The latest front in a long-distance telephone war: recent court rulings have brought new rivals and new features

Article Abstract:

Telephone calling cards are favored weapons in the battle for the nation's $52 billion long-distance market. Cards will be used for an estimated $6 billion in calls in 1990, and long-distance telephone companies are working to improve their cards or are issuing new cards with innovative features. In Oct 1988, a court ruling opened the way for Bell operating companies to issue cards that can be used for long-distance services; they already had issued millions of cards for local services. US Sprint Communications Co introduced a combined calling card and credit card in Nov 1989, and AT&T issued a similar card in Mar 1990. That such services are costly is evidenced by the fact that both companies say start-up costs hurt 2nd qtr results. AT&T is heavily committed in its backing of the company's 'Universal card,' which is available in Visa or Mastercard versions.

Telephone communications, exc. radio, Services, Telecommunications services industry, Credit cards, Marketing, Telephone companies, T, Long distance telephone services, Market share, Sprint Corp., Regional Bell Operating Companies, Long-distance telephone service, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Telephone Company, Credit Authorization, Bell Regional Holding Companies

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China's Informal Lenders Pose Risks to Its Banks

Article Abstract:

Informal loans between family members and friends are so prevalent in China that they are threatening bank reserves. In the last three months bank withdrawals have reached $120 billion.

China, Commercial Banks, Legal issues & crime, Government regulation (cont), Government regulation, Legal/Government Regulation, Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers, Labor Distribution by Employer, Consumer Loans, Banking industry, Economic aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, Statistics, Personal loans

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