PacBell Digital TV Venture Begins in L.A., Orange Counties

SBC Communications said Thursday that it is rolling out its Pacific Bell Digital TV service in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Though the company said the service is available now, it’s not clear where or how quickly consumers can subscribe.

The service is the first and probably only to arise from the Tele-TV venture formed by PacBell, Bell Atlantic and Nynex.

Pacific Bell’s service has been tested in 3,500 Southland homes since fall. A small outdoor antenna is required; purchase and installation will cost $99.95. No other special equipment is required. Monthly service fees range from $31.95 to $53.95, depending on the package.

Solicitations for the service are now reaching potential customers. But an SBC representative declined to say how many people are being targeted or on what basis customers would be selected, should demand outweigh SBC’s ability to deliver.