minute for local calls originating in one service area and ending in the rival’s. The agreement is the second this week for Pacific Bell, a unit of San Francisco-based Pacific Telesis Group, and a potential rival in California’s $6-billion local phone market. If state regulators say OK, customers in Pacific Bell territories would be able to switch to GTE for local service and vice-versa. Under federal law, Pacific Bell must prove it faces local competition before it would be allowed to enter the nation’s $70-billion long-distance market. GTE California, a unit of Stamford, Conn.-based GTE Corp. this week won permission to offer long-distance service in the state.