SBC Accused of Monopoly Tactics

A day after SBC Communications, the San Antonio-based parent of California’s Pacific Bell, accused Time Warner of anti-competitive tactics in the battle for high-speed Internet business, similar allegations were lodged against the Texas firm.

A group of Internet providers has filed complaints with the Texas Public Utility Commission, some alleging that SBC is trying to monopolize the Internet market.

Cary Fitch, owner of Affordable Internet in Corpus Christi, filed a complaint May 7 that claims SBC is trying to keep his company and other Internet providers out of the market.

Fitch said SBC has failed to provide the promised lines and circuits he and other competitors need to provide high-speed Internet access to customers. He said the smaller companies are entirely dependent on interconnection to lines owned by Southwestern Bell, which also is owned by SBC.

Michael Coe, an SBC spokesman, said the allegations are untrue.