Nevada Bell hit with complaint

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Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000 | 10:32 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- AT&T and WorldCom filed a complaint with the state Public Utilities Commission, accusing Nevada Bell of illegally overcharging long-distance companies by $100,000 a month.

AT&T and WorldCom said Nevada Bell, with 375,000 customers in 13 of the 17 counties in Nevada, is ignoring a 1999 state law that it must reduce its rates to long-distance carriers. Nevada Bell doesn't offer local service in Las Vegas, but has applied to do so.

AT&T also tangled with Nevada Bell last week over Nevada Bell's application to offer interstate long distance service to Nevada customers, which would be in competition with AT&T.

Steve Tackes, attorney for AT&T, said a 1999 law allowed Nevada Bell to enter into an alternative regulatory system but it was required to lower rates it charges long-distance companies for using Bell lines on long-distance in-state calls.

Bill Mashek, spokesman for Nevada Bell, said the company has not seen the complaint. But he said Bell filed an application in May with the PUC to reduce the rates and it is waiting for the PUC to act.