41.   Now Lucent has invested and the regional phone companies are studying the product and ultimately may market it.

42.   Now, big regional phone companies also are gearing up to compete for long-distance business.

43.   NTT will split into two regional domestic phone companies -- based in Tokyo and Osaka -- and one long-distance carrier.

44.   NTT announced last Friday it will split into two regional phone companies -- one for Tokyo, the other for the Osaka area --and one long-distance carrier.

45.   One way or another, most were competing with the local regional phone company.

46.   Other regional phone companies were mixed.

47.   Other regional phone companies declined.

48.   Other regional phone companies, including Ameritech and US West, have versions of the service.

49.   Potential competitors tired of dealing with the Baby Bells are now looking to cable, the Internet and wireless systems as alternative ways to bypass the regional phone companies.

50.   Regional phone companies that less frequently trade also rose.