But you can't pick up their service just yet.
Liz Zack has the story from Jefferson City.
The Missouri Public Service Commission has given both AT&T and MCI the green light to begin service in the Columbia area.But the companies have to complete two more steps before they can join GTE in providing local phone service.
Both AT&T and MCI must enter into an agreement which enables the new companies to share resources with GTE.
The Public Service Commission must also approve the new companies rates and services before market sharing can begin.
That done, Columbia residents could be using the new phone service as early as the end of 1997.
From the state capitol, I'm Liz Zack