Pacific Telesis Group Inc will begin providing Internet access service to telephone customers this spring, and said the launch of wireless television is 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, and will include cable premium channels and pay-per- view movies and limited interactive television, such as playing video games. The company told Reuters the monthly cost of the service will be comparable to current providers of wireless television, such as Hughes Electronics Corp unit DirecTV and PrimeStar Digital Television. Like PrimeStar, Pacific Telesis will lease its hardware to subscribers for a fee. DirecTV subscribers have to purchase an 18 satellite dish and a set-top box.
