Southwestern Bell has filed application for permission to enter the long-distance market with the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

The Arkansas PSC has approved 20 competitors in local services, said Jim Shelley, president of Southwestern Bell-Arkansas.

"Everyone of our local competitors can offer a complete package of telecommunications services," said Shelley. "Southwestern Bell cannot. We think it's time that our company has that same advantage."

Following a review by the Arkansas PSC, Southwestern Bell plans to file its application with the Federal Communications Commission for final long-distance approval.

Plans have also been discussed to file long-distance plans with the Missouri PSC, in the near future.

Priscilla Hill-Ardoin, president of Southwestern Bell-Missouri, was in Cape Girardeau recently to discuss the company's plans to offer long-distance service outside the 573-area code.