AirTouch Ends Roaming Charges for Some

AirTouch Communications Inc. unveiled a cellular phone service that eliminates roaming charges across the U.S., matching similar offers from rivals. The world’s largest cellular company said customers in 10 Western states can sign up for the service, which charges from $59.95 a month for 450 minutes to $209.95 for 2,000 minutes. Long-distance calls within the 10-state region cost 10 cents a minute, while other rates apply to calls placed outside the area. AirTouch, like rivals AT&T; Corp., Bell Atlantic Corp. and Sprint PCS, is cutting prices. Without roaming fees, customers pay the same rates to make calls no matter where they are in the U.S. The new AirTouch plan is available in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington state. The San Francisco-based company’s shares rose 63 cents to close at $55.13 on the NYSE.