51.  AOL began offering local services in Germany, France and the U.K. just over a year ago.

52.  As a major franchise in Tarrant County, Sammons will attempt to highlight its ability to provide local service, Soulsby said.

53.  As she walked, Washburn often waved and spoke to people she has met at various local AIDS services.

54.  As the local service providers expand into new markets, the new company would also be in an enviable position to cash in on lucrative long distance calls.

55.  As the ink on the law was drying, MCI Communications Corp. said it would become the first long-distance company in the country to offer local service in Boston.

56.  As the local service companies fight to establish themselves over the next few years, some predictions can safely be made.

57.  At least one major competitor, however, is gearing up to provide local service at lower prices.

58.  At present, Nynex Corp. holds a near-monopoly over local service in New England.

59.  At the same time, it gives Qwest a local service presence that it has lacked.

60.  At issue are phone calls placed by Pac Bell and GTE customers to Internet service providers who use competing phone companies for local service.