TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cable Firms Seek to Compete With PacTel, GTE: The California Cable Television Assn. is asking the state Public Utilities Commission to allow cable companies to compete with Pacific Bell and GTE by offering phone service in certain areas of California. Alan J. Gardner, the trade group’s vice president of regulatory and legal affairs, said the action is in response to recent lawsuits filed by the phone companies that seek approval to offer video service in portions of their service areas. The association said it wants the immediate right to compete in those areas specified by the phone companies, which include Los Angeles and Anaheim.