Commissioners Want SBC Probe

Two members of the California Public Utilities Commission want to investigate whether 3000 expected layoffs at SBC Pacific Bell could harm customer service. Commissioner Carl Wood says California´s largest local phone service provider has acknowledged that the layoffs will jeopardize customer service. State regulations require the company maintain a consistent level of service. Pac Bell contends the PUC is exaggerating statements from a Pac Bell official, who said the company faces “some difficult decisions that one day could have an impact on service.” Pac Bell spokesman John Britton says the company does not expect any changes in service because of the layoffs.