TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

10,000 Ameritech Employees Opt Out: The communications company announced the number of employees who accepted incentives to retire early--4,000 more than it forecast in March when it announced the plan. Ameritech Corp., the Chicago-based parent of five Midwestern Bells, said it will take a one-time charge of $168 million, or 3 cents a share, in its third quarter to cover the additional job cuts. A year ago, the company earned $425 million, or $1.56 per share. The company said service will not be affected. A spokesman said the cutbacks will allow a leaner Ameritech to better compete as it loses its monopoly on local phone service.