By 1996, it was one of the nation's top 10 long-distance companies.

The long-distance companies like the plan, which takes effect in January.

DO you know which long-distance telephone company provides service to your home?

The three big long-distance companies have started what they call discount programs.

The new technology has allowed long-distance companies to reduce the cost of providing service by up to 70 percent.

The Internet and the policies of long-distance companies have worked against the "900" industry.

She says the management believes few charge for access to long-distance companies.

"The average consumer is far more concerned about this than whether they are going to have three new long-distance companies."

More than 50 small long-distance companies account for the remainder.

Still, those rules could have an immediate impact on the stock performance of both local and long-distance companies.