It's Lights Out for Convergence

Convergence as first envisioned may not be dead, but U S West has sent it to its death bed with its decision to split into two companies-one providing voice and data service in its 14-state region and the other operating as a traditional cable company. However, the Bell regional holding company won't abandon the in-region cable market and in fact is looking to digital subscriber line technology to provide video transport.

Under the proposed split, which must win regulatory and shareholder approval, U S West Communications Group will become U S West Inc. and will be led by Solomon Trujillo, currently president and chief executive officer. The new group will include the company's in-region service provider and its directory publishing unit.