sf wrote:
> On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:08:43 -0400, George >
> wrote:
>>>
>> My understanding is that it was a hybrid monopoly sort of thing. They
>> didn't destroy or buy off their competitors but worked under regulation
>> that required them to provide service everywhere etc.
>
> I think you are correct.
>
I remembered reading what their Achilles' heel was. They didn't apply a
uniform markup on all of their products. They used an extraordinarily
high markup on long distance apparently to allow relatively cheap base
service. That allowed others (I think MCI was first) to come along and
demand access as a long distance provider because they could easier
offer long distance at much lower prices.