41.   Each of the Bells must prove there is competition in their local phone markets before they can provide long-distance services to their local customers.

42.   Earlier this year, Walter surprised investors when he said profits will suffer as the company spends heavily to fend off this competition and enter local phone markets.

43.   For the third time this year, Colombia postponed the opening of the long distance phone market to two foreign phone companies, the government said.

44.   For Bell Atlantic, GTE brings experience in the long-distance phone market and in high-speed data systems.

45.   GTE contends that the combined telecommunications giant would threaten competition in long-distance phone markets and monopolize the Internet.

46.   GTE also is concerned about a measure currently in Congress that could increase competition in the U.S. local phone market, further increasing pressure on the company.

47.   However, federal regulation is expected to eventually force all states to open the phone market.

48.   How will the long-distance companies enter the local phone market?

49.   ICG has been teaming up with electric companies in an effort to expand its reach in the newly deregulated U.S. phone market.

50.   If you want to learn about competition in the local phone market, you might want to visit the aging Pacific Bell telephone switching office in downtown Walnut Creek.