Bell proposes rate reductions

Illinois Bell customers would receive small reductions, rangingup to $1.41, on June bills under a plan Bell will propose today.

In return, Bell no longer will repair, free of charge, telephonecables in multi-unit buildings. A building cable carries telephoneservice from one spot in the building to individuals.

Bell will file its $12 million rate reduction and refund planwith the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Residential customers in the Loop, Near North and South Sideswould receive a permanent rate reduction of 45 cents per line.Outside the Loop and in adjacent suburbs, they would get a one-time$1.41-per-line credit. In outer suburbs and Downstate, one-timecredits of $1.17 per line would be issued.