SBC gets crossover status

A unit of SBC Communications Inc. has won the right to compete for telecommunications services that federal agencies will buy in 2004. Analysts estimate this business is worth about $12.5 billion.

The General Services Administration granted SBC Global Services Inc. a contract modification known as an FTS 2001 Crossover Modification.

SBC will compete to provide long-distance voice and data services to federal agencies; authorized federal contractors; government sponsored universities and laboratories; state, local and tribal governments; and other organizations.