Pacific Telesis Group Inc says it will begin providing Internet access service to telephone customers this spring, with the launch of wireless television in southern California set for the fourth quarter. The latter service will offer about 120 channels, with digital pictures and CD-quality sound and will be launched in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The service is to include premium cable channels, pay-per-view movies and some limited interactive television, such as video games. The company told Reuters that monthly costs will be comparable to current providers of wireless television, such as Hughes Electronics Corp’s unit DirecTV and PrimeStar Digital Television. Like PrimeStar, Pacific Telesis will lease its hardware to subscribers for a fee. DirecTV subscribers have to buy an 18 satellite dish and a set-top box.
