"We will be the impetus for lots of competition here."

--- BOB FERGUSON, SBC president for federal relations

WASHINGTON --- SBC Communications asked federal regulators Monday to let it provide long-distance telephone service in Texas, hoping to round out the package of services it offers to local customers in the state.

The request comes shortly after a landmark decision by the Federal Communications Commission to permit Bell Atlantic to offer long- distance to local customers in New York. SBC filed an application Monday with the FCC seeking to do the same in Texas.

SBC wants to position itself to complete the bundle of services -- - local phone, Internet, wireless and even direct satellite broadcast television --- already available to Texas customers. Long-distance calling is a key piece in giving consumers a one-stop-shopping option.

Company officials said their bid to enter Texas' long-distance business would put pressure on other carriers in the local and long- distance markets.

"We will be the impetus for lots of competition here," said Bob Ferguson, SBC president for federal relations. The company eventually wants to offer long-distance throughout its territory. California is likely to be among the next states it seeks approval for.

While not revealing their business plans, company officials pledged that their future long-distance customers wouldn't be charged a minimum monthly fee.

"I think you can expect our company to be a very aggressive and innovative competitor in this market," said Jim Shelley, president of SBC regulatory affairs.

If its application is approved, SBC would become the second Baby Bell to offer long-distance service to its local customers.

Analysts say the prospects for SBC getting approval are good, especially because Bell Atlantic already has forged a path. They added that the company has worked hard to show that its local Texas phone business is open to competition --- a standard that must be met under a 1996 telecommunications law for a Bell company to offer long- distance in its calling region.

"They've got a lot of evidence and a lot of support behind this application," said Mel Marten, telecommunications analyst with Edward Jones in St. Louis.

SBC asserts its market is open, noting that about 115 of its rivals have signed up 1.4 million customers in the state. The company also has undergone a third-party review to ensure that it is properly processing orders from rivals seeking to switch customers to their service, officials said.

The FCC has 90 days to decide on the application. It must give substantial weight to an evaluation by the Justice Department. The Texas Public Utility Commission also will have an opportunity to weigh in.

Texas regulators already gave their unanimous approval in December to SBC's plan, with the commission's chairman declaring that the company had opened its local markets to competitors. That important endorsement will help boost SBC's proposal at the FCC.

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